Chapter 53 Calling everyone to catch the adultery
"So it's Yun Shangshi," said Ma Yingcai, the leading imperial guard, clasping his fists in salute, his eyes scrutinizing. "Why are you... in such a remote place?"
Yun Zhao's face was as calm as water, and his voice was silent. "I'm just taking a shortcut back to the banquet. Why is Captain Ma leading the imperial guards here?"
Ma Yingcai knew Yun Zhao was a favorite of the Emperor and the daughter of Duke Yun. His tone was respectful yet also full of responsibility: "Reporting to the Grand Master, there is someone in the palace who is so audacious as to secretly exchange gifts! I am here by Your Majesty's strict order to arrest them." Secretly having an affair? Using the Imperial Guards? Wasn't Xiao Jin afraid of causing a public outcry?
Yun Zhao was surprised and suspicious, but he didn't show it on his face. "I see. It's my duty, Captain. I've worked hard. I still need to take care of the banquet, drinks and food. I dare not slack off, so I'll go ahead."
She wanted to withdraw from the center of the vortex, but Ma Yingcai took a step forward, seemingly respectful but actually firmly blocking her way: "The Shangshi has many talented people under him, so it should be okay to leave for a while. The internal affairs of the warm room ahead... involve the reputation of the royal family. I dare to ask the Shangshi to go with me to be a witness! So that in the future... it will be difficult to explain." His words had a hidden meaning, implying that Yun Zhao might also be involved.
Yun Zhao's mind raced, a hint of embarrassment and embarrassment crossing his face. "This... dinner is of great importance. If anything goes wrong, Yun Zhao will be held responsible! We have so many distinguished guests tonight..."
Ma Yingcai was extremely stubborn, even with a hint of pleading: "It's just a few steps ahead! Shangshi, it won't take you even a cup of tea! Just consider it... a favor for me!" He lowered his posture, but his eyes could not refuse.
Yun Zhao had no choice but to take a deep breath and suppress the coldness in his heart: "Forget it. Captain Ma, please lead the way."
This warm room was originally a trap set by Xiao Yan for her, but now it has become his own burial place.
She asked Xiaotao to bring Su Mingli over. Su Mingli was infatuated with Xiao Yan and fell into the trap.
Xiao Jin made such a big fuss that he even mobilized the imperial guards. It seemed that he was determined to get rid of Su Mingli!
It's a shame that such an interesting rivalry ended so quickly.
As soon as he reached the palace gate, he heard Xiao Jin's heartbroken voice, filled with anger and sorrow, piercing through the heavy palace door:
"You! One... is the person I have admired since childhood and cherished like a treasure! The other... is my brother, whom I confide in and rely on as my arm! Why, why, why would you treat me like this?! Where do you put me? Where do you put the reputation of the royal family?!"
Then came the command, suppressed with fury: "Quick! Close the palace door tightly for me! Anyone who dares to reveal a word of what happened today will be killed without mercy! Especially...especially the Queen Mother must not know! She cannot bear this kind of excitement!"
[The acting was so convincing! Half the palace was startled, and the nobles at the banquet must have pricked up their ears!]
The corner of Yun Zhao's mouth twitched almost imperceptibly.
The embarrassment on Ma Yingcai's face was almost overflowing. He lowered his voice and said in disbelief: "Yun Shangshi, in there... it sounds like... His Royal Highness the Prince of Qin?" He was a little hesitant to confirm.
Yun Zhao shook her head in confusion: "I don't know what's going on inside. Your Majesty sounds... very sad. Eunuch?" She turned her gaze to Xiao Guizi who was standing outside the palace gate.
Wang Gui immediately trotted over, a grimace on his face, his voice low and hushed, "Oh my dear Shang Chef, why are you here? The scene inside... is truly appalling! His Majesty was furious, but out of consideration for the royal family's dignity, he kicked us all out!"
Yun Zhao frowned, his voice filled with just the right amount of worry: "How could this be? Eunuch, this is a serious matter. Shouldn't we quickly ask the Empress Dowager to come and take charge of the situation? Her Majesty must be beside herself with rage right now..."
Wang Gui nodded quickly, "We've already sent someone to invite him! Your Majesty is so angry that his hands are shaking, and we servants can't persuade him! I only hope that the Empress Dowager can comfort him a little!"
Yun Zhao said, "Then I'd better return to the banquet and appease the ministers so as not to cause further panic. If this gets out, the royal family will lose face!"
Wang Gui, however, had a sad face: "I'm afraid... I can't hide it anymore! His Majesty got the news at the banquet and his face changed immediately! I... I was so shocked at the time that I couldn't help but scream "ah", and the voice was a little loud... I'm afraid... I'm afraid someone outside the hall heard it..." He stomped his feet in frustration as he spoke.
Ma Yingcai, who was listening at the side, could only use violent coughing to cover up his great embarrassment.
Wang Gui looked at Yun Zhao again, his eyes complicated and with a hint of pity: "Shangshi...you have to be mentally prepared. His Majesty...His Majesty didn't let you know about this because he was afraid that you would be sad! How come...Alas! I don't know which bastard actually brought you here!" He glanced at Ma Yingcai meaningfully.
The color drained from Yun Zhao's face instantly, and his voice trembled slightly. "What...what happened?" Xiao Jin, you better clean up this mess! You still have to make me cry with you!
Wang Gui sighed: "You... come with me to take a look at the back so you can have a better idea." He led Yun Zhao around to a hidden small door at the back of the hall.
The door was slightly ajar, and the situation inside the hall was clear at a glance: Xiao Yan, with disheveled clothes and messy hair, was kneeling on the ground, his face as pale as paper, and he was trying to defend himself in vain; while the imperial concubine Su Mingli was slumped on the couch wrapped in a thin blanket, her body trembling slightly, her eyes empty and desperate. It was obvious that she had been drugged and could not control herself or make any excuses.
"Brother Your Majesty! I am innocent! Both I and the Imperial Concubine were lured here and framed! Please investigate this matter!" Xiao Yan's voice was hoarse with fear.
Yun Zhao covered his mouth instantly and let out a short scream. Tears burst out without warning, and his body was shaking and he could hardly stand.
Wang Gui quickly supported her: "Shangshi! Please take care of yourself! His Majesty... His Majesty will definitely make the decision for you!"
[Xiao Jin, you better be able to handle this. You still have to let me fake cry and act.]
At this moment, Xiao Jin in the hall heard Yun Zhao's inner voice, turned around suddenly, and his sharp eyes like an eagle instantly locked onto Yun Zhao behind the crack in the door!
He rushed over and dragged Yun Zhao into the hall through the small door. His face was filled with undisguised anger and rage: "Yun Zhao! Who asked you to come?! If anything goes wrong at the banquet, can you afford it?!"
Xiao Guizi is a great confidant, he lured me into the game, and his tactics are different every time.
Yun Zhao staggered as he pulled her. She raised her tearful face and said in a choked voice with grievance: "Your Majesty, I heard that something happened here and was worried about your Majesty's safety, so I came to check... I didn't expect... I didn't expect..." She choked and couldn't continue, tears streaming down her face.
Xiao Yan, kneeling on the ground, seemed to have grasped at the last straw. He suddenly raised his head, pointed at Yun Zhao with a malicious look, and shouted hoarsely, "It's you! Yun Zhao! It must be you! To break off the engagement, you resorted to such despicable means, framing the prince and the imperial concubine? You have such a cruel heart!"
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