Instead of ordering her to commit suicide, she was suddenly given this enormous power, which, though without official rank, would bring her no benefit whatsoever, whether she performed well or poorly.
If she truly finds out the real culprit, that's her skill. Aside from the 50,000 divine soldiers who disappeared because of her mother's death, it's also her skill that's at play...
The emperor will be even more wary.
If the real culprit is not found, it means she is useless. If she wants to make a living in Beirong, her chances are slim. In the future, she will only be a pawn in someone else's game.
Moreover, the Emperor's decree not only left people puzzled, but also silenced the gossip and made people know how much he cared for Xie Lingqin and Zongzheng Shao, the daughter left behind by her mother.
The Emperor's move...
That's really high!
"What, do you not believe in yourself, or are you so excited that you forgot to express your gratitude?" The Emperor laughed heartily.
Xie Lingqin quickly composed herself and immediately became flustered, "Your Majesty, I just feel that this is too unexpected..."
"Can you do it well?"
Can it be done or not?
"Your Majesty, I will do my best."
Xie Lingqin knew this was the answer the Emperor wanted.
As expected, the Emperor nodded, signaling Eunuch Ni to accept the imperial edict.
"I will have this decree delivered to the General's Mansion later. However, I would like to ask if anything happened when you went to Lanxie Palace with Prince Xian just now?" The Emperor asked seemingly casually, but his gaze, which was slightly hidden in his tea, was actually very meaningful.
Without hesitation, Xie Lingqin rose and bowed to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, may I tell the truth about this matter?"
The Emperor put down his teacup, his gaze darkening with a hint of anticipation. "Tell me," he said.
"Nothing particularly special happened, but I find it strange. In the past, the Prince Xian disliked me intensely, and Consort Lan also disliked me. Yet today, they took the initiative to invite me and were exceptionally polite. I am actually quite uneasy about this."
Of course, one cannot tell the truth in front of the emperor, but one also cannot tell all lies.
Moreover, Xie Lingqin believed that the Emperor had not been blinded by Consort Lan and Prince Xian's schemes.
After listening to Xie Lingqin's words, the Emperor stood up and slapped his chair. "My son is naturally refined and has the demeanor of a gentleman. Perhaps he didn't want to be too enthusiastic about your sister and neglect you. You should be happy and don't need to worry."
"If that's the case, then I'm relieved." Xie Lingqin quickly bowed, and as she lowered her head, she could only say that the Emperor was indeed a cunning and shrewd old man.
At this moment, she was thinking, over the years, the Emperor seemed to dote on Consort Lan and Prince Xian, and even made an exception by bestowing a prince title upon Yuwen Xian before he had abdicated. Was this really love?
Otherwise, if he truly loved the Prince Xian, would he have allowed her to investigate the Second Concubine's affairs at this time?
That's Xie Lingyu's mother, and someone whose reputation is tarnished and whose behavior has led to her expulsion from the General's Mansion. If she investigates this, won't she escalate the situation? Won't that implicate Xie Lingyu and Yuwen Xian as well?
"Very well, the reason I summoned you to the palace today is for this matter. As for Xie Lingyu, she was only summoned because Consort Lan had begged me to give her some face. So, you may leave now."
The Emperor waved his hand, and Eunuch Ni immediately stepped forward and led Xie Lingqin out of the Imperial Study.
"Congratulations, Miss Xie. Now that you have this power, you can clear your name, restore your innocence, and silence the gossip." Under the eaves of the long hall, Eunuch Ni bowed and smiled obsequiously.
Xie Lingqin nodded slightly. "You flatter me, Your Excellency. This matter is likely to be troublesome to investigate. I hope I will not fail His Majesty's trust."
"Miss, there's no need for such modesty. The Emperor entrusted this matter to you because he trusts you."
This Eunuch Ni is no ordinary man. It is said that serving a ruler is like serving a tiger, but he has survived from the emperor's ascension to the present day. He should not be underestimated.
"Hmm." So Xie Lingqin gave a soft "hmm," and stopped talking just in time.
Moreover, this good show is about to begin. How can she find an opportunity to get rid of Eunuch Ni and go to Xie Lingyu on her own?
This matter...
"This is……"
As Xie Lingqin was pondering this, she heard a familiar voice from ahead.
When Xie Lingqin looked up, she saw the Crown Prince in an apricot-yellow robe, his head adorned with a jade crown, his majestic and elegant bearing shining brightly in the sunlight.
"This old servant greets Your Highness."
"No need."
"This humble woman greets the Crown Prince." In front of outsiders, Xie Lingqin realized what was happening and immediately bowed.
"So it's you. Have you improved your chess skills in the past few days?" Yuwen Yao stepped forward slowly, his tone cold.
However, no one noticed the dark look that crossed the Crown Prince's eyes as he glanced at the obvious redness and swelling on Xie Lingqin's forehead.
Xie Lingqin found the Crown Prince's cold tone rather grating, but knowing the current situation, she quickly said in a low voice, "I can play chess with the Crown Prince another day. On that day, when we were united in the world, the Crown Prince helped me, and I am grateful."
"Dare to accept me? Perfect timing, I've lost something, can you help me find it?"
"This... I am on my way to find my younger sister and leave the palace with her, so..."
"Let's go together." Before Xie Lingqin could finish speaking, the Crown Prince had already turned around.
Xie Lingqin could only glance helplessly at Eunuch Ni, "Eunuch Ni, I'll go now."
Eunuch Ni waved his hand with a smile on his face, "Then, this old servant will not see Miss Xie off." After saying that, he turned around and quickly withdrew.
Xie Lingqin glanced around before quickly following the Crown Prince with Zihe.
"The Emperor actually ordered me to investigate the case and granted me enormous privileges, did you know that?"
Xie Lingqin got straight to the point.
Yuwen Yao glanced at her but remained silent.
"No wonder you told me before to let things take their course, because you knew I had to accept it?"
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