Qin Peng didn't say anything. After a long while, she smiled bitterly and said, "Ayu, my home is no longer in Beiyan."

As she spoke, she looked up at Zhao Yu and sighed, "Go back."

Zhao Yu said nothing. After a long time, he slowly smiled.

"That year I asked you to stay, but you refused, so I let you go."

"This time, let me be willful for once," Zhao Yu looked at her calmly, "I'll take you back."

After saying that, Zhao Yu turned and left.

On the second day of the morning court, Qin Shuhuai went to the palace. When he arrived in front of the palace gate, the carriage slowed down. Qin Shuhuai felt something was wrong, so he lifted the curtain and looked outside.

There was a noise outside. Qin Shuhuai frowned and asked, "What happened?"

"It's some scholars," Jiang Chun ran back from outside and said worriedly, "They blocked the official road, holding banners demanding that the princess be punished and Liu Shiyun be given justice."

Hearing this, Qin Shuhuai's expression turned cold: "Go and check how these people knew the news. Send Shuntian Prefecture to come immediately and arrest those who should be arrested and imprisoned."

"This..." Jiang Chun was a little hesitant: "Isn't it a loss to my reputation?"

"If we let them stay until dawn," Qin Shuhuai said in a cold voice, "then our reputation will be damaged."

Jiang Chun immediately understood what Qin Shuhuai meant. The more people knew about this, the worse Qin Peng's reputation would be. When this aroused public anger, it would be difficult to deal with.

However, Qin Shuhuai was obviously a little late for this matter. When he arrived at Shuntian Prefecture, it was already daybreak. Outside the palace gate, officials lined up in a long line. Those scholars got the courage from nowhere and started fighting with the soldiers. The crowd of onlookers grew larger and larger. Qin Shuhuai vaguely heard the scholars outside roaring: "Isn't this world Qin Shuhuai's? The trouble of Emperor Jing, the shame of Chang Di of Northern Yan, have you forgotten it?!"

"What we want today is not only justice for Miss Liu, but also a clean government and a fair world!"

Jiang Chun's face became uglier as he listened to the scholars' words. People outside were talking about it. Jiang Chun couldn't help it and rushed out, shouting, "Bullshit! What does this case have to do with our prince?!"

Jiang Chun is not completely brainless. On the surface, Qin Shuhuai and Qin Peng have no relationship, but these people directly bring up Qin Shuhuai. It is obvious that their direct target is Qin Shuhuai, not Qin Peng.

Qin Shuhuai did not argue. If he kept saying it for too long, not only would it be true, even if it was false, it would become true.

Jiang Chun's roar made everyone realize that this case had nothing to do with Qin Shuhuai.

"Everyone knows about the dirty deeds of the Princess and the Prince Regent," the scholar sneered as he was suppressed, "If the prince has nothing to hide, why doesn't he want to hold a trial?!"

"There is insufficient evidence and the investigation is still ongoing. Who told you with absolute certainty that the princess was the murderer?"

Jiang Chun immediately questioned him, and the scholar said, "I was there when the teahouse caught fire. I heard Miss Liu calling for help and repeatedly identified the princess. I have already recorded my statement, but the case is being delayed again and again. Is there something fishy going on?!"

"you……"

"Jiang Chun."

Qin Shuhuai spoke calmly, interrupting Jiang Chun's argument, and said directly: "If you want to accuse someone, you can always find a pretext. Open the way."

Jiang Chun returned to the carriage angrily, and the people from Shuntian Mansion took the people away one by one, and then they resumed their normal journey.

However, everyone was worried at the moment, and everyone understood that the scholar's shout undoubtedly hit everyone's heart.

Most of the officials in the court knew that what the scholar said was indeed the truth. Qin Shuhuai and the emperor wanted to protect Qin Peng, which was as they should. If the Liu family was willing to be tolerant, then this matter would probably end smoothly.

But now Lu Xiu is holding on to his guns, the Liu family refuses to back down, and the scholar is making trouble. It would be foolish not to understand that someone is using the Liu Shiyun case to blame Qin Shuhuai.

And in the court, the only one who dared to confront Qin Shuhuai so directly was Zhang Ying.

Everyone had their own thoughts in their minds, and the atmosphere became heavy for a moment.

After the court session, everyone just stood still. When Qin Ming asked as usual if anyone had anything to report, Wang Sheng, the historian, suddenly stood up.

Wang Sheng was a veteran of four dynasties in the History Bureau. He was a man of integrity, but he had many students. He had served as the tutor of two emperors. He held a dragon whip in his hand and beat the tyrants and treacherous ministers. Even a tyrannical emperor like Emperor Jing had to give in.

As soon as Wang Sheng stepped out, Qin Shuhuai felt something was wrong and frowned. As expected, Wang Sheng held the tablet in his hand and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, I have a memorial to make."

"I request to make a report," Wang Sheng raised his head and looked at Qin Ming, his eyes as sharp as an eagle: "Open the trial of the case of the Princess killing Liu Shiyun."

He spoke with great force. Qin Ming had been in charge of government affairs for a long time and had long understood Wang Sheng's position. He hurriedly turned his head and looked at Qin Shuhuai, his eyes full of pleading. Wang Sheng also knew that Qin Ming could not make the decision, so he looked directly at Qin Shuhuai and said, "Why, Lord Wang, do you still think that the evidence is insufficient?"

"yes."

"I have read all the files on this case," Wang Sheng said, raising his voice. "Qin Shuhuai, look at me. Say it again. Insufficient evidence?!"

Qin Shuhuai did not speak. Wang Sheng showed a look of pity on his face and said hurriedly: "Qin Shuhuai, the late emperor sympathized with your talent and believed that you were different from Emperor Jing, so he nurtured you to this day. But how did you repay the late emperor? I gave you some face, and I didn't say anything in the past few days. But you should have known about what happened in the palace today. This case has aroused public anger. If it is delayed any further, it will damage the prestige of the court and the reputation of your majesty. Your majesty!"

Wang Sheng turned to look at Qin Ming, knelt down respectfully, kowtowed, and shouted: "I beg Your Majesty to order the Dali Temple to open a court to try the case!"

"Your Majesty," Zhang Ying looked at Qin Ming and sighed, "I think what Lord Wang said is absolutely right. I also beg you to hold a public trial of this case!"

"I second the motion."

"I second the motion!"

"I second the motion..."

In a short while, most of the ministers knelt in the hall.

The people in the court were originally divided into two factions based on Zhang Ying and Qin Shuhuai, and the rest were the elite from various aristocratic families. Now that people's hearts were in favor, everyone except Qin Shuhuai's people knelt down.

Qin Ming was obviously panicking. He kept looking at Qin Shuhuai and whispered, "Prince, what should we do? What should we do?"

Qin Shuhuai did not say anything. At this moment, Zhou Yu suddenly stood up and said calmly, "Your Majesty, I also second the proposal. Let's open the court for trial."

Although Zhou Yu said he was talking to Qin Ming, his eyes were always on Qin Shuhuai.

Qin Shuhuai observed Zhou Yu's gaze, and after a moment, he saw his men coming out one by one and kneeling in the court.

Qin Shuhuai has always understood that Zhou Yutao Ran and others followed him because they were looking for a future. He must show them that he has the ability to give them this future in order to keep them convinced.

However, in their hearts, they are probably making an irrational decision.

He looked at the people kneeling in the hall, finally closed his eyes and nodded.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Qin Ming watched Qin Shuhuai nod, clenched his fists, and trembled. After a long time, he suddenly raised his head and said angrily: "I don't allow it!"

"His Majesty!"

Zhang Ying looked up in disbelief: "What did you say?!"

“I…I…”

Qin Ming was trembling, and Qin Shuhuai took over calmly: "Since His Majesty has said no, we might as well talk about it another day. The Northern Emperor is waiting outside now, Your Majesty," Qin Shuhuai turned and looked at Qin Ming: "You still don't want to see me?"

"Yes, yes," Qin Ming nodded hurriedly and said immediately: "We will meet the Northern Emperor now. Please invite the Northern Emperor up!"

"Your Majesty," Wang Sheng stepped forward anxiously: "What are you doing..."

"Please, Beidi, come to the palace!"

At this time, Dong You, the chief eunuch beside Qin Ming, raised his voice and interrupted Wang Sheng.

The eunuchs spread the call one by one, and a figure in red slowly walked in from outside.

Out of courtesy, Qin Ming and Qin Shuhuai also walked down the steps to greet the visitor.

In fact, before Zhao Yu, when a monarch of one country went to another country, it was often a small country joining a big country, and the strength of the country had already determined the attitude. However, Northern Yan was now on par with Southern Qi, and in their case, it had never happened before for the monarch of one country to meet the monarch of another country.

Because this had never happened before, the Ministry of Rites consulted ancient books on the matter of etiquette and became confused.

Qin Ming followed the instructions of the Ministry of Rites, got off the golden throne, and respectfully performed the ceremony with Zhao Yu. After the ceremony, Qin Ming, in a childish tone, politely invited Zhao Yu to take the seat.

Zhao Yu sat on the other side of Qin Shuhuai. He looked up and saw the pearl curtain behind Qin Shuhuai. Qin Ming noticed Zhao Yu's gaze and couldn't help asking, "Does the Northern Emperor have any doubts?"

"I just thought," Zhao Yu looked at the pearl curtain, his eyes softened a lot, "there must be a beautiful woman behind the pearl curtain."

After these words were spoken, everyone had different thoughts in their minds.

Everyone had been guessing Zhao Yu's intention for a long time, so they believed that every word he said in the court should not be nonsense. He suddenly mentioned the eldest princess who had been imprisoned. What did this mean?

However, Qin Ming did not think as much as the other ministers, and said with a bitter look on his face: "This... was originally the seat of the imperial sister."

Hearing the title "Imperial Sister", Zhao Yu's expression darkened, as if a poisonous snake was staring at its prey. Qin Ming suddenly felt the air around him getting colder. He looked up in confusion, but only saw Zhao Yu's smile as gentle as a spring breeze.

"Speaking of which," Zhao Yu looked at Qin Ming as if he were an elder, with a nostalgic look in his eyes: "The Southern Emperor now looks a bit like me when I was a child. It's a pity that my sister passed away early. If she were still alive, she would definitely love the Southern Emperor as well as the people in his family."

These words made Qin Shuhuai look up at Zhao Yu. He was somewhat helpless to find that Zhao Yu's possessiveness of Qin Peng was not only directed at him.

Qin Ming was stunned by Zhao Yu's words. He didn't know how to continue. He could only nod and said childishly: "Well...it's a good thing that my sister is still here..."

After these words came out, the whole place fell silent. Zhou Yu suppressed his smile, and Qin Shuhuai couldn't help but raise the corner of his mouth. Zhao Yu's expression remained unchanged, but he suddenly changed his tone and said, "Actually, I came to Southern Qi this time for two things. The first thing is what the letter said, the peace talks between the two countries."

When talking about this matter, everyone became serious. Qin Ming nodded to indicate that he understood.

"The second thing," Zhao Yu tilted his head and curled his lips, "I fell in love with your princess at first sight and am willing to marry her as the queen. To show my sincerity, I came here in person to ask for marriage. I hope the Southern Emperor will agree."

After these words were spoken, everyone was stunned. Qin Shuhuai's expression suddenly turned cold, and he stared at Zhao Yu.

Zhao Yu's eyes fell on Qin Ming, and he said sincerely: "The Southern Emperor can rest assured. I am sincere to the eldest princess, and heaven and earth can see it. When the eldest princess marries to Northern Yan, I promise to take care of her wholeheartedly and ensure that her offspring will be the crown prince of Northern Yan from birth."

Everyone present understood the significance of these words.

Zhao Yu's intention was very clear. Most countries would be on guard against foreign women giving birth to children in the harem to prevent their own country from being interfered with by other countries. However, Zhao Yu had already agreed to make Qin Peng's child the crown prince before marrying him.

If everyone initially thought that Zhao Yu married Qin Peng for the sake of both countries, now it is clear that Zhao Yu gave face to Southern Qi for Qin Peng's sake.

Seeing Qin Ming's hesitation, Zhao Yu continued, "If the Southern Emperor is still worried, I can still promise that there will only be the eldest princess in my harem."

At this moment, all the ministers present almost thought that Zhao Yu had gone crazy.

Bai Huai, who followed Zhao Yu, remained expressionless, as if he already knew the monarch's decision.

Qin Ming was also persuaded by Zhao Yu, but he did not dare to decide Qin Peng's marriage. He could only say, "I...I have to ask my sister."

"Wait for good news."

Zhao Yu frowned, his eyebrows were like crescent moons.

Zhao Yu and Qin Ming talked about the agreement for a while in the court. The agreement was already signed by Qin Shuhuai and him, and now it was just a formality to have someone read out the content of the agreement.

After reading it, Qin Ming asked Dong You to put the agreement away, saying that he would consider it for a while, and then left the court.

When Zhao Yu stood up and prepared to leave, Qin Shuhuai, who was standing behind him, suddenly said, "Northern Emperor."

Zhao Yu stopped, turned around and looked at Qin Shuhuai, raised his eyebrows and said, "What's the matter, Prince Huai'an?"

"I'll take you out."

Qin Shuhuai looked calm as he walked down the stairs with Zhao Yu.

The two of them walked out of the court together and walked on the corridor. There were fewer people around them. Qin Shuhuai said calmly, "Does Pengpeng know what you did today?"

"Why," Zhao Yu turned around with a sneer in his eyes, "You didn't get angry at me today?"

"For something that is impossible to happen," Qin Shuhuai kept looking at the front of the corridor with a calm look: "Why should I be angry?"

"It's you," Qin Shuhuai paused at the end of the corridor and turned to look at Zhao Yu: "Be prepared to explain it to Pengpeng."

"Is that what you're going to say?"

Zhao Yu raised his eyebrows, Qin Shuhuai nodded, and responded: "Before you bear the anger, you should always make some preparations."

After saying this, Qin Shuhuai walked down the stairs, not caring about Zhao Yu, and walked away. Zhao Yu stood behind him, frowning, and suddenly felt a little flustered.

He always felt that something seemed to have happened between Qin Shuhuai and Qin Peng during his absence. In the past, Qin Shuhuai was always worried about gains and losses and could be easily angered by him. But now, Qin Shuhuai's feelings for Qin Peng seemed to be confirmed, and he was very sure and stable.

"Qin Shuhuai!"

He couldn't help but call him and clenched his fists: "What did you do to my sister?"

"What can I do?"

Qin Shuhuai turned around and looked at him, somewhat confused.

Zhao Yu pursed his lips, suppressed the fear in his heart, and said slowly: "What did my sister promise you?"

"She?" Hearing this, Qin Shuhuai slowly relaxed his brows, with tenderness in his eyes: "Of course, she promised me a lifetime."

"She will give me a little prince, your little nephew, Zhao Yu." Qin Shuhuai had no intention of angering Zhao Yu at all, and his tone and expression were very calm: "Stop making trouble."

Zhao Yu uttered these three words lightly. He clenched his fists and said nothing.

Qin Shuhuai turned around and left, Jiang Chun followed behind. As soon as he walked out of the palace gate, Jiang Chun stepped forward and said, "Great! Your Highness, you didn't get angry and beat this bastard this time. You really have become much calmer!"

Qin Shuhuai got on the carriage without saying anything and lowered the curtain. Jiang Chun climbed on the horse, and just as he was getting on the horse, he suddenly heard a loud noise from inside.

Qin Shuhuai overturned the small table in his carriage.

"Master," Jiang Chun lifted the curtain and said hesitantly, "How about I teach you how to curse? It's not good to make yourself angry."

Qin Shuhuai looked up from inside the carriage and said coldly, "Get lost!"

Jiang Chun quickly lowered the curtain and left. When they arrived at the palace, Qin Shuhuai got off the carriage and suddenly said, "Teach me a few words."

"What?" Jiang Chun looked up, a little confused. Qin Shuhuai glanced at him with a cold look. Jiang Chun suddenly remembered and said hurriedly, "Little bastard!"

Qin Shuhuai nodded and cursed, "Little bastard!"

Qin Shuhuai had never scolded anyone before, but when he did so, Jiang Chun actually felt that...

It sounds pretty damn good?!

Jiang Chun thought he must have been kicked in the head by a donkey.

Come to think of it, Jiang Chun felt quite sympathetic towards Qin Shuhuai. Who wouldn't be upset to have a brother-in-law like him?

After scolding Zhao Yu, Qin Shuhuai felt much better and went to review the memorials in the room. While Qin Shuhuai was reviewing the memorials, Qin Peng was reading a storybook in the cell, laughing.

During these days in prison, apart from the poor environment of the cell itself, Qin Peng felt that she was living a pretty good life. Qin Shuhuai came to see her almost every day and gave her whatever she needed. Zuo Yao would come from time to time to report on the latest investigation. Qin Peng knew that the situation was not optimistic, but she didn't think it was a big deal.

After all, for a man who has died three times, there is really nothing to be afraid of.

Sometimes Qin Peng felt as if she had infinite life. In this life, she confirmed Qin Shuhuai's feelings. She thought that if she died and was reborn again, she would definitely live a good life.

It just means that if a person can avoid death, then he should not die. Who knows if there will be another life after death?

Qin Peng was reading the storybook and waiting for Qin Shuhuai. Just then, she heard footsteps outside. She looked up and saw

He came over with Lu Xiu.

She frowned, alert in her heart. Kong Qian walked to the front of the cell, bowed respectfully and said, "Hello, Princess."

"What is the purpose of your visit, Minister Kong?"

Qin Peng closed the storybook and stood up. Kong Qian smiled and said, "I am here today to ask the princess for a favor."

"Oh?" Qin Peng was a little surprised: "Is my crime cleared?"

"No," Kong Qian shook his head, but said, "The day before yesterday, the Northern Yan delegation came to visit, and the Northern Emperor also came with them. Princess, do you know what it was about?"

"What's the matter?" Qin Peng felt a little uneasy. Thinking of what Zhao Yu said some time ago, she always felt that Zhao Yu would do something.

Kong Qian smiled and said, "The Northern Emperor is here to ask for the princess' hand in marriage!"

Hearing this, Qin Peng showed a shocked expression. Kong Qian thought that Qin Peng was surprised by Zhao Yu's proposal, but he didn't know that Qin Peng was shocked and angry in his heart.

Is Zhao Yu crazy to come up with such an idea to take her away? !

Qin Peng did not say anything, Kong Qian continued: "The Northern Emperor promised the princess the title of Empress and the eldest son she gave birth to would be the Crown Prince of Northern Yan. He even promised that if the princess agreed, the Northern Emperor would only have the princess in his harem! With such deep affection and friendship, who among the women in the world would not be moved by it?"

"So," Qin Peng understood what Kong Qian meant and looked at him, "Master Kong, are you here to lobby?"

"This matter is not something I can interfere with. The princess's marriage is naturally decided by your majesty, the queen mother, and the princess themselves. I came here today only to hope that the princess can attend the banquet to welcome the Northern Emperor tonight."

"I am still charged with crimes," Qin Peng said sarcastically, "How can I attend the banquet?"

"Princess, don't worry about this," Kong Qian said with a smile, "According to the law, when it comes to matters of great interest to both countries, there is the power to grant amnesty and exemption. The Northern Emperor is interested in the princess now, so the princess naturally cannot appear with a guilty conscience. Now, this old minister has obtained the approval of the Assistant Minister Zhang and the imperial decree of His Majesty, and has come to take the princess out of the prison to attend the banquet."

After hearing what Kong Qian said, it is not difficult to guess how much the court expected Qin Peng to marry Zhao Yu.

Qin Peng laughed sarcastically, looked at Lu Xiu and said, "Lord Lu has no opinion either?"

"It's fine according to the law, and I won't interfere."

Lu Xiu spoke in a serious tone. Qin Peng sneered, put the script on the table, and said coldly, "Let's go."

The two men took Qin Peng out and took him to a house in a carriage. Qin Peng looked at Kong Qian with a cold look: "Why don't you go back to the Wei Mansion?"

"Bringing the princess out is already a special pardon. To avoid hindering the progress of the subsequent case, the princess should stay here and make friends."

Qin Peng nodded and asked Kong Qian about the time of the banquet. Then Kong Qian said goodbye and left. Lu Xiu was about to leave when Qin Peng stopped her and said, "Master Lu, please stay."

Lu Xiu stopped and asked calmly, "Princess, what's the matter?"

"How is Mr. Zhang?"

Qin Peng looked at him with a smile. Lu Xiu said nothing, but raised his eyes to look at Qin Peng and asked, "What do you mean?"

"I heard that Lord Lu has been mentored by Lord Zhang since he started his career, so he must be very familiar with Lord Zhang."

"What does the princess want to ask?"

"What do you want?" Qin Peng's eyes were cold. "It's just a waste of energy to try to bring me down with a case like this."

Hearing this, Lu Xiu couldn't help but laugh: "Princess, why do you think that such a case can't bring you down?"

"The princess is the eldest princess of Zhen State, but Miss Liu is the legitimate daughter of a first-class aristocratic family. According to the law, those who commit crimes against aristocratic families shall be sentenced to the extreme punishment. Eight relatives who commit such crimes have the privilege of reducing the sentence at their discretion. If this case is tried publicly, what will be the outcome? Doesn't the princess know it in her heart? Or does the princess think that you can control the royal power and laws, not afraid of impeachment by the Historian, not afraid of trial by the Dali Temple, not afraid of the words of the people, and not afraid of the anger of the aristocratic families? Not to mention you, even the regent king can't do it, right?"

"If the case is decided, you will have two choices," Lu Xiu stepped forward with pity in his eyes, "either follow the law or lead troops to rebel. Do you think Wei Yan will send troops for you in a peaceful and prosperous era?"

"No." Qin Peng spoke calmly, and then continued: "Even Qin Shuhuai wouldn't do it either."

"Then," Lu Xiu tilted his head: "Princess, why aren't you afraid?"

"Afraid?" Qin Peng couldn't help laughing: "Lu Xiu, let me make a bet with you."

"This case cannot be tried."

Lu Xiu didn't say anything, he just stared at Qin Peng. Qin Peng slowly stood up, turned around and left.

At night, Qin Peng changed his clothes in advance and then appeared at the palace banquet.

Her seat was next to Zhao Yu's. Not long after Qin Peng sat down, Zhao Yu walked in.

When Zhao Yu saw Qin Peng, his eyes lit up. He restrained his movements and walked to Qin Peng's side as calmly as possible. He looked at Qin Peng, but he couldn't help but soften his eyes and said softly, "Princess, how are you?"

Before meeting Zhao Yu, Qin Peng was still angry, but when she saw Zhao Yu's bright eyes, she suddenly lost all her anger and could only stiffly curl her lips and say, "I hope you are well, Northern Emperor."

The two greeted each other and sat down.

Not long after, Qin Shuhuai and Qin Ming arrived one after another.

Qin Shuhuai raised his head and sat down opposite Zhao Yu. He glanced at Zhao Yu and Qin Peng inconspicuously, and then withdrew his gaze as if nothing had happened, and calmly talked with other ministers.

"He is much calmer now."

Zhao Yu shook the wine glass and placed it over Qin Peng's ear.

Qin Peng moved aside and said calmly, "Stay away from me."

Zhao Yu was stunned for a moment, with some sadness in his eyes, but he stood up and moved away from Qin Peng.

He didn't look at Qin Peng again. He looked at the dancers at the banquet and drank his wine while saying, "Many years ago, I thought I would be the person closest to you, but I never thought that one day, you would let me stay away from you."

Qin Peng felt a little depressed, but looking at the young man opposite who had not looked at them, Qin Peng resisted the urge to stroke his forehead like he did when he was a child, and said calmly: "We have grown up."

"Yeah," Zhao Yu laughed softly, "When you grow up, you're no longer mine."

Qin Peng frowned and turned to look at him. After a long while, she said, "I heard that you sent my body to the imperial mausoleum."

Hearing this, Zhao Yu froze for a moment, but then he felt relieved and turned to look at her with a dead look in his eyes: "Yes, I sent your body to my imperial mausoleum."

"Ayu," Qin Peng pursed his lips and said, "Have you taken a concubine in your harem?"

Hearing this, Zhao Yu's eyes were filled with sadness. He looked at her, smiled, and said stubbornly, "No."

"The maid of honor..."

"no."

Zhao Yu interrupted her and decisively gave the answer that Qin Peng didn't want to hear: "I have no maids, no concubines, no queen, Qin Peng," he said calmly, "Besides you, there is no other woman around me. It was the case in the past, and it is the case now."

"Then," Qin Peng sighed, "it's time for you to take a queen."

Zhao Yu clenched the wine glass tightly, curling the corners of his lips: "Why, you're interfering with my marriage after just meeting me?"

"I know about your proposal." Qin Peng spoke, and Zhao Yu lowered his eyes to hide his nervousness.

"I..." Qin Peng was about to say something else, but Zhao Yu stood up abruptly and said, "Let's talk outside."

After saying that, Zhao Yu stepped aside. Qin Peng felt helpless, but he still stood and followed him out.

When they reached the yard, Zhao Yu turned around and said calmly, "You don't agree?"

"Ayu," Qin Peng sighed, "I can't possibly marry you."

"You are now the eldest princess of Qi State. This is the only way for me to take you away."

Zhao Yu said calmly: "Now you are involved in Liu Shiyun's case. They use you to control Qin Shuhuai. This case is set up by Zhang Ying for you, sister." Zhao Yu looked up at her: "Zhang Ying has united the Liu family and other major families. The various families in Nanqi have nearly 200,000 soldiers and strong financial resources. They have complicated connections in the court. Now that they have caught you, they will not let it go. Wei Yan will not watch Nanqi fall into chaos for you, and Qin Shuhuai will not let Nanqi fall into chaos for you. They are targeting this point. Don't you understand?!"

"If you stay, you will only be a burden to Qin Shuhuai."

These words hit Qin Peng's heart, and her face turned pale, but she still forced herself to speak calmly, "If I marry you, what will I do in the future?"

"In the future, you will marry and have children. What should I do?" Qin Peng smiled bitterly: "Do you want me to marry Qin Shuhuai with the title of Queen of Beiyan?"

Zhao Yu didn't say anything. After a moment, he clenched his fist and said slowly: "If Qin Shuhuai has the ability to protect you, then you can fake your death. I will arrange a new identity for you and send you back."

"Ayu," Qin Peng felt a warm and soft place in her heart when she heard Zhao Yu's words. Even though the young man in front of her was stubborn, he still made her feel that she had a place to go no matter what happened in this world. She walked forward, hugged Zhao Yu, rested her head on Zhao Yu's chest, and said gently: "Thank you."

These words made Zhao Yu's nose slightly sour. Before he could open his mouth, he heard the sound of rustling branches behind the trees.

They looked up and saw Qin Shuhuai standing behind the branches with a lantern.

He was wearing a black robe with a red belt, and his eyes were calm and composed. Looking at the two people in his embrace, he said calmly, "You have been away for too long, so I came to take a look."

"Peng Peng," he waved, his tone unconsciously soft, "Come here."

Qin Peng walked up to Qin Shuhuai without hesitation. Seeing his decisive attitude, Qin Shuhuai couldn't help but smile.

He nodded to Zhao Yu and said calmly: "I'll take her back first."

Zhao Yu didn't say anything, and Qin Peng followed Qin Shuhuai, feeling a little uneasy.

The two turned around and walked on the corridor. Qin Shuhuai suddenly held Qin Peng's hand and said calmly, "Don't worry."

Qin Peng looked up at him and heard him say, "You have never been a burden to me. When you are here, I dare to go no matter what lies ahead. When you are not here..."

At this point, Qin Shuhuai pursed his lips. Qin Peng stopped and looked up at him: "What will happen if I'm not here?"

Her eyes were sparkling and she was smiling, as if all the recent events had not bothered her at all. Qin Shuhuai looked into her eyes for a long time, then lowered his head and pressed his soft lips against her forehead.

"Without you, no matter what lies ahead, I don't want to leave."

His words were gentle, without any anger, peaceful and soft. However, Qin Peng felt that they were much more important than any previous arguments.

She couldn't help but hold his hand tightly, lowering her head and saying, "I'm here." She said in a hoarse voice, "I've always been here."

Qin Shuhuai smiled, held her hand and went back to the hall.

Zhao Yu stayed outside for a while before going back.

After we got back, the banquet was over soon.

Everyone went back, but Qin Peng followed Zhang Ying.

Zhang Ying had only taken a few steps when he noticed Qin Peng's presence. He turned around and frowned, "Princess, why are you following me?"

"I have something to say to Lord Zhang," Qin Peng raised his lips, "I wonder if Lord Zhang is convenient?"

Zhang Ying turned around and looked at Qin Peng with a scrutinizing look in his eyes. He was silent for a while, and finally said, "Please."

On the other side, Qin Shuhuai finished reading the news brought by the spy and raised his eyes and said, "Are you sure that Liu Shiyun, who is on an equal footing with me, has only come into contact with Zhang Ying?"

"Yes, I checked several times and there is only Mr. Zhang."

After hearing this, Qin Shuhuai handed the message to Jiang Chun behind him and said directly: "Go and rob Lu Xiu."

In fact, Qin Shuhuai had expected that the other party would be Zhang Ying. But he couldn't believe that Liu Shiyun, with such a personality, would commit herself to someone like Zhang Ying.

But if it was Zhang Ying, he would have known in his mind what kind of personality Zhang Ying had and what kind of cards she had. He knew clearly in his mind.

He led his men out of the palace, but Jiang Chun was still worried and asked anxiously, "Prince, isn't it too rash to act like this?"

"Don't worry." Qin Shuhuai said calmly, "Just do it cleanly, notify Zhou Yu to get ready."

Qin Shuhuai had already made the decision, and Jiang Chun had no choice but to obey even though he was a little worried. He quickly notified Zhou Yu, and Zhao Yi directly brought assassins and rushed to the ambush on the road that Lu Xiu had to pass.

Lu Xiu had drunk some wine at night and was still a little tipsy. He was afraid of accidents recently, so he brought a lot of people with him, so he was very relieved.

He was lying in the carriage, half asleep, when suddenly there was a sound of fighting outside. Lu Xiu opened his eyes suddenly and rushed out with a knife in hand! But just as he stuck his head out, a sharp blade fell from the sky and chopped off his head.

After a short while, the alley was littered with people, and there was no more sound. The man carried his people on his back and left quickly, leaving only the moonlight falling on the bloody place.

On the other side, Qin Peng walked on the corridor and said gently: "Master Zhang, I came to you privately just to confirm one thing."

"Let's talk about Lu Xiu," Qin Peng raised his eyes with a smile: "Do you want her or not?"

[Off topic, explaining the political structure of Southern Qi]

The Southern Qi court did a good job in maintaining a balanced political structure.

Qin Shuhuai, Zhang Ying, and Qin Peng were assistant ministers. They had equal power and could interfere with each other's decisions. In terms of power, they could interfere with everything, which was equivalent to hanging over the six ministries. However, they were mainly responsible for supervision and decision-making, not for detailed work, so the real power fell into the hands of the six ministers. The strength of the three assistant ministers depended on how many people they had under them.

Qin Shuhuai and others, together with the six ministries, were equivalent to administrative organs.

Independent of it is the judicial organ. Among the judicial organs, the Imperial Secretariat supervises ministers and the emperor, the Ministry of Justice handles ordinary cases, and the Dali Temple is similar to the Clan Court, handling cases involving royal relatives.

Therefore, when something happened, the decision would generally be made by Qin Shuhuai and three others, and implemented by the six ministries. If the decision was inappropriate, the Historian could impeach the person and request a re-examination procedure to overturn the decision, and investigate the decision maker.

This is why Qin Shuhuai and Qin Peng cannot do whatever they want. Everything is based on the law. If they are in power, the Ministry of Justice and the Dali Temple are all their people. Of course, they can use their connections to solve problems privately, but they cannot do anything in public. Once they do something wrong, it will involve mutiny.

This is the political structure of the court. In addition, the Southern Qi Dynasty also divided people into different classes, probably royal family, aristocratic family, and common people. Qin Peng killed Liu Shiyun, and his sentence could be reduced, but he could not be exempted.