But the distinction between the emperor and his subjects was as chasm as a chasm. Even though the Yang family was the maternal clan, they could only touch base with the prince's private affairs. However, assassinating the crown prince and the daughter of a high-ranking official? This went beyond the realm of "private affairs"; it was a devastating act, enough to drag everyone into an abyss of no return!
"Confused?" Xinyi Zigu seemed to be stung by this comment. He instantly flew into a rage, his one eye widening. "They teamed up to frame me and caused me to suffer an unjust injustice! Can't I kill them? Should I just swallow my anger?!"
"Of course the Crown Prince will die!" Lord Yang's voice suddenly rose, with an almost cold clarity, "But he must not die at your hands! Your Highness, this is the prelude to regicide! With the Crown Prince dead, who will His Majesty, in his rage, first suspect? You, the prince with whom he has an old grudge! As for Princess Jiaqing..." He slowed his tone, but spoke with even greater gravity, "Marquis Yongding Jiang Dinglian treasures this woman like a jewel. If you touch her, you'll be personally pushing the sharp blade of the Marquis Yongding Mansion into the Second Prince's camp!"
Mentioning Jiang Songyi, Lord Yang felt regretful again and couldn't help but bring up the past: "Back then... Your Highness really shouldn't have easily broken off the engagement with Princess Jiaqing for the sake of Jiang Yuyao. One wrong step leads to all wrong steps!" That help was originally within his reach.
A subtle trace of regret flashed across Xinyi Zigu's face. Even though Jiang Songyi was as scheming as a snake, the Yongding Marquis Mansion behind her was indeed the strong support he urgently needed. But he would never admit in front of his uncle that he had lost the watermelon to pick up sesame seeds. He waved his hand irritably, as if to dispel this unpleasant topic: "What's the point of saying this now? I gave her a chance! It was she who didn't know how to appreciate it! The emperor refused to grant me another marriage! Now that I have decided on my principal wife, should I ask her to condescend to be a concubine?" He sneered, and could almost imagine the Yongding Marquis's furious expression when he heard this proposal, with a knife in hand.
Lord Yang was silent for a moment, then turned his gaze to Yang Weimin, who had been silent all the time, with a hint of consideration in his eyes: "Weimin has not yet married. For the time being, I originally intended to let him marry into the Yongding Marquis's Mansion, perhaps I could make up for it a little and save something. But now..." He sighed deeply, with heavy worry shrouding his brows, "I just hope that the Yongding Marquis will not find out about it, Your Highness. I will do my best to clear all traces and leave no evidence. But some things... do not require conclusive evidence, only a motive is enough for people to know it." What he was worried about was that the Yongding Marquis did not need any evidence at all to guess who was the mastermind behind the scenes.
Upon hearing this, Xinyi Zigu frowned in disgust, with undisguised contempt: "There are so many ladies from famous families in the capital. How can a vicious woman like Jiang Songyi be worthy of a man like my cousin?" In his heart, the woman who almost became his wife has now become a hateful enemy. He even thinks that being his cousin's concubine is a disgrace to the family.
…
Outside the Tent: The Aftermath
In stark contrast to the cold and depressing atmosphere inside the tent, the main tent area of the camp was now brightly lit. The reignited bonfire dispelled the chill of the night and illuminated the faces of those who had survived the disaster.
After the Imperial Guards carefully escorted Jiang Songyi, Crown Prince Xinyi Daoyi, and the severely injured Jiang Jinzhao to safety, they immediately launched a safety signal fireworks into the night sky. The brilliant light pierced the darkness like a beacon of hope.
Soon, upon receiving the news, Yongding Hou Jiang Dinglian, Jiang Yihan, Su Sheng, Yu Huanshen, Li Tingzhen and other anxiously searching officials and students all dragged their exhausted bodies and rushed back to the bright camp one after another.
"Songyi! Thank God! You're okay! You're really okay!" A sobbing female voice suddenly rang out. Bai Linxi rushed over like an arrow from a bow, her eyes bloodshot, her hair disheveled, and her riding clothes covered in dust. It was obvious that she had also been searching the mountains all night. She rushed over without hesitation, hugging Jiang Songyi tightly with all her strength, almost rubbing her into her body with such force, her voice trembling with fear, "You scared me to death... You really scared me to death! What Phoenix! I will never leave you even a step! Never!"
Jiang Songyi was strangled by her to the point of almost suffocating, her cheeks flushed red, but a warm current surged in her heart. The sadness and relief of reunion after the disaster intertwined together, making her eyes hot.
"Bai Linxi! Are you trying to strangle her?" A slightly hoarse but still clear voice rang out with disgust. Jiang Yihuan was quick to act, grabbing Bai Linxi by the back of her collar and pulling her away from Jiang Songyi like a kitten.
His handsome face was clearly fatigued, but his eyes were still sharp and bright under the light. He scolded him unhappily, "With your mediocre riding and archery skills, what else can you do if you stay here except take a few more hits and act as a human shield like my big brother? Are you going to cause trouble for others?"
Bai Linxi staggered after being dragged, and after she stood firmly, she immediately puffed out her chest in defiance, trying to prove herself: "Who said I look like Brother Jiang! After all, I have studied martial arts seriously and fought in the battlefield! At least I can withstand two more blows than Brother Jiang! There is no problem protecting Songyi!" Her tone was firm, as if being able to withstand more blows was a feat to be proud of.
Jiang Songyi: [What's with this strange desire to win and pride?] She looked at Bai Linxi's serious expression, feeling both moved and amused.
Jiang Jinzhao leaned against the makeshift couch, his face pale, blood oozing faintly from the bandages on his chest. He listened to Bai Linxi's words, his mouth twitching weakly. Trying to smile would only tug at his wound, so he could only shake his head helplessly. Jiang Yihuan rolled his eyes, completely speechless at the unyielding logic of his friend and potential "sister-in-law."
Outside the tent, the night was still as dark as ink, but here the lights were bright, and the voices were filled with the noise and warmth of those who had survived the disaster.
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