Chapter 234 The Story of Ginger
The old lady grabbed Yongqing Earl's sleeve: "You mean, Sixth Girl killed King Xijiang with Princess Rongning?"
The Earl of Yongqing subconsciously twitched, but couldn't move, so he gave up: "The urgent report didn't go into too much detail, only that Princess Rongning led men to kill the King of Xijiang on her wedding night and escaped, with Xue Han staying behind to cover their retreat. Think about it, Sixth Sister accompanied Princess Rongning to her wedding; she certainly wouldn't be far from the princess's side. How could she be missing? Perhaps—"
"Maybe what?"
The Earl of Yongqing slapped his thigh: "Maybe she was the one who killed him!"
He was afraid. What would happen to the Yongqing Earl's Mansion if it turned out that it was really Sixth Sister who killed the King of Xijiang?
With the end of the year fast approaching, could it be that he'll be exiled before the New Year even arrives?
Thinking about all this, Uncle Yongqing's eyes filled with tears, and he almost pinched his thigh until it turned blue.
The old lady, unusually, did not object to the Earl of Yongqing's words, and murmured, "With so few people, and still in the palace, how could they kill the King of Xijiang and still escape..."
After listening to the old lady's barrage of questions, the Earl of Yongqing rolled his eyes: "Those high-ranking officials of the court have been discussing it from night until morning and still haven't figured out how they did it, and you're asking me?"
The old lady suddenly slammed her fist on the table, startling the Earl of Yongqing.
"What's with all the jumpiness!"
The old lady looked anxious: "Are you sure that Sixth Girl is among those who escaped back?"
"The urgent report didn't specifically mention it," said the Earl of Yongqing, as if it were a matter of course. "She must have been among those who escaped back with Princess Rongning, sigh—"
The old lady glared at her: "What are you sighing about? Are you hoping something bad will happen to Sixth Girl?"
The Earl of Yongqing looked grave: "Didn't you ever consider that something bad was about to happen to our Earl's mansion?"
The old lady was stunned for a moment, then realized: "The court is dissatisfied with Princess Rongning and the others killing the King of Xijiang?"
"Is that even a question? They killed the king of Xijiang, do you think Xijiang would let it go? If the two countries go to war, Great Xia will have to send troops and spend money, which is a huge loss. If they lose, the losses will be even greater..."
The old lady sneered: "If you continue, my lord, Princess Rongning and the others will become sinners for all eternity."
The Earl of Yongqing blurted out, "That's exactly it—"
The old lady stood up abruptly and kicked the Earl of Yongqing out.
When Yongqing was pushed out the door, his face darkened with anger, and he muttered under his breath, "That old hag's temper is getting worse and worse!"
The same topic was being discussed at the Prince Kang's residence.
Princess Consort Kang began with a sigh: "When Qiu Heng was escorting Princess Rong Ning to her wedding, I had a feeling something would go wrong, and sure enough, it did."
Prince Kang felt that Princess Kang's words were somewhat inappropriate: "Such a big matter could not possibly have been initiated by a young girl like her."
Princess Consort Kang shook her head: "Your Highness doesn't understand."
"Don't understand what?"
"The key is not who is in charge, but that as long as that girl is around, trouble is bound to happen."
Prince Kang laughed: "Your Highness, that's a bit much."
"Your Highness, please think back to the autumn hunt."
Prince Kang's smile froze.
"And that time she went to Qingfeng Temple with Yun'er, and was kidnapped by spies posing as Taoist priests. And that time she went to the hot springs, she was kidnapped by spies again..."
Princess Consort Kang was recounting Qiu Heng's astonishing deeds when Ling Yun entered.
"Yun'er is here."
Lingyun greeted his parents and explained his purpose: "Father, has the urgent report mentioned Aheng?"
"Such an urgent matter, why would I write it down in such detail?"
Ling Yun frowned.
That means Ah Heng's fate is unknown.
What is His Majesty's attitude toward this matter?
“Your Majesty—” Prince Kang hesitated for a moment, then sighed when he saw Ling Yun’s serious expression, “He is naturally very angry. I’m afraid it will be difficult to explain when Rong Ning and the others return.”
Seeing Ling Yun's solemn expression, Princess Consort Kang advised, "Don't listen to your father's premature worries, or your headache will get worse."
Although Ling Yun had been using the calming incense given to him by Qiu Heng, he still had sudden headaches. Once, he had one in front of Princess Kang and couldn't hide it.
"My son knows."
After Ling Yun left, Princess Consort Kang couldn't help but mutter, "Yun'er is naturally meticulous and cares deeply for that girl Qiu Heng. After hearing what the prince said, she probably won't be able to sleep soundly."
"So many people in the court already know. Do you think Yun'er won't overthink things if I don't tell him? It's better to let him be prepared."
Princess Consort Kang's expression changed slightly: "Does Your Highness mean that His Majesty will severely punish Rong Ning and the others?"
Prince Kang did not answer, but only sighed heavily.
Ling Yun returned to his study, sat quietly for a while, and then instructed his servant: "Go and inquire, find three or five reliable storytellers..."
Ling Yun then summoned two guards: "You two, go along the official road to Xijiang and see if you can encounter Princess Rongning and her entourage. If you do, find Princess Suiyun and ask her what happened in Xijiang, then return immediately to report..."
Ling Yun paused before adding, "If Princess Suiyun is not among those who return, ask Princess Rongning to return immediately as well."
"Yes." The two guards acknowledged the order and left.
Ling Yun remained seated, and after a long while, he placed his hands on his forehead, concealing the emotions in his eyes.
Within two days, in several bustling taverns and teahouses in the capital, storytellers were excitedly recounting the story of Xi Jiang breaking her promise.
This fact, which was known to almost everyone in the court, was not spread to the common people. But after being told by storytellers, it spread like wildfire.
That day, many people who were drunk got so angry that they smashed their glasses and bowls, and there were several fights.
Two days later, as everyone in the streets and alleys was angrily discussing Xi Jiang's shamelessness, the storytellers brought a new story: Princess Rongning and others, unable to bear the humiliation caused by Xi Jiang's breach of contract, killed King Xi Jiang in anger.
"Good riddance!" Many people shouted the same thing.
At this time, the court had no time to pay attention to the voices of the people. From Emperor Jingping to ordinary officials, everyone was on high alert, fearing news of the invasion by the Western Jiang.
On this day at court, the emperor and his ministers did not receive an urgent report from the border, but instead received a report from Vice Envoy Zhao.
When Vice Envoy Zhao arrived yesterday, the city gates were already closed. After a agonizing night, he rushed in as soon as the gates opened and headed straight for the palace.
Upon seeing Emperor Jingping seated on the dragon throne, Vice Envoy Zhao knelt down, covering his face and weeping: "Xi Jiang broke the agreement, and Xue Zheng sent me back to report. It is all due to our incompetence that we have failed Your Majesty's trust. Please punish us, Your Majesty..."
Vice Envoy Zhao appeared sad and ashamed, but in reality, he wasn't very flustered.
The urgent report arrived several days earlier than his, so the Emperor must have largely accepted Xi Jiang's breach of contract. Besides, there are always taller people to hold up the sky if it falls; he was just a deputy envoy, there was still Xue Han. If we're talking about incompetence, then Xue Han was the most incompetent.
Vice Envoy Zhao wept bitterly, begging for punishment, but Emperor Jingping did not speak for a long time. Puzzled, he raised a little of his sleeve to secretly observe his surroundings and found that all the officials were looking at him with strange eyes.
Vice Envoy Zhao was startled.
Although he didn't do a good job in Xijiang, he still put in the effort even if he didn't achieve anything. Why is everyone looking at him like he's a dead man?
As Vice Envoy Zhao's heart pounded with anxiety, Emperor Jingping coldly asked, "Zhao Qing, have you and Xue Han reached an agreement?"
Those who are weak should leave first to minimize losses, while those who are skilled should stay and cooperate with Rong Ning to kill.
If that's the case, he'll start by taking action against this bastard.
Zhao Qing glanced quickly at Emperor Jingping's cold expression and hurriedly said, "Yes, it was planned."
Without an agreement, even a deputy envoy like him can't come back first.
(End of this chapter)
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