Chapter 123 Ming King, do you like me?
Emperor Zhaode has already left.
Chu Yunjin and Yan Jinyue walked out of the side hall, one returning to her residence and the other returning to the palace.
Upon returning to the Prince of Yan's residence after leaving the palace, Chu Yunjin learned that the emperor had not only issued an edict to execute Pei Zhilan, but also ordered the entire Pei family to be arrested and imprisoned. All the trusted generals who had accompanied Pei Yi'an on this trip were also arrested.
Suddenly, panic gripped the capital once again.
Although the emperor did not issue an edict to severely punish the Duke of Dingguo, the punishment of twenty strokes of the cane, a year's salary deduction, and confinement for reflection was already an extremely serious warning.
Firstly, considering the Duke of Dingguo's past contributions to the Yong Dynasty.
Secondly, it was also because that was the family of the Third Princess's husband.
Therefore, Emperor Zhaode delayed issuing an edict to punish Pei Yi'an by executing his entire family.
But that was enough for Chu Yunjin.
At least Prince Jin and Pei Zhilan received the punishment they deserved.
As the weather grew hotter, Chu Yunjin, remembering the imperial physician's diagnosis, dared not wander around anymore. For the next two days, she stayed in the Prince's residence to recuperate, praying for a definite piece of good news when the imperial physician came to examine her three days later.
King Ming has been extremely busy these past few days.
Investigating this and interrogating that, he spent more time in the imperial prison than in the prince's mansion every day, so much so that Xue Ziying, who was temporarily staying in the Ming Prince's mansion, almost never saw him and could only go to play with Xue Beixuan alone.
Xue Beixuan was locked in the pavilion in the back garden of the Ming Prince's Mansion. She was shackled and had been locked up for several days. Her hands and feet were chafed raw, and she looked haggard and had lost a lot of weight. However, the baby in her womb was still safe and sound.
Carrying a tray, Xue Ziying walked up to the attic step by step, pushed open the door and went in. She saw Xue Beixuan curled up at the head of the bed. One end of the chain on her hand was connected to the foot of the wooden bed, and the other hand was fixed to the wall above the window.
Xue Ziying stood not far away and looked around. Given Xue Beixuan's current state, dragging such heavy shackles, she couldn't even leave this room.
"Xue Beixuan," Xue Ziying began, "how have you been these past few days?"
Hearing the noise, Xue Beixuan shifted her body, then slowly raised her head. The instant she saw Xue Ziying, her eyes turned cold and sharp: "Xue Ziying!"
"Is the princess no longer pretending?" Xue Ziying looked at her calmly.
Xue Beixuan froze, her expression instantly changing to pitiful, innocent, and fragile, tears streaming down her face.
She crawled on her stomach toward Xue Ziying, pleading in a low voice, "Ziying... please let me out, okay? I was framed. I never wanted to hurt you. Why do you believe those who sow discord instead of me?"
Xue Ziying said calmly, "Pei Yi'an has been arrested and imprisoned for treason, and the entire Pei family has been imprisoned."
Xue Beixuan froze, then raised her hand and grabbed Xue Ziying's skirt: "Ziying, they're all framing me... Don't believe them, believe me, I'm your family..."
"The Prince of Yan has already led his men to the border." Xue Ziying ignored her words and continued, "Once he brings the whole truth to Father, everything your good brother has done will be exposed... Princess, how many more days do you think he can hold onto his position as Crown Prince?"
"Shut up!" Xue Beixuan suddenly burst out, "Xue Ziying, you bitch, shut up! What deep hatred do I have for you that you want to kill us all?"
Xue Ziying frowned: "I didn't do anything."
Xue Beixuan's hair was disheveled, her face was deathly pale, and she stared intently at her.
“The Prince of Yan wants to investigate those who have colluded with the enemy and betrayed the country. He will go to the border to find evidence. He will definitely contact the Prince, and then His Highness the Crown Prince’s crimes will no longer be able to be concealed.” Xue Ziying’s small face remained expressionless. “He will only face death.”
Xue Beixuan seemed to suddenly lose all her strength. The color drained from her face, and she collapsed weakly to the ground. Her messy black hair covered her face, making it impossible to see her expression.
Xue Ziying put the food on the tray on the ground, turned around and walked out.
As she reached out to open the door, a low, pitiful voice came from behind her: "Ziying."
Xue Ziying paused slightly, but did not turn around.
Xue Beixuan spoke weakly, "If you're willing to let me go, I will definitely..."
Xue Ziying stepped out, closed the door, and shut out what she was about to say.
She didn't want to hear it.
Whether she was sincere or not, she would never believe a word she said again.
She won't let her off the hook either.
As you walk down the stone steps, a heart-wrenching, desperate wail suddenly erupts from inside the room. The cries are agonizing, filled with fear and despair.
Back at the Qingfeng Courtyard where I was temporarily staying, I looked up and saw a man standing in the courtyard. He was tall and slender, with a graceful demeanor like a gentle breeze and a bright moon. His white brocade robe made him look gentle and refined, like a handsome young gentleman in a turbid world.
If judged solely by appearance, he embodies any word used to describe a noble young man—and that's only true of his looks.
But for Xue Ziying, his personality was even more captivating.
Xue Ziying walked over and asked curiously, "Didn't Your Highness go to hear a case? Why are you back?"
Yan Yang turned around and looked at her complexion.
After recuperating at the Prince's residence for several days, Xue Ziying's injuries had mostly healed. Although she still had many scars that would take a long time to fade, her condition and complexion had greatly improved.
"Let's take a break today," Yan Yang said with a smile. "Can you ride a horse?"
Xue Ziying asked in surprise, "Riding a horse?"
"Okay." Yan Yang nodded. "Shall I take you to the horse farm?"
Xue Ziying asked in surprise, "Aren't you busy?"
"I've been busy for several days, so I'm taking some time to relax today," Yan Yang said, gesturing with his hand. "I've prepared a riding outfit for you, change into it."
Xue Ziying reached out and took it, and her mood suddenly improved a lot.
She looked at Yan Yang: "Your Highness, you took time out of your busy schedule to go horseback riding with me. Do you like me?"
Yan Yang was taken aback, then raised his hand and flicked her on the forehead: "What are you talking about? A young lady like you should be more reserved."
Xue Ziying smiled slightly: "You're so old, it's time to get married. Be careful you don't end up alone when you're old."
The maids here lowered their heads, suppressing their laughter.
Yan Yang narrowed his eyes: "Could it be that you admire me but are too embarrassed to say it directly, so you're beating around the bush and bringing up my age?"
Xue Ziying looked at him expressionlessly.
Yan Yang looked away and walked outside: "Let's go."
Xue Ziying followed behind him, a barely perceptible smile playing on her lips.
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