Chapter 59 "Is Xie Daojian comparable to a jackal or a tiger...?"
Ling Zhenli dealt with Yang Chongzheng with astonishing speed, even with an eerie elegance in her actions.
Her words were cold and vicious, each one designed to torment the victim's mind to the fullest extent before destroying their body.
At that moment, Fang Wenzhou clearly realized one fact: she didn't need him at all.
I don't need his protection, I don't need his company, I don't even need his presence right now.
Ling Zhenli was able to complete this bloody task all by herself with ease, cleanly and efficiently, in one go.
That ruthlessness and decisiveness far exceeded his imagination, and completely shattered his illusion that she was still a weak woman who needed to be protected.
A chill ran down his spine, not from the death before him, but from the extreme coldness Ling Zhenli displayed.
Seeing Fang Wenzhou lost in thought, Ling Zhenli glanced at Yang Chongzheng's corpse. How strange, she hadn't tortured Yang Chongzheng, so why was Fang Wenzhou so stunned, as if he had never seen a murder before?
With doubt in her eyes, Ling Zhenli walked up to him and said calmly, "Do you think I'm cruel?"
No, you're fine.
"..."
Ling Zhenli did not speak again.
Then she turned around, her gaze not lingering on Fang Wenzhou for even a second longer, and walked straight into the deeper part of the prison.
Her target was the next cell, the one where the imperial son-in-law Xiao Huanzheng was imprisoned.
Fang Wenzhou followed again.
He knew there was nothing he could do, but he couldn't bear to leave her alone in this endless darkness.
...
The cell where Xiao Huanzheng was imprisoned was even more secluded and deep.
Xiao remained unusually calm.
Wearing slightly dirty but still neat prison clothes, he sat on the cold stone bed in his cell. Hearing footsteps, he knew someone had arrived, and slowly raised his head.
His gaze first fell on Ling Zhenli. She was wearing beautiful and bright clothes, but you could still vaguely see the bloodstains that had just been stained on the hem of her clothes.
Ling Zhenli's eyes were cold and expressionless. Then Xiao Huanzheng glanced at Fang Wenzhou a few steps behind her, paused slightly, but did not ask any questions.
The cell door opened, and Ling Zhenli went inside, while Fang Wenzhou stood in the shadows outside the door, silently becoming a forced bystander.
Xiao Huanzheng's gaze returned to Ling Zhenli's face. He spoke first, his voice hoarse but steady: "Crown Princess."
Ling Zhenli calmly replied, "I am no longer the Crown Princess."
Xiao nodded after listening, his tone heavy with weariness, "What brings you here?"
Ling Zhenli didn't speak, but stared at him coldly with her eyes as cold as an icy pool.
Xiao Huanzheng didn't seem to expect her answer. He sighed slightly, his eyes revealing an indescribable sense of guilt.
"I know we all owe you something, but he truly loves you..."
"Him? You mean Xiao Chongheng? There are no outsiders here. Just say what you want to say. There's no need to beat around the bush like I'm afraid my ex-lover will be exposed."
Ling Zhenli sneered. She wanted to see what kind of tricks Xiao Chongheng's father could pull. What could the jailer do if he heard it? If he dared to tell anyone, he would be risking the lives of his entire family.
“He was young and impetuous then, blinded by ambition, and he let you down, as well as that unborn child. As his father, I am to blame for this, and I am very sorry.”
His apology sounded quite sincere, however, it failed to melt Ling Zhenli's icy expression in the slightest.
Instead, she chuckled very softly, a laugh filled with sarcasm and undisguised hatred: "What did you just say? You're sorry?"
She felt as if she had heard the most ridiculous joke in the world. "Prince Consort Xiao, what can your apology bring back? Can it undo the harm your son has done to me? Can it make the humiliation and pain I have suffered disappear? Or can it bring my poor, dead daughter back?"
As she spoke, Ling Zhenli slowly took out a delicate little porcelain bottle from her sleeve, uncorked it, and inside was a clear liquid that exuded an ominous aura.
Xiao Huanzheng naturally knew what was in the bottle. He paused for a moment and slowly said, "I know my apology can't bring anything back, but my son did something wrong, and it's my fault for not teaching him well. I have a responsibility to apologize to you."
He appeared unusually calm, as if he had already accepted his fate.
"What good is an apology?"
Ling Zhenli's voice was cold and cruel. She looked at the poison in her hand and said, "Since it is only natural for sons to pay for their fathers' debts, it is also reasonable for sons to pay for their fathers' debts."
Xiao Huanzheng's body trembled almost imperceptibly. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then opened them again, his eyes now filled with a deathly calm.
"I see."
Ling Zhenli handed the porcelain bottle to him, her tone resolute and leaving no room for negotiation.
"Then you should atone for your son's sins with your death, as punishment for your poor upbringing."
Xiao Huanzheng stared at the bottle of poisoned wine, a thought flashing through his mind. He should ask the second young master of the Fang family outside if his eldest son was alright, but he dared not. He had not fulfilled his responsibility to raise and educate that child. If the woman in front of him were to realize that the eldest son of the Fang family was Xiao Chongheng's half-brother, it would probably bring disaster to that child.
Never mind, never mind.
Thinking of this, he looked up and gave Ling Zhenli a deep look, as if trying to see through her cold exterior to her true emotions, but in the end he saw nothing but a bottomless abyss of ice.
Finally, Xiao Huanzheng no longer hesitated, reached out and took the porcelain bottle. Then, without saying a word, he tilted his head back and drank the poisoned wine in the bottle in one gulp.
The poisoned wine takes effect very quickly.
Xiao Huan's body convulsed violently, his face quickly turning ashen. He curled up in pain, black blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, before finally collapsing onto the cold straw mat, lifeless.
Ling Zhenli watched coldly as he died, her face expressionless, as if it were a trivial matter.
Has the great revenge been achieved?
It seems not.
Xiao Chongheng has already fled, but the real culprit has not yet been brought to justice.
But at this moment, having killed his father with her own hands, and watching this person who was related to Xiao Chongheng by blood die in front of her, a twisted sense of pleasure and a huge emptiness swept over her at the same time.
Did she really get what she wanted?
Ling Zhenli stood there, silent for a long time.
Finally, she turned around and instructed the jailer, "Send someone to report to His Majesty that the traitors Yang Chongzheng and Xiao Huanzheng have been executed."
After saying that, she didn't look at the two gradually cooling corpses again, and followed Fang Wenzhou, step by step, out of the depths of the prison filled with the aura of death.
The passageway was long and dark, and her silhouette blended into it, as if it too was stained with a layer of blood and gloom that could never be washed away.
Seeing that Ling Zhenli seemed to have lost her soul, Fang Wenzhou approached and asked, "What's wrong with you?"
"...Nothing, I was just thinking about something." Ling Zhenli said absentmindedly.
What are you thinking about?
"Me and Xiao Chongheng."
Why think about him?
“He just killed his brother and his father.”
"..."
The road out of the prison was neither long nor short. When the sunlight shone brightly on Ling Zhenli again, she felt as if she had been in another world and squinted slightly.
What beautiful sunshine! Everything is moving in a positive direction.
"Alright, everything's settled now. I'm heading back to the Prime Minister's residence. You'd better not see me off. If my father sees me, I won't be able to explain."
Ling Zhenli did not give Fang Wenzhou a chance to stay. She got into the carriage, lifted the curtain, and smiled at Fang Wenzhou.
"You'd better hurry back to the palace. Don't dawdle. If Pei Chang'er finds out you're neglecting your duties, she might order your execution."
***
Since Xue Wenmian politely and firmly refused the imperial decree of marriage, citing that "my daughter is of humble appearance and was once the deposed crown prince's wife, which may disgrace the general's family," there has been no further news for seven days.
Even the related rumors and gossip seemed to have quietly subsided.
Ling Zhenli was happy to have some peace and quiet.
She continued to feign illness and refused to enter the palace.
Pei Shang'er seemed to have no intention of letting her do those trivial things of accompanying the emperor and taking care of the young prince anymore. She even kindly told her that she didn't need to go to the palace often and could rest more at home. She added an extra sentence, telling her to practice riding and archery more in her spare time to strengthen her body.
The imperial decree came somewhat abruptly.
Ling Zhenli couldn't figure out what Pei Shang'er was up to. Was it just a casual remark, or was there a deeper meaning behind it?
That day in the Taiji Hall, the cold, playful smile on Pei Chang'er's face when she allowed her to kill her enemy left a lingering unease in my heart.
That crazy woman, she's probably up to no good again.
In any case, practicing mounted archery did her no harm.
Jiangnan is far away, so if she really had the chance to go to Pei Xuanlin, it would be good to learn some self-defense techniques. So, Ling Zhenli really put aside her feelings and often went to the horse farm in the suburbs of the capital to practice.
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
Winter has arrived, and a heavy snowfall has adorned the capital city in a silver-white coat.
Just as the world was covered in ice and snow, Emperor Pei Chang'er suddenly issued an edict to hold a grand winter hunting competition at the royal hunting grounds on the outskirts of the capital.
The decree clearly stated that anyone who could hunt a tiger or black bear would be richly rewarded, and promotion to a higher official rank was not out of the question.
Upon hearing the news, Ling Zhenli's heart stirred. She recalled what Pei Chang'er had said: that she only thought about men all day long. If she had focused on improving herself, becoming a first-rank official in the capital would have been a real achievement.
...
On the day of the hunt, the hunting grounds were bustling with activity and flags were waving.
Young talents from all walks of life, as well as military generals and nobles, were eager to try their luck.
Ling Zhenli changed into a neat riding and archery outfit, her black hair tied up high, and she carried a bow and arrows on her back. She looked particularly aloof and eye-catching amidst the noise, which also attracted a lot of discussion from the people around her.
"Isn't that the former Crown Princess? She's here too..."
"Have you heard? She killed Princess Roujia, which is why Prince Shunyi dared not interfere."
"I've only heard that Princess Wuyang's husband and Prince Gao'an were killed by her. The former crown prince just attacked a large camp a few days ago, and His Majesty is angry about it."
"His Majesty actually didn't punish her, and even allowed her to swagger into the hunting grounds?"
"If your father were the prime minister, you wouldn't be this arrogant either."
Ling Zhenli ignored the curiosity and stares around her, letting them talk as they pleased. Her attention was entirely focused on the vast, deep royal forest covered in snow.
The horn sounds, and the hunt begins.
The crowd spurred their horses and rushed into the hunting grounds.
Ling Zhenli was not in a hurry to compete. She controlled the reins and slowly chose a less traveled path to go deeper into the area.
It's not like those who go in first are guaranteed to find good prey.
The horses' hooves crunched and groaned on the thick snow.
The forest was eerily quiet, save for the cold wind that rustled through the treetops, scattering snowflakes, and sunlight filtering through the intertwined bare branches, casting dappled shadows on the snow.
Seeing this beautiful scenery, Ling Zhenli slowed down, breathing in the cold and fresh air. Looking at the pure and magnificent snow country scenery in front of her, the gloom that had been pressing on her heart for days seemed to be washed away. She couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the Royal Hunting Grounds in winter.
Just as she relaxed her guard slightly, a striking pure white figure flashed across the snow not far ahead.
It was a pure white fox, its fur shimmering like satin in the sunlight, nimble and alert.
Ling Zhenli's eyes lit up.
White foxes are rare, and their fur is extremely valuable. If one can hunt one, even if it's not a tiger or bear, it's enough to make people look at one with new respect.
She immediately held her breath, silently slid off the horse, took out a longbow from her back, nocked an arrow, drew the string, and aimed at the white fox that was sniffing something in the snow.
"Whoosh!"
The sound of another arrow piercing the air suddenly rang out from her side and behind.
Two arrows, almost simultaneously, pierced the white fox's body. The elfin beast didn't even have time to utter a mournful cry before collapsing to the ground, its pure white fur instantly stained red with the gushing blood.
Ling Zhenli's heart sank suddenly, and a surge of anger instantly rose within her.
She turned her head sharply towards the direction from which the arrow had come, wanting to see who was so blind as to dare to steal the prey she had set her sights on.
Not far away, beneath a tall cedar tree, a man sat atop a steed, holding a magnificent longbow in his hand.
The man was dressed in a white riding and archery uniform embroidered with silver thread, with a matching cloak over it. He had an exceptionally handsome face, but his eyes and brows carried a lingering air of gloom and languor.
It turned out to be Xie Daojian. It had been a long time since I'd seen him, and he seemed to have changed a bit.
He had clearly seen Ling Zhenli as well, and seemed unsurprised that the two of them had both shot the fox. Instead, a half-smile appeared on his lips as he slowly rode over.
Ling Zhenli frowned, her heart filled with displeasure and vigilance, and coldly questioned, "What do you mean by this? This fox was clearly the prey I chose first."
Xie Daojian reined in his horse in front of her, dismounted gracefully and swiftly.
He did not answer the question about the prey immediately. Instead, he walked closer step by step, his gaze falling on Ling Zhenli's face as if it were a physical object. His eyes were complex and difficult to read, and they also carried a subtle tenderness.
“Ah Li,” he began, his voice unusually clear in the cold air, even carrying a deliberately slowed gentleness, “Since I proposed to you, you haven’t come to see me even once in the past two weeks. If you don’t want to marry me, why don’t you come and ask me why I forced you to marry me?”
Ling Zhenli was taken aback by his sudden question, paused for a moment, then turned her face away, her tone stiff and reluctant.
"Why should I look for you? I wasn't supposed to marry you in the first place. Didn't my father already refuse the marriage on my behalf?"
Upon hearing this, Xie Daojian chuckled softly, his laughter revealing neither joy nor anger.
He took a step forward, getting closer, his gaze fixed intently on her: "I know that the Prime Minister and his wife treat you very well now, and even Prime Minister Xue risked offending the Emperor to refuse marriage for you. But Ah Li, I really want to marry you. You wanted to marry me before too. Can you tell me why you don't want to marry me now?"
His questioning was direct and forceful, carrying a stubbornness that wouldn't give up until he got what he wanted.
Ling Zhenli's feelings for Xie Daojian became complicated. Knowing that things had come to this point, she could no longer wholeheartedly love only him, so she simply didn't want to provoke him anymore.
"I don't want to marry you, that's all. There's no reason. Ayu, people change. I've changed. Give up. I'm already Pei Xuanlin's wife. A good woman doesn't marry twice. Forget me as soon as possible."
She deliberately brought up Pei Xuanlin, hoping to completely dispel his idea.
Upon hearing the name "Pei Xuanlin," a dark emotion flashed across Xie Daojian's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a helpless tenderness.
He shook his head, his tone carrying a faint sigh: "Ah Li, you haven't changed at all, you're still so stubborn."
Since he couldn't get the answer he wanted, Xie Daojian stopped dwelling on the question and turned to look at the dead white fox, then gazed deeper into the forest, his tone becoming solemn.
"Your change of heart and your falling out of love with me will not affect my continued love for you. I will hunt a tiger and a black bear and present them to you. At that time, please reconsider our marriage, okay?"
This is almost a blatant promise and request.
However, Ling Zhenli's heart, like the ice and snow in the forest, remained unmelted.
She even found it somewhat ridiculous.
It's absurd that Xie Daojian thinks he can win her back by hunting tigers and bears. Ling Zhenli's heart is not cheap.
Ling Zhenli stopped looking at him, turned around nimbly, walked to her horse, mounted it, and her movements were smooth and decisive.
She pulled on the reins, looking down at Xie Daojian standing in the snow, her voice clear and cold, leaving no room for argument.
“Ayu, I appreciate your kindness, but you can keep the tiger and bear for yourself. I don’t need them. As for the marriage,” she paused, her gaze sharp, “I will absolutely not consider it. I’m not going to keep you company!”
After saying that, she spurred her horse, and the steed neighed, raising a cloud of dust as it galloped away into the depths of the forest without looking back, leaving only a resolute silhouette before disappearing into the dense woods.
Xie Daojian stood still and did not give chase.
He simply watched the direction she disappeared in silence. The gentleness and helplessness he had been deliberately maintaining on his face gradually faded, and a hint of obsessive determination slowly emerged deep in his eyes.
He hated, he hated Pei Xuanlin to death.
That annoying third party, Pei Xuanlin, how come you're still alive in Jiangnan!
Xie Daojian bent down, pulled the arrow that belonged to Ling Zhenli from the white fox, then pulled out his own arrow, and then picked up the dead white fox and carefully brushed off the snowflakes.
How pitiful.
Just like him.
...
Ling Zhenli spurred her horse deep into the forest, leaving Xie Daojian and his recent discomfort behind.
The cold wind whistled past her ears, and the restlessness in her heart lingered for a long time.
Xie Daojian's appearance caught her off guard. She hadn't figured out how to face him yet. Her past infatuation had been worn away by time, and he deserved someone better.
Just as she was feeling uneasy, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from behind her again.
Ling Zhenli instantly became alert, turned around sharply, and her fingers were already on the bowstring.
It's Xue Haoting.
He was dressed in a sky-blue outfit, with obvious worry in his eyes, and hurriedly caught up with her, walking side by side.
“Ah Li,” Xue Haoting caught his breath, his tone filled with reproach and concern, “Why did you run so deep alone? This hunting ground is teeming with ferocious beasts, it’s no joke, how could you handle it alone? Just now I saw Xie Daojian seem to be coming in this direction as well, did he give you any trouble?”
When Ling Zhenli saw that it was Xue Haoting, her tense nerves relaxed slightly, but when she heard the second half of his sentence, she couldn't help but frown and roll her eyes in annoyance.
"Is Xie Daojian more frightening than jackals and tigers?"
"That's not necessarily true."
"Of course I know how powerful wild beasts are, otherwise why would I come here to hunt them, just to sightsee and enjoy the snow?"
She paused, a hint of sarcasm in her voice, "You're worried about me now?"
Xue Haoting was taken aback by her words, a hint of embarrassment flashing across his face before turning into helplessness: "Of course I'm worried about you. Those ferocious beasts are not something one person can handle alone. How can you manage by yourself?"
"Then you can help me with that," Ling Zhenli said bluntly and decisively, even with a hint of impatience. "Aren't you just waiting for me to say that?"
Xue Haoting looked at Ling Zhenli's cold yet exceptionally sharp profile and smiled. His smile was somewhat complex, but more so it was one of indulgence and approval.
“You’re right, that’s what I’ve been waiting to hear. Let’s go, I’ll go hunting with you, we’re going to make a big splash.”
Without another word, the two rode side by side in perfect unison, exploring deeper into the forest.
With Xue Haoting by her side, Ling Zhenli felt a little more at ease. At least, she wasn't alone when facing wild beasts.
Even if I die, I can take someone down with me.
However, the coincidences of fate are always unexpected.
They hadn't gone far when a group of about ten people appeared in a clearing in the woods ahead. They were dressed in fine clothes and had bright saddles and bridles, and they were noisily hunting a herd of deer.
The leader was about twenty-three or twenty-four years old. His face bore a resemblance to that of the former Princess Roujia, and his brows carried the arrogance unique to members of the imperial family.
He was none other than the Prince of Shunyi, the elder brother of Princess Roujia.
Ling Zhenli's gaze instantly turned cold, as if it were covered with a layer of ice.
Xue Haoting also saw the Shunyi Prince's entourage. He frowned slightly and said in a low voice, "They are the Shunyi Prince's men."
Ling Zhenli reined in her horse and stopped in place, her gaze fixed on the prince who was riding and laughing in the distance.
A cold and insane thought instantly coiled around her heart like a poisonous vine.
She slowly turned her head to look at Xue Haoting beside her, her eyes flashing with an almost eerie light. She lowered her voice, as if a venomous snake had its eyes on its prey.
"Xue Haoting, in this hunting ground, swords and spears have no eyes, and it's common for stray arrows to injure people, right?"
Xue Haoting's heart skipped a beat, and he instantly understood his sister's intention. His expression changed slightly: "You wouldn't be thinking of..."
Ling Zhenli's eyes were sharp and calm, carrying a chilling ruthlessness.
“He is Pei Zhuo’s older brother. I killed Pei Zhuo. Even if he doesn’t know about it now, there’s no guarantee he won’t find out one day. When that happens, do you think he will let me off the hook? Or let our Xue family off the hook? Let’s take this opportunity to eliminate future troubles.”
Her words were cold and clear, each one filled with calculation and murderous intent. She was nothing like a woman who had just been troubled by love and tried to escape, but more like a female demon who had returned from hell and was vengeful.
Ling Zhenli was well aware of the dangers of being merciful to the enemy and not eliminating them completely.
Back then, it was Xiao Chongheng's momentary lapse of judgment and soft heart that led him to keep her by his side, which resulted in her killing his father and brothers in revenge. She made Xiao Chongheng stumble because of her, and she can't let anyone else suffer the same fate.
To cut the weeds, you must pull them out by the roots.
Xue Haoting felt that Ling Zhenli's personality changed drastically after Pei Xuanlin was deposed and she went completely insane, but she was also eliminating potential threats.
So when he met Ling Zhenli's cold, stubborn, and even slightly frantic pleading eyes, he thought of the endless troubles that Princess Roujia's death might bring, and inexplicably agreed to Ling Zhenli's request.
More importantly, Xue Haoting harbors an almost blind protectiveness towards his own people, coupled with his strange emotional bond with Ling Zhenli, so he will agree to anything she asks.
"Everyone's arrow is different. Are you prepared?"
“I have a few arrows that I didn’t have time to engrave, so I’ll use mine.”
"Then we need to find a secluded place."
Without needing to say anything more, the two of them simultaneously drew their bows and nocked arrows with remarkable tacit understanding.
Using the trees as cover, they quietly adjusted their angle.
Xue Haoting was better at archery and was in charge of shooting, while Ling Zhenli provided support from the side and kept a watchful eye on their surroundings.
The opportunity is fleeting.
Just as the Prince of Shunyi, in pursuit of a deer, slightly strayed from the group and turned sideways towards their direction...
"Whoosh!"
A fully charged arrow, like a summons from the King of Hell, tore through the cold air and shot straight ahead with astonishing accuracy and speed.
The arrow pierced the throat of the Prince of Shunyi with unparalleled accuracy!
Before he could even utter a sound, the smile on his face froze instantly, turning into extreme shock and pain. He suddenly fell off his horse and crashed heavily into the snow, blood gushing out and quickly staining a large patch of white snow red.
"The Prince?!"
"An assassin!"
"Guards! Guards!"
The Prince of Shunyi's entourage was stunned for a moment before they reacted, and were immediately plunged into panic and chaos. Exclamations and the neighing of horses mingled together, instantly breaking the silence of the forest.
At this moment, Xue Haoting and Ling Zhenli had already sheathed their bows, turned their horses around, and disappeared silently into the depths of the dense forest like ghosts, as if they had never appeared at all.
...
The devastating news that the Prince of Shunyi had been shot in the throat and killed instantly in the royal hunting grounds quickly reached the main tent area of the hunting camp.
The originally noisy and festive atmosphere froze instantly, replaced by an eerie silence and panic.
The imperial relatives, nobles, and ministers looked at each other, their faces filled with shock and disbelief.
Such a horrific assassination occurred at a hunting festival attended by the emperor himself, and the victim was a prince.
When the news reached Emperor Pei Chang'er's tent, she was listening to a female official report on the initial results of the hunt.
Upon hearing the news, her hand holding the teacup paused slightly, then she slowly put it down. Her face showed little shock, but rather a deep, coldness.
Almost instantly upon hearing the news, a name clearly surfaced in her mind.
Xue Yingyue.
This damned woman has recently killed Pei Chanlian, Yang Chongzheng, and Xiao Huanzheng in succession. Her methods are ruthless and her anger is deep. Who else but her could be so deranged?
To kill someone on the hunting grounds—that takes real audacity.
Pei Shang'er's eyes were deep. She was almost certain that Xue Yingyue was responsible, but she couldn't bring herself to accuse her.
The informants all said that it was an arrow without any markings, which meant that the assassin was prepared. Arrows from the Prime Minister's residence are all marked with the character "Xue". Besides, how could Xue Wenmian allow his daughter to be harmed?
Although the Prince of Shunyi is not particularly talented, he is not particularly wicked either. In particular, he is the son of Prince Duanhuai, Pei Chang'er's uncle. If this matter is not handled properly, it will surely cause turmoil within the imperial clan.
However, the court cannot do without Xue Wenmian now. With Pei Xuanlin pressing forward from the outside, it needs Chen Rao's men to fight. Chen Rao wields immense power in the court, and the court needs the powerful clans led by Xue Wenmian to check and balance him.
Furthermore, the national treasury is empty, and the government affairs are complicated. Many matters still need Xue Wenmian to handle. If his daughter is harmed now, especially with such a serious crime as assassinating a prince, Xue Wenmian will definitely harbor resentment even if he does not rebel. He may even feign illness and stay away from home, which will make the situation in the court even more difficult.
After weighing the pros and cons, a resolute glint flashed in Pei Chang'er's eyes. She raised her gaze and whispered a few instructions to the trusted eunuch beside her.
Within half a day, the official investigating the matter rushed to report that suspicious arrows had been found at the scene. Upon investigation, it was found that the arrows belonged to a low-ranking officer who had been punished by the Prince of Shunyi for gambling debts. The officer confessed that he was holding a grudge and took advantage of the chaos of the hunt to retaliate. He claimed that the arrows were indiscriminate and that the attack was caused by the indiscriminate use of weapons. Unfortunately, the investigation was uncovered, and he has now committed suicide out of fear of punishment.
Although the explanation was full of loopholes, it was enough to silence public opinion and give the royal family a barely acceptable explanation.
Although some people may have doubts, they can only accept this result for the time being under the emperor's tough stance.
When Ling Zhenli and Xue Haoting returned to the camp as if nothing had happened, carrying some spoils of their hunt, they heard the results of this investigation.
"The investigation went really fast..."
The brother and sister exchanged a knowing glance, both feeling a sense of relief followed by a deeper chill.
"This may be the emperor's intention; the emperor does not want to investigate this matter further."
They knew that such a flimsy excuse, coming out in such a short time, must have been the work of the emperor.
Ling Zhenli laughed: "Isn't it good that she doesn't want to delve into it? I should thank her."
Pei Shang'er covered up their crimes, but this was not out of kindness, but out of political considerations.
"You two unfilial sons! Where have you run off to again!"
As soon as he returned to his tent, he was met with Xue Wenmian's anger and accusations.
"Alright, the children are back safe and sound, why are you being so fierce? Come here, Ah Li, you must be freezing. It's quite frightening to say, someone actually died in the hunting grounds. Although arrows in the hunting grounds don't have eyes, they still hit the Prince of Shunyi squarely in the neck. It's been many years since such a serious person has died in a hunt."
While rambling on, Cui Yuerong helped Ling Zhenli and Xue Haoting remove their armor and put on warm, soft cloaks.
"Mother, I'm hungry."
Xue Haoting was just smiling and trying to cheat his way out of it when Xue Wenmian saw through his trick instantly.
"What are you hungry for? Weren't you hungry when you were killing people? Was it an arrow to the throat, or a one-hit kill technique your uncle taught you? Tell me, did you two run out and kill people?"
Seeing this, Ling Zhenli took the initiative to admit: "Father, my brother and I killed the person, but it was for the sake of the entire Xue family. Pei Shang'er used our family as a pawn, making me kill the younger sister of the Prince of Shunyi. How could the Prince of Shunyi not know? He will avenge his sister and brother-in-law's family sooner or later. My brother and I were just taking precautions."
Xue Wenmian was both angry and speechless: "How dare you say that! Xue Yingyue, Xue Haoting, from now on you two are not allowed to step out of the camp! Just stay here obediently, so as not to go out and cause trouble again."
"Yes, Father."
Seeing this, Cui Yuerong knew that Xue Wenmian was not really angry, so she took Xue Wenmian's hand and tried to smooth things over: "The children are hungry. We have some freshly stewed mutton soup. Let's all have a taste together."
Since Cui Yuerong had spoken, Xue Wenmian didn't say anything more and let Xue Haoting and Ling Zhenli go.
The hunting competition was abruptly ended due to the death of the Prince of Shunyi.
According to the established rites, the funeral of a prince should be held in a grand and magnificent manner, and for a moment everyone's attention was drawn to it.
After this incident, Ling Zhenli and Xue Hao realized that the limelight was too great, so they dared not make any further moves for the time being. They could only stay obediently in the mansion, as if everything had nothing to do with them.
However, the tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease.
On the very day of the Prince's funeral, an imperial edict quietly reached the Xue residence, summoning Ling Zhenli to the palace for an audience.
Ling Zhenli knew perfectly well that what was meant to happen would happen.
She straightened her clothes and calmly followed the eunuch to the Taiji Hall, a place she had visited countless times.
Outside, it was freezing cold, but inside the Taiji Hall, it was warm and cozy, with the golden beast exhaling fragrance.
Pei Shang'er was not wearing a dragon robe, but only casual clothes. She sat leisurely on a soft couch covered with a white tiger skin, playing with a jade ruyi in her hand.
When Ling Zhenli entered, she raised her eyes, her gaze calm yet carrying an invisible pressure.
"Your humble servant pays respects to Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty!" Ling Zhenli bowed respectfully, her voice steady.
Pei Shang'er did not immediately tell her to get up, but looked her over for a moment before slowly speaking, her tone revealing neither joy nor anger: "Xue Yingyue, what do you think of this Taiji Hall?"
Ling Zhenli was slightly taken aback, not understanding what he meant, so she could only answer truthfully: "Your Majesty's Taiji Palace is naturally extraordinary and incomparable to ordinary ones."
“Yes,” Pei Chang’er chuckled lightly, but her laughter was icy cold. “Standing at the pinnacle of power, the view is naturally beautiful, so there are always people who covet it, and there are always people who will do anything to climb up, and even try to drag those above down.”
She paused, her gaze sharp as a knife, then suddenly shot towards Ling Zhenli, her tone abruptly turning piercing: "Xue Yingyue, how dare you! You even dare to openly assassinate a member of the royal family. Are you planning to kill the emperor next?"
Ling Zhenli knew that Pei Shang'er had actually guessed everything, but she still obediently bowed her head and forced herself to remain calm.
"Your Majesty, I have never had such a rebellious thought."
"Never?" Pei Chang'er's lips curled into a mocking smile. "You know how the Prince of Shunyi died, and I know it too. Haven't you had enough blood on your hands lately? Is there anything you wouldn't dare to do?"
Ling Zhenli knelt on the cold carpet, her fingers slightly curled, her nails digging into her palms. She knew that Pei Shang'er was giving her a warning.
"Your Majesty, I have always been loyal to my duties and dare not disobey you. I have been reflecting on my actions at home recently and have never forgotten your teachings."
"You don't need to make excuses anymore."
Pei Shang'er interrupted her, her tone returning to its usual calm, which only made Ling Zhenli's heart pound even harder.
"I summoned you here today not to hear your explanation, nor to punish you, but simply to tell you something."
She stood up, slowly walked to Ling Zhenli, and looked down at her.
"Your good husband, Pei Xuanlin, is making great strides in Jiangnan, winning battle after battle. My cities are falling one after another. At this rate, it's probably only a matter of time before he takes back the capital."
Upon hearing Pei Xuanlin's name, Ling Zhenli's heart skipped a beat, and a glint of light involuntarily flashed in her eyes.
Pei Shang'er accurately caught this slight change in her emotions, and her sneer intensified.
"Aren't you very happy, feeling that you've finally made it through, and that once Pei Xuanlin conquers the country and becomes emperor, you can become empress?"
Ling Zhenli pursed her lips, not daring to answer.
Pei Shang'er leaned down, her voice low, yet each word struck Ling Zhenli's heart like a hammer blow.
"Don't forget, you're still in my hands. If I want to use you to threaten him, I have plenty of ways. I can tie you up and send you to the front lines. Let's see if Pei Xuanlin will hesitate to use you against me then."
Ling Zhenli's face turned deathly pale instantly.
Is this crazy woman really going to make an example of her?
“However,” Pei Shang’er straightened up, her tone carrying an almost condescending arrogance, “I disdain to do that. I am also a woman, and I know that using women to manipulate things is not the behavior of a wise ruler. If I want to defeat him, I will win fair and square on the battlefield, not by relying on women.”
Pei Chang'er changed the subject, her gaze turning cold and sharp once again.
"Xue Yingyue, you'd better stay obediently in your Prime Minister's residence. If you dare to act lawlessly again and cause me trouble..." Her voice suddenly turned icy, "Even if it means turmoil in the court, even if I don't have Xue Wenmian's help, I will kill you immediately, do you understand?"
Ling Zhenli knew that Pei Shang'er was not bluffing. Under the crushing weight of absolute imperial power, all her scheming and ruthlessness seemed laughable and fragile.
She lowered her head, suppressing all her emotions, and finally squeezed out a sentence through gritted teeth.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I understand. I will follow Your Majesty's teachings and thank Your Majesty for your great kindness."
Although unwilling, Ling Zhenli had no choice but to submit to Pei Shang'er's authority.
Pei Shang'er watched with satisfaction as she submitted, then waved her hand as if shooing away a fly: "Good that you understand. Go back now and behave yourself, or I might let you live a few more days. Don't force me to kill you."
Ling Zhenli stood up, head bowed, and slowly retreated from the magnificent yet oppressive Taiji Hall.
The icy wind lashed wildly against her face, and her heart felt as cold and heavy as the wind.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
