"The third question: What evidence does Prime Minister Ning have to prove that the people you captured are truly loyal to Ye Cunsi? Perhaps these people were planted by one of your superiors to deliberately slander him?"
Ye Qingxue's question enraged Ning Hongxi, Yan Shizheng, and the others.
Ye Qingxue said, "Father, based on the two questions I raised, I have reason to suspect that someone is impersonating Ye Cunsi's subordinate and deliberately framing him! Please investigate thoroughly before making a decision, so as not to harm the innocent and become a laughing stock!"
For a moment, the Zichen Palace was filled with exclamations of "This...this..."
Yan Shizheng said, "Princess Jing, you are simply being unreasonable and irrational! The prison could have caught fire any earlier or later, but it just so happened that it started as soon as your brother arrived in the capital city!"
"The students weren't kidnapped sooner or later, but your brother was kidnapped the moment he started colluding with bandits!"
"Furthermore, it is a fact that your younger brother Ye Cunsi arrived in the capital city but lingered there without entering the capital."
Ye Qingxue said, "Just because my brother stayed outside the city and didn't go to the capital, does that mean we can just pin all the blame on him?"
"Then can I say that Lord Yan didn't speak up earlier or later, but only spoke up when my brother returned to the capital, and therefore I can infer that Lord Yan framed my brother for rebellion?"
"Then Lord Yan can go and die. Only death can ensure your innocence!"
Yan Shizheng was horrified upon hearing this, and his chest heaved with anger.
He immediately pledged his loyalty to the emperor: "Your Majesty, I have never had any dealings with Ye Cunsi, and I absolutely did not frame Ye Cunsi. Everything I said is based on facts and evidence."
Xuan Wang Yunxun stepped forward.
“Father, I think there is some truth to what Princess Jing said. It is too hasty to conclude that Ye Cunsi broke out of prison to release criminals, colluded with bandits, kidnapped students, and attempted to rebel, based solely on the statements of a few subordinates.”
The emperor frowned and asked, "In your opinion, what should be done?"
Yun Xun said, "Your subject is willing to personally lead troops out of the city to determine whether what Prime Minister Ning and Lord Cui said is true. If Ye Cunsi did not do the above, and it is all a misunderstanding, your subject will definitely bring Ye Cunsi back personally to explain to Father Emperor."
"On the contrary, if the situation is proven to be true and Ye Cunsi has indeed committed treason, your son is willing to lead troops to capture and suppress him! Please grant my request, Father!"
Yan Shizheng immediately echoed, "Your Majesty, I believe that what Prince Xuan said is very appropriate. It will not cause a miscarriage of justice, and at the same time, it can prevent a tragedy from happening!"
The Emperor said, “Since none of my ministers have any objections, let’s do as Prince Xuan says. First, investigate Ye Cunsi’s actions, and then decide whether to surround and suppress him or bring him back to the palace.”
"Yes, Your Majesty, I obey."
Ye Qingxue said, "Father, I humbly request to go with His Highness Prince Xuan!"
Yan Shizheng immediately said, "Absolutely not! If Ye Cunsi really intends to rebel and threaten the Emperor, who knows if Princess Jing's trip was to tip off Ye Cunsi?"
"I believe it is not appropriate for Princess Jing to go along."
"I second that proposal."
Ye Qingxue sneered: "May I ask Lord Yan, what message or information have I given to Ye Cunsi? The life and death of my husband and the entire Marquis's mansion are now in the Emperor's hands. Do you really think I would rebel with Ye Cunsi?"
"The Emperor has not yet made a final decision on whether my brother has indeed rebelled. Why are you all in such a hurry to stop me?"
"Or are you worried that if I go with Prince Xuan, I will discover the truth about someone framing my brother for rebellion?"
Yan Shizheng: "..."
Ye Qingxue's sharp tongue is truly amazing!
How can a young lady be so sharp-tongued!
This is outrageous!
“Father, since Princess Jing has made this request, why not grant it? With her here, no one will have the chance to frame Ye Cunsi,” Yun Xun said.
"Moreover, I have long heard that Princess Jing's sister-in-law is exceptionally capable, unlike other young ladies. If Ye Cunsi truly harbors rebellious intentions, with Princess Jing's sister-in-law's persuasion, the outcome will be much more effective."
The emperor pondered for a moment: "Agreed!"
He added, "If it is confirmed that Ye Cunsi rebelled, arrest him directly and confiscate the Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion."
"..." Ye Qingxue's heart skipped a beat.
As dawn broke, Yun Xun led a group of men, along with Cui Shao's group, totaling two to three thousand men, and Ye Qingxue, and set off for the outskirts of the city.
Throughout the journey, Ye Qingxue pondered why Ye Cunsi had lingered outside the city.
Was someone using a scheme?
Having gone through what happened with Miss Lan and Ye Cunjin, he should have matured and shouldn't be so confused. What kind of scheme could make him stay?
Ye Qingxue hissed.
I feel a stinging pain in my heart area.
Too much has happened these past two days.
It all weighed heavily on her heart.
It's alright. Ye Cunsi wouldn't be so foolish as to deliberately linger outside the city. He must have a reason.
"Princess Jing..."
Outside the crowd, it sounded like someone was calling her, but all Ye Qingxue could hear was the clatter of horses' hooves, so she couldn't make out what they were saying.
She looked back from her horse but couldn't see anyone. The procession behind her caught up and urged Ye Qingxue to keep going.
"Princess Jing!"
After taking a few steps, the voice came again, seemingly even clearer than before.
Ye Qingxue rode her horse out of the group and looked behind her. She saw a woman in an apricot-colored riding outfit riding towards her.
Only when she got closer could Ye Qingxue see the person's face clearly.
It turned out to be Lan Yi from the General's Mansion.
Lan Yi looked unwell, clearly having rushed here and still slightly out of breath: "Princess Consort Jing, I heard that Ye Cunsi is lingering outside the capital, attempting to rebel and threatening the Emperor to release Prince Jing. Is this true?"
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