Xiao Zhian handled the aftermath.
Your Highness the Crown Prince? Your Highness the Crown Prince has arrived?
Madam Shen was greatly shocked. She and her servants knelt down, kowtowed, and fell silent.
Shen Lanyan was barely clothed, wrapped in a servant's outer robe, and nestled in the arms of a maid, trembling and sobbing. She couldn't get out or hide like this, and she wanted to die.
Inside and outside the gate, the kneeling black tide receded to both sides.
The palace guards entered first and dispersed to guard the area.
Before long, a purple robe with a subtle golden sheen stepped across the threshold.
Crown Prince Xiao Zhian entered the main hall, his eyes fixed straight ahead, and walked toward the high platform.
He walked along, passing through a mess, without uttering a word.
Xuan Ge, the bodyguard, pulled a dagger from the beam, wiped away the blood, and sheathed it.
The court officials, who had scattered and fled, crawled back on their knees, each one silent as a cicada in winter.
Xiao Zhian sat down, and the hall was quiet and still.
He looked around and confirmed that the only woman in the room who wasn't kneeling to greet him and whose head was tilted on the food table was his second target—Miss Lin, or rather, Madam Shen.
As long as they're here, that's enough. Xiao Zhian ignored them for the time being and turned to look at the useless heads of the court officials below, his eyes turning cold.
“My dear ministers, rise,” he said.
Xiao Zhian's tone was somewhat impatient, and the court officials stood up trembling with fear.
"What are you standing there for? Take a good look."
Xiao Zhian raised his hand and pointed, and the court officials were terrified—the Crown Prince was always lazy and elegant, and they had never seen him make such a big move before. Their eyes followed his finger and looked—it was actually Shen Lanyan!
His Highness commands us to look after her?
Why are you looking at her?
The ministers felt their scalps tingle; they were too embarrassed to look, yet they had no choice but to, their minds filled with unanswered questions about the Crown Prince's true intentions.
As Shen Lanyan was silently weeping, she was suddenly targeted by dozens of gazes. It was at her most miserable moment that the Crown Prince, whom she had always dreamed of, sent people to see her. Her heart was breaking, and she was in unbearable pain. She didn't know why the Crown Prince was humiliating her like this.
On the high platform, Xiao Zhian withdrew his hand and said coldly, "From this moment on, this child is your own daughter."
The voice, though playful, carried an overwhelming sense of authority, striking the crowd like a thunderclap.
Everyone in the hall—court officials, their families, and the entire Shen family—was utterly bewildered.
A deathly silence filled the entire main hall.
Shen Lanyan nestled in the maid's arms, her heart trembling slightly. She had an indescribable, subtle feeling, and her tears inexplicably stopped.
Xiao Zhian continued to instruct his court officials: "Now that you have taken in your daughter, you must show some appreciation. I will order the Ministry of Revenue to deduct three months' salary from each of your salaries as a gift for the child. Do any of you have any objections?"
"I wouldn't dare! I wouldn't dare!"
"We have absolutely no objection!"
The court officials bowed and nodded repeatedly in response: "Thank you, Your Highness, for bestowing upon us a daughter. We are deeply honored and will cherish and protect her as if she were our own!"
When Xiao Zhi'an finished speaking, even the most confused courtiers understood his intention: the noble lady had been humiliated in front of the court, and His Highness was blaming them for failing to come to her aid. He was dissatisfied with their collective dereliction of duty and failure to protect her, so he punished them by deducting their salaries and giving them a stern reprimand.
The so-called "recognition of a daughter" means that they are required to examine Shen Lanyan's situation as if she were their own daughter, and to forbid them from spreading today's events.
They are both fathers, and they not only have to cover up for Shen Lanyan, but also compensate her and give her dignity. If Shen Lanyan encounters any trouble in the future, they will have to take care of her and help her.
His Highness the Crown Prince is going to such lengths for the Shen family girl; she is truly blessed!
The court officials dared not underestimate her, and their gazes toward Shen Lanyan softened with each passing moment.
Once she accepted that the child was her own daughter, her heart softened, and she felt deeply sorry for the child being bullied. She regretted that she had only thought about running away earlier, and glared at the ground—the pool of blood from where Chu Jiu had died.
The atmosphere on the scene suddenly changed. Everyone was filled with self-blame and reluctance. Shen Lanyan was at the center of the storm. With every word Xiao Zhian said, she could feel her situation improving. At this point, she fully understood His Highness's intention to protect her. A warm current surged from the bottom of her heart, and she stopped crying.
In the corner, Old Madam Shen was overjoyed. She thought to herself that her daughter-in-law's earlier statement that the Crown Prince favored the Shen family and had taken a liking to Lan'er was indeed true!
His Highness the Crown Prince cares so much about Lan'er, giving her money and respect, he's practically holding a knife to the throats of the court officials, forcing them to treat Lan'er well. His Highness is treating Lan'er as one of his own!
In an instant, the embarrassment and humiliation vanished. The crumbling Shen family was propped up by His Highness the Crown Prince, and their glory was even greater than before. Old Madam Shen felt as comforted as the new fox fur coat she had hunted last year, smooth and shiny, extremely comfortable.
"Very well, all of you may leave."
Xiao Zhian stopped there, leaving the matter unresolved with a single, casual remark.
The court officials knew it was time to clear the area so their daughters could rest properly, so they all accepted the order and bowed as they left.
The officials' wives, having received a subtle signal, all went to comfort Shen Lanyan, calling her "daughter" and "Qingqing" repeatedly, treating her like a precious jewel, as if she were their own flesh and blood, their affection overflowing.
As soon as their daughter called out, the women's hearts softened, and their eyes reddened. Seeing Shen Lanyan's tear-stained face and pitiful appearance, they, as women themselves, felt truly sorry for her. They hugged each other, weeping sadly, and kept saying that they were busy today and would come to find her again in the future to cheer her up.
Shen Lanyan was very pleased. It was true that she was injured and in distress, but Chu Jiu did not do anything to her in the end. Moreover, His Highness the Crown Prince doted on her in public, protecting her both her appearance and her reputation. She was the jewel in His Highness's palm and the bright moon surrounded by stars.
She instantly snapped out of her humiliation and became absorbed in the moment. She could even see that these officials' wives were filled with envy and fear towards her.
She loved the feeling.
She was overjoyed.
Once all the irrelevant outsiders had left, the Shen family was overjoyed, eagerly anticipating the meeting between His Highness the Crown Prince and Shen Lanyan.
Will His Highness personally carry me to the inner quarters to examine my injuries?
Shen Lanyan thought to herself: No matter how badly I fall from grace, it's not as bad as Lin Huaiyin being kidnapped by the White Lotus Sect for half a month. She ruined her health, but I didn't.
Last year, my brother saved Lin Huaiyin. She wore my brother's outer robe and rode back to the capital together on the same horse. They paraded through the city and were pointed at and gossiped about. I, on the other hand, never suffered the same fate.
Now Your Highness has saved me, killed the villains for me, stood up for me in public, and punished the ministers on my behalf. Compared to Lin Huaiyin, this is worlds apart.
His Highness treats me so well, so naturally he will do the same afterwards. He will put a coat on me and take me back to my room... My brother married Lin Huaiyin, so His Highness the Crown Prince will naturally do the same...
Shen Lanyan, with her charming and shy demeanor, stole glances at Xiao Zhian.
Shen Zaiyuan was also very excited.
Although he didn't understand when or why His Highness the Crown Prince had taken a liking to Shen Lanyan, His Highness had given away three months' salary for more than fifty court officials, and there were also several ministers present. With these people looking after her, his third sister's status had risen accordingly. Who still remembered that she had been rejected by the Liu family?
Your Highness's actions are truly heart-wrenching, so the small amount of silver he embezzled will likely be taken lightly and not pursued.
With Shen Congyun absent, the Shen family members each had their own thoughts, yet they all longed for the Crown Prince's favor.
More than a dozen pairs of eyes were fixed on the food table in front of Xiao Zhian.
They dared not look directly at the Crown Prince Regent, nor could they see Xiao Zhian leaning back in his chair and instructing Xuan Ge, "Go to the Imperial Hospital and ask the imperial physicians to take a look."
"Yes, Your Highness." Xuan Ge withdrew and gave instructions to his subordinates.
Xiao Zhian looked at Madam Shen and said, "I will wait for Pingyang here. You may all leave."
What? Get down?
Is this how things are going to go?
The Shen family all thought they were deaf and had misheard, and they stood there dumbfounded.
Upon seeing this, Xuan Ge coughed lightly, his fist clenched. He glanced around and saw that the Shen family members' brows furrowed, and they hurriedly took their leave.
As everyone hurriedly retreated, Old Madam Shen was completely preoccupied with her precious Lan'er, forgetting all about Lin Huaiyin beside her.
Remembering Lin Huaiyin's instructions, Xie Ao stayed by Aunt Huang's side after finishing the arrow-making process, and was outside seeing off the guests.
Yu Li is still holed up in the small kitchen, doing odd jobs...
So the Shen family all left, except for Lin Huaiyin, who was left curled up in a chair with her face pressed against the food table.
Xiao Zhian stood up and slowly walked towards her.
He came here for two reasons: first, to receive Princess Pingyang, so as to prevent outsiders from gossiping that she was associating with court officials and interfering in state affairs.
Secondly, it was because of Lin Huaiyin.
He forged a secret edict and secretly transferred the Imperial City Guard.
An arrow pierced Zhao Changji's throat, killing him instantly.
Did she really commit such a heinous crime that could lead to the extermination of nine generations of her family?
Xiao Zhian picked up Lin Huaiyin's fair and delicate hand, opened her palm, and was somewhat surprised.
His little hands were snow-white, beautiful and soft, like a piece of milk, and looked very delicious, but they didn't have what he had imagined.
A hint of hesitation arose, and Xiao Zhian thought coldly: Could it not be her? But Lin Zhenlie had once boasted about her archery skills, saying that she could hit a gourd mouth from five hundred paces away. Her talent was amazing and comparable to that of her ancestor Lin Qiying.
While pondering, Xiao Zhian took Lin Huaiyin's hand and gently stroked it, his posture and expression seemingly lost in the moment.
Xuan Ge noticed this, his pupils gradually contracted, and alarm bells rang in his mind—the chief minister's wife is not to be touched, why has His Highness suddenly become interested in his wife?
He felt a chill run down his spine, frequently glancing towards the door, fearing that Shen Congyun might suddenly appear...
Fortunately, Xiao Zhian didn't keep him worried for long. He quickly discovered the trick: someone who had practiced archery since childhood had no calluses on his knuckles.
"Gotcha." Xiao Zhian's lips curled into a playful smile. He dipped his fingertip in some tea and rubbed it gently on the inside of Lin Huaiyin's right index and middle fingers.
Soon, a sticky film peeled off the edges.
Picking it up and peeling it open, there was indeed a thin layer of cocoon underneath. The old cocoon showed a faint, fresh pink color, indicating that it had been used for archery recently.
It really is you, Madam Shen.
As Xiao Zhian looked at Lin Huaiyin's sleeping face, an image of her standing alone atop the Iron Buddha Temple tower, drawing her bow, shooting an arrow, and hitting the target with a single shot flashed before his eyes.
She went to the Imperial College and circled the stone pillars of the classics, copying his handwriting. She used him to kill her enemy. She was truly a wicked cat who didn't know her place.
Let's investigate what the naughty cat is up to.
Xiao Zhian realized that Lin Huaiyin had been drugged. He was a little surprised that someone as bold and careful as her could fall for it. He was also suspicious that the Shen family was acting strangely today. The main hall was in chaos, Shen Congyun was nowhere to be found, and Lao Mo, who was waiting for him at the door, was looking away and was extremely flustered. He had gone to the banquet in Pingyang, but left early and hadn't come back for so long.
To find out the truth, we need to pry open this wicked cat's mouth and hear her testimony.
After letting go, Xiao Zhian pinched Lin Huaiyin's left earlobe, bent down, and leaned close to her ear, asking, "How long do you intend to let this thing control you?"
Lin Huaiyin leaned against the food counter, her brows furrowing.
pain.
It hurts so much.
Lin Huaiyin's consciousness, clad in sparrow-head shoes, stood in the imperial prison. Torches crackled and popped, and the approaching footsteps of eunuchs echoed in the corridor. The Crown Prince held a jade hairpin in one hand and twisted her ear with the other, pulling her close to his lips. His warm breath fell into her ear: "How long are you going to let this thing control you?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Huaiyin was startled – no, shouldn't it be "you must live"?
What is "this thing"?
Is it Shen Congyun?
No! I am not under his control! I am no longer under his control, never!
Lin Huaiyin frowned deeply, grabbed the Crown Prince's hand, and opened her eyes in alarm—"Your Highness!"
Their eyes met, and Xiao Zhian was startled. Her eyes were filled with an unsettling panic, like a cat that had fallen into the water and couldn't climb ashore. He had heard countless people call him Your Highness, but Madam Shen's address was different from anyone else's. It was as if she would shatter if he didn't respond.
“I’m here,” Xiao Zhian blurted out instinctively.
Lin Huaiyin looked up at the sound and vaguely saw Xiao Zhian's face. She noticed that he had changed his clothes, but felt that they were not as good as the white prison uniform. Hmm, Lin Huaiyin thought in a daze: Actually, he looks good even without them.
The main hall behind Xiao Zhian came into view. The hall was empty and the cups and plates were in disarray. Lin Huaiyin rolled her eyes and thought: How could His Highness the Crown Prince be standing alone in front of me, completely naked?
It was an illusion. Lin Huaiyin breathed a sigh of relief, released Xiao Zhian's hand, and stopped looking at him.
It seems the medicine isn't working properly; I need to completely collapse to avoid Shen Congyun's suspicion.
She picked up the salamander and snow frog soup and gulped it down, then drugged herself again in front of Xiao Zhian.
The bizarre turn of events left Xiao Zhian stunned. The reason she had fallen for it became clear on the spot.
The naughty cat is being unreasonable.
Xiao Zhian shook his head helplessly, a glimmer of light just appearing in his eyes when Chu Jiu's manic appearance suddenly flashed into his mind.
In an instant, his expression turned serious.
He wanted to wake her up and interrogate her properly.
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