Chang clenched her teeth unconsciously: "Of course I remember... It was at the Hibiscus Flower Banquet."
"But mother should only know the surface... This extremely noble saying actually hides another mystery." Ming Luo said in a low voice: "Afterwards, the Imperial Master Tianjing predicted for her many times and finally came to the conclusion... Although this girl's fate is noble, she conflicts with the Emperor Star, which will bring disaster to the Saint and the Ming family."
Chang's expression suddenly changed: "What..."
"Today, it is clear that the prediction is true..." Ming Luo frowned and said, "She has indeed brought a lot of trouble to the Ming family."
Chang: "Then... why did the Saint keep her?"
"The Imperial Master's prediction was also made a few days ago." Ming Luo said, "And the Imperial Master said that this person's fate is bound to the Saint's Emperor Star. If he accidentally encounters misfortune, it is his fate. However, the Saint cannot authorize this person to do anything without authorization, otherwise it will disrupt the will of Heaven and be detrimental to the Emperor's destiny."
“So that’s how it is…” Chang’s eyes changed a few times: “No wonder the troubles have never stopped since Ah Shen bumped into her!”
It turns out that he is a natural disaster! "This matter concerns the saint, I shouldn't have mentioned it to mother." Ming Luo finally said: "But before the case is closed, this person is the biggest variable. The reason why I told mother this is to remind her not to take it lightly, so as to avoid further mistakes."
Chang agreed on the surface, but the murderous intent in his heart that he had just suppressed was growing out of control.
Such a bad star should have been removed long ago! A saint cannot touch this person without permission, but she can!
Now that the feud has been formed, if she eliminates the other party for personal vengeance, then that means the other party's fate will come to an end... rather than interfering with any destiny.
In this way, the evil star can be eliminated, the variables disappear, and the saint will be happy to see it happen! She has no consciousness of following the will of heaven, she just wants to kill the little bitch who brought her all these disasters... But if she can follow the "will of heaven" in the eyes of the saint, it will be the best of both worlds, and she will have the confidence to act boldly.
This realization gave Chang's desire for revenge a perfect outlet, leaving her with no further hesitation.
Even if she died, she would let that little bitch die before her! After leaving the inner palace gate, Ming Luo stopped.
The carriage of Duke Ying's mansion was parked outside the palace gate. Nanny Liao had been waiting for a whole day and was already anxious. When she saw Chang coming out, she hurried to support her.
Ming Luo watched the carriage go away quietly.
Due to the words of the hexagram and the sage's private speculation, the sage was destined not to touch Chang Suining.
Fortunately, there happens to be a dying madman here who can be used.
A madman who knows clearly that he is going to die will do anything before he dies.
She didn't instigate anything. She said those things just to remind Chang to be more cautious and not make any more mistakes.
Let's take a step back and say that even if what she said just now was slightly inappropriate...
But no matter what Chang does next, whether it succeeds or fails, he will never see the emperor again, and he will not have the opportunity to speak nonsense in front of the saint.
Therefore, people who are destined to die are the most useful.
Seeing the carriage disappear on the straight palace road, Ming Luo turned around and walked back into the majestic palace city, holding the palace lantern.
Next, she would wait for good news from Chang.
At this moment, looking at the brightly lit palace in front of him, which seemed to be able to accommodate all the filthy past and various ambitions, Ming Luo suddenly felt a trace of emotion in his eyes.
This is really a good place.
When she first came to this palace as a child, she wanted to stay forever.
She did so much to really stay.
Including the death of her aunt that year, she knew the truth about her aunt's death. She had the opportunity to remind her aunt, but she didn't.
Her aunt gave her nothing except an embarrassing background and a bullied childhood.
Even though this concubine could barely read and write, after she was brought into the palace, she would always hold her hand in front of others when she occasionally returned to the Ming family to visit, with endless hope and pride in her eyes. She even began to lose sight of herself, saying some shallow, arrogant and stupid things and making some greedy demands.
Like a poor man who suddenly becomes rich, like a clown.
Others were laughing at my aunt behind her back, but she felt nothing but fear and insecurity.
She was afraid that such a useless and stupid aunt would drag her down, disgust the saint, and destroy everything she had fought so hard for.
So, when she found out that someone had poisoned her aunt's food, she chose to pretend she didn't know.
It would be better if she died. Death would cleanse everything. Death would no longer remind everyone that she had such a shameless mother and such a humble origin...
From then on, she would be able to stay with the saint forever, she would receive the best etiquette education, wear only clean palace clothes, no one would mention the ignorant concubine in the small courtyard anymore, and no one would dare to look down on her anymore.
Over the years, she had everything she wanted, except for the sudden appearance of Chang Suining, who was like a sharp thorn in her heart.
Now, her former high and mighty stepmother is about to die, and she can only wait for death in despair. Before she dies, she may be able to remove the sharp thorn for her...
If Chang could help her this time, it would be considered as atonement. After all, Chang owed her aunt a life.
After Ming Luo returned to Ganlu Palace, a eunuch soon found Yu Zeng and said, "Mr. Yu, the wife of Duke Ying has left the palace."
Yu Zeng frowned.
Chang's entry into the palace today was unusual, and she had been unconscious for a long time. Afterwards, the Saint urgently summoned his trusted aides to the Ganlu Palace...
Yu Zeng already had a vague answer in his mind.
Soon, he handed a letter to his confidant and asked him to deliver it before the palace gates were locked.
…
There is no moon tonight and the night is cold and gloomy.
In the outer study room of the Chang Mansion, Qiao Yubai, who had rushed over again today, brought not only the news that Qiao Jijiu had recently heard from various places, but also a joint letter of guarantee.
Chang Suining took it.
"This was initiated by Cui Liulang." Qiao Yubai said, "All the people from our Wuer Society are on it, and there are other students who are familiar with Sui'an... They are all willing to guarantee Sui'an."
Chang Suining unfolded it and actually saw Song Xian's name.
Qiao Yubai: "They asked me to send them to the Dali Temple tomorrow."
"Brother Yubai, please thank them for me." Chang Suining looked at each name and memorized them: "If I have the chance in the future, I will thank them in person."
"But this joint letter..." She closed it and gently pressed it down in her hand: "There is no need to send it to the Dali Temple."
Qiao Yubai looked at her: "Ningning..."
"They believe that my brother has never killed anyone and are willing to vouch for him. This is a sincere desire to help him—" Chang Suining said, "but they don't know who they will stand against for this."
“They don’t know, but I do.”
"Among these people, some are children of officials, and some are candidates for the imperial examination next year. I cannot let their kindness become a stumbling block that blocks their future."
They came to help with courage and kindness, and she should protect this "ignorant and fearless" kindness.
Chang Suining finally said: "Besides, this joint letter can't shake anything now, why bother to let them get involved for nothing."
Qiao Yubai finally nodded.
Chang Suining had just told him everything, and he knew very well what kind of "evil tiger" he was facing.
To be honest, he was frightened and even at a loss.
That is the saint. It is the monarch to whom these students study day and night, waiting for the day when their names will be on the imperial examinations and they can serve as loyal. It is the highest destination of all things.
But even such a supreme monarch chose to protect the Ming family and sacrifice Sui An...
Fighting against the government, fighting against the murderer, these are all possible, but facing the king who holds all the power of life and death... How can we turn the situation around? Qiao Yubai was in a heavy mood, but seeing that Chang Suining was also silent, he thought that she had no idea either, so he comforted and encouraged her: "Ningning, you can find out these things in time and rescue the lady of the Feng family, which is already amazing. Don't worry, everything is difficult at the beginning--"
Chang Suining nodded subconsciously while thinking: "Yes, everything is difficult at the beginning, and even more difficult in the middle."
Qiao Yubai was silent for a moment.
If that's the case, then...
Qiao Yubai also faced the reality: "Even the ending is difficult."
"Yes." Chang Suining flipped open the list at hand and scanned the names of those who were mostly ordinary people or came from small officials and small families.
It is difficult, but she has traced all the way here not to compromise with anyone on behalf of her brother.
At this time, there was a knock on the study door and Wang came in holding a soup pot.
Qiao Yubai hurried forward to take it.
Wang said in a gentle voice: "It's cold today. Sanniang made chicken soup for Ningning. Drink it while it's hot."
Although Chang Suining had no appetite, he nodded: "Okay, thank you Sanniang."
The chicken soup with crushed pepper is warm and seems to dispel all the coldness when you drink it.
Chang Suining drank the whole bowl of chicken soup.
During this period, Manager Bai sent someone to deliver a letter from Yu Zeng in the palace.
It explained the unusual circumstances of Chang's entry into the palace today, and told Chang Suining not to act rashly in the future and to ensure his own safety. He would definitely leave the palace when he found an opportunity in the next few days, and they would discuss countermeasures in person then.
Chang Suining: "It seems that Mr. Yu has also noticed that the situation has changed. This matter is bound to become more difficult."
Reality is never as gentle as the chicken soup cooked by Sanniang. Just as people often say, everything is difficult at the beginning. It seems that as long as you get started, everything will be smooth and satisfactory. In fact, it is not the case.
But only by drinking this bowl of chicken soup to drive away the cold can you have the strength to face the "harder" and "more difficult" things that are coming.
When Wang was leaving with the soup pot, she met Chang Ren coming back from outside.
Chang Ren walked quickly into the study: "Girl."
Chang Suining nodded and asked, "How many families did you meet today?"
"I have seen them all." Chang Ren said, "But there are two families who are unwilling to speak frankly. I think they are afraid and have no intention of pursuing the matter further."
"It's okay. If you don't want to, don't force it." Chang Suining said, "Protect the people who have reached a consensus first."
Chang Ren responded.
Chang Suining then told about other things.
As the night deepened, after Chang Ren and Qiao Yubai left, Xier was about to persuade her daughter to go back and rest when she saw Azhi walking quickly towards her.
"Girl, the people in the guest house have woken up."
…
After Feng Min woke up, he looked around with difficulty.
She wanted to sit up but couldn't, so she could only ask the only person in the room with a weak voice: "Where is this..."
The man said nothing.
Feng Min: "Who are you?"
The man still didn't speak.
"Why save me?"
"what you up to……"
Doctor Sun: “…” He wants to go out.
Doctor Sun did indeed turn around and leave, closing the door politely.
"......?" Feng Min looked at the closed door blankly and helplessly.
After a moment, the door was pushed open again.
Seeing the person coming in, Feng Min's face changed: "It's you..."
"Are you surprised?" Chang Suining looked at her and said, "I led you to escape, so of course I won't ignore you."
Feng Min numbly pulled at her bloodless lips: "You said it so kindly, as if you were trying to save me."
"I did save you. If it weren't for me, you would be dead now." Chang Suining: "The only difference is that you died outside Feng's house or in Yingguogong's mansion."
"Does it mean I can survive now that I'm in your hands?" Feng Min closed his eyes weakly and tiredly, but the conversation in the small Buddhist temple rang in his ears again.
She didn't want to cry, but tears still flowed from the corners of her eyes.
Everyone wants her dead, including her family.
Rather than anger and unwillingness, she felt more sad and desperate at this moment.
"Of course you can live forever."
Hearing this, Feng Min opened his eyes in a daze: "Are you... willing to let me go?"
"I am not the victim, my surname is not Changsun, and I have no right to decide whether to let you go or not." Chang Suining looked at her: "Although you are an accomplice, if you can take the initiative to surrender, reveal the mastermind, and make up for your mistakes, you can be given a lighter sentence according to the law, and the death penalty can always be avoided."
Feng Min seemed to be incredulous at her words: "... Could it be that you still don't know who the real murderer is?"
Chang Suining: "Do I look as stupid as you?"
"..." Feng Min: "What do you mean by surrendering? Can I alone prove the guilt of the heir apparent?"
Chang Suining did not answer before asking: "So, you don't have any evidence?"
"...The Chang family has planned everything, how could they leave me any evidence?"
Chang Suining: "It was really a waste of time to save him."
Feng Min: “You…”
Chang Suining said in a non-critical tone: "It doesn't matter, you are at least a piece of evidence, which is better than nothing."
She looked at Feng Min and said, "If you want to live, if you want to see with your own eyes the punishment those who want to kill you deserve, then follow my instructions."
Feng Min thought it was just wishful thinking. She wanted to escape at first, but she just wanted to escape. She didn't dare to think about the possibility of confronting the Ming family.
She looked at Chang Suining suspiciously: "What do you have to fight the Ming family?"
Chang Suining: "You don't need to ask, just do as I say."
Hearing her tone and her exceptionally calm eyes that seemed to be planning everything, Feng Min couldn't help but believe it a little more.
Little did he know that the so-called strategic planning was just an act by Chang Suining.
She is the best at bluffing and pretending to be powerful even though she is not.
In the past, when she led 300 soldiers to fight against the enemy and bluff them, she could still pretend that there were 30,000 troops behind her to support her.
While he asked the other general if he had any last words before his death, he had actually already prepared his own words in his mind.
When facing the enemy on the battlefield, it is rare to be sure of complete victory.
If she could plan and strategize in front of the emperor, what would happen? If she had this ability, she might as well just sit in that position.
In many cases, it is necessary to pretend, and morale is the key to victory. If you are scared to death, it will be difficult to implement your plan.
Seeing that Feng Min was frightened by him, Chang Suining struck while the iron was hot and asked Xier to get paper and pen.
Chang Suining: "First, describe the crime process in detail, and then put your fingerprints on it."
And he said this in advance: "If you conceal something or tell a lie, you will be the one who suffers in court later."
Feng Min whispered to herself: "Don't worry, I won't..."
Chang Suining was right, she wanted to survive, she wanted to see those people get their retribution, that was one reason.
Secondly, no one may believe it, but she really regretted it.
The moment the knife fell on her and she was struggling with death, she suddenly realized and regretted her mistake.
She regretted killing innocent people, regretted trying to get something from a tiger, and regretted trusting her so-called family.
When she was unconscious, she seemed to have a dream. In the dream, she did not help Ming Jin kill people, but ran out of the maple forest with Zhangsun Qi Niangzi...
What would happen if she ran away? Would someone see her in a disheveled state? Would Ming Jin take revenge on her?
Not to mention that it may not be that bad. Even if it is, it is still a hundred times better than the current situation, isn't it?
But she was selfish and stupid, and her mind was full of her grandmother's so-called teachings, that as a woman she must not lose her reputation and must marry into a wealthy family in the future...
The "teachings" she received since childhood made her mind full of the idea of marrying into the Ming family and never offending Ming Jin...but in the end, she ended up hurting others and herself!
Every time Feng Min recounted the situation at that time, the feeling of regret was like a knife, cutting her into pieces.
After forcing himself to finish saying everything, Feng Min, still weak, fainted again.
…
Soon, the Dali Temple opened again to re-examine Chang Sui'an.
Prince Rong came here sick.
"That day, I did talk to Mr. Chang alone... but after we separated, I don't know where he went."
Chang Sui'an heard this and said hurriedly, "But after I left, the prince stayed where I was, saying that he wanted to sit alone for a while. If I go to the maple forest later, I will definitely pass by where the prince is, and he will definitely see me!"
"I only sat for a short while and then left. I have no idea what happened afterwards, so I dare not make any guarantees." Prince Rong looked at Chang Sui'an with an apologetic look in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Chang, I'm just stating what I know."
Chang Sui'an was stunned.
If the other party was telling the truth, then there was nothing wrong with it. But for some reason, he felt strange looking at this apologetic and upright Prince Rong...
But Chang Sui'an had no time to think more, when suddenly an imperial edict arrived.
This imperial edict came for Yao Yi.
After the eunuch announced the decree, he did not forget to explain to Yao Yi: "...Recently, there have been rumors that Yao Tingwei treated the suspect with favoritism and had the intention of protecting him. In order to put an end to such rumors, the emperor feared that it would damage Yao Tingwei's reputation and affect his prestige in judging cases in the future, so he asked Yao Tingwei to temporarily avoid this case and hand it over to Han Shaoqing for trial."
Yao Yi was shocked, but he could only say: "Yes, Yao Yi...I will follow the emperor's will."
Chang Sui'an looked at Yao Yi subconsciously.
Did the sage forbid Yao Tingwei to preside over this case again? Although the young man didn't know much about the situation outside, at this moment, he instinctively realized that a greater danger was gathering around him.
Then he truly understood what real imprisonment was and what real injustice was.
There was no sunlight in the Dali Temple dungeon, and the sky outside the dungeon was also gloomy.
The cold wind blew up the dead leaves, and a team of officials hurried over and arrived outside General Chang’s mansion in Xingningfang.
Today's chapter is 5,000 words long, so I'll make up for some of the debt I owed for taking a leave of absence first~Good night.
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