All the relevant figures sat in the front hall of the Zong government building, deep in thought, ready for action.
However, as night deepened and dawn broke through the clouds, the Crown Prince, having sat for a long time, felt chilly and still had not set foot in the Zongzheng government.
But no one seemed impatient.
Meanwhile, in Zongzhengxu's courtyard, Zongzhenghao and Yu Ruyi had finally managed to coax Old Master Zong to sleep, but they themselves had also spent the entire night without sleep.
Of course, there's also Xie Lingqin.
"Lingqin, you haven't returned to the General's Mansion all night. I hope nothing bad has happened."
Zongzheng Hao was worried about the situation in his own household, but he was more concerned about Xie Lingqin.
Xie Lingqin smiled faintly and waved her hand, "Uncle, don't worry. With such a big incident happening in the Zong government, it's only right that I stay here. If there really was something wrong, Father would have sent someone to urge me to come long ago."
That's true.
“However, you set off at noon yesterday and did not arrive at the Zong government until late at night. Your uncle is worried that Li Junru might use this as an excuse. After all, if your reputation is damaged, even if your cousin gets away with it, your uncle will still be held responsible.”
Xie Lingqin smiled gently, glancing sideways at Yu Ruyi and Zong Zhengxu, who, though seriously injured, was also looking at her from the bed. Instead, she remained calm. "Uncle, don't worry. I'm just waiting for Li Junru to bring this up. As long as he dares to..."
The girl was calm and resolute, her starry eyes shone brightly, and her jade-like face was like a garden of flowers in a secluded valley, indescribable yet encompassing many qualities.
Even though Zongzheng Hao was middle-aged, he had to admit that he was truly impressed. "Lingqin, you are indeed worthy of being my sister's daughter."
Xie Lingqin lowered her eyes, looking somewhat embarrassed as she glanced towards the bed. "I'm glad you don't blame me, cousin. I only told you and my uncle and aunt half of the plan before, because I was afraid you would slip up. At the same time, I also wanted you to see the Seventh Princess's true colors. You know, if you were to soften your heart and stop me, then all our efforts would be in vain."
Zong Zhengxu shook his head. "I don't blame you, Lingqin. I understand your good intentions. However, there is something I must tell you. Although it is a little difficult to say, just in case, I am not trying to hide it from you, including Father and Mother."
Xie Lingqin's eyes narrowed, and she exchanged a glance with Zong Zhenghao and Yu Ruyi beside her, all looking at Zong Zhengxu.
Zongzheng Xu closed his eyes, sighed, and a hint of melancholy crept into his handsome features. "I have been married to the princess for several years, but in fact, I have never had any physical intimacy with her. Moreover, there is something I only recently learned by chance..."
Xie Lingqin's breathing became heavy as she listened to Zong Zhengxu's words.
"That is..."
...
Finally, daylight broke.
Once you step out of the bustling streets, you can hear people talking about their conversations in twos and threes.
It was nothing more than the matter of the Seventh Princess's affair with the young master Li from the Ministry of War's residence last night.
How can one suppress the whispers of the masses?
At this moment, the Crown Prince's carriage finally arrived at the gate of the Zong Government amidst everyone's anticipation and curiosity.
Everyone wants to know how this matter will be resolved.
Without anyone to greet him, the Crown Prince entered the residence with his personal guards, his face expressionless.
He wore a black robe, had a straight nose, and sword-like eyebrows that reached his temples. He was so noble and handsome, with unparalleled beauty and a captivating aura.
Even if it weren't for the women, it seems that men, regardless of age, couldn't help but take a second look.
"Crown Prince..."
"There's no need for formalities, everyone. I've already investigated, and the matter is as described. There are witnesses and all the evidence. I've come here simply to find a solution."
Yuwen Yao strode in, walked to the head of the table, lifted his robe and sat down, his eyelids slightly raised, like a king looking down upon the world.
It seemed that his words had already made a definitive conclusion.
This imposing manner was something Yuwen Xian disliked, and even envied.
The Empress is clearly out of favor and holds the title of Empress in vain, and the Crown Prince is also out of favor and holds the title of Crown Prince in vain, so why has Yuwen Yao been able to keep his emotions hidden all these years?
He seemed to have no weaknesses.
"Your Highness, I dare not comment on the matter of the Seventh Princess, but Li Junru, in order to frame the young master Zongzheng, actually disguised himself as a thief and kidnapped my daughter. If it weren't for the young master Zongzheng's self-harm to protect his innocence, then my daughter..." The Prefect of the Capital stood up, clasped his hands together, and lowered his head heavily. "This humble official begs Your Highness to uphold justice."
The crown prince's gaze swept around, clearly not settling on any one place, yet it seemed as if he had taken in everyone's eyes. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table without saying a word.
The front hall was completely silent.
After a long while, the Crown Prince's cold and alluring gaze finally settled on the Minister of War. "Minister, what do you say?"
What can the Minister say? The evidence is conclusive, with witnesses and physical evidence.
There was no way to refute it. Even if they wanted to find a breakthrough by talking about the two guards who were about to bully Huo Yanru, who would believe them?
The only thing we can do is... give it a shot.
Therefore, meeting the gaze of the Crown Prince, the Minister of War sighed and looked at Li Junru with a dejected expression.
"Thump." Li Junru immediately stood up and knelt respectfully before the Crown Prince. "Your Highness, this matter must be related to Xie Lingqin, the eldest daughter of the General's Mansion."
“Young Master Li, you tried to harm my son, and now you’re trying to frame my niece. You have quite the nerve.”
Outside the front hall, just as Li Junru finished speaking, Zong Zhenghao, Yu Ruyi, and Xie Lingqin were standing there.
In the air, Xie Lingqin glanced at the head of the room once before looking away.
It's the same; I still can't see through it.
Li Junru glared angrily at Xie Lingqin, pointing his finger at her. "I have never had an affair with the princess. Tonight's events must have been caused by Xie Lingqin drugging me." Li Junru raised his head as he spoke. "If you don't believe me, ask her. She clearly set off for the Imperial Clan Government at noon. Why did she only arrive late last night? My father has already investigated. The General's Mansion had no idea that she arrived so late last night. In such a short time, if she drugged me, arranged everything, and lured the Prefect of the Capital here, that would be understandable. Lord Imperial Clan Government, perhaps you too have been deceived by Xie Lingqin."
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