"Sister Shu, who is Zhong Qi'er...?"
After learning that Zhong Qi'er had been assassinated, Qin Ke'er wanted to find out the truth, but Sun Shu acted as if nothing had happened, which made Qin Ke'er hold back.
“Ke’er, it’s understandable that Zhong Qi’er would be assassinated after sneaking out of the mansion late at night, since she defied the imperial decree. Father didn’t tell me about these things, so it shouldn’t have been Father who did it.”
Sun Shu slowly sipped the bird's nest soup, and her complexion improved considerably.
"Seeing that the Empress Dowager of Dayu harbors resentment towards the Zhong family, Zhong Qi'er was directly taken to a temple. Sister Shu, this can be considered her retribution."
Qin Ke'er took the soup bowl from Sun Shu's hands, "Sister, you've really suffered this time."
"Thank you so much, Ke'er, for taking care of me during this time." Sun Shu's eyes curved slightly, and she returned to her previous expression.
"Sister Shu should thank the wife of Minister Chen Ping, not me. She will be here soon, so I won't stay and bother her."
Qin Ke'er chatted and laughed with Sun Shu for a few more minutes before taking the soup bowl and leaving the house. After leaving the house, the smile on Qin Ke'er's face gradually disappeared.
"Does Miss still believe the Sun family was behind it?"
"It can only be the Sun family." Qin Ke'er said with certainty, her face no longer showing the innocent and carefree look she had before. "We must write to Father to tell him that the Sun family was able to succeed in making their move in the capital of Dayu."
"What's been happening on the Chongqing side these past few days?"
"No, Miss."
Qin Ke'er's eyes flickered slightly upon hearing this. Gu Qingyan... I've been here for so long and I still can't figure out your preferences, I can't even find out what you like to eat, you're really mysterious.
The more mysterious something is, the more she likes it.
The eldest daughter of the most powerful family and the young emperor of Dayu should have been the perfect match.
At the same time, the Sun family.
"Are you sure it's been cleaned up?"
"Father, rest assured, our people have reported that they have never revealed their identities."
Sun Cai spoke with certainty, and seeing this, the head of the Sun family did not ask any further questions.
As for Zhong Qi'er's life, neither the Sun father nor his son cared about it.
......
A few days later, Mei Chu hurriedly entered the palace.
"She's awake?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yu put down her pen. "I thought we would have to wait a while longer."
"Your Majesty, it must be because Miss Zhong has a strong will to survive that she was able to wake up so quickly. However, she has not said a word since waking up and has just been staring blankly with her eyes open."
"I'm going to see her."
Jiang Yu slowly rose to her feet. "Wanji, there's no need to prepare a sedan chair. I wish to avoid being seen."
Two hours later, Jiang Yu appeared at the temple where Zhong Qi'er was being held.
This temple, named Qingxin Temple, was a place specifically used to imprison women who had committed crimes.
"Zhong Qi'er".
When Jiang Yu's voice rang out, Zhong Qi'er's lifeless eyes finally showed a slight ripple.
"What exactly happened that night? I demand that you tell me every single detail."
After a long silence that lasted for half an incense stick's time, Jiang Yu was not in a hurry. Wan Ji brought Jiang Yu a soft chair, and Jiang Yu sat on the chair, holding an old book in her hands.
The sound of turning pages occasionally rang out. Zhong Qi'er turned her head and looked at the scene in front of her.
Quiet and peaceful.
"Are my father and my older brother alright?"
Perhaps because she hadn't spoken for a long time, Zhong Qi'er's voice was a little hoarse.
“They were originally fine. Lan Yu drew the design for those two jade pendants and had someone outside carve them out.” Jiang Yu’s voice was calm, but it pierced Zhong Qi’er’s heart like a needle.
"I treat Lanyu very well."
But Ke Lanyu betrayed her.
“That night I sneaked out of the manor as instructed in the letter.” Zhong Qi’er’s hands clenched into fists under the quilt. “The letter said that only I could leave the manor. Although I knew it was inappropriate, I dared not gamble with my father’s and brothers’ lives.”
"So I didn't plan to come back alive."
At this point, Jiang Yu paused, her hand holding the book still.
"The man who attacked me was completely covered up, but I came here with the intention of dying, so my hidden dart pierced his right leg. I smeared poison on the dart, and he is probably seeking medical help now."
"Hidden weapon?"
"It's kind of funny, this hidden blade was given to me by Zhu Cheng." Zhong Qi'er's lips were very white. "He seems to be idle all day long, but he is actually a righteous person. He's just simple-minded and easily taken advantage of."
"I will investigate as you have instructed."
"That person has a very unique eye shape; it's a rare phoenix eye."
Zhong Qi'er swallowed hard. She loved doing her makeup, so she was particularly sensitive to people's facial features.
"Your Majesty, please spare the Zhong family, considering how many clues I've provided?" Zhong Qi'er pleaded. "I really didn't mean to disobey the imperial decree."
"If the clues you provided are true, your matter will not involve the Zhong family."
After saying that, Jiang Yu turned and left.
Zhong Qi'er, who remained in the room, cried silently.
“Her Majesty did not tell Miss Zhong that the Zhong family did not ask for her protection,” Wanji said softly. “Her Majesty still pities her.”
"I originally thought that her disobeying the imperial decree was her incorrigible nature, but if she disobeyed the decree to protect her father and brothers, I think she really has some character. Let's keep her at Qingxin Temple to temper her character."
As for the Zhong family, even if she doesn't say anything, Zhong Qi'er will eventually realize it herself.
......
Based on the clues provided by Zhong Qier and Lan Yu, Jiang Yu quickly identified two people: one was the manager of Mo Ge, and the other was a laborer who moved goods.
"Your Majesty, please leave the rest to me."
Gu Qingyan smiled and said, "Mother has already found the person. As for arresting him, please give your son a chance to do so."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yu smiled and said, "Then I'll leave it to you."
Seeing that things were starting to look promising, Jiang Yu's furrowed brows relaxed, and she even had the leisure to sit in the pavilion in the Imperial Garden and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery.
"Your Majesty has entrusted Zhong Qi'er's matter to the Emperor and Chen Ping's matter to the Emperor Emeritus, and now you're hiding here in peace and quiet?" Bai Qian's voice rang out, and Jiang Yu immediately burst out laughing.
"Looks like you received a letter from your brother?"
"Your Majesty is incredibly resourceful."
Bai Qian handed a letter to Jiang Yu. After reading it, Jiang Yu looked at Bai Qian and said, "Knowing that your brother is alright, you can finally relax."
"Yes, that's why I'm going to the palace to keep the Empress company."
Laughter could be heard from time to time, and Ling Mama couldn't help but smile. How wonderful it would be if life were always like this.
......
For seven or eight days in a row, no one from Qingxin Temple except Jiang Yu visited Zhong Qi'er.
When Mei Chu came to take her pulse one day, Zhong Qi'er finally couldn't help but ask, "Doctor Mei, why don't my father and brothers come to see me?"
"Lord Zhong and Young Master Zhong are probably preoccupied with important matters."
"Something happened to them? The Empress Dowager promised me that the Zhong family wouldn't be implicated."
Seeing that Mei Chu remained silent, Zhong Qi'er's eyes revealed disbelief and astonishment.
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