Chapter 439 Change of heart
An Yuesheng had a sarcastic smile on his face, and he continued leisurely.
"I heard that the emperor has handed over the matter of Miss Zhao to Lord Qin Qixuan to investigate. It's really strange that so much time has passed, but Lord Qin is still calm and there is no progress. It can be seen that Lord Qin doesn't seem to care much about Miss Zhao's case."
There was a hint of provocation and sarcasm in his words, obviously trying to sow doubts and dissatisfaction with Qin Qixuan in Zhao Shuoer's heart.
However, Zhao Shuoer did not choose to remain silent this time. She glanced at An Yuesheng coldly, with disdain and indifference in her eyes.
She did not open her mouth to respond, as if she was too lazy to say even one more word to Anyuesheng. This attitude was obviously the best response to his provocation.
Anyuesheng could not help but feel a little bored when he saw Zhao Shuoer's reaction.
He curled his lips, but a hint of pride flashed in his eyes. After all, Zhao Shuoer no longer ignored him like before, which was also a small victory.
He was preparing to continue his high-sounding speech to expand the results of the battle.
But at this moment, Qin Qixuan, Pei Xuanyi and others came over. They had discussed important matters in the hall before, and after that they came out together to look for Qin Xixi and Zhao Shuoer.
Pei Xuanyi had excellent hearing, and even though he was still far away, he clearly caught Anyuesheng's provocative words.
His brows wrinkled slightly, obviously displeased with An Yuesheng's behavior. Qin Qixuan had a blank expression on his face, but a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.
Pei Xuanyi has been fed up with the entanglement between An Yuesheng and Anyueya for a long time.
These two people are like dog-skin plasters that are difficult to get rid of. They are always with him and surround him whenever they get a chance. Their existence is like a stubborn disease that is difficult to cure.
Although Concubine An is supporting them from behind, Pei Xuanyi cannot get rid of them completely for the time being, but he decided to teach them a lesson and let them know how unwelcome their behavior is.
Pei Xuanyi's brows were locked, and he gave orders to his subordinates in a cold voice.
"Go and teach An Yuesheng a lesson, let him know that this is not a place where he can run wild."
Qin Qixuan, who was standing aside, did not say anything to stop him. He just looked at An Yuesheng deeply, as if he was evaluating something and seemed to be thinking about a longer-term plan.
At this moment, An Yuesheng was still immersed in his self-showing, and he was completely unaware of the movement behind him. He was boasting non-stop, but he was suddenly attacked from behind by the secret guards. This attack caught him off guard.
An Yuesheng was immediately furious. He turned his head suddenly and was about to curse, but suddenly found that it was Pei Xuanyi's people who did it. His arrogance was immediately restrained a lot, and his expression became solemn.
He tried his best to sound calmer as he questioned Pei Xuanyi.
"I wonder what His Royal Highness means by this? How can you hurt people so easily in this palace?"
Pei Xuanyi sneered expressionlessly, his voice revealing unquestionable majesty.
"You are disrespectful to the only princess of the dynasty. Don't I have the qualifications to teach you a lesson for such rude behavior?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the air around him seemed to solidify in an instant, as if even time was frozen.
An Yuesheng was speechless by Pei Xuanyi's words. Although he was extremely angry in his heart, he could not find any reason to refute. He opened his mouth and tried to say something, but in the end he just closed it powerlessly, unable to make any sound.
He lowered his head and avoided Pei Xuanyi's sharp gaze, but the resentment in his eyes was like a poisoned arrow, ready to shoot at any time.
His heart was filled with resentment and anger. He didn't expect that Zhao Shuo'er looked weak, but was actually very scheming, and could attract so many people to fight for her!
This time, An Yuesheng was really careless.
He always thought that his position in the palace was stable, and even the little grandson Pei Xuanyi could not do anything to him. However, he was wrong.
Pei Xuanyi not only dared to attack him, but also did not give him any face.
Pei Xuanyi looked at An Yuesheng coldly, as if looking at a jumping clown. He spoke slowly, his voice cold and firm.
"An Yuesheng has offended the princess this time, and he must not be forgiven. Just give him ten slaps, so that he will remember what respect and order are, and what the royal majesty is."
As Pei Xuanyi's voice fell, the guards around him immediately stepped forward, ready to execute the order.
An Yuesheng's face was pale, and a trace of fear flashed in his eyes. Hearing this, his eyes widened instantly, and before he could retort, the guards' actions were extremely swift, much faster than An Yuesheng's reaction speed.
Their figures were like the wind, and they quickly approached An Yuesheng, so that he didn't even have time to finish a sentence before he was firmly controlled by the guards.
These guards have been unhappy with An Yuesheng, the young master of the An family, for a long time.
His arrogance and unreasonableness had already spread throughout the palace. Although the guards did not dare to say much on the surface, they were full of dissatisfaction with him in their hearts. Now that they have the opportunity to execute Pei Xuanyi's orders, they will naturally not be soft-handed.
Zhao Shuoer looked at the scene in front of her, with both satisfaction and regret in her heart.
What was satisfied was that she finally saw An Yuesheng receive the punishment he deserved.
What was regrettable was that she could not beat this annoying guy with her own hands. However, she also knew that such punishment was enough for An Yuesheng.
At the same time, Anyueya looked at An Yuesheng being beaten, but her face was calm, as if all this had nothing to do with her. Her eyes turned slightly, and then she cast her gaze towards Qin Qixuan, trying to change the subject.
"Ah, although my brother is a little slow in speaking, what he said does make some sense..." She asked with pretended concern, "I wonder how the case is going with Brother Qin now? Can you give Sister Shuo'er an explanation?"
Anyueya tried to get some information out of Qin Qixuan by asking indirectly. She didn't know how much Qin Qixuan knew about the case and what evidence he had, so she wanted to take this opportunity to test him.
However, Qin Qixuan simply ignored her. He sneered coldly, as if he knew Anyueya's little thoughts well. Then, he pretended not to hear Anyueya's question, and left the scene with Qin Xixi and Zhao Shuo'er. His attitude was clear and resolute, which made Anyueya feel frustrated.
Her eyes flashed with the same gloom as Anyuesheng's.
Pei Xuanyi also left, leaving only Anyuesheng with a red face and Anyueya standing there, wondering what she was thinking.
At this time, a person appeared beside Anyueya, like a ghost, coming quietly, as if to report something to her.
After listening to the detailed report from the secret guard, Anyueya's eyes changed subtly, as if a small stone was thrown into the calm lake, causing ripples.
She did not expect that the rigorously trained assassin would encounter an accident.
Yes, the assassin was not only Fu Yan's man, but also an important chess piece that Anyueya carefully planned and cleverly arranged. She originally planned to use this chess piece to hand over a very important "letter of surrender" to Fan Renlai to express her sincerity and determination.
Anyueya took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner waves. A trace of contemplation flashed in her eyes, as if she was re-examining her plans and layouts.
Her original purpose was to kill two birds with one stone. On the one hand, through the actions of the death squad, she could recruit Fan Renlai, a very influential figure in the martial arts world; on the other hand, she could take this opportunity to strike a powerful blow to the forces around Qin Xixi.
But now, with the accidental death of the death squad, all this may become full of variables.
An Yueya couldn't help but start to wonder, did she really use Fu Yan's identity as she wished in this assassination against Zui Lan? Or was there something else going on?
"I need to go and talk to the leader of the Renlai Sect in person." An Yueya's voice revealed an unquestionable firmness. Her eyes flashed with indifference.
…
Qin Xixi was gently held in Qin Qixuan's arms, while Pei Xuanyi and Zhao Shuoer followed closely behind, and the group walked slowly. An Yuesheng and others were still present just now, and although Qin Xixi had many doubts in her heart, she was not convenient to ask on the spot.
Now that they have walked far away, little Xixi can no longer suppress her curiosity, and can't wait to ask Pei Xuanyi and Qin Qixuan about the details of their visit to Yu's study.
Pei Xuanyi has always been willing to tell Qin Xixi everything he knows. He described everything in Yu's study in detail, including the emperor's expression, tone, and the content of their conversation with the emperor.
"The Emperor seems to no longer doubt Master," Pei Xuanyi said, "He asked Master to go and subdue Fan Renlai in person, which clearly shows his great trust in Master. As for Brother Qixuan, the Emperor was quite appreciative of his performance. The Emperor said that as long as Brother Qixuan could find out about Princess Shuo, he would agree to one of his conditions."
Qin Xixi nodded thoughtfully after hearing this, with a gleam of intelligence in her clear eyes. She had already made a plan in her mind, and calmly took out a yellowed martial arts secret book from the space ring. This secret book looks ordinary, but it contains endless mysteries.
How to deal with Fan Renlai, in fact, Xiao Xixi already has a way in her mind. The secret book in her hand records a magical method of martial arts training, which is said to be able to reshape the martial arts meridians of the practitioner, thereby breaking through the bottleneck of martial arts and reaching a higher level. This is not only an improvement in martial arts, but also a transformation of life.
For Fan Renlai, his current predicament is largely due to the decline in his physical condition. The hero who once dominated the world is now constrained by the decline of his body, which is undoubtedly a pain in his heart. Qin Xixi knows that if Fan Renlai's body can be restored to its original state, he may not be an enemy of the royal family anymore.
In the final analysis, it was the emperor's original dishonesty that led to all this. Qin Xixi sighed. Although he had a thousand words in his heart, he did not dare to speak casually. After all, this is a matter of right and wrong for the royal family and the underworld.
She took the secret book and found Pei Xuanyi and Fu Yan. There was a cunning light in her eyes, as if she had seen the dawn of victory.
She babbled, and although her words were unclear, Pei Xuanyi could understand what she meant.
"This is a secret book that can reshape the martial arts meridians," Qin Xixi tried her best to express her thoughts, "I think if Fan Renlai can get this secret book, his meridians can be reshaped, reducing his pain and prolonging his life. In fact, Fan Renlai is also innocent. He has no real intention to rebel against the court, and he does not pose any threat to the emperor's position. If we can recruit such a person for our own use, it will undoubtedly be a great help to us."
Pei Xuanyi and Fu Yan's eyes flashed with approval after listening to Qin Xixi's words.
They fully understood Qin Xixi's intentions, and at the same time, they deeply realized the immeasurable value of Fan Renlai to their current situation. Fan Renlai is not only a martial arts expert, but also has a wide influence in the world.
If they could take this opportunity to subdue him, their power would be even stronger, which would undoubtedly be a great help.
Therefore, the three of them quickly agreed on a plan: Pei Xuanyi and Fu Yan would go to Fan Renlai's hiding place together and hand him the secret book that could reshape the martial arts meridians, and use this to show their sincerity and desire for cooperation.
However, just as they were about to leave the palace and embark on the journey to find Fan Renlai, Qin Qixuan suddenly made an unexpected request - he wanted to ride in the same carriage with Zhao Shuoer.
This request surprised everyone present. Qin Qixuan usually keeps a certain distance from Zhao Shuoer. Although Zhao Shuoer has always had a good impression of him, Qin Qixuan is neither cold nor indifferent and has never taken the initiative to approach him. Now that he suddenly makes such a request, it is really puzzling.
Pei Xuanyi and Fu Yan looked at each other and said nothing. They knew that this was Qin Qixuan's private matter and it was inconvenient to ask more. So, they left first, leaving space for Qin Qixuan and them to talk.
After hearing what Qin Qixuan said, Zhao Shuoer was stunned for a moment, as if she couldn't believe her ears.
But then, a look of surprise and joy appeared on her face. Although she didn't know why Qin Qixuan suddenly made such a decision, her heart was full of joy and expectation.
Qin Xixi couldn't help but smile when she saw this scene. She guessed secretly in her heart.
[Oh my god, could it be that big brother has changed his mind again? This is a big melon, I have to eat it! ]
As she thought, she followed the carriage without hesitation.
In the carriage, Qin Qixuan, Xixi, and Zhao Shuoer sat aside, and everyone was thinking about different things in their hearts.
For little Xixi, she was of course waiting for Zhao Shuoer and Qin Qixuan to take action, so that she could eat the melon.
Many guesses flashed through Zhao Shuo'er's mind, but although she was very happy, she was also very self-aware. She knew that Qin Qixuan didn't like her, so she didn't think much about it. She was just happy to be able to ride in the same carriage with him.
Qin Qixuan stared at Zhao Shuo'er, his eyes full of deep concern, staring at Zhao Shuo'er silently.
Then, he spoke slowly, and every word was full of earnest emotion.
"Princess Shuo, I sincerely hope that you will not repeat such adventurous behavior as today in the future..."
Qin Qixuan's voice was low and powerful, as if carrying an irresistible force.
"Qixuan is not worth it. When you saw me in danger, you rushed over without caring about your own safety... But you have to know that your life is the most important at all times. I really don't want you to be in danger because of me."
Zhao Shuo'er listened quietly. Every word Qin Qixuan said was like a spring breeze that brushed through her heart, bringing warmth.
She had never thought that Qin Qixuan, who seemed indifferent and always kept a distance from her on weekdays, would actually express his concern and worry for her so sincerely at such a moment.
She couldn't help but be moved, and a warm current surged in her heart.
Zhao Shuo'er nodded obediently, with a firm light flashing in her clear eyes, indicating that she had deeply memorized this lesson and vowed that from now on, she would cherish her life more.
When Qin Qixuan saw Zhao Shuo'er nod, the big stone hanging in his heart finally let go slightly, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
"I have been investigating in the palace for some time, but unfortunately, Anyueya and Anyuesheng are very secretive, and the clues we have so far are still not enough to completely expose their conspiracy."
Qin Qixuan's tone revealed a little helplessness, "I'm afraid this matter cannot be solved in a short time, we need more time and patience."
After hearing what Qin Qixuan said, Zhao Shuoer's brows unconsciously locked, and her face was full of disappointment.
She thought that this time she could expose Anyuesheng's crimes in one fell swoop and bring him to justice, but the reality was far more complicated and difficult than she imagined.
Qin Qixuan looked at Zhao Shuoer's disappointed expression, and a sense of guilt seemed to surge in his heart.
He seemed to be annoyed that he could not bring her better news, and also hated that he could not find conclusive evidence yet.
He hesitated for a moment, and decided to ask Zhao Shuoer for his opinion to see if there were any new ideas.
"I wonder how the princess hopes to close the case?" Qin Qixuan asked cautiously.
A trace of unwillingness flashed in Zhao Shuoer's eyes.
Just when Zhao Shuoer was hesitating, Xiao Xixi was thinking about someone deep in her heart. Her thoughts drifted to the An family. Although the two brothers and sisters of the An family acted cunningly, they were not invulnerable. At least, there is still a key person who knows the truth of the matter-that is the nanny next to An Yuesheng. However, the possibility of this nanny coming forward to testify is very small, which makes Xiao Xixi quite troubled.
Xixi knew that this nanny had been loyally serving Concubine An for many years. Now asking her to stand up and expose the secrets of the master's family would undoubtedly be a betrayal for her, and might even lead to her death. Because of this, Xixi did not make this clue public, but chose to keep it in her heart.
However, while Xixi was keeping this secret, Qin Qixuan unexpectedly heard her voice. His heart was throbbing, but he remained calm on the surface.
At the same time, Zhao Shuoer mistakenly thought that Qin Qixuan was not serious about her case. The joy she had felt when she was invited to the carriage was gone, replaced by an inexplicable sense of loss.
In her opinion, Qin Qixuan was able to find solid evidence for every case he was appointed to teach, so why was he helpless with her seemingly simple case? Moreover, she had the eldest princess and others as witnesses.
Zhao Shuoer couldn't help but feel resentful. She admitted that she had a good impression of Qin Qixuan, but that didn't mean she could accept that he was so perfunctory about her case. Even if Qin Qixuan didn't like her, he shouldn't have closed the case so hastily.
Such an attitude made her very disappointed, and her impression of Qin Qixuan was greatly reduced.
In the face of Qin Qixuan's inquiries, Zhao Shuoer deliberately put on an indifferent face, and obviously didn't intend to give him any good look. Her words revealed firmness and determination, as if she was declaring war.
"I still insist that it is unacceptable for a man like An Yuesheng to get away with his evil deeds." Her words were full of reluctance and determination.
Zhao Shuoer's eyes flashed with cruelty, and he continued: "I will definitely fight with An Yuesheng to the end! Who is he, An Yuesheng, to dare to set his sights on me!" Her voice was full of anger and disdain, as if she had already regarded this fight as a life-and-death contest.
Qin Qixuan seemed to have anticipated this result. He nodded in understanding and said in a deep voice.
"I understand, I will give the princess a satisfactory explanation." Although his voice was calm, it revealed an unquestionable firmness.
Hearing Qin Qixuan's promise, Zhao Shuo'er was slightly relieved, but her heart was still full of uncertainty. She couldn't help but wonder in her heart, was Qin Qixuan's explanation the same as she expected?
However, Qin Qixuan didn't say anything more, nor did he explain his specific plans or intentions to Zhao Shuo'er. This silence made Zhao Shuo'er feel a little uneasy and confused, but the pride in her heart made her unwilling to take the initiative to ask.
The carriage soon arrived at the gate of the Qin Mansion, and Qin Qixuan politely said goodbye to Zhao Shuo'er. However, Zhao Shuo'er just responded coldly, obviously still unhappy about what happened before. Despite this, Qin Qixuan didn't care about her indifferent attitude, because he already had his own plan in mind. He took Xiao Xixi out of the car and walked straight into the gate of the Qin Mansion.
After returning to the study, Qin Qixuan sat down quietly, his mind replaying what Xiao Xixi was thinking in the carriage.
"The nanny beside An Yuesheng and Anyueya?" Qin Qixuan murmured to himself, frowning slightly, as if trying to recall and search for relevant information.
He understood that although it might be difficult to obtain information from this nanny, this clue undoubtedly provided them with a new direction for investigation. Qin Qixuan decided to give it a try no matter what.
In order to obtain more information about this nanny, Qin Qixuan adopted a roundabout strategy.
He spoke softly to Xiao Xixi, and subtly guided her to speak out her findings and ideas. Encouraged by Qin Qixuan, Xiao Xixi finally expressed her doubts and observations about the nanny.
After listening to Xiao Xixi's narration, Qin Qixuan fell into deep thought. He pretended to be thoughtful and slowly asked.
"Who are the nannies beside Anyueya and Anyuesheng?"
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