Chapter 57 (9,000 words) The bad boy wants to be...
"Okay." Xuan Yizheng looked at Yin Xing's serious expression calmly. Even though he didn't understand, his eyes were still gentle.
Yin Xing saw that Xuan Yizheng was too calm, like a soft and beautiful jade. He couldn't tell whether she could really feel his feelings and felt helpless.
After all, Xuan Yizheng's understanding of many things is different from that of ordinary people, especially the difference in feelings, which is very obvious.
Xuan Yizheng silently looked into Yin Xing's clear and clean eyes, and the skin he touched with his white fingertips was much more delicate than that of a child.
With just a slight grip, he could hold her in his arms.
"Hmm!" Yin Xing regained his composure due to being ticklish.
"Does it hurt?" Xuan Yizheng asked as if nothing had happened.
Seeing Xuan Yizhen's gentle and kind demeanor, Yin Xing finally dispelled the suspicion that she was deliberately teasing him. He could only vaguely respond, "Well, maybe I need to use some ointment."
"That's true." Xuan Yizheng slowly moved his cold, white, slender arm out of the quilt, and turned to lift the gauze curtain to get the medicine bottle. In the meantime, the red marks were revealed in front of his eyes, like vines entwined, showing a sickly vitality.
This scene was so shocking that Yin Xing couldn't help but think of Xuan Yizheng's ankle, and thought it was the same scene.
Or perhaps it could be worse, because the red mark snaked up along the slender ankle, climbing inch by inch, hidden and obscure.
Yin Xing's face suddenly turned as red as a sweet potato, thinking that Xuan Yi really knew too much!
Fortunately, she cooperated with Xuan Yizheng, otherwise it would be very dangerous if she tried it alone.
There was a rustling sound outside the window, accompanied by a clear sound of particles. Yin Xing went out and found that snow was falling, and the roof tiles were covered with a thin layer of frost. It was not like sunlight, but brighter.
The snow in early winter is not thick on the ground, so it only forms a thin layer of ice, which is slippery and turns into water when stepped on.
Yin Xing was riding in a carriage through the main street, intending to catch up on some sleep, but he was unexpectedly stopped halfway, which was a bit surprising.
There are many carriages and horses in the capital, so traffic jams are common. However, Yin Xing has never encountered this situation when riding in a carriage.
I think Xuan Yizheng ordered people to clear the streets in advance. After all, there are such rules when the princesses travel. As for the emperor's travel, the streets will be blocked and no traffic will be allowed.
Therefore, Yin Xing would ride horses as much as possible in the summer and did not want to delay other people's travels.
Yin Xing lifted the carriage curtain and saw the Dali Temple's detectives and the curtains that were laid to block the traffic. Du Ruo, who was dressed in simple clothes and wearing a cloak, looked even more gentle and stern from a distance. She was calm but had an inexplicable sharp power.
Although her temperament is somewhat similar to Xuan Yizheng's, Xuan Yizheng is more inclined to be gentle and graceful, detached from the world, and peaceful and gentle.
Since Du Ruo never carried a sword, if Jiang Yun had not mentioned her martial arts and swordsmanship many times, Yin Xing would have found it hard to believe that she was a martial artist.
"Is there something wrong, Lord Xiao Yin?" Du Ruo seemed to notice the waiting gaze and suddenly turned his head to look over, his eyes still filled with vigilance.
"Detective Du, do you know what happened here?" Yin Xing didn't expect that the other party would notice his gaze in the busy street, so he could only respond.
Du Ruo walked gently across the thin ice-covered ground, his eyes fixed on the fair-skinned Yin Xing in the carriage. He explained, "We apprehended the criminal rumored to be haunted last night, so the streets need to be cleaned up. That's why we sent officers to close them off. Sir Yin, please change your route."
Yin Xing nodded in response, "So that's how it is. Thank you for your hard work, Constable Du. I won't disturb you while you're doing your job."
As he was speaking, a nobleman in a carriage suddenly appeared in front of him and shouted arrogantly, "How dare you, these people, stop me? You deserve to die!"
Du Ruo turned a deaf ear to this and did not make any move. His eyes fell on the handsome and fair face in front of him, and he felt vaguely strange.
There is never a shortage of young and handsome men in the world, but Yin Xing has an incongruous feeling of femininity and childishness.
At this moment, Yin Xing was unaware that he was under suspicion. He tilted his head to look over. Knowing that the nobles in the capital were prone to many problems, he pulled out his badge from his sleeve and called out in a friendly manner, "Inspector Du, why not use my badge to intimidate them and prevent any further delays?"
The position of Shaoqing of Dali Temple has some deterrent effect on the outside world.
"It's okay, Lord Yin, don't worry." Du Ruo declined politely and did not raise her hand to take the badge. Her eyes lingered on the red silk ribbon hanging from Yin Xing's wrist. The buckle was a little special.
This method of tying can only be controlled by others, and no one can complete it alone.
"Okay then." Seeing that the other party did not accept his kindness, Yin Xing no longer insisted and instead ordered the driver to change the route to avoid being stuck in the middle and being caught in a dilemma.
This Constable Du is indeed a bit aloof and distant.
Soon, Yin Xing's carriage changed course and left the main street. Snow was falling. Du Ruo slowly turned his gaze away and raised his hand to signal the officers to remove a curtain that had been set up. He said calmly, "If you must go through the main street, then please do so."
As soon as he finished speaking, the young men who had been shouting before looked out and saw the streets full of broken bodies and bloody flesh. They were so horrified that they couldn't stop vomiting, and their previous momentum was gone.
The prisoners' flesh and blood were almost removed piece by piece, as thin as a cicada's wing, layer upon layer. A lot of it was covered and frozen by ice and snow, and could only be cleaned with an ice shovel.
Even the experienced Dali Temple officials felt a chill down their spines when they saw this scene.
This handsome Constable Du is so cruel and weird in his actions!
When Yin Xing on the other side arrived in front of the Dali Temple, he bent down to get off the carriage and almost slipped, which made him frightened!
Yin Xing lifted his robe with one hand and stepped carefully onto the thin icy steps, wondering how Du Ruo could walk so casually and easily just now?
If I accidentally fall backwards, my waist might be completely broken.
The snow stopped in the afternoon, the sun rose, snow and water gradually accumulated on the ground, and crystal water droplets slowly dripped from the dark green roof tiles.
Yin Xing was making tea, knowing that the snow in the capital had just begun. He exhaled white mist from his nose and raised his hand to pour tea.
Jiang Yun entered through the main gate to return the case file. Seeing Yin Xing making tea, he said jokingly, "It's better to arrive at the right time than to arrive early."
"Why do I feel like you did it on purpose?" As he spoke, Yin Xing turned around with tea in his hand and responded.
"You are judging others by your own standards." Jiang Yun sat down at the side, raised his hand to take the tea, and sniffed the lingering tea fragrance, knowing that it was a treasure.
Yin Xing didn't argue with Jiang Yun. She raised her hand and put the case file she brought back to the shelf in the warehouse. Thinking about the main street being blocked this morning, she asked, "Have you found out about the haunted capital?"
Jiang Yun sipped his tea to warm his stomach and sighed, "Well, Du Ruo is indeed amazing. He figured out the ruse and captured the criminal last night, but he failed to interrogate the mastermind behind it."
The prisoner, whose flesh had been cut off for the most part, was covered in blood. Even Jiang Yun had to admire Du Ruo's ruthlessness.
This kind of advanced and powerful sword technique hurts the flesh but not the bones, and is even more difficult than killing people. Even Jiang Yun finds it difficult to grasp it so accurately.
"Yes, you didn't catch the criminal before. It seems that Miss Du is really powerful." Yin Xingqing said admiringly.
"Hey, this is a bit hurtful. As the saying goes, every profession has its own expertise. My lightness skills are not as good as Du Ruo's. Even if I can see the clues, I am still far behind. If we really fight, there is still hope." Jiang Yun felt it necessary to explain clearly to Yin Xing, an outsider.
Yin Xing returned to the table, holding a cup of tea in his palm. Seeing that Jiang Yun was quite concerned, he smiled and said, "Well, you are also a top-notch master. Do you think I can practice martial arts?"
If I'm always this close to Xuan Yizheng, I'll probably need to exercise more.
Otherwise, Yin Xing felt that he had indulged himself too much and would be exhausted even if he risked his life!
Jiang Yun looked at Yin Xing's frame and said, "I'm afraid your body can't handle swordplay. You should practice some body movement and boxing techniques first."
"Okay, I just want to keep fit. Can you teach me?" Yin Xing asked sincerely.
"Hehe, if you want to be my disciple, it's not impossible for me to agree." Jiang Yun put away his cynical attitude, straightened his back and spoke.
Yin Xing looked at Jiang Yun and asked in confusion, "What do you have to do to become my disciple?"
Jiang Yun sipped his tea with a sly look in his eyes and replied leisurely, "First of all, of course, I have to serve tea and water to honor my master."
"You're drinking my tea now, and you've been drinking it for the whole year. Isn't that enough?"
“…”
Jiang Yun was unable to refute these words. He swallowed the tea with difficulty and said, "Okay, since you want to learn so much, I will teach you reluctantly."
I always feel that if I make another request, Yin Xing will have to ask for the two hundred taels she generously gave me last time, and Jiang Yun can't afford it!
So Jiang Yun became Yin Xing's half-baked master, teaching her some simple boxing techniques in his spare time in the afternoon.
By the twelfth month, heavy snow was falling. As the end of the year approached, the Dali Temple was slightly more relaxed than the other six ministries.
Yin Xing straightened his body and moved his arms slowly. He didn't feel cold while breathing. Instead, his limbs felt even warmer. He thought to himself that keeping fit really worked!
Jiang Yun drank from the teacup in one hand, and placed a bamboo stick on Yin Xing's arm with the other. He said, "A little higher, shoulder level. Breathe in and out naturally, as slowly and evenly as possible, so you can feel the power of control."
"Yeah." Yin Xing responded seriously and practiced the set of steps with full concentration.
When they stood back to form their formation, Yin Xing's fair cheeks were slightly covered with sweat. He felt light and comfortable. He raised his hand and wiped the sweat off his face with an embroidered handkerchief. He asked, "How was the practice today?"
"It's just so-so. You look a little weak at first glance. You still need to practice more." Jiang Yun was already very tactful. He thought that this was the most basic set of exercises, and she could still sweat after practicing it for a month. It was obvious that she really had no natural talent.
"Okay, but I think what you taught is very useful!" Yin Xing praised with bright eyes, put away the embroidered handkerchief, and turned to serve tea.
After hearing what Yin Xing said, Jiang Yun felt a little guilty. He always felt like he was lying to a child and that he was committing a serious sin.
In the silence, a figure walked in from outside, the footsteps were almost imperceptible. Jiang Yun's ears moved slightly, and he noticed Du Ruo and said, "Detective Du, what a coincidence."
"Well, Constable Jiang seems to come to the general warehouse often?" Du Ruo responded casually, holding a case file in his hand.
Only then did Yin Xing notice that someone had entered the hall, walked up to the desk and sat down, straightening his robe and official hat.
It would be disrespectful for a dynasty official to be seen in an untidy manner.
Jiang Yun listened to Du Ruo's words and restrained his casual attitude slightly. His heart skipped a beat and he said, "No, it was just a coincidence. Why would Constable Du ask that?"
The officials and detectives of the Dali Temple are all very shrewd. Jiang Yun has recently come into contact with Du Ruo and has gotten to know her a little bit. She is not an enthusiastic person.
Words are not something that can be spoken casually.
Du Ruo's eyes swept over the handsome Yin Xing standing at the table. His cheeks were slightly flushed, his lips were red, his teeth were white, and his collar was slightly damp with sweat. He pretended to look away and said, "Nothing. I just heard some rumors. I thought Constable Jiang and Young Master Yin had a good relationship privately."
"So that's how it is. The officials of the Dali Temple are all gossips. Constable Du, don't trust them easily." Jiang Yun jokingly complained in a very impolite manner.
"Yeah." Du Ruo responded as if he believed it, and handed the case file in his palm to the desk.
Yin Xing listened to the conversation in confusion. He raised his hand to take the case file, numbered it and filed it, and said, "What rumor?"
Jiang Yun looked at Yin Xing speechlessly, who was oblivious to what was happening outside. Considering Du Ruo's presence, he could only politely say, "It's nothing. It's just some gossipy officials gossiping behind my back."
Because Jiang Yun has not yet married, people's suspicion has never stopped.
So most of the time when Jiang Yun came to see Yin Xing, he would climb through the window to avoid suspicion.
If word gets out about his affair, her princess wife is not someone to be messed with!
Yin Xing didn't think much of what Jiang Yun said. He raised his hand and recorded the case file he had received. Then he turned to the quiet Du Ruo and said politely, "Could you please sign it, Constable Du?"
It was the first time that Yin Xing saw Du Ruo enter the general treasury, especially since it was the officials' lunch break. She seemed to be unaware of the operating rules of the various departments of the Dali Temple.
"Okay." Du Ruo's eyes fell on the red silk ribbon on Yin Xing's wrist again. The way it was tied was still very special. He raised his hand, picked up the pen and dipped it in ink to write on the document without saying much.
Yin Xing hesitantly reminded, "Detective Du, if you come to the general warehouse next time, remember to avoid lunch break."
Du Ruo paused, puzzled, and asked, "Why?"
"Because retrieving case files often requires two officials, which can easily lead to delays and a wasted trip."
"Well, thank you Master Xiao Yin for letting me know."
Yin Xing took the document and didn't close it immediately. Instead, he waited for the ink to dry and said with a frown, "You're welcome."
After he finished speaking, silence fell in the main hall. Du Ruo tilted her head to look at Jiang Yun and asked, "Is there anything else, Constable Jiang?"
Jiang Yun paused while drinking his tea, and had to put down the teacup. He said in a serious tone, "Then I won't bother Master Xiao Yin anymore. Goodbye."
Jiang Yun felt a little uneasy, as if Du Ruo didn't believe his explanation.
Seeing Jiang Yun about to leave, Yin Xing remembered that the New Year was approaching, and hurriedly called out, "Wait a minute."
After that, Yin Xing took out the tied tea bags from the cabinet, handed them to Jiang Yun and said, "Take these and drink them."
Jiang Yun knew that this was a thank-you gift from Yin Xing, so he didn't hesitate to take the tea bag and said, "Thank you."
But then Jiang Yun found that Du Ruo's eyes were becoming more and more intriguing, and the smile on his face froze for a moment.
Finished, this seems more like a hidden relationship!
Then the two of them walked out of the main warehouse together and walked into the courtyard corridor. The cold wind was blowing outside the hall, and the whole yard was covered with piles of snow. It was bleak and lonely, but also sharp and biting.
Jiang Yun noticed that Du Ruo's footsteps and breath were almost silent and hidden. He turned his head to look at Du Ruo, who was wearing simple and elegant clothes. The clothes and accessories were made of expensive materials. He said in a gentle voice: "Constable Du comes from a famous family. Why would he want to be a constable?"
The dynasty had positions such as female officials, and daughters of princes and nobles who had ambitions could also enter the court. Although most of them managed the internal affairs of the royal palace, if they followed the right crown prince, it would be a great opportunity for them and even their families.
After all, it is a hundred times better than being a detective who fights and kills people.
Du Ruo's eyes fell on Jiang Yun holding a paper bag. The bag was bulging and difficult to distinguish. She said calmly, "It's just for fun. Constable Jiang is the daughter of Lord Jiang. Why do you want to be a constable?"
Seeing Du Ruoying's ambiguous and perfunctory response, Jiang Yun also joked, "What a coincidence. I'm just having a hobby too, just playing around."
"But Constable Jiang first solved the serial disappearances that shocked the dynasty, and not long ago he also helped the Crown Prince capture the assassin from the Xiahou family and protected him. He is truly humble."
"I didn't expect that Constable Du, who's so far away in the capital, knows me so well. It's really embarrassing."
The two seemed to be talking in harmony but each of them had their own hidden thoughts. When they finished speaking, everything returned to silence, with only the cold wind raging silently.
Jiang Yun couldn't guess Du Ruo's thoughts, but he intuitively felt that she was very concerned about the political situation. He suddenly felt lucky that he didn't introduce the silly Yin Xing to someone else.
If a lady from a prominent family wants to learn such advanced martial arts, she will definitely suffer a lot and will never be willing to be an ordinary person.
At dusk, Yin Xing came out of the general warehouse and was shivering in the cold wind. He subconsciously tightened his clothes and put his hands in his pockets. Demeanor was not as important as temperature!
However, when Yin Xing lowered his head to avoid the wind, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a simple skirt with intricate crabapple flower patterns embroidered on it. Then a voice was heard, "Master Yin."
"Is there something wrong, Constable Du?" Yin Xing slowly raised his gaze to look at Du Ruo, and responded after stepping back slightly.
"Nothing, I just learned from Constable Jiang that Lord Yin is from Xizhou, and he looks familiar." Du Ruo looked at Yin Xing's clear and innocent eyes like an elk and spoke.
Yin Xing's heart skipped a beat, and he blinked as he said, "That shouldn't be the case. Did Constable Du remember it wrongly?"
Her name was not on the list of relatives of the Marquis of Xizhou Mansion that Xuan Yizheng asked him to recite recently.
However, in ancient times, there were many relatives, so maybe the original owner didn’t even know them. It’s really terrible!
Du Ruo calmly responded tentatively: "I have been to the Xizhou Marquis' Mansion for a birthday banquet. Master Xiao Yin may not have noticed."
"I'm sorry, I fell into the water and got a head injury." For the first time, Yin Xing was glad that the rumor that he jumped into the river to escape his marriage last year had spread to everyone in the capital.
This is indeed a very good excuse!
"So Master Yin's headache is so serious. Then I won't bother you anymore." Du Ruo responded, glancing at Yin Xing's red nose without asking any more questions.
Not long after, Yin Xing came out of the Dali Temple, bent down to get on the carriage, and held the hand warmer in his palm, as if holding his anxious heart.
If the original owner had any close friends, Yin Xing really wouldn't be able to cover up the lie.
When the carriage drove away from the gate of Dali Temple, Du Ruo slowly stepped down the steps and stepped into the carriage parked at the corner.
There was another person sitting in the carriage, the lamp was bright, clearly illuminating the dazzling red jewel beads.
The Second Princess slowly fiddled with her Zen beads with her fingertips while flipping through the scriptures. She said slowly, "How is it?"
Du Ruo sat aside, neither humble nor arrogant. He raised his hand to adjust his cloak, his eyes fixed on the soft sword hidden at his waist. He said, "This Prince Consort Yin has at least six highly skilled secret guards around him. No one in the Dali Temple noticed, which shows that he is very favored by Princess Zhanghua."
"Of course, otherwise my arm wouldn't be aching now. Is this the only thing you've discovered?" The second princess spoke casually, the scripture wrinkled between her fingers.
"Second Princess, there's no need to worry. I think she'll be surprised that Prince Consort Yin is a woman." Du Ruo raised her hand to brush off the flying snow that stained her robe and spoke.
The Second Princess was startled when she finished speaking. She turned her gaze from the scriptures to look at Du Ruo and said quickly, "Are you sure?"
Du Ruo nodded in response: "This matter is a crime of deceiving the emperor. That's why the Xizhou Marquis family was held hostage by Princess Zhanghua, and the Second Princess's talents were unable to get any information out of them."
"No wonder Xuan Yizhen still has no children after almost a year of marriage. It turns out Yin Xing is a fake consort."
"But this alone is not enough to deal with Princess Zhang Hua."
The Second Princess grasped the cool red ruby Zen beads between her fingers, her eyes full of calculations as she spoke softly, "Who said we were going to deal with Princess Zhang Hua? The Second Prince is useless now. As long as Xuan Yi is willing to compromise and help, there will be a chance to bring down the First Prince."
Those who want to achieve great things must be patient and then kill all the enemies to avenge their previous humiliation.
Du Ruo frowned in disapproval and said, "Princess Zhang Hua is not someone who can be held hostage easily. I'm afraid she might be attacked in return."
Over the years, the princesses and princes of the dynasty have tried to attack or win over Princess Zhang Hua, but they all failed without exception.
Princess Zhanghua's methods were even more terrifying than those of her mother, Queen Wanqi, because she acted without any scruples, and even destroying the dynasty was possible.
"No rush. Marquis Xizhou will soon be ordered to enter the capital. We can plan this matter carefully." The Second Princess knew that Xuan Yi was really scary, so she would not be stupid enough to provoke her directly.
The recent bloody situation in the dynasty was all caused by Xuan Yizheng's marriage. The second princess didn't believe that she didn't do anything about it.
As he finished speaking, the sound of horse hooves filled the air. Du Ruo's gaze shifted away from the Second Princess's cold smile, and she thought of the red silk ribbon wrapped around Yin Xing's wrist. It should be the work of Princess Zhang Hua. She didn't expect that she was actually a fellow traveler.
In fact, there was only one reason why Du Ruo chose to be a constable, and that was because he liked the pleasure of wantonly ravaging and torturing others.
That Yin Xing might be very suitable to be played around with.
A cold wind blew, and the night covered the buildings of the capital. Yin Xing, who was drinking soup in the courtyard, shivered and muttered, "Yizhen, it's getting colder outside."
Xuan Yizhen saw Yin Xing's nose flushed red, and he couldn't help but touch her with his fingertips. His brows relaxed, and he smiled and replied: "Wait until you have your annual leave, stay with me in the other courtyard all day, don't go anywhere, and you won't feel cold."
Yin Xing met Xuan Yizheng's intriguing smile, his cheeks regained warmth, and he drank the ginseng soup in big gulps, thinking that he had to replenish his energy more.
"By the way, there's a new female detective in the Dali Temple named Du Ruo. Does Yizhen know about this?"
"Well, what?"
Xuan Yizhen served Yin Xing some food. Seeing that she hesitated to speak, he chuckled and said, "Could it be that she wants to get some tea too?"
Yin Xing's cheeks grew even hotter when he heard this, because Xuan Yizhen had accidentally discovered that he was saving tea leaves for Jiang Yun. He shook his head and replied, "No, she said today that she had seen me in Xizhou before, but I have no recollection of it, so I put it on Touji."
"This excuse sounds very reasonable. Does she still feel doubtful?" Xuan Yizheng looked at Yin Xing calmly and asked.
"Not really, I'm just nervous and worried that it will bring more trouble to Yizhen." Yin Xing knew that his identity being exposed would cause an uproar and would definitely implicate Xuan Yizhen.
Xuan Yizhen looked at Yin Xing's pitiful expression, his heart softening as he said soothingly, "Don't worry, from the moment our marriage is decided, no one will dare to expose your identity to your face."
Yin Xing asked with confusion: "Why?"
"Because we prosper together and suffer together, at least no one would want to offend the Wanqi family openly."
"But aren't you really afraid that someone will use me to threaten you?"
"The Du family is the maternal family of the emperor's biological mother, Empress Dowager Du, and this Du Ruo is a noble lady from a royal family. If she is not stupid, she will not take such a risk." Xuan Yizheng had known for a long time that this person had entered the Dali Temple, and he also knew that as long as Yin Xing showed up in public, his identity would definitely be suspected.
But Xuan Yizheng was not worried about being coerced. Instead, he only felt that the other party wanted something, and greed is always the inevitable path to self-destruction.
To some extent, Yin Xing is the kite released by Xuan Yizheng. Her situation can reflect countless undercurrents, which is also another way of calling a horse a zebra.
Seeing that Xuan Yizheng was not worried at all, but rather optimistic and calm, Yin Xing didn't say anything more for the moment.
In the following days, Yin Xing paid special attention to Du Ruo's whereabouts and avoided the two of them meeting.
In the afternoon, Yin Xing was practicing absent-mindedly. Jiang Yun couldn't stand it anymore and hit her arm with a branch and asked her to stop.
“Ouch!”
"Your practice is doing more harm than good. What are you thinking about so intently in broad daylight?"
Yin Xing raised his hand and rubbed his arm, looking at Jiang Yun who was disappointed with him. He replied sullenly, "I'm not thinking anything. I'm just curious about how that Miss Du, with such a prominent family background, ended up working as a constable in the Dali Temple."
This also piqued Jiang Yun's curiosity, and he pondered aloud, "Yeah, I think it's strange too, but you're thinking about her so intently, aren't you afraid that your princess wife will be angry?"
"That's not what I meant. Don't talk nonsense." Yin Xing felt that Jiang Yun was sometimes too frivolous.
"You'd better not have that thought. This Du Ruo is not someone you can mess with." Jiang Yun stopped joking and spoke earnestly.
Yin Xing was puzzled by Jiang Yun's contrasting attitude and asked, "Then why were you so enthusiastic about introducing him to me back then?"
Jiang Yun nearly choked on his tea. He looked up at the straightforward Yin Xing and said helplessly, "I didn't ask carefully at that time. It's not too late to remind you now."
Because Jiang Yun noticed Du Ruo's temptation that day, he asked his friends to inquire about her. Knowing yourself and your enemy will never go wrong.
Who would have thought that you wouldn't know until you ask, and you'd be shocked when you do.
Almost all the prisoners that Du Ruo handled had their tendons in their hands and feet cut, and most of them were tortured to death, with the number reaching over a thousand.
However, due to Du Ruo's identity, local officials did not dare to punish or report him. Jiang Yun only found out about this matter after secretly inquiring about it.
Yin Xing was a little surprised to see Jiang Yun's evasive look.
Jiang Yun is usually fearless and even dares to rob the third princess's restaurant.
"What did you find out?"
"Nothing, just stay away from her."
Jiang Yun knew that Yin Xing was very timid, so he didn't want her to know such a perverted thing.
Du Ruo's daily behavior was so normal that Jiang Yun didn't realize at first that this person was a very scheming person.
Seeing that Jiang Yun was reluctant to bring it up, Yin Xing didn't ask any further questions. He then recalled Xuan Yizhen's mention of Du Ruo's family background. It seemed like they were distant relatives.
"Du Ruo is a relative of Empress Dowager Du, but I don't think I have ever seen Empress Dowager Du." Yin Xing recalled that the old woman did not appear at the wedding banquet or other banquets.
"Ahem, Empress Dowager Du passed away many years ago, of course you haven't seen her!" Jiang Yun almost spit out tea, looking at Yin Xing helplessly, a little doubting whether she was a member of the dynasty.
Yin Xing blinked awkwardly, a little embarrassed, and explained clumsily: "Sorry, it seems that my headache is a bit serious."
Jiang Yun wiped the tea from the corner of his mouth with a handkerchief and said teasingly, "Then your father, the Marquis of Xizhou, will be entering the capital soon. Don't make a mistake."
"Don't worry, I'm prepared."
“…”
Seeing this, Jiang Yun really wanted to ask Yin Xing whether he was impersonating someone else.
But Jiang Yun held back his words. It is better to have less trouble than more. If you know too much, you will die quickly.
After all, Yin Xingguang's crime of deceiving the emperor by concealing her identity as a woman was enough to punish her with beheading and extermination of her entire family. Jiang Yun still wanted to live a few more years.
Seeing Jiang Yun suddenly stop talking, Yin Xing turned to ask, "I think the emperor is still healthy, and that Empress Dowager Du should not be very old. How did she pass away?"
Jiang Yun collected his thoughts and replied, "It is said that he died of illness. Of course, some people also say that he was angered to death by Empress Wanqi."
After saying that, Jiang Yun suddenly thought of Du Ruo, wondering if she would vent her anger on Yin Xing, the consort of Princess Zhang Hua, and choose to spy on him for revenge?
"How could Empress Wanqi anger her own mother-in-law to death? It seems the rumors are not to be believed."
"That's not necessarily the case. Empress Dowager Du and Empress Wanqi both control the harem, and there will definitely be a fight between these two powerful mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law."
Yin Xing asked in confusion, "Why doesn't the emperor try to persuade him?"
Jiang Yun was truly defeated by Yin Xing's naiveté. He sighed in acknowledgment, "This isn't just an ordinary mother-in-law and daughter-in-law disagreement. Imperial family members often represent the kinship forces behind them. The struggle between the Wuzhou Du family and the Wanqi family wasn't something the newly enthroned emperor could have the final say on."
Empress Dowager Du was a powerful empress dowager who could support her own brother to become the prime minister.
There is no need to say much about Empress Wanqi. Princess Zhanghua was admitted to the ancestral temple when she got married, which was not the treatment given to other princesses. Her other powerful tactics still make all officials in awe and fear her.
Yin Xing couldn't imagine the emperor's dilemma and said, "You make Empress Wanqi sound very powerful and formidable."
"This is not just an appearance but solid evidence. After Empress Dowager Du died, the Prime Minister was deposed, and no descendants of the Wuzhou Du family have served as important officials since then." Even without personal experience, Jiang Yun could see some clues.
"Why does it seem like the emperor is very cooperative with Empress Wanqi, but doesn't help Empress Dowager Du's family at all?" Yin Xing was a little surprised at the emperor's transparency.
Jiang Yun drank tea to soothe the discomfort in his throat and said disapprovingly, "It's hard to say. Anyway, you should be thankful that Empress Wanqi is seriously ill, otherwise you would definitely not be the Princess Zhanghua's consort."
In fact, Jiang Yun felt that the emperor might not want to use the descendants of the Wuzhou Du family. Otherwise, during the years when Empress Wanqi was seriously ill, he could have promoted some young people.
Yin Xing silently thought of the expressionless Empress Wanqi. Even though she was seriously ill and unconscious, she still couldn't hide her sharpness and strength. Compared with the kind and benevolent emperor, she was indeed more awe-inspiring.
In silence, snow is flying outside the window, and court officials are taking vacations one after another at the end of the year.
The doors and windows of the villa were tightly closed, blocking out the raging cold wind, frost and snow, making the interior as warm as spring.
Glass flowers and plants were quietly displayed on the desk and coffee table. There were overlapping figures on the low couch by the window. Xuan Yizheng looked at them absent-mindedly, with a different kind of brilliance reflected in his dark pupils.
"Yizhen?"
"Um."
Xuan Yizhen shifted his gaze from the gorgeous colored glass flowers to the distinct black and white eyes before him. He gently opened his thin lips and kissed her eyes, muttering, "You're so annoying today. You're not very well behaved."
"I can't help it. I just like to stick with Yizhen. This way I can feel it more clearly, right?" Yin Xing responded with hot ears. He knew in his heart that she was speaking in a sarcastic way. He reached out and grabbed the red silk ribbon, and heard the low moan become particularly long, and his heartbeat stopped for a moment.
Then Yin Xing opened his eyes and looked at Xuan Yizhen, whose face was stained with a light blush and was charming and seductive. He was in a trance and felt that she was more dazzling than the gorgeous clouds. Her always indifferent expression overflowed with vividness and life.
Xuan Yizhen couldn't move his hands or feet, so he could only lean on Yin Xing for support. His quiet and beautiful eyes reflected some ripples, wet and sticky, and he called out in a hoarse voice: "Not enough, you bad boy, do you want to be punished again?"
Yin Xing subconsciously recalled the pain of being punished, but looking up at Xuan Yizhen, who was in the upper hand yet under control, he mustered up the courage and did not back down. He pecked her lips lightly and said, "I'm not afraid of punishment, unless Yizhen says she never likes anyone else."
If Xuan Yi really falls in love with someone else one day, Yin Xing will be very angry.
"What if I refuse to tell you?" Xuan Yizheng paused for a moment and exhaled his hot breath.
"Then I will be angry and bully Yizhen." Yin Xing raised his head and put his hand against Xuan Yizhen's cheek to feel her rare warmth.
These are all the changes I have brought to Xuan Yizheng.
Xuan Yizhen lowered his eyes and looked at Yin Xing's obedient threat. He raised his thin lips and said calmly, "Really? How angry will you be?"
Yin Xing felt uneasy when she saw Xuan Yizhen didn't answer her previous question. She raised her head and bit her lip, saying childishly, "You're so angry, are you afraid?"
The slight tingling between the lips gradually seeps through the surface into the flesh and bones, turning into a slow pleasure.
Xuan Yizhen's body trembled slightly, unable to suppress it. Her beautiful eyes were like blazing flames, but she maintained a calm and composed demeanor. She said gently and kindly, "The bad boy's methods are very bad. Do you think I'm afraid?"
Yin Xing was a little frustrated by what he said, and then he bit Xuan Yizhen's earlobe and jaw, and said slowly: "Then punish him more severely, he might hurt Yizhen."
Yin Xing hoped that Xuan Yizheng could comfort him firmly, but apart from her increasingly deep breathing, he could hear no other words.
Xuan Yizhen lowered his eyes and looked at Yin Xing, who showed concern for the initiative and ignored the slight pain. He murmured seductively, "If you have the ability, then destroy me completely."
After he finished speaking, Yin Xing was really a little angry.
The glass flowers and plants on the table next to the low couch were trembling slightly, moving inch by inch, and were about to approach the edge and be smashed to pieces.
Suddenly, everything became quiet, and Yin Xing felt as if he was being dragged into the abyss by Xuan Yizheng, unable to control himself.
The tall, pure snow-capped branches waving in the wind outside the window suddenly broke, and the wind blew up crystal snowflakes, which were warm and sad.
Yin Xing regained some of his composure, raised his hand and dipped it into the basin. He didn't want to look, but he could feel the delicacy.
"You did very well this time."
“…”
Hearing the voice, Yin Xing silently turned his head to look at Xuan Yizhen, who was a mixture of holiness and charm, but his eyes were attracted by the red marks on the cold white skin that were stained with blood. He couldn't help but feel frightened. He leaned over and kissed the wound lightly, feeling a little guilty.
Xuan Yizheng slowly moved his arms to hold Yin Xing's neck, feeling tired and satisfied. He whispered softly and hummed a sleep-inducing tune, as if he was hugging the missing half of his body, and only then did he fall asleep peacefully.
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