A month later, the matter concerning the Fu family was settled. Without even a moment's rest, Ji Xiaoxiao, who had just breathed a sigh of relief, immediately turned her attention to clearing the name of the original owner's maternal family. With the kind help of many people, and after three months of tireless effort, Ji Xiaoxiao, without abusing her absolute power, united the people and worked together to redress the injustice done to her maternal family.
In the blink of an eye, more than half a year has passed. Summer has gone and winter has come; the end of the year is approaching.
Throughout the palace, bright red lanterns burned day and night, creating a festive atmosphere. The palace maids and eunuchs coming and going all wore smiles. The current emperor was known for his volatile temper, but at least he didn't indiscriminately kill the innocent. There were rewards for merit and punishments for demerit; as long as one worked diligently, one could always find some meaning and fulfillment in life.
"It's getting colder and colder today."
Ji Xiaoxiao huddled inside the Yonghe Hall, seeking refuge from the bitter cold of the raging winds and heavy snow. She glanced at the secret report in her hand: Fu Guanjie and Fu Shixian had succumbed to illness on their journey to the Northwest, and the rest of the Fu family had also suffered deaths and injuries. Having endured countless hardships to reach this desolate land, in their desperate search for food, warmth, and a cheap dwelling, the men of the Fu family had sold every single woman into brothels.
Justice prevails, and retribution is inevitable. Casually crumpling the intelligence report into a ball and tossing it aside, Ji Xiaoxiao rose and walked outside. Gazing at the white sky, she thought that once she dealt with the Second Prince, Li Yichen, this mission should be over. However, six months ago, the Second Prince received intelligence and had already mustered his troops and fled to Lingnan. Li Yichen was on the other side of the capital, far from the emperor's reach, and Ji Xiaoxiao couldn't deal with him in a short time.
Under the clear sky, the snow fell heavier and heavier, burying the red walls and vermilion tiles. A biting wind howled, stinging her cheeks like knives and axes. Ji Xiaoxiao pulled her silver fox cloak tighter around herself and sneezed, not too hard, not too soft.
"Come out, I know you're here." Ji Xiaoxiao looked ahead, but spoke to the person hiding behind the big red pillar.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com