Seeing these once loyal officials now prisoners, Qi Hanlin was filled with mixed emotions. He knew the hardships and sacrifices of Xu Yuehuai and the others, and understood the significance of this operation for the entire country. Therefore, he personally presided over the trial of those officials.
At the trial, Qi Hanlin's voice was firm and cold: "Your crimes are unforgivable, you deserve to die!"
"Your Majesty! Considering the hardships this old minister has endured for the Great Zhou over the years, could you please forgive this old minister?"
"Your Majesty! No—"
The officials begged for mercy, but Qi Hanlin remained unmoved. He knew all too well the harm these crimes had caused to the country and its people, and that they were now doomed to die.
After the trial, the officials were sentenced to death and sent to the Ministry of Justice for further trial and punishment.
The news sent shockwaves throughout the capital. People applauded the bravery and wisdom of Xu Yuehuai and his comrades, and felt gratified and proud of the capture of the criminals.
Inside the Imperial Study, Qi Hanlin expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Xu Yuehuai: "This operation was all thanks to your wisdom and courage, Your Majesty."
Xu Yuehuai looked worried: "But, Aze has disappeared."
Qi Hanlin was shocked: "How could this be? I'll send someone to find the Imperial Uncle immediately!"
Xu Yuehuai shook her head: "No, you must not act rashly. I will mobilize the Prince's guards to protect you, Xiaolian, and the prince."
Qi Hanlin clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Then I'll leave it to you, Aunt."
Xu Yuehuai then went to the inner palace to visit Xiaolian, who is now Consort Lian.
Because of her previous status as a palace maid, Xiao Lian was unable to become empress, but Qi Hanlin left the empress's position vacant for her, and she was the only woman in the harem. This favor was enough to make people envious.
The prince born to Xiaolian is already seven or eight years old. He is intelligent and quick-witted, and is deeply loved by Qi Hanlin. He will most likely be the future crown prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
The moment Xiaolian caught a glimpse of Xu Yuehuai slowly entering the inner palace, her face blossomed like spring flowers, radiant with smiles, as if the entire inner palace had brightened because of her smile. She quickly stepped forward to greet her, her eyes sparkling with deep gratitude and affection, as if she had seen a long-lost relative.
"Aunt, you've finally arrived!" Xiaolian's voice was filled with excitement, as if every word carried a deep longing for the past.
Xu Yuehuai gently patted Xiaolian's hand, her voice warm and affectionate, as gentle as a spring breeze: "Yes, I came especially to see you and the little prince. How have you been these past few days?"
Xiao Lian nodded, her eyes slightly red, as if carrying endless gratitude: "Good, very good, we are all doing well, all thanks to your life-saving grace back then, Aunt. The little prince also often talks about you."
She turned around and called out to the prince who was playing nearby, "My son, come and pay your respects to your savior, your aunt."
Upon hearing this, the prince immediately stopped playing his game and ran over happily.
His bright eyes curiously looked at Xu Yuehuai, his face beaming with an innocent smile, and he called out in a clear voice, "Hello, Auntie!"
Xu Yuehuai smiled and helped the prince up, carefully examining him. The young prince was handsome, with an extraordinary air about him, and every gesture exuded the bearing of a royal. Xu Yuehuai couldn't help but secretly admire him: "This child will surely be an outstanding talent in the future."
Xiao Lian sighed from the side, "This child is so grateful to you, Aunt Huang. If it weren't for you, he probably would have..." Her voice choked up again as she said this.
Xu Yuehuai gently patted Xiaolian's shoulder and said firmly, "It's all in the past. The most important thing now is for you and your child to live peacefully. I will do everything I can to protect you."
Xiaolian nodded gratefully, tears welling in her eyes. She knew that Xu Yuehuai's promise was weighty, and she would never forget this kindness.
The two sat in the pavilion, and Xu Yuehuai inquired about the young prince's studies and hobbies, and also showed concern for Xiaolian's health.
Xiaolian answered each question, and the two chatted very congenially, as if they had endless things to say.
Just as Xu Yuehuai was about to leave, Xiaolian suddenly grabbed her hand and whispered, "Sister, I heard that things are not peaceful in the capital recently, and some officials have contracted a strange disease. You must be careful."
Xu Yuehuai's heart skipped a beat; she hadn't expected Xiaolian to know about this as well. She nodded and said earnestly, "Don't worry, I'll be careful."
Xiao Lian breathed a sigh of relief. She knew that Xu Yuehuai was a smart and capable person, and with the Regent Prince backing him up, he would surely be able to turn danger into safety.
After leaving the palace, Xu Yuehuai fell into deep thought. She understood that the officials captured this time were merely pawns left behind by those groups; the most crucial thing was to catch the mastermind behind it all.
In the days that followed, Xu Yuehuai led Yan Qing, Tie Xiong, and others to continue searching for the mastermind behind the scenes.
She traveled to every corner of the capital, talking to all sorts of people, trying to glean a clue from them.
At the same time, she kept searching for Qi Guze's whereabouts, hoping to find him and face this crisis together.
Unfortunately, she was never able to find Qi Guze.
Every night, when all was quiet, Xu Yuehuai would stand in the courtyard of the Regent's Palace, look up at the bright moon, and silently pray, "Aze, where are you?"
At this moment, Qi Zi'ang walked over, his eyes firm yet gentle: "Mother, don't worry, Father will definitely come back soon."
Xu Yuehuai gently patted Qi Ziang's shoulder and said firmly, "Yes, your mother will be going to find your father in a while. You must protect your sister well." Qi Ziang nodded in agreement.
Suddenly, Qi Zixin ran out of the room, her little face beaming with a joyful smile: "Mommy, I don't need my brother to protect me, I can protect myself!"
Xu Yuehuai picked up Qi Zixin and said with a doting smile, "Alright, our Zixin is the best!"
The moonlight shone on them, making them look especially warm and happy. It would have been even better if Qi Guze were here too.
"Aze, no matter where you are, I will find you."
Xu Yuehuai held Qi Ziang's hand with her other hand. Qi Ziang looked up at her, a deep light flashing in his eyes.
Over the next few days, Xu Yuehuai entrusted all the affairs of the Regent's Palace to Zhou Wan and Tie Xiong, and then she made a special trip to Tianxiang Tower.
Despite being heavily pregnant, Jiang Qianqian was still walking around the hall. When she saw Xu Yuehuai arrive, her eyes lit up with surprise and delight.
"Grandma, you've come!"
Xu Yuehuai quickly stepped forward and helped her up.
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