Ji Fengyao returned from the backyard with Xique and Bailu. As soon as she entered the inner courtyard of Huinuan Pavilion, she noticed that the atmosphere in the courtyard was strange. There was not a single servant in the courtyard, not even the rough old woman who usually took good care of the flowers and plants.
"What's going on? Everyone's gone back to take a nap," Xique wondered.
The three entered the inner courtyard, only to find Wuying and Wuhen standing at the entrance.
Upon seeing Ji Fengyao, Wuying and Wuhen acted as if they had seen a savior. The two exchanged glances and rushed forward, vying to send telepathic plea for help:
"Your Highness, you're finally back!"
"Your Highness, please go and see the Prince."
Wuying and Wuhen, who were always composed, had never lost their composure like this before.
Ji Fengyao thought something serious had happened and asked anxiously, "Your Highness, what's wrong? What happened?"
Wu Ying said angrily, "You don't know, the Emperor is determined to separate you and the Prince this time. He issued three imperial edicts this morning, ordering the Prince to send you to the palace. Otherwise, tomorrow the Emperor will announce to the world that the Prince is colluding with the former prince, that is, Lord Black Owl, to slander the Prince for plotting a rebellion. He will order the Crown Prince, the Second Prince, and Commander Gao to lead troops and summon all the people of the capital to besiege our Prince's Mansion."
"The Second Prince is leading troops?" Ji Fengyao was stunned. "The Second Prince is backed by Wen Jiyan, the Minister of Personnel. Wen Jiyan does not command troops. Where did the Second Prince get his troops?"
"That's the most infuriating thing. The prince handed over the military tally and private seal, and the emperor immediately gave them to the second prince. He even said that if the second prince captures our prince alive tomorrow, all the soldiers under the prince's command will belong to the second prince," Wuying said through gritted teeth.
"That person in the palace is so inhuman, we might as well just rebel! It's so frustrating!" Wuhen could only transmit his voice, unable to curse aloud, and was so angry that he could only wave his fists.
Upon hearing this, Ji Fengyao was also furious: "Treason is one thing, we don't care about it. There's no need to bear the stigma of treason for the sake of this mortal country and ruin the prince's reputation for life. But we must get our revenge!"
Having said that, Ji Fengyao lifted her skirt and strode into the room with an air of arrogance.
Xique and Bailu didn't go in; they waited at the door with Wuying and Wuhen.
Shang Xiye sat upright on the soft couch by the window, his face frighteningly gloomy.
On the small square table beside him lay a crimson gold token and an old, yellowed imperial edict. Ji Fengyao recognized the token; it was the same golden token he had used in court to save her life. If she remembered correctly, this token could be used twice more.
But twice was far from enough to save so many of their lives.
So Ji Fengyao turned her gaze back to the old, yellowed imperial edict.
Given the late emperor's favor towards Shang Xiye, he might not be able to grant Shang Xiye the throne, but he would certainly leave Shang Xiye with sufficient means to protect himself.
Otherwise.
The emperor wasn't so wary of Shang Xiye that he dared not make a move against him for many years.
"Your Highness," Ji Fengyao called out softly to Shang Xiye.
Hearing her footsteps and sweet voice, Shang Xiye's gloomy expression eased, and the coldness and murderous intent in his eyes quickly faded.
He reached out and took the little bandit's soft little hand in his, pulling her close and encircling her tightly in his arms. He buried his head in the hair at the nape of her neck, deeply inhaling her sweet scent. His voice was as deep and plaintive as a cello: "My little wife, I'm sorry for making you suffer and endure with me until now. I'm sorry."
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