Chapter 101 (9,000 words) Xuan Yizhen turns hostile...
The sun was scorching in the morning, and invisible heat waves were surging. Various flags were hung in the streets and markets of the capital, and the shouts of vendors were heard one after another.
In the teahouses along the street, many people were chatting and discussing the court's recent efforts to capture fish monsters.
"Oh my! You don't know how terrifying that scene was! The fish monster was several dozen feet long and could devour a person in one bite. Even swords, spears, and halberds couldn't penetrate it!"
"So, no wonder the fish in the water have become spirits!"
"A thousand-year-old turtle lives for ten thousand years. God knows how long the fish monster has lived. Now that it's showing its might, I'm afraid it won't end well."
Everyone was talking about it. At another table, a sword with a purple orchid tassel was placed. Jiang Yun pinched a peanut between his fingers, laughing freely, and muttered, "Human imagination really is the best storytelling material, isn't it?"
Shangguan Sheng didn't answer. He looked at the rough tea bowls and the peanut shells scattered on the tea table. Someone was even washing their feet with unfinished tea. He frowned and said, "Is Captain Jiang so poor that he can only have tea and talks in a place like this?"
"If the court is willing to subsidize the expenses, I'd also be happy to go to the restaurant and feast." Jiang Yun saw Shangguan Sheng's proud demeanor, a lady from an aristocratic family, but she didn't mind. She smiled playfully, "Do you know why those people wash their feet with tea water?"
"Why should I know that they use tea leaves to wash their feet?" Shangguan Sheng responded meticulously, without any impatience, but also without any interest.
"Because handling cases requires meticulousness, these people are peddlers walking the streets under the sun, and their feet are prone to sweating, smelling and itching. Tea can effectively treat these problems. This can be considered wisdom, but don't misunderstand it as vulgar and indecent." Jiang Yun pinched a peanut with his fingertips and put it into his mouth to chew, speaking seriously with a cynical look.
Shangguan Sheng was slightly stunned. He didn't expect Jiang Yun to see through his thoughts. He turned his head and looked at the people leaving the tea stall. Indeed, most of them were carrying heavy loads. He said, "Your sister-in-law is already a cup of tea late."
Jiang Yun was drinking tea when he saw a smear of lotus root powder in the distance. It looked like clouds in the sky, gorgeous and beautiful. He said jokingly, "Here, the little beauty is coming."
The more he compared them, the more Jiang Yun found that Yin Xing was much more interesting than Shangguan Sheng, at least he was willing to play the supporting role.
"I see that she is dressed in luxurious and exquisite clothes, and even rides a BMW. I wonder which noble family she is from?" Shangguan Sheng asked tentatively when he saw the woman coming on horseback.
"Don't look at her young age. In fact, she has been married for three or four years." As he spoke, Jiang Yun waved to the outside, not wanting to reveal too much.
Yin Xing dismounted and took Xiaoguai to a cool place before sitting at the table. Blinking his eyes, he asked curiously, "Did you catch the alligator?"
Jiang Yun poured tea and handed it over and said, "No, but we suspect we've found its nest, but we're not sure yet."
"That's a lotus pond in a garden, very vast. Since it's a royal garden, we need to learn more about the habits of the alligator to find it, and we must avoid alerting the enemy." Shangguan Sheng spoke concisely, not wanting to waste time and let the mastermind behind the scenes prepare.
Yin Xing took the tea bowl, showing an understanding expression, and asked, "Which royal garden is this?"
"Guang Baiyuan, you should know it." Jiang Yun raised his hand and took a peanut, squeezing the shell and making a crackling sound.
"I know that Guangbaiyuan is a very expensive place." Yin Xing recalled his experience of poverty when he was blocked outside, and suddenly understood why Jiang Yun and the others did not search directly.
The royal gardens are mostly taken care of by princesses and princesses. Xuan Yizheng has to look at their moods and naturally cannot act rashly.
Shangguan Sheng looked at the girl who looked just like Jiang Yun, impoverished, and said, "You don't look poor judging by your clothes."
Jiang Yun nearly choked on the peanuts, thinking that this man was very straightforward and sharp in his words.
Yin Xing responded frankly and clearly, "Actually, I don't have any money. I'm very poor. Especially recently, disasters of varying degrees have occurred in various places, and I'm trying to raise funds for disaster relief."
As a result, Yin Xing discovered that everyone he knew seemed to be very poor, except Xuan Yizhen.
"Hehe, you don't have to be so modest. Guangbai Garden was managed by the eldest princess in the past, and now it is managed by the eldest princess." Jiang Yun felt that if Yin Xing continued talking, her identity would be exposed. After all, Shangguan Sheng was not an idiot.
Apart from the Empress, who else needs to worry about disaster relief and national affairs!
"Okay, I'll take you to Guangbai Garden." Shangguan Sheng glanced at Jiang Yun's sister. She didn't look like someone who talked nonsense. Maybe she really was a kind-hearted lady from a wealthy family.
At this point, Shangguan Sheng had no choice but to pay for it himself.
Jiang Yun immediately picked up his sword and flattered him without hesitation: "As expected of a noble lady from an aristocratic family, thank you very much!"
In fact, Jiang Yun was waiting for Shangguan Sheng to say this. After all, the cost of Guangbaiyuan was really too expensive.
Compared with Guangbaiyuan, the restaurant opened by Su Xuying seems to be of good quality and low price.
Yin Xing replied with an embarrassed look in his eyes: "Thank you."
Shangguan Sheng glanced at the two sisters who looked completely different from each other and said nothing more.
The sound of horse hooves clattered as the three of them soon arrived at the high walls of Guangbai Garden. Shangguan Sheng took the lead, and Yin Xing stepped into the garden for the first time.
However, the secret guards following Yin Xing were stopped. There were many traps at the gate of Guangbai Garden, and arrows were shot without mercy.
Yin Xing didn't know about these things. He followed Jiang Yun and the others and walked through the long path, which was dazzling.
The ground is made of jade, the pillars are made of gold, and all kinds of pearls, jade and gems are dazzling. No wonder this is the royal garden.
Guangbai Garden is divided into different entertainment areas, with winding corridors, beautiful mountains and rivers, elegant courtyards, and a new scene at every step. Yin Xing even feels that this is one of the few gardens that can compare with Xuan Yizheng's villa.
Although the palace is very large, the building, which combines office and residence, tends to be strict and orderly, and is not particularly leisurely and comfortable.
"It is said that this place was once the residence of Queen Wanqi, where she often entertained dignitaries." Jiang Yun glanced at the patrolling guards and lowered his voice.
"Then why did it become the eldest princess's job to take care of it?" Yin Xing came back to his senses and asked.
Jiang Yun shrugged and replied, "I don't know either. Perhaps it's because Empress Wanqi is ill and Princess Zhanghua is young, so they can't take care of it."
As for why Princess Zhanghua still didn't get Guangbai Garden even after she came of age, it was probably because the eldest princess was unwilling to let go of the coveted spot.
The royal family may sound majestic, but in reality they are no different from ordinary people.
If the mother is strong, the daughter will be strong; if the mother is weak, the daughter will be weak. The husband's relatives will naturally want to get a piece of the pie. Human nature has always been like this and has never changed.
Now the empress has given Guangbai Garden to the eldest princess to manage, and she probably doesn't think much of this little bit of meat.
The maid from Guangbai Garden led the way. Shangguan Sheng listened to Jiang Yun and her adopted sister's conversation, but his eyes caught sight of a pair of palace guards. He lowered his voice and said, "Captain Jiang, are these people from the palace?"
Hearing the sound, Jiang Yun regained his composure and looked towards the team of palace guards with a slight startle.
These are not just palace guards, but also the Empress's personal guards!
Jiang Yun immediately glanced at Yin Xing and saw that she was unconscious, confirming that she was unaware of the situation.
So the empress is taking the young man from Xiyuan out for a secret affair. This is really an exciting plot!
"I don't know." Jiang Yun said vaguely.
Shangguan Sheng found this strange, because Jiang Yun was a captain appointed by the empress herself, and was also the palace guard commander in charge of patrols.
Logically, he shouldn't be even more blind than me and unable to recognize the palace guards' uniforms.
"I think it looks like a palace guard too." Yin Xing recognized the palace guards' armor, but he didn't recognize their specific faces.
Jiang Yun was worried that Yin Xing might come to his senses, so he hurriedly said, "This is where dignitaries gather. It's possible that the palace guards are here to deliver orders. The lotus pond is the most important thing. Don't be distracted."
Seeing this, Yin Xing didn't think about it anymore.
Shangguan Sheng looked at Jiang Yun and her sister suspiciously. Not everyone could recognize the palace guards.
But Jiang Yun’s sister was very sure. Could she be a member of the royal family?
But Shangguan Sheng remembered that there was no one in the royal family whose bloodline matched hers.
The three people were confused as they followed the maid from Guangbai Garden into the lotus pond garden. What they saw was the endless green lotus leaves reaching the sky, the clear sky, and the fragrance in the breeze, which was refreshing.
However, Yin Xing smelled a very light smell mixed in, a little fishy, and it was hard to describe the familiarity.
After the maids served various dishes and drinks, Shangguan Sheng waved his hand and refused the performance of the dancers.
Jiang Yun raised his hand and poured a glass of wine. He smelled the mellow aroma, drank it happily, and couldn't help sighing.
Yin Xing tasted the clear and sweet cherry ice drink, and her eyes lit up. It was unexpectedly delicious.
Shangguan Sheng looked at the two men in silence. One was too smooth-talking, the other too ignorant of the ways of the world. He cleared his throat and said, "It's time to get down to business."
"Don't worry, I'll have the strength after I finish eating this roasted chicken leg." Jiang Yun said in a vague voice while tasting the delicious chicken leg with relish.
Yin Xing saw Shangguan Sheng stand up and walk to the waterside of the courtyard. He looked very anxious and serious. He silently put down the plate of soft and glutinous milk cake he was holding and said, "Don't worry. Maybe we should find a high place to overlook the lotus pond. After all, such a big alligator should leave traces."
Since Yin Xing heard Jiang Yun mention the death of Master Shangguan, he naturally knew that Shangguan Sheng was eager for revenge.
Shangguan Sheng then stepped forward and lightly tapped the beam, then jumped up and landed on the corner of the pavilion, overlooking the vast and dense lotus pond.
"It seems that this lotus pond has a special waterway for boating, connecting various lotus-viewing gardens. It is well-connected, like a maze." Jiang Yun's voice suddenly sounded beside him, and Shangguan Sheng realized that this guy had extraordinary skills, but he was completely unaware of it.
"Hey, why did you all go up there?" Yin Xing first looked at Shangguan Sheng in amazement as he turned over quickly, and then he turned his head and found that Jiang Yun was also gone.
As for the roast chicken on the plate, only the chicken butt and a pile of bones were left, which shows how fast Jiang Yun ate!
"How did she get into the Dali Temple if she doesn't know martial arts?" Shangguan Sheng once again expressed his doubts, suspecting that Jiang Yun was hiding something.
"The Dali Temple has a lot of paperwork to do." Jiang Yun explained casually, his eyes sweeping across the pavilions and gardens in the lotus pond, and suddenly paused.
Shangguan Sheng also noticed that a banquet seemed to be set up in the largest pavilion in the lotus pond. He looked around carefully and thought, "Today is the eldest princess' birthday banquet, and all the princesses are gathered for the feast. So the palace guards from earlier were the empress's personal guards. Why did you hide this from your adopted sister?"
Jiang Yun couldn't help but admire Shangguan Sheng's quick thinking. He joked, "I just don't like getting involved with the royal family. Besides, we have other errands."
As he spoke, Yin Xing in the pavilion was unable to climb up the beam even though he was standing on a wooden stool. He could only look up and ask, "What are you looking at?"
"Don't worry, I'll be down soon." Jiang Yun came back to his senses and dealt with it. His eyes swept across the man next to the empress in the courtyard from afar, thinking to himself that he had to worry about Yin Xing!
Not long after, Shangguan Sheng and Jiang Yun jumped down together. He didn't expose her lie and said, "We need to take a light boat to cross the lotus pond. It might be dangerous. You'd better stay where you are."
"But the lotus pond is so big and has so many waterways that the two of you are obviously not enough. Besides, I know a lot about alligators. Their hearing and sense of smell are very sensitive, so maybe I can help you." Yin Xing said kindly.
Jiang Yun looked at the delicate Yin Xing and said, "That alligator is very ferocious and dangerous. Are you sure?"
Yin Xing took out a short blade from his sleeve and replied, "Don't worry, I smelled a familiar fishy smell when I first came here. It seems I smelled a similar smell when I saw the corpse last time."
It’s just that the visual impact of the corpse was too strong at that time, and it was covered by blood, so Yin Xing didn’t pay much attention to it and didn’t remember the smell for a while.
Seeing this, Shangguan Sheng ordered his men to prepare light boats for a cruise on the lake without hesitation.
Jiang Yun said with some concern: "Okay, then you can go with me in the same boat."
After a while, the two boats entered the waterway. Shangguan Sheng explored the other side. Yin Xing looked at the beautiful lotus flowers, standing tall and graceful, and raised his hand to carefully open them to avoid breaking the petals.
The water surface flowed, forming traces. Jiang Yun shook the oars, quite vigilantly, and rarely joking.
Soon, the two boats were submerged in the huge and dense lotus pond. The water was gurgling, and the oars slid on the water, making a muffled sound.
The bright sunlight scattered on the water surface, forming a golden halo. The light boat slid through the waterway, causing ripples. Deep below, a giant creature slowly swung its long tail, and its majestic dark eyes blinked, revealing a layer of transparent pupils, which was full of danger.
The sound of water gurgling and the swaying of wine reflected the light. The eldest princess raised her glass and said respectfully, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for coming to the banquet in person to congratulate us."
The third princess drank tea and looked up at Gong Yangluo who was standing next to Xuan Yizhen. He was handsome, elegant, and tall. In comparison, Yin Xing did seem too feminine.
It’s a pity that I didn’t meet Yin Xing today, otherwise the third princess would definitely be able to carefully identify and observe Yin Xing’s true identity.
That person looked so pure and innocent. If she was really a girl, then her words must have been all lies. Thinking of this, the third princess took a deep breath and couldn't help but feel angry and embarrassed!
Seeing that her sisters had a rare private meeting today, the Fourth Princess also spoke to the Second Princess, saying, "The jade Buddha statue you sent me this time is very exquisite. Second Princess put a lot of effort into finding it."
After all, although the second princess had a blood feud with the other two princesses, it had nothing to do with her.
"This jade Buddha has been enshrined in the temple for many years, so it is quite spiritual." The second princess responded gently, holding the ruby Zen beads on her wrist, but her eyes swept across the broad lotus pond, and the smile in her eyes did not reach her eyes.
After the words fell, the Third Princess said with disdain: "Given Second Princess's temperament, who knows what evil intentions the Jade Bodhisattva is hiding. Fourth Princess, it's better not to believe everything she hears."
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere at the banquet in the pavilion became strange. The Fourth Princess knew how prosperous the Third Princess's business was and did not want to offend her, so she could only smile bitterly. She did not deny it, but she was also reluctant to agree with it.
Because of the Second Princess's thoughts and tactics, he couldn't afford to offend her.
In the quiet place, the empress, sitting on the high platform, spoke slowly and calmly: "Today is a happy occasion, so it is better to be harmonious."
"Yes." Everyone responded, and the third princess stopped talking. She raised her hand and fiddled with the jewels between her bracelets, her face full of contempt.
Everyone here wants the other person to die quickly, but Xuan Yizheng pretends to be magnanimous.
But everyone knew that Xuan Yi was really interested in raising funds for disaster relief, and among them, his own and the eldest princess's business and financial resources were the most prominent.
As for the second princess, that person's business strategy has always been to keep a low profile and make money quietly.
But the third princess was sure that the second princess must have had some secret ways to make money over the years, otherwise how could she have caused so many troubles.
Inside the pavilion, string music played slowly, and everything seemed to have returned to a normal banquet. Gong Yangluo looked at the beautiful empress, but still couldn't guess what she was thinking.
The position of queen is still undecided. There are many disputes in the Western Garden over this, but the empress turns a deaf ear to it and it is really difficult to understand her intentions.
While everyone in this pavilion pretended to be ignorant, the original iron net was forcibly pushed aside in the deep lotus pond on the other side, leading to a deeper part.
Yin Xing stared at the water like a frightened bird, gripping the short blade tightly in his hand. He said, "The smell is getting stronger and stronger."
"Are you scaring yourself?" Jiang Yun rowed the boat, but he couldn't hear any unusual movement.
Martial artists generally have strong internal strength and can more easily discern the movements around them.
"Crocodile are very good at sneak attacks. They can even control their heartbeat and breathing rate, and use branches and other objects to conceal their appearance to hunt." Yin Xing looked at the duckweed floating on the water. It was so dense that it was easy to make a wrong judgment within the field of vision.
"So, it may have discovered our presence?" Jiang Yun was shocked by what Yin Xing said. He remembered that when he caught it that night, the crocodile seemed to understand the intention and lay dormant all night, very cunning.
Yin Xing nodded in response. "I've heard that alligators have a very keen sense of smell and can distinguish and classify subtle chemical substances."
Jiang Yun slowly slid the boat and asked in confusion, "What are the chemicals?"
"It's probably some kind of extracted medicinal ingredient." Yin Xing thought for a while and explained.
As soon as he finished speaking, the boat was suddenly lifted up by a sudden force and tilted unexpectedly.
Yin Xing’s eyes went dark, he fell into the water, and his heart stopped beating!
After Yin Xing swung his arms to grab the boat, he looked out at the disturbed green pool. It was eerily quiet, and he asked in a trembling voice, "Jiang Yun?"
The words fell into silence. Oh no, Jiang Yun can't swim!
Then Yin Xing took a deep breath and dived into the water. He saw a ball of water plants entangled in it, and quickly cut the water plants with a short blade.
Soon, there was the sound of splashing water. Jiang Yun exhaled a long breath and said in a rather embarrassed tone, "This guy actually attacked by surprise. He's really a demon!"
Yin Xing climbed onto the boat, twisting her dress with her hands, her palms trembling slightly. Seeing that Jiang Yun was still in good spirits and not injured, she said in a soothing tone, "You seem to be a little better at swimming than when you were in Tianchuan."
"Luckily, I have learned some water-treading skills from Shangguan Sheng these days, otherwise I would have been killed by it in one go." Jiang Yun raised his hand to wipe away the water droplets sliding down his forehead, and suddenly paused, only to realize that according to the agreement, Shangguan Sheng should have reunited with the two of them!
Jiang Yun immediately stood up, tapped his toes, and looked out at the vast and lush lotus pond with a solemn expression.
Yin Xing watched Jiang Yunluo return to the boat and asked worriedly, "What happened?"
"I suspect Shangguan Sheng was also attacked. You..."
"Bang!"
Jiang Yun was attacked by a huge figure and knocked into the bottom of the water, with water splashing around him. Yin Xing was so frightened that he lost his mind!
When Yin Xing came to his senses, he saw blood flowing on the calm water surface, and he felt as cold as if he had fallen into an ice cave.
Drops of bright red blood fell onto the white paper. Liu Ci in the palace paused, lowered his eyes and looked at the thin but sharp paper in front of him, feeling uneasy.
The sun was shining brightly outside the window, and the dense lotus pond reflected interlaced shadows. Yin Xing paddled the boat, trying to find someone for help.
But the lotus pond was very deep, and the oars were not easy to use. The boat moved crookedly. Yin Xing shouted until his voice was hoarse, but there was no response. He couldn't help but fall into despair.
I should have left one person to ask for help. Yin Xing was full of regret, his eyes were red, and he couldn't imagine how to explain Jiang Yun's matter to Liu Ci.
At this time, the boat seemed to have reached the shore. Yin Xing raised his hand to lift up the broad lotus leaves, looked up at the foundation stones and railings of the pavilion, and hurriedly wanted to climb up.
"Who!" A scolding voice rang out of nowhere. The housekeeper looked out and saw a beautiful and lovely girl in the lotus pond under the railing.
"There are crocodiles in the water, and some of our people have been attacked. Please tell the authorities or the court immediately!" Yin Xing spoke without delay.
Unexpectedly, the housekeeper's expression suddenly changed, and she refuted, "Nonsense! This is Guangbai Garden, which is managed by the eldest princess. How could there be a piranha monster here? Someone, shut her up!"
Yin Xing opened his eyes wide in disbelief, and then watched them throw a rope to catch him before he reacted.
The eldest princess’s people may know about the crocodile, and she is the mastermind behind it!
At this time, two people jumped into the boat. It was obvious that they had bad intentions and were about to attack. Yin Xing immediately grabbed the short blade to defend himself.
Blood splattered as someone injured their arm and fell into the water. Yin Xing looked at the approaching man and said nervously, "If anything happens to the noble daughter of the Shangguan family, you, Guangbaiyuan, will never be free from responsibility!"
"Are you from the Shangguan family?" The housekeeper was hesitant. She had not expected that the noble ladies of the four great families would be involved. This was not easy to deal with.
"That's right, there is also Captain Jiang who was appointed by the Empress herself, so it's best to send people to search and rescue immediately, otherwise you will be in big trouble!" Yin Xing pretended to be calm, but in fact his palms were shaking with nervousness and he almost couldn't hold the hilt of the knife.
If the eldest princess wanted to cover up the matter of raising crocodiles, she would most likely be killed to silence her, and Jiang Yun and Shangguan Sheng would have no chance at all.
Just as the housekeeper was hesitating, someone in the corridor spoke arrogantly, "The housekeepers of Guangbai Garden are so lazy. They really don't discipline them properly."
The third princess felt the banquet was boring so she came out to get some fresh air. She casually glanced at the maids' expressions and felt something was wrong. She then jumped over the railing to look at the pool, only to see a familiar face.
But at this moment, this person was in a very miserable state, with water droplets and green grass entangled in his lotus root powder clothes. He looked at me with pity, but he was holding a sharp blade in his hand, which was very interesting.
The Third Princess carefully observed Youyou and asked, "What's going on?"
The housekeeper lost her previous domineering attitude and quickly responded humbly, "This man has trespassed into the lotus pond and is acting mad. I will order someone to deal with him right away."
As she was speaking, the housekeeper winked, and another maid took the opportunity to grab Yin Xing's short blade, clamped it, and covered her mouth and nose.
"How dare you! Are you looking for death?" The third princess threatened without getting angry, and the man immediately stopped his rude actions.
Then the third princess signaled the maid beside her to step over the railing and bring the person into the pavilion.
Yin Xing was still a little stunned, her face pale as she stared at the jeweled Third Princess. She quickly said, "There really are alligators in this lotus pond. Jiang Yun, Shangguan Sheng, and the others are in danger."
"Is this true?" The third princess was a little surprised.
"Well, I can guarantee it with my life. I am not lying." Yin Xing responded without hesitation.
Yin Xing, who thought that the third princess would be kind-hearted, looked at her with hope.
But the Third Princess just casually looked at the dense lotus pond and said slowly: "This seems to have nothing to do with me."
"Human life is at stake, how can it not matter?" Yin Xing spoke with a fluctuating heart, rarely showing anger.
"Is this the attitude you should have when asking me for favors?" The third princess raised her hand to fiddle with the jewelry bracelet and asked arrogantly.
Yin Xing couldn't tell for a moment whether the Third Princess recognized him or not. Glancing at the housekeeper and the maid, he could only say, "Okay, I won't bother you then."
Since the third princess is unwilling to help, we can only leave Guangbai Garden first, otherwise it will be easy to silence her.
Yin Xing wanted to take a step forward immediately, but he couldn't move because the third princess's maid pressed down on his arm and shoulder blade and removed the short blade.
The Third Princess scoffed softly and took a slight step. The hem of her skirt, embroidered with jeweled peony patterns, swayed, emitting a dazzling light. She looked down from above and said, "If you want to leave, it won't be that easy."
Then Yin Xing was taken away from the pavilion garden. The housekeeper was at a loss, wondering how the third princess was related to the Shangguan family?
Forget it, the most urgent thing now is to report the crocodile incident to the eldest princess.
The third princess on the other side ordered her men to bring Yin Xing to the house by the lotus pond, intending to interrogate him thoroughly.
Yin Xing was already wearing wet clothes, and now entering the room with the ice mirror, he couldn't help but shudder. He looked up at the Third Princess sitting on the high seat and said, "Are you shielding the First Princess who is plotting something bad?"
"I will never protect a person who almost caused my death." The third princess held the wine cup with her fingertips and met Yin Xing's clear round eyes. She wanted to take it out on her, but she couldn't feel much anger when she saw her.
"Then why don't you let me report to the police and ask for help?" Yin Xing knew that the situation was urgent and if they were delayed for a quarter of an hour, they would be in greater danger.
The Third Princess frowned at Yin Xing's questioning expression, raised her hand and put down her wine cup, and said arrogantly, "Because I don't like you, I want to torture you, is that not okay?"
Yin Xing was immediately startled and hesitated, "How did I offend you?"
In his impression, Yin Xing felt that he had never offended the third princess, and she probably didn't recognize him now.
After hearing this, the third princess became even more furious, thinking that Yin Xing was playing dumb.
"You're not saying you have no connection to the Yin family of Xizhou Houfu, are you?"
"Yeah, that's right. I'm just an ordinary girl. Maybe my face looks a bit like the average person."
Yin Xing gave a poor and clumsy explanation, blinking guiltily as he looked at the Third Princess. He felt that she seemed to be very angry and a little confused as to why.
The Third Princess put down her cup with a sneer and said, "You are quite good at speaking. If that's the case, then take you back to Peifeng Tower to be a maid to accompany the guests."
"No, I really have something important to do. That alligator can eat people. Guangbai Garden must be sealed off as soon as possible." Yin Xing felt that the third princess was really unreasonable.
"Guangbai Garden is the cash cow of the royal gardens. What's more, today is the eldest princess' birthday banquet, but Xuan Yizhen only brought Prince Gongyang to the banquet. You want to seal Guangbai Garden with just a few words. It seems that you have been fooled and don't know your place." The third princess never thought that the madman Xuan Yizhen would have any real feelings, so she thought Yin Xing was blind in the past.
Now the third princess is even more certain. No royal princess has ever kept a concubine. Princess Tai'an is even more blatant, but she has no title. It can be seen that she is just playing around.
It is also mentioned that Yin Xing has not been awarded any title by Xuan Yizheng yet, and the position of queen will definitely not be given to her.
If Xuan Yizhen had no children, her fate would not be much better than her father's, so in the end, the candidate would definitely be chosen from the children of aristocratic families.
As for Yin Xing, she will probably be banished to the cold palace.
"You mean that the empress is attending a meeting in Guangbai Garden with that Gong Yangluo right now." Yin Xing felt that he was really unlucky. Why didn't he run into Xuan Yizheng!
However, the lotus pond in Guangbai Garden was incredibly large, and it was indeed difficult to encounter Xuan Yizheng. Yin Xing sighed and had to accept his fate.
Seeing Yin Xing's drooping eyes and a pitiful look, the Third Princess felt much better. She said leisurely, "Why would I lie to you? So, there is no benefit at all for you to offend the First Princess now."
Yin Xing looked at the Third Princess, whose hair was covered in jewels. Unable to understand her thoughts, he asked, "Are you worried about me?"
After the words fell, the elegant room fell silent. The Third Princess avoided Yin Xing's scorching gaze and said arrogantly, "I just don't want you to die at the hands of others."
"Could it be that you have some deep hatred with that Xizhou Marquis Yin that is why you have to take your anger out on me?" Yin Xing felt that he had concealed it very well, so he asked boldly.
"Oh, it's more than just a deep hatred. I also plan to skin her alive, pull out her tendons, and tear her face apart." The Third Princess calmed down a little when she saw Yin Xing's timid look. She looked at her lotus-pink skirt that was stained with green duckweed and was wrinkled beyond recognition.
Yin Xing was frightened by the Third Princess' words and dared not reveal his identity. He could only agree: "How about this, let's save the people first, and then I'll follow your arrangements. How about that?"
The Third Princess raised an eyebrow, thinking Yin Xing was a fool. She said, "You're so obsessed with other people's lives. Aren't you afraid of being tortured by me?"
If I hadn't taken action today, Yin Xing would most likely have been secretly killed in Guangbai Garden. The eldest princess's methods were not as clever as the second princess's, but she was equally cruel.
"Of course I'm afraid of death, but that alligator killed a lot of people, so it's a great merit. Why not do it?"
"I have never believed in Buddhism or ghosts and gods. Things like merit and virtue are just a trick to fool the ignorant people."
The third princess avoided Yin Xing's sincere gaze, fiddling with the jewel ring with her fingertips, thinking in her heart how to deal with her to vent her anger.
Unexpectedly, there was a sudden movement outside the door. Yin Xing tilted his head and heard the sound of fighting. He said, "It seems like a fight has started."
"The people in Guangbai Garden are so bold that they dare to disturb my meditation and let people in." The third princess said sternly.
When the door opened, the housekeeper led a group of people in and said, "That man is suspected of stealing the treasures of Guangbai Garden. Please hand him over and deal with him. Don't make things difficult for this old servant."
The Third Princess was unwilling to do so. She stood up slowly, stepped forward, waved her palm, and slapped it fiercely. She said coldly, "Who do you think you are? How dare you boss me around!"
The slap caused the housekeeper to fall to the ground with blood oozing from the corner of her mouth. The guards who had been following her also stopped moving.
Guangbai Garden was managed by the eldest princess, but the third princess was famous for her power, and the guards would not dare to seek death unless the empress gave the order.
Yin Xing felt his face hurt just by looking at it, and secretly thought that the Third Princess was quite polite and restrained towards him.
"Aren't you leaving yet?" The third princess glanced at Yin Xing and frowned.
It seems that Guangbai Garden has many secrets, so the eldest princess ordered to offend and contradict herself.
"Where are you going?" Yin Xing stepped forward and asked.
The Third Princess stepped across the corridor and spoke arrogantly, "Since you want to rescue people, then go see the Empress. If your report fails and you are punished instead, don't blame me for not warning you."
Yin Xing didn't expect that the third princess' mind was so fickle. He was half-believing and half-doubting, but he didn't dare to delay the precious opportunity to save his life.
Not long after, Yin Xing arrived at the largest pavilion in the lotus pond. The first time he saw Xuan Yizheng and Gong Yangluo beside her, he felt a little uncomfortable.
Because Yin Xing didn't hear Xuan Yizhen mention that he would leave the palace with Gong Yangluo today, he felt a little guilty for leaving the palace alone.
However, before Yin Xing could think about it, he found that Xuan Yizheng on the high seat had an indifferent expression and cold eyes, as if he was looking at an insignificant person, which made him look unfamiliar.
"Third sister, why can't we just talk peacefully? Why do we have to hurt others?" The eldest princess heard from the housekeeper that someone had broken into the depths of the lotus pond, and that Shangguan Sheng and Jiang Yun seemed to be among them. She immediately ordered that the news must not be leaked and that anyone who tried to stop them would be killed without mercy.
"The servants and managers of Guangbai Garden are too unruly. It's the eldest princess who should control them." The third princess responded unhappily and sat down.
The Second Princess casually glanced at the woman who had followed the Third Princess in. Suddenly, she paused, examining her delicate features, especially her distinct black and white eyes. She was somewhat surprised and, rarely taking the initiative, asked, "Where did the Third Princess find this person?"
After these words were spoken, the third princess was stunned. Her eyes met with the second princess's, and she realized that she recognized Yin Xing at a glance. Didn't that mean she had known her fake identity for a long time and was deliberately making fun of her?
Immediately, the third princess's face darkened, and she felt so ashamed that she wanted to kill someone, so she ignored him.
The fourth princess did not understand the earth-shaking changes on the scene. She casually glanced at the disheveled woman and thought she was extremely bold.
Because Yin Xing's eyes were fixed on the bright and elegant figure of Huang Qinggui sitting in the main seat, he spoke in a trance, "Your Majesty, there are man-eating alligators in the lotus pond. Shangguan Sheng and Jiang Yun are already trapped in it, their lives hanging by a thread. Please send someone to search and rescue them."
As soon as the words came out, the eldest princess angrily rebuked, "What nonsense! How could there be a crocodile in the lotus pond of Guangbai Garden? You, a woman of unknown origin, obviously have ill intentions!"
The fourth princess looked at her eldest sister's reaction with surprise, and suddenly felt that it was possible.
"Why are you so anxious to refute, eldest sister? This matter is of great importance. The whole city is talking about it and it cannot be ignored." The second princess took the initiative to speak again, looking at Yin Xing, whose clothes were soaked and his body was covered with a lot of duckweed. Her beautiful eyes were no longer as bright as before, and she just kept looking at Xuan Yizheng, she was really infatuated.
Yin Xing waited for Xuan Yizhen's answer, but the man before him didn't even glance at him. Instead, he said calmly to the female official, "Come here, check the whereabouts of Shangguan Sheng and Jiang Yun."
"Your Majesty, how can you just listen to one side of the story? This is Guangbai Garden!"
"It is precisely because this is Guangbai Garden that a thorough investigation is necessary. Moreover, this concerns the life and death of the noble lady of the Shangguan family and the generals of the Qianhu family. Doesn't the eldest princess know the seriousness of this matter?"
After these words were spoken, the eldest princess fell silent. The exquisite armor on her hands shone with a sharp light, and her expression was solemn and gloomy.
Immediately, the female officials and palace guards led the Guangbai Garden guards to gather nearly a hundred light boats and entered the lotus pond together.
The sun was scorching. Yin Xing looked at Xuan Yizheng who was sitting quietly with Gong Yangluo, and still couldn't believe his eyes.
Could it be that what Jiang Yun said was true, that Xuan Yizheng was really having an affair with someone else behind her back, and that her gentleness and thoughtfulness were all fake?
Thinking of this, Yin Xing turned his head and stood alone beside the pavilion, gazing at the dense lotus pond. His eyes gradually became moist. He raised his hand to wipe away his tears, only to find that the back of his hand was covered with duckweed and broken leaves, showing how miserable he was.
"You are not Yin from the Marquisate of Xizhou, why are you crying?" The Third Princess looked at Yin Xing with obvious tear marks with displeasure. She was not as happy as she had expected. She just felt that she was very similar to the kind of woman in the storytelling novels and operas that she disliked the most, crying because of love. It was very annoying.
"No, I didn't cry." Yin Xing concealed his emotions awkwardly, thinking that there must be something wrong.
Xuan Yizhen, who was so affectionate with him this morning, couldn't possibly turn against him so quickly. Yin Xing didn't believe it!
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