Situ Feng took over a workshop opposite Anjifang to set up the Ren Shan Tang of the Red Lotus Sect, openly challenging Anjifang.
However, Ren Shan Tang was a charitable organization, so the government officials naturally had no reason to interfere.
Furthermore, there is absolutely no evidence that the Red Lotus Sect was responsible for the assassination attempt during the last sacrificial ceremony.
The Red Lotus Sect's prestige among the people is growing, and the government cannot easily suppress it, otherwise it will cause a rebellion among the common people.
On the surface, Situ Fengxing's actions are all good, but behind the scenes, all other shady dealings are carried out secretly by the Ten Protectors and their local branches.
The story of the saintess eliminating bandits and protecting local peace has spread throughout Jingyuan.
Wherever they went, they did their utmost to eradicate the evil forces that burned, killed, looted, and oppressed the people.
The saintess not only intimidated all with her extraordinary martial arts skills, but also touched the hearts of many who had gone astray with her compassionate heart, leading them to lay down their weapons and become Buddhas on the spot.
Her footprints covered mountains and rivers, and wherever she went, all things revived. People lived in peace and contentment, doors were left unlocked at night, and lost items were not picked up on the road—a scene of tranquility.
Today, the saint has even opened the Jinzendo in Kyoto.
They not only provided free medical care and relief to the poor, but also taught them farming skills and handicrafts, striving to fundamentally improve their living conditions.
Inside Ren Shan Tang, one can often hear the children reading aloud, which is met with applause and cheers from the general public.
That night, Li Xi knelt on the cold floor of the Imperial Study.
The flickering candlelight cast a long shadow of her, weaving a lonely picture with the surrounding shadows.
Outside the window, the moonlight was like water, but it could not penetrate the darkness and coldness deep within the palace.
"Your Majesty, I am guilty and beg Your Majesty to punish me." Li Xi's voice was low but firm.
She lowered her head, the strands of hair on her forehead obscuring the emotions in her eyes.
Behind the imperial desk, the emperor's figure appeared even more majestic.
He did not speak immediately, but simply stared at Li Xi kneeling on the ground.
An oppressive silence filled the air, and every passing second felt like a hammer blow to her heart.
Finally, the emperor spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful: "Li Xi, do you know what crime you have committed?"
Li Xi remained motionless, but his voice became even more resolute: "The crimes I have committed are unforgivable, but I implore Your Majesty to grant me a chance to atone for my sins. Once the matter is resolved, Your Majesty may decide whether to execute me or punish me."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor's brows furrowed with a complex expression, as if he could not bear it. "Li Xi, you were once a pillar of my court, wise and brave, sharing my burdens and solving my problems. This time, the crime you have committed is indeed unforgivable. However, considering your past merits, I am willing to give you a chance, not out of personal feelings, but because I hope you can prove your loyalty and remorse through your actions."
"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty!" Li Xi kowtowed in gratitude, a hint of resolute determination flashing in his eyes. "This humble subject will do his utmost to live up to Your Majesty's expectations."
"Very well." The emperor nodded, his tone becoming more solemn. "Tell me what you have seen and heard in the Red Lotus Sect during this period, and how you plan to atone for your crimes."
Li Xi took a deep breath and slowly said, "Your Majesty, this humble subject has discovered that the Red Lotus Sect's influence has infiltrated both the court and the public, and there seems to be a larger conspiracy behind it."
They not only secretly manipulated merchants and hoarded grain, but also intended to exploit the people's discontent with the court to incite rebellion. The corrupt officials and landowners had secretly gathered substantial evidence, including letters and accounts detailing their collusion with certain officials in the court, as well as a detailed plan for the Red Lotus Sect's next move.
"This humble subject dares to humbly request Your Majesty's permission to continue my investigation, thoroughly dismantle the Red Lotus Sect, and expose the traitors within the court, restoring order to the court. Furthermore, this humble subject also plans to exploit the internal conflicts within the Red Lotus Sect to divide and weaken its power. By undermining its foundation from within, we can reduce direct conflict and minimize casualties among the people."
Upon hearing this, a hint of approval flashed in the emperor's eyes: "Li Xi, I grant your request. If you need anything, just say the word."
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!" Li Xi kowtowed again.
Since regaining her memories, she has been gathering intelligence under the guise of being a saintess.
Li Xi suddenly remembered something, "Your Majesty, this humble subject has also overheard a secret."
"Oh? What rumor is it?" The emperor's tone carried a hint of curiosity.
Li Xi looked up at the emperor and slowly said, "Your Majesty, I have heard that Situ Feng is not the biological son of the leader of the Red Lotus Sect. It is rumored that the leader of the Red Lotus Sect's biological child has actually been secretly raised in the capital."
She overheard the Grand Protector and the Cult Leader mentioning this matter by chance.
Although she had contact with the cult leader, he always wore a mask, making it impossible for her to know his true face.
Furthermore, the cult leader is mysterious and unpredictable, always appearing and disappearing without a trace.
That time, she happened to overhear the two talking about Situ Feng in the secret room when she sneaked into the Grand Protector's study to look for useful information, and that's how she learned the secret.
Although the cult leader and the great protector were hiding in a secret room, her inner strength had greatly increased since she regained her memories, and her hearing was even better than before.
Upon hearing this, the emperor frowned slightly.
He gently tapped the armrest of the dragon throne, producing a steady and rhythmic sound, as if trying to calm the turmoil in his heart.
In Kyoto, he would definitely be handed over to anyone to raise.
Since he is the leader of the Red Lotus Cult and intends to usurp the throne, there must be a reason why he raised his own son in the capital.
He might plant his spy in the residence of any powerful minister or official, or hide among the common people, waiting for the right moment to use him as a secret weapon for his comeback.
The emperor pondered to himself, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. "Do you know anything about this boy?"
"This humble servant is incompetent and has not yet found out. All I know is that the child is under twenty years old," Li Xi replied.
When the Great Protector mentioned this person, he said that he was not yet twenty years old.
The Emperor said, "In that case, continue to investigate this matter."
He first had someone investigate young men who met this condition.
Prince An waited for a long time in the side hall.
It was well past midnight, and the moon hung high in the sky when Li Xi finally emerged from the imperial study. "I've kept Your Highness waiting."
Prince An: "Young Master Li, you're too kind. Come, let me see you out of the palace."
Although the palace gates were locked, he had the emperor's token and could leave the palace at any time.
The two remained silent for the rest of the journey. Suddenly, Prince An spoke up: "Li Xi, I misunderstood you before and caused you trouble. I am truly sorry."
Li Xi never expected that the high and mighty Prince An would actually humbly apologize; she even thought she was hallucinating.
He continued, "I never expected you to be a woman. I thought you and Lan'er were in love..."
What? Li Xi was utterly speechless.
I never imagined that the reason why Prince An always disliked me was because of this.
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