“Your Majesty, I dare not lie! Since the day of the court hearing, my father’s temperament has changed drastically. He is easily pleased and easily angered, and often does things that he would never have done before. No matter how much my mother and I try to persuade him, he insists on doing so. This is definitely not something that can be explained by a common illness.”
"It wasn't until I read that book that I suddenly realized that Father might have been under some kind of spell."
Ji Huaichuan knelt down and said.
"These are merely my speculations, without any evidence. I implore Your Majesty to investigate this matter thoroughly!"
The hall remained silent for a long while.
Emperor Jingyuan sat on the dragon throne with a sullen face, seemingly lost in thought, without uttering a word.
When the taboo of Miao territory was mentioned, the atmosphere around him seemed to freeze.
He Xingyun also realized that something serious had happened. He glanced at Pei Xuan's expression and knelt on the ground.
“Your Majesty, what Young Master He said makes sense. If the Miao people are involved, this matter should not be taken lightly.”
"It's not just for Lord Ji's sake. When the late Emperor was alive, he ordered that no Miao people were allowed to set foot in the capital. Many years later, if Miao people were to infiltrate the capital again, it would be a threat to the safety of the capital. Finding out who is causing trouble as soon as possible can also ensure His Majesty's safety!"
Everyone chimed in with agreement.
Song Ziyu, not understanding why, knelt down as well without realizing it.
Pei Xuan also stood up and looked at the late Emperor Jingyuan: "What is Father's opinion?"
Emperor Jingyuan pondered for a long time before speaking.
"Since the late Emperor and General Song recovered Miao territory, the Miao people have been hiding in their garrison for more than a decade and dare not invade. Now that my Great Yong Kingdom is at its peak, I do not believe that they would dare to come and provoke us!"
"However, what you all say makes sense. Have someone bring Ji Rong back to the palace. I will have someone examine him to see if he is related to the Miao secret arts."
Ji Huaichuan breathed a sigh of relief and kowtowed, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Emperor Jingyuan glanced at him, his eyes deep and unfathomable: "Today's matter is of great importance. Before the matter is clarified, not a single word about Miao territory shall be revealed, lest it cause unrest among the people and create chaos in the court."
"As for the merchant's death, the rest is to be handled by the Prefect of the Capital. It is imperative to find out who is behind this!"
Everyone responded in unison.
Emperor Jingyuan left with a sullen face, saying he was going to visit the Empress.
Jiang Wan also got up to leave. With Yun Que's testimony as proof, she was cleared of suspicion and released without charge. She could go home today.
Ji Huaichuan was with her; he had a lot of questions to ask her.
Seeing Pei Xuan standing under the eaves, seemingly waiting for Jiang Wan, she could only whisper, "Cousin, go ahead, I'll wait for you up ahead."
"Your Highness."
Jiang Wan approached and curtsied, saying, "Thank you for today."
Pei Xuan cut to the chase: "I heard from A-Si that an assassin broke into the Ministry of Justice prison last night?"
Jiang Wan nodded: "Thankfully, it was a close call."
Pei Xuan added, "I have already had Ah Si hand over the assassins' bodies to the secret guards. Perhaps we can find out their identities from their corpses."
Jiang Wan's eyes flickered slightly.
Once the bodies of the bodyguards are examined, it will be clear that one of them died at her hands.
I wonder if Pei Xuan will blame A Si for this.
She lowered her eyes.
Pei Xuan was far superior to her in the art of managing subordinates, so she shouldn't interfere. She simply smiled and nodded, "A-Si is very loyal to His Highness."
A sound came from not far under the corridor, and two eunuchs led Ji Rong toward the side door.
Jiang Wan frowned, her face showing worry.
Emperor Jingyuan's attitude just now clearly showed a perfunctory attitude.
Even if the truth is found, the royal family may not pursue the matter to the end.
Pei Xuan noticed her worry and said in a low voice, "The matter in Miao territory is of great importance. It's understandable that Father Emperor is cautious and doesn't want to stir up trouble again."
Jiang Wan did not answer.
We can find out Emperor Jingyuan's intentions by reading the imperial physicians' conclusions over the past few days.
If they wanted to settle things peacefully, it would prove that this matter hadn't hit Emperor Jingyuan's sore spot.
"It's alright," Jiang Wan chuckled.
Her face was calm and composed, but a storm was brewing in her eyes.
At that point, she will make a big fuss about it until it can no longer be covered up.
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