Meeting Xie Zhun's gaze, Ning Wei, the Marquis of Ningyuan, slowly stood up.
He clasped his hands in a fist salute to Xie Zhun.
Xie Zhun's expression softened, and he returned Ning Wei's greeting with a faint smile.
Upon seeing him, Xie Zhun's face showed a hint of worry:
"With the Marquis here, were your family members also detained by the thieves?"
Ning Wei's expression was impeccable, but the momentary stiffness in his shoulders betrayed his secret.
Ning Wei replied respectfully, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I heard that the Princess and Your Highness's men went to rescue her..."
"Your family members are surely safe and sound, just like the families of other court officials..."
Xie Zhun nodded with a smile.
Ning Wei subtly observed Xie Zhun, then praised, "Congratulations, Your Highness, congratulations on your good health..."
This is truly a blessing for our Great Yan!
Xie Zhun smiled faintly, "Is that so? It must be Heaven, hearing the Marquis and other ministers sincerely praying for me!"
Ning Wei paused for a moment, a hint of embarrassment in his expression.
Xie Zhun seemed not to notice and continued to express his gratitude, "Speaking of which, my ability to stand up is entirely thanks to the Princess Consort..."
Ning Wei looked puzzled.
Xie Zhun explained, "The princess learned acupuncture and massage techniques by chance..."
Along the way, thanks to the Princess's meticulous care, my legs have been able to gradually recover.
besides......"
For some reason, Ning Wei felt a chill run down his spine when faced with Xie Zhun's warm smile.
Even though his daughter was with Prince Cheng, she didn't know much about the affairs of the household before, and might not be able to influence Prince Cheng much...
Ning Wei was filled with a glimmer of hope, but after hearing Xie Zhun's next words, it was clear that this was not the case.
"Thanks to the Princess, it was discovered that I am unable to walk..."
It's not a physical illness, it's poisoning...
"What? Poisoned?"
The high-ranking officials exchanged glances, even those who had once harbored suspicions...
Unexpectedly, it was personally confirmed by Prince Cheng.
When the late emperor passed away, Prince Cheng was unable to ascend the throne because of his physical disability, and Emperor Xiaowen succeeded him instead...
So...
Taking in the gazes of the high-ranking officials one by one, Xie Zhun's voice was cold and clear:
"The Crown Prince's crimes are already known to everyone present."
It is said that His Majesty's condition has suddenly improved, and the Crown Prince is worried that things may have changed...
He abandoned all human relations and attempted to assassinate Your Majesty, but Your Majesty has already passed away.
Flames erupted within the palace as the forces of the Second and Third Princes fought a desperate battle for power...
The foundation of this empire was entirely built by the late emperor, who established it. Even if it were a futile effort...
I cannot stand idly by and watch the late emperor's estate be destroyed like this.
The crown prince is colluding with the Jin people. Currently, Jin sorcerers have broken into the palace, intending to restrain the crown prince...
The states of Qi and Jin were eyeing each other covetously on the border.
We must quickly resolve the internal strife and quell the unrest to avoid being attacked from both sides.
Upon hearing this, the officials realized that the emperor had passed away and that Xie Zhun was able to stand up again...
This is enough to show that Emperor Xiaowen's ascension to the throne was illegitimate...
His attitude at this time was significantly different from his attitude when the Duke of Huguo was persuading him before Xie Zhun's arrival.
One of the ministers volunteered, "Your Highness, what do you need us to do now?"
The speed of the change in attitude made even the Duke of Huguo sigh.
When they were imprisoned, they were not easily swayed by the Crown Prince...
It's not necessarily because they were selfless or of noble character...
The only concern was that, having not witnessed Emperor Xiaowen's death, they worried about a potential reversal of fortune and the possibility of being purged by him...
Even nine generations of their families wouldn't be enough to kill...
Even if they are rescued by Ning Xier and Zheng Ye, it doesn't necessarily mean that they are on Xie Zhun's side.
At this moment, Xie Zhun's birth and legitimacy, Emperor Xiaowen's death, and the Crown Prince's previous oppressive attitude towards them...
This forces them to have only one option at this moment.
"Yes! Your Highness, do you think there's anything we can do to make amends?"
Ning Wei was the first to speak.
Xie Zhun's smile was "sincere," "Since Your Excellency says so, you are Xi'er's father..."
"I won't stand on ceremony with you!"
Ning Wei's expression brightened, and he immediately smiled. "Yes! We're family, so of course there's no need to be polite!"
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