The emperor's brows furrowed suddenly. Did that mean the reward couldn't be taken back? Otherwise, he wouldn't be a wise ruler, and he'd only earn a reputation for going back on his word.
Ye Qingxue did not notice their movements.
At this moment, all she could think about was how suspicious her father's death was, perhaps the work of Madam Min; then she thought about how Ye Xiaowei had seized all of her father's belongings after his death, and she felt extremely resentful; finally, she thought about how Aunt Liu had been driven mad, and a surge of anger welled up in her chest.
"Even if the Emperor were to order my death, I would never confess my guilt!" Ye Qingxue declared suddenly, her eyes blazing with intense fire.
The invisible flames seemed to burst forth from her body, and even the emperor, who was used to grand occasions, couldn't help but step back.
Ye Qingxue seemed oblivious, and said firmly, "Your Majesty, I have my reasons for doing these things. I beg Your Majesty to grant me two days. After two days, I will present you with sufficient reasons and evidence! If I fail to do so, I am willing to offer my head!"
The emperor thought that the reward he had given to Ye Qingxue last night had already spread far and wide, and that withdrawing the order now would not have a good impact on him.
On the contrary, Ye Qingxue's suggestion of two days was a way for him to back down, so he... simply accepted it?
However, such an unfilial act as Ye Qingxue's cannot be forgiven. But there's no rush to punish her now; waiting a couple of days won't hurt.
Considering her three great achievements, let her live one more day; considering her loyalty and bravery in protecting the country in the past, give her one more day.
That adds up to two days, two days, no more than that!
The ruler is the guide for his subjects, and the father is the guide for his son. If he, as the emperor, allows such things to go unchecked, how will he govern the country and bring peace to the world if his children rebel against their parents and his subjects rebel against his ruler?
Even if Ye Qingxue had a great reason, she could not treat her birth mother and her elders like this, unless the Marquis's family had a blood feud with her.
But that's impossible!
After a moment's thought, the emperor stared at her intently and said in a deep voice, "If you do not give me a reasonable explanation in two days, I will not only take your head, but also take back the reward from last night!"
He wanted the world to see that even Ye Qingxue, who had made great contributions, could not escape justice if he committed any rebellious acts!
"Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty. I will take my leave now."
After bowing and leaving the Imperial Study, Ye Qingxue looked up at the sky. The sun had already risen, and golden sunlight was breaking through the layers of thin mist.
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