Jiang Xuanjin listened to these words and almost spat blood on her face!

  What happened last night? How did it suddenly become "a moment of excitement" and why does he need to make an explanation? If I remember correctly, at most he accidentally touched her calf, nothing more. But in her words, how did it become something that cant be taken back?

  Beside him, Jiang Chongs eyes were also unusually complex, his mouth opened and closed, wanting to speak but stopping himself.

  Jiang Xuanjin knew what he was thinking at a glance, and shook his head with a dark face: "Im not, I didnt..."

  Li Huaiyu pinched her handkerchief and wiped the non-existent tears from the corners of her eyes, nodding: "You didnt, it was all me... I was overly sentimental with lingering resentment, my true heart couldnt be painted, I wrongly devoted my emotions and regretted my life! It was me, all me!"

  The last word was almost shouted out, with sadness, unwillingness and regret. She looked at Jiang Xuanjin, her apricot eyes filled with three parts of resentment, but seven parts of emotional turmoil, struggling, wandering, helpless. She stretched out her hand, as if wanting to touch his hem again, but also seemed to be worried about something, suddenly withdrew it, and choked back tears, turning away.

  Love cannot be obtained, hatred cannot be obtained, she is willing to bear all the infamy, only wishing him... happiness.

  This stunning performance shocked everyone in the front hall.

  What a foolish and regretless girl! For a moment, Old Master Jiang couldnt bear it anymore. He slammed his dragon-head cane on the ground and glared at Jiang Xuanzhen: "My Jiang family will never raise someone who forgets kindness and betrays righteousness!"

  No, how did he become ungrateful and disloyal? Jiang Xuanjin looked at his fathers indignant face, feeling very bewildered.

  If he didnt remember wrong, he came here today to make a desperate move, anyway it would be discovered sooner or later, so he might as well take the initiative, compromise and marry this white four xiǎojiě, first to shut up the mouths of various families who wanted to introduce him to girls every day, second... as she said, they had hugged and kissed, after all, they should take some responsibility.

  If someone was going to be stuffed into the backyard anyway, Jiang Xuanjin felt that it didnt matter who it was.

  As a result, he, who was supposed to be responsible, was scolded for being ungrateful and disloyal?

  After a daze, Jiang Xuanjin glanced at the person beside him and thought that this Bai Sisi might be a fox spirit who had cultivated for thousands of years.

  Too good at deceiving peoples minds!

  "Old Master, dont blame Jun Shang." Li Huaiyu still sighed with a hint of grievance, "Its just that Im not good enough, and Im not worthy of Jun Shang."

  The old man furrowed his brow, grasping the dragon-headed cane and pondering for a long time before speaking: "Fourth Miss, do not belittle yourself. The Jiang and Bai families have been acquainted for generations, and as the daughter of the Bai family, you are naturally a suitable match for Xuan Jin. Moreover, Xuan Jin has never been particular about women, and in all these years, you are the only one who has been able to get close to him. Since he has spoken up, it must be that Fourth Miss has some qualities that others do not possess."

  Jiang Yan ran away from home, and the marriage between the two families was left hanging in the air. Fortunately, Jiang Xuanjin stepped in to salvage the situation, and it just so happened that he wanted to marry the young lady of the Bai family. What reason could there be for not letting him succeed?

  Jiang Chong hesitated for a moment beside him and also nodded in agreement: "Father is right."

  Li Huaiyu paused for a moment and looked at the old man in surprise. He was actually so understanding? She had planned to cry some more.

  Jiang Xuanjin was clenching his teeth in anger, but at least the goal had been achieved, and he let out a sigh of relief.

  "Since both Big Brother and Father have agreed, Ill send Bai Si back first." He said, "The matter of the betrothal gifts tomorrow, lets discuss it further when I return, it wont be too late."

  "Good." Old Master Jiang nodded, "Have someone prepare the carriage, lets go and return early."

  "Yes."

  Hua Yu was delighted and followed Jiang Xuanjin out with her head lowered, but she couldnt hide the smile on her face.

  "You actually think you can marry me." She tiptoed and followed behind him, her mouth curved up to her ears, "To be able to receive Purple Suns deep affection, its truly the good fortune Ive accumulated over several lifetimes!"

  He stopped in his tracks, Jiang Xuanjin turned around, looking down at her with a cold gaze: "Self-inflicted sorrow and useless regret?"

  Her smile froze, and Hua Yu weakly retreated a step back, blinking: "I was just joking."

  "Cant even draw a sincere picture?" He took a step forward, narrowing his eyes.

  She took another step back: "Just kidding."

  "Regret for life for misplacing affection?"

  "Hmph!" As he drew closer and closer, Huai Yu felt a bit breathless, and she reached out to press against his chest, whispering: "Its all for the sake of rhyming!"

  He reached out and pinched his fist, suddenly punching the crimson lacquered pillar behind her, Jiang Xuanjin pressed her against the stone pillar, trapped in the narrow space between his arms.

  "You also know how to rhyme!" Mo Rans eyes narrowed at her, with a hint of cold smile, "Want me to set up a stall for you to tell stories?"

  She shrunk her neck, with a jade-like complexion and a flat mouth: "You cant be so petty, it was you who insulted me first, I just meant to insult you a bit, otherwise how would I spend my days in this mansion?"

  After finishing speaking, she smiled and stretched out her hand, encircling his neck: "Youre so close to me, are you thinking of kissing me?"

  He let out a cold snort, stood up straight and shook off her hand: "I have something to say first."

  "What?"

  "Marrying you is a suitable thing to do at a suitable time," he said. "Not because of emotions."

  To put it bluntly, what Im saying is: I married you out of helplessness. If you hadnt shamelessly entered my courtyard and made everyone lose face, I wouldnt have married you. I dont like you.

  She covered her heart with a hurt expression, tears welling up in her eyes as she looked at him: "Youre so cold and unfeeling, you have a heart of stone!"

  Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brow: "If you cant accept it, theres still room for maneuvering in this matter."

  "Never mind, just let it be." With an instantly restored normal expression, Huaiyu said, "You having multiple wives is not a big deal, and me having multiple husbands is also not a big deal. Since we get along quite well, and I can eat my fill and dress warmly by marrying you, why shouldnt I marry?"

  Shes quite open-minded, as long as she can eat well and dress warmly, she can get married, and there are many people who can marry her!

  Jiang Xuanjin looked at her expressionless face and had an urge to pick her up and throw her out of the window again.

  Feeling the not-so-friendly gaze in front of her, Li Huaiyu paused for a moment before continuing with a smile: "Besides, you dont have feelings for me now, but whos to say what will happen in the future? There are so many girls in Kyoto who want to have feelings for you, but they dont even have the qualifications to spend the rest of their lives with you. At least Ive made a start!"

  She was very proud of herself at this point, with her hands on her hips and her chest out.

  Jiang Xuanjin rolled her eyes.

  "Little sister." Ling Xiu, who had been waiting from a distance, finally handed over the cane after seeing that the two of them were almost done talking.

  At the sight of this, Jiang Xuanjin finally knew why he felt something was off just now. He took a glance at her dangling right foot and immediately turned dark: "Do you want to become a cripple?"

  "No way." Huai Yu said, "But when meeting your father for the first time, you cant just go with a crutch, right? Thats too ugly and wont give him a good impression. You should thank me for not using a crutch, otherwise he definitely wouldnt have nodded so easily."

  "Doesnt it hurt you?"

  "Its fine." She replied quickly, but then felt a bit embarrassed. Hua Yus eyes rolled around and she immediately frowned again, "Its fine that I can endure it... Ow! Why doesnt it hurt? It hurts me to death! You quickly help me!"

  As she spoke, she reached out her hand and was about to grab his shoulder.

  Jiang Xuanjin responded to her exaggerated acting with a snort of laughter, poking his cane under her arm and turning to leave.

  Embarrassed, Cuiyu touched the tip of her nose and asked Chengxu beside her: "Was I that obvious?"

  He nodded with a hint of a smile: "Its quite obvious."

  He patted his head and Yujuan let out a cry of "Aiyo" as he hurriedly used his crutches to chase after the person in front.

  Jiang Xuanjin was planning to send her to the White Mansion, and took the opportunity to discuss with Bai Dechong about the engagement ceremony. However, just as the carriage had traveled halfway, someone from the palace arrived in a state of great anxiety and stopped the carriage.

  "Your Majesty!" The eunuch stood in front of the carriage, panting and said, "The Emperor has summoned you urgently, please enter the palace immediately!"

  Li Huaiyu, who was laughing and telling jokes to Jiang Xuanjin, froze.

  Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brow and lifted the car curtain: "Whats going on?"

  "Han Xiao and Yunlan Qing, the two nobles, entered the palace half an hour ago, claiming to accuse Chancellor Zhang Shi of perjury. A clash broke out between them in the imperial study, and Your Majesty was unable to intervene, so I was sent to invite you, sir."

  He glanced at the sky and became more urgent: "Ive been to Jiangs mansion once, and Ive been chasing all the way here. Ive already delayed for a considerable amount of time, and I cant delay any further!"

  After hearing this, Jiang Xuanjin almost immediately wanted to nod, but after glancing at the people in the carriage, he hesitated slightly.

  If he doesnt send her back, shell probably be in trouble, wont she?

  "Its a matter of national importance!" But before he knew it, the man in the carriage was even more urgent, dragging his right foot and jumping off the carriage. He waved at him several times, "You quickly enter the palace!"

  A person who has always been careless and sloppy, suddenly becomes so serious, Jiang Xuanjin is really not used to it. But her performance, he finds very pleasing to the eye, even feels a little precious.

  How many women of today can be like this, knowing what is important and putting national affairs first? Not even considering that once he leaves, she will not be punished when she returns.

  "Really want me to leave?" He asked another sentence.

  Li Huaiyu glared: "Everyone is already fighting in front of Your Majesty, do you still have time to say such nonsense? How did this Zi Yang Jun become like this?"

  Saying so, he picked up his cane and poked at the wheel hub: "Hurry up! Hurry up!"

  This appearance is like an old mother who has been working hard to build a career.

  With a smile, Jiang Xuanjin finally put down the carriage curtain and let the coachman change direction into the palace.

  Li Huaiyu stood still, watching the carriage drive towards the palace gate, her worries unabated.

  Han Xiao and Yunlan Qing, neither of them are impulsive people, they will inform the authorities and take action, there must be evidence. If it were before she was here, this matter would definitely not be a problem, but now... Without the autocratic rule of Princess Danyang, even if its the right thing to do, it may not necessarily have the right outcome.

  Hui Yu thought for a moment and then took out Lu Jinghangs token from her sleeve and stuffed it into Ling Xius hand.

  "Go to Lus residence again," she said, "and pass on a message for me."

  Lingxiu leaned in to listen to her whisper a couple of times, nodded repeatedly, and walked with her to the Changan official road. She returned to the White Mansion, while Lingxiu headed towards the Lu Mansion.

  The backyard of the White House.

  Fourth Young Miss didnt return to the White Manor for a whole night, in the past, Ling Xiu wouldnt report this and the people in the manor wouldnt know. But now its different, Bai Xueqi just got Old Master Jiangs nod of approval, shes going to be Jiang Yans official wife! Such good news, they would also want to bring out Bai Zhuqi, that former "future young miss", and trample her a couple of times to make the celebration even more joyful.

  Soon, people in the mansion discovered that the fourth young lady was no longer in the mansion, and Ling Xiu had also disappeared.

  "Isnt it a shame, cant stay in the mansion anymore, so she left on her own?" The old ladies squatting in the backyard were discussing excitedly while cracking melon seeds.

  "How miserable! If I were the Fourth Sister, Id leave too! Everywhere is inferior to the Second Sister, and even marriage has been snatched away by the Second Sister!"

  "How can this be considered robbery? The second sister is relying on her own abilities to compete, who told the fourth sister that she was incompetent? You say, isnt it?"

  "Yes." Someone echoed from behind.

  The three women were taken aback and felt that the voice was somewhat familiar. They all turned their heads back to look behind them.

  A beauty in silk and satin stood not far behind them, picked up the crutch on the ground, combed her hair and smiled at them: "I also think that Fourth Miss is not impressive."

  After finishing speaking, he leaned on his crutches and walked towards the direction of the West Wing.

  The girls were stunned, one asked: "Who is this?" Another said: "When we just arrived, there was no one under the wall corner, right?"

  The last one looked very ugly, and the melon seeds in his hand were not pinched firmly, and a few more fell.

  "Thats Fourth Miss," she stuttered.

  Used to seeing the dull and dirty Four Idiots, they were suddenly dazzled by the radiant Four Young Ladies. It was normal that they couldnt recognize them at first glance. But after recognizing them, several ayis lost their composure, quickly picked up the melon seeds, and rushed to find someone to report.

  Just as Li Huaiyu had returned to her room and was about to rest after taking a sip of water, five or six servants rushed in front of her.

  "Fourth Miss, the lady is inviting you!"

  She sighed and said, "Ive injured my foot, I cant walk."

  The family slaves were taken aback, and the one in charge frowned and said: "Doesnt even Fourth Young Miss listen to the mistresss orders?"

  "Are you guys not listening properly?" Hua Yu raised an eyebrow, sitting in the chair with her legs crossed, "Didnt the madam say please come over?"

  "Yes."

  "This please, is for you to please me, and you have to be responsible for bringing me over!" She had an incredulous expression, "Dont you even understand this basic rule? Ive hurt my foot, so you should carry me over with the chair!"

  The slaves in the house looked at each other in dismay.

  "Dont just stand there, come and lift it. Whats the point of having so many people here otherwise?" Huai Yu Shu leaned back comfortably against the chair back and patted the armrest to gesture to them.

  After thinking about her words twice, they actually made more sense. Several family slaves counted together, one person lifted a chair leg, and another person stayed behind to support it, and they steadily invited Li Huaiyu out.

  East Courtyard

  The Bai Meng family sent several strong and sturdy house slaves, originally intending to prevent her from resisting like before and planning to have these people forcibly hold her down. Who would have thought that after a short while, the house slaves actually carried her in with great respect.

  "What is this!" Bai Meng furrowed his brow and slapped his hand on the table, "What kind of behavior is this!"

  The servants were startled and hastily put down their chairs, retreating to one side in confusion.

  Hua Yu smiled and stood up, bowing to her as if nothing had happened.

  "Where have you been?" Bai Mengs face turned stern. "You didnt return all night, is this the behavior of a lady? Still not kneeling down!"

  Li Huaiyu didnt want to kneel, but when under someones roof, one has no choice but to obey. After hesitating for a moment, she still knelt down obediently.

  She knelt down, and Bai Mengs interrogation began: "The White family has always been upright and honest, I dont know how you became such a lawless person! Your second sister is about to marry into the Jiang family, and you are ruining the White familys reputation at this critical moment, what kind of heart do you have?"

  Bai Xuan sat beside her, with a dignified posture and a smile on her face. Upon hearing this, she said softly, "Mother doesnt have to be so hard on Fourth Sister either, she probably still doesnt know about the change in the marriage."

  She glanced at her and Li Huaiyu said, "I know."

  "Oh?" Bai Xueyi paused, then smiled even more warmly, "Fourth sister knows its fine, I didnt know how to bring it up either... This matter is really an apology to fourth sister."

  Although he said so, there was no hint of guilt on his face, and even a few hints of complacency in his eyes.

  Little girl, youve stolen someone elses wedding and come to show off to others, of course, youd be pleased. Li Huaiyu looked at her expression, then thought about that runaway Jiang Xiaojun, and suddenly felt a bit amused: "Its nothing, I wont blame you."

  Who knows who will blame whom tomorrow!

  Seeing that she didnt seem to be angry at all, but rather looked a bit pleased, Bai Xuanji furrowed her brow: "If Fourth Sister is not satisfied in her heart, she can directly tell Second Sister, and Second Sister will also compensate you."

  "No need, no need." Li Huaiyu waved her hand generously, "I dont need compensation."

  "Youre so open-minded, why do you still want to make things difficult for your second sister?" Bai Mengshi frowned and said, "Youre all from the same family, if you cant help your second sister, thats fine, but why do you have to use underhanded tactics to hinder her?"

  Li Huaiyu heard this and couldnt help but laugh and cry: "How did I interfere with her?"

  "You stayed out all night, tarnishing the reputation of the White Mansion. Isnt that an obstruction?" White Mengshi frowned, "Do you know or not that once this news gets out, others will look down on your second sister as well?"

  This is really unknown, and Yuexiu falls silent.

  "Where did you spend last night?"

  About this matter...Hua Yu hesitated for a moment before saying: "I was at Jiangs residence yesterday."

  Jiang Mansion?

  "This is absurd. Bai Meng almost immediately sneered: What kind of daydream are you having? Youre talking about the Jiang manor, why not say the imperial palace?"

  The maidservants standing around also lowered their heads and snickered, casting disapproving and teasing glances at her.

  Bai Xuan didnt smile, she looked at Li Huaiyus attire seriously and frowned: "So you stole this outfit just to go to the Jiang residence?"

  Only then did Bai Meng realize the attire of the person below, she got up and walked to Huai Yus front, stretched out her hand and pulled out one of her hairpins.

  "Its really... You want to drive your father to death, dont you!" After taking a look at the hairpins material and workmanship, Bai Mengshi angrily said, "Is our household suffering losses because of you or what? Actually having a noble young lady like you steal things!"

  Hua Yu furrowed her brow and glanced at Bai Xueji: "This hairpin was a gift from a friend, Second Sister knew nothing about it, how could she be so certain that I stole it?"

  Bai Xuan raised an eyebrow and shook her head: "A gift from a friend? Dont you think this excuse is too ridiculous? Youve been in the White Manor for so many years, with only Ling Xiu by your side, when did you befriend someone so generous?"

  "Not to mention this hairpin, the clothes on your body and the ornaments on your head, all together are worth at least half a years salary of my father. Which friend would be so generous?"

  Everyone listened and thought it made sense, but Bai Mengs anger was uncontrollable. He slapped Li Huaiyu with a loud slap: "You shameless thing!"

  A palm wind whizzed by, carrying a full force, and landed on her face, which must have swollen. Li Huaiyu looked at it, her body reacted faster than her brain, she tilted her head and dodged the slap.

  "Whoa—" His hand swept through empty air, his strength not yet under control, almost twisting his arm.

  Bai Mengs face turned blue and purple: "You dare to hide?!"

  "Even if Im beaten, I want to make it clear." Huaiyu knelt on her own left foot, looking up at her and saying, "This thing wasnt stolen by me, Second Sister has no evidence, its purely slander. You didnt distinguish between right and wrong before taking action, which is somewhat unfair."

  She said, looking at Bai Xueqi: "Second sister thinks I dont have such generous friends, so Id like to ask second sister, with my... hmm, also quite delicate physique, where would I go to steal so many things?"

  Bai Xuan held the handkerchief elegantly and said, "Im sure youre the thief. Of course, I know where you stole them from - these things are all on my dowry list. Last night when I returned to the mansion, I went with my mother to check the dowry and found that many things were missing. I thought it was some servant who had sticky fingers, but I didnt expect it to be you."

  "Ah——" The maids standing beside her were all shocked. Stealing her own sisters dowry to wear, this was truly shameless!

  Li Huaiyu was also shocked. She had always admitted that she was shameless, but she didnt expect the second daughter of the Bai family to be even more shameless than her.

  "What about your dowry?" Extremely shocked and laughing, she stretched out her hand and plucked a gold-inlaid jade peony from her hair to hold in her hand. "Then Id like to ask Second Sister, where did you prepare your dowry? Are there any marks on the jewelry?"

  Bai Xuans delicate and subtle beauty was slightly choked back.

  Bai Mengs brow furrowed as he said, "Youre the one who stole something, how dare you turn around and question your second sister! Someone, come and take away her entire outfit!"

  "Yes!" The several maids beside her responded and came up wanting to take action.

  Li Huaiyu sneered and with one hand on the ground, kicked out the maid who had rushed to the front.

  "Ah——" The maid let out a miserable cry and knocked over the taishi chair behind her, crashing heavily to the ground.

  The rest of the people were shocked and immediately stopped in their tracks.

  Li Huaiyu turned her head, looking up at the person sitting upright, and coldly stretched out a finger: "Bai Xuanji, youd better provide evidence today to prove that I stole your dowry. Otherwise, I guarantee that after stealing your dowry, not even half a thread of silk will be left!"

  Bai Xuanji was startled and her face turned pale, frowning: "Youre threatening me?"

  "Youre really asking for it!" Bai Mengs wife slammed her hand on the table, "Someone, come and tie her up for me!"

  "Yes!" A group of family slaves responded in unison, rushing in from outside, and the main hall was instantly packed with people. The timid maidservants retreated to the back, while the strong and sturdy family slaves rolled up their sleeves and charged towards her.

  To be honest, ones fists cant compete with the four walls. Facing so many people, Li Huaiyu knew that he was doomed today. However, the descendants of the Li family have a bit of imperial arrogance, and they clearly know their final outcome. They would rather die fighting to take down a few pieces of flesh from their opponents!

  Then the east wing became lively, with screams, the sound of cups and plates falling to the ground, and the sound of fists hitting flesh, all ringing in my ears.

  Bai Xue initially remained calm and watched from the side, but later saw Li Huaiyu brutally smashing a house slave against the wall, covering him in blood, and she finally let out a frightened cry.

  "Youre crazy!"

  The injured right foot was not agile, and the flaw was caught by someone who stepped on it several times. Li Huaiyu sneered, using force on his left foot, wiping away the blood foam that had been beaten out of the corner of his mouth, and turning his head to hit another house slave.

  Almost everything breakable in the house had been broken. Bai Mengs face turned pale with heartache, and at first she wanted to shout for them to stop, but later she too became enraged, shouting hoarsely: "Beat her to death for me!"

  The family slaves originally still had some reservations, but as soon as they heard this, they let go and struck even harder.

  Half a time later, Li Huaiyus forehead was cracked and blood flowed all over his face. He was pressed by the last family slave and knelt in front of Bai Mengshi.

  The whole house was in a mess, with people lying down or paralyzed. Amidst the chaos, only this persons eyes, kneeling on the ground, still shone brightly like stars.

  Bai Meng was both shocked and frightened, staring at her with wide eyes, almost trembling as he tore off the jewelry on her body one by one.

  "You...do you know how many house rules youve broken!"

  Li Huaiyu hooked her lips and smiled at her with her eyebrows and eyes.

  She saw that she was not suffering at all, and Bai Mengs anger grew even more: "Not returning home at night, stealing treasures from the mansion, committing crimes against superiors, fighting and quarreling, destroying everything in my house! With these crimes combined, I would have you receive twenty lashes as punishment, and it wouldnt be excessive!"

  "I advise you not to," said Hua Yu with a smile. "Otherwise, tomorrow will be blamed by my father."

  Upon hearing this, Bai Mengs wife smiled: "Do you think the old master still considers you a matter of importance? He has Xuanji as his daughter and thats enough; he doesnt have time to care about your life or death. Even if I were to kill you, it would be years before he finds out about your demise."

  Thats impressive! If her hands werent being held down, Cui Yu would have wanted to give her a round of applause.

  "Ive reminded you, now its up to you," she said. "Dont say Im trying to harm you later."

  Bai Mengs wife didnt understand what she meant, thinking she was just trying to scare people, so she waved her sleeve and said: "I am the mistress of this Bai family, handling people according to the family rules, what is wrong with that? Even if the master asks about it, I wont be in the wrong! Come on, drag her to the courtyard and ask for family law!"

  "Yes!"

  At noon, with spring sunshine in the sky, Jiang Xuanjin was listening to Han Xiao and Yun Lianqings conversation in the imperial study when he suddenly felt a tightness in his heart.

  He furrowed his brow and reached out to touch his chest, feeling somewhat inexplicable.

  "You must also find it absurd?" Han Xiao said in a low voice, "A dignified Grand Councilor and historian, yet his heart is so narrow-minded. Just because Princess Chang once said he lacked the talent to assist the country, he has been harboring resentment all these years. He made things difficult for the princess all this time, and now, in the case of Chancellor Sima, he actually fabricated evidence due to personal vendetta!"

  Jiang Xuanjin came back to his senses and took over the thing handed by the emperor, taking a look at it.

  These are the confessions of several slaves from the Li family, stating that on the evening of February 20th, at around midnight, which was around the time of Sima Xiangs death, Li Feng returned to his residence drunk and did not appear at the scene.

  When Sima Xus case was being investigated, Li Fengxian testified that he had accompanied Sima Xu to the palace and met Princess Danyang, who invited Sima to rest at Fuchang Palace. This testimony was crucial in shifting all suspicion onto Princess Danyang.

  But now, this confession is actually false?

  Jiang Xuanjin was stunned, suddenly remembering what Qing Si said yesterday - "Youre just a knife for the little people to use, do you really think youve done the right thing?"

  He put down the confession in his hand and looked at Li Fengxing, who was kneeling with his head down: "Does Prime Minister Li have anything to argue?"

  Li Feng Xing let out a soft hum, cupped his hands and said: "This case has already been concluded, I dont know what purpose the two of you have in still entangling yourselves in this matter. Is it that just because of a few casual words from a lowly person like me, Your Majesty and the Emperor would decide my guilt?"

  "What nonsense are you spouting?" Yun Lians clear eyebrows shot up, and she glared at him fiercely. "The two family slaves mentioned in the confession, one of whom has been serving in your household for seven years, and the other is your wet nurse. Today, they risked their lives to come and testify against you, and yet you dare say its just nonsense?"

  He glanced at him, and Li Fengs back straightened: "What about that? Why were they being hunted down, I dont know anything about it. But this confession is really false, if Your Majesty and the Emperor believe even this, then I can present several dozen more confessions from other household slaves when I return, proving that I did not return to the mansion at midnight."

  "You..."

  Li Huailian sat on the dragon chair, watching three senior officials quarrel with red faces and ears, and for a moment, he had no idea what to do. He involuntarily turned his head to look at the side: "What does your majesty think?"

  Jiang Xuanjin said: "A case that has already been settled does not need to be debated again."

  Han Xiao was furious and almost cursed out loud, but Yun Lianqing beside him quickly grabbed his sleeve and shook her head.

  Li Fengxing smiled and bowed to him: "Your Majesty is wise."

  "Theres nothing else, so Li Changshi can go ahead and get busy. The new Chancellor has not yet taken office, you work hard." said Li Huairan.

  "I bid you farewell." He glanced at the two people beside him, sneered and turned to leave.

  Han Xiao was a hot-tempered person, but in front of Sheng, he couldnt be too rude, so he had to hold back, his face turning bright red from suppressing his anger.

  The doors of the great hall were closed, and Jiang Xuanjin looked at Han Xiao: "I have a question to ask your lordship."

  "Han is only a shallow scholar, how can he dispel your doubts?" Han bowed his head and cupped his hands, "Ill take my leave first!"

  As he spoke, he also took steps towards going out.

  Li Huailian looked on from above and shook his head. This Koreans temper was truly the worst among all officials, and he even dared to offend Prince Ziyangs dignity.

  However, Jiang Xuanjin did not get angry. Seeing that he was about to leave, he instead stood up and quickly went forward to block his way.

  "Wait a moment." He looked up at him and said, "Only adults can answer this question."

  Han Xiao had always disliked Jiang Xuanjin, and now with his biased attitude towards Li Fengxing, he was even more infuriated. At this moment, being blocked by someone, Han Xiao finally couldnt hold back, and threw a punch at him!

  "Lord Han!" Li Huailian stood up from the dragon chair, frowning and speaking in a low voice.

  Yun Lianqing was also shocked enough, first saluted the emperor, then quickly stepped forward to try to mediate.

  However, this vigorous punch did not land on Jiang Xuanjins body. Yun Lianqing stared with wide eyes and saw that Ziyang Jun stretched out his hand to catch his fist. The force of the hand was soft and hard, drawing a diagonal arc in the air, and then it returned his force without any difference.

  Plop!

  Han Xiao took a step back, his heel stomping the ground to steady himself. He looked up at him again, his temper already reduced by half, turned around and returned to the front of the carriage, knelt down with his head bowed.

  "Whats wrong?" he asked irritably.

  Following him a few steps back, Jiang Xuanjin said in a low voice: "Han Da Ren has been brilliant all his life, but what makes him willing to ruin his reputation and support the Princess of Dan Yang?"

  "I also want to know the answer to this question." The emperor sitting on the throne looked at them and said, "Although my sister is not inherently bad, none of her actions are worthy of praise. Why do you two adults protect her so much, even going so far as to plead for her after the case has been closed?"

  These words coming from Jiang Xuanjins mouth, Han Xiao and Yun Lancheng felt complicated emotions at most. But coming from the Emperors mouth......Han Xiao smiled bitterly, he felt desolate, from his heart to his back.

  In the past, Princess Chang was still there, wearing a magnificent peony palace dress, sitting on the high edge of the opera stage, looking down at him with her head bowed.

  "Mr. Han," she said, "think carefully, if you follow me, from now on you will never get praise and admiration again, the good reputation you have accumulated for 20 years will all be in vain."

  At that time, Han Xiao replied very elegantly: "The princess, a woman of noble birth, is not afraid or intimidated; why should I be?"

  Danyang heard his words and clapped her hands with a laugh, then said discontentedly: "Im not just an ordinary woman! I have an extraordinary emperor brother!"

  As for this remark, Han Xiao was unconvinced. Li Huailian had been in power for five years and still had no achievements to speak of, so where did the notion of "unparalleled" come from?

  Danyang guessed his thoughts at a glance, and immediately stood with his hands on his hips and glared: "Dont look down on people! In a few more years, Huailian will surely be praised by the people! He will make a great emperor!"

  Saying so, he turned his head and looked at the imperial flag floating in the distance, his eyes were very determined: "Absolutely will!"

  Looking into her eyes, Han Xiao understood. The one who had the courage to get involved in countless disputes with the Long Princess was not her identity, but Li Huailian. Everything she had done all these years was for the sake of letting her emperor sit safely on the throne.

  But now, Li Huailian also asked them: Why?

  Han Xis eyes turned red, she opened her mouth, and really wanted to tell him everything by slapping the imperial desk! No matter what, she couldnt let the eldest princess die with so many unjust charges on her back!

  However, after taking a glance at the confession statement that was casually thrown on the table, Han Xiao shut his mouth.

  No one would believe it, even if he were to clear Danyangs name and write a hundred and eighty confessions, they would still be treated like these two pieces of paper, as nonsensical ravings without any persuasive power.

  With a dejected bow of his head, he bitterly smiled and said: "Your humble servant thinks that the princess is a good person."

  Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brow, and Li Huailin was also clearly dissatisfied with this response: "There are no outsiders here, why dont you want to speak directly?"

  Han Xiao didnt make another sound, but Yun Lianqing stepped forward and looked at Jiang Xuanjin: "Your Majesty personally determined the princesss crime, wrote the indictment with your own hand, and handed her the poisonous wine. Now youre still asking us this question, dont you think its absurd?"

  It was he who would kill her, and he had already made up his mind that the Princess of Danyang was a wicked person who deserved to die ten thousand times, so what was the use of saying more good things?

  Jiang Xuanjin lowered his head and remained silent for a moment before saying, "I just did what I should have done, it wasnt targeting her."

  Replace anyone, as long as the evidence is conclusive and he has committed an unforgivable crime, he will also write his own confession and deliver the poisonous wine in person.

  Yun Lengqing and Han Xiao obviously didnt believe it, Yun Lengqing cupped his hands and said: "If Your Majesty really has doubts, why not thoroughly investigate the case of Sima Chengxiang again. Sima Chengxiang was not killed by Princess Long, this point can be considered as one of the reasons why we two supported Princess Long at that time."

  Having said that, he bowed to Li Huairan: "Lord Hans behavior today is reckless, I will take him down to receive punishment."

  Li Huailian furrowed his brow and looked at the two of them for a long time before nodding.

  Yun Lianqing took Han Xiao away, leaving only two people in the imperial study.

  "Your Highness." Li Huailian asked a question, "Do you suspect that the princess is wrongly accused?"

  Jiang Xuanjin shook his head and remained silent.

  It was originally a very clear case of murder, but because of those two pieces of paper on the table, it seemed to have gotten a bit foggy again.

  He just said that its not necessary to pursue the case, but that was a lie, he just wanted to calm down Li Feng. Danyang used to be his student and had fought with him for many years. Her death is suspicious, he must investigate.

  However, Han Xiao and Yun Lancheng and those people are probably not going to tell him the truth for the time being.

  He composed himself and changed the subject, turning to Li Huairan: "Im getting married soon, and I hope Your Majesty will grant me a few days off before the 21st of next month."

  Li Huailian was still thinking about his sisters affairs, and when he heard this, he was shocked and stood up directly: "Your Majesty wants to get married?!"

  "Yes."

  "Which familys daughter is so formidable that she can make Your Highness think of settling down?" Li Huailin asked with a mixture of delight and curiosity.

  The face that always didnt have a serious expression appeared in his mind, Jiang Xuanjin subconsciously shook his head: "Shes not formidable, at most shes just good with her words."

  "After some thought, Ill add another sentence: And his guts are incredibly big too."

  Li Huailian stared at his expression with wide eyes and a tongue-tied mouth, feeling as if the sky was about to rain blood.

  Whats going on with this look that brings a sparkle to his eyes? He has known Ziyang Jun for almost eight years, isnt he always distant from women?

  "After hearing you say that, I will definitely go and take a look when the time comes for the wedding." Li Huailun smiled and said, "First of all, congratulations to you, Your Majesty."

  "Thank you, Your Majesty." Jiang Xuanjin cupped his hands and glanced at the hourglass, his expression slightly solemn. "If theres nothing else, Ill take my leave now. There are still some matters that havent been settled yet."

  "Good." Li Huailian nodded.

  He carefully folded the imperial edict on the table and put it in his bosom, Jiang Xuanjin strode out of the palace and rushed to the White Mansion.

  Bai Dezhong was busy with his affairs today and had not returned to the mansion until now. When he arrived, it was still Bai Mengshi who came out to greet him.

  "Your esteemed presence has arrived, Im afraid we didnt welcome you from afar." Bai Mengs face lit up with joy upon seeing him, "Why have you come at this time? Do you have any instructions for Xuanji?"

  He looked around her and saw only Bai Erxiao, who was standing elegantly and bowing to him. Jiang Xuanjin felt a bit puzzled: "Where is Bai Sixiao?"

  Bai Meng was taken aback, and then his expression became somewhat strange: "What did you come here for?"

  How can you ask like this? Jiang Xuanjin was slightly puzzled: "When she came back, didnt she say anything?"

  With her carefree personality, shouldnt she be beating the drums and telling everyone that shes going to marry Prince Zi Yang? Why is Madam Bai reacting this way?

  "Your Highness!" Before Bai Mengshi could speak, Ling Xiu burst through the door and knelt down in front of him, "Your Highness, please save my younger sister!"

  The voice was shrill and almost cracked with shouting, and when he lifted his head, his eyes were also red and swollen.

  Jiang Xuanjins heart skipped a beat as he felt that sudden tightness in his chest again.

  "How dare you!" Bai Mengs family hastily ordered people to drag Ling Xiu down, "In front of the master, what right do you have to speak? Take him down and slap his mouth!"

  Several house slaves moved swiftly to seize him, but Jiang Xuanjin shouted: "Halt!"

  "White Meng was startled: Your Highness?"

  Walking up to Lingxiu, Jiang Xuanyin asked: "Whats going on?"

  Ling Xiu sobbed while pointing at the two women, Bai Mengs mother and daughter: "This servant just received an order to deliver something elsewhere, when I came back, I found that my younger sister was beaten half to death by them, locked in the woodshed, covered in blood! This servant wanted to go take a look, but they immediately locked the door!"

  Her pupils contracted, Jiang Xuanjin glanced sideways at these two people beside him.

  Bai Meng didnt react at all, she knew that Zi Yang Jun and Bai Zhu Qi were acquainted, last time they also returned to the manor together. But no matter how she looked at it, these two people shouldnt have any deep relationship, after all, this is Zi Yang Jun!

  But whats going on now? Is it because of a maids evil appearance that Prince Ziyang is looking at her with such a cold and sharp gaze?

  Bai Mengs eyes were filled with confusion, but her legs felt inexplicably weak.

  With a wave of his hand, he let Cheng Xū take Jiang Xuēn jǐns spirit away. Jiang Xuēn jǐn didnt say much and stepped forward to head towards the mansion.

  "Mother, what to do?" Bai Xueji was anxious, "The master is Jiang Yans uncle, if he sees us treating Zhu Ji like this, wont he go back and tell Jiang Yan? The young master will think Im cruel!"

  "Dont worry." Regaining her composure, Bai Mengshi grasped her hand to steady her. "Bai Zhuji got what was coming to him; whoever came wouldnt have been of any use anyway. Besides, this is a matter for the White family, and even if he were Prince Ziyang, he couldnt interfere. Come on, lets go take a look!"

  Bai Xuaner bit her lip and nodded, then picked up her skirt and followed Bai Mengs wife.

  Lingxiu ran very fast, almost rolling and crawling on the road. Far away, she saw the thatched cottage and pointed with her hand: "Its the one in front!"

  Jiang Xuanjin walked quickly over, looked at the lock on the door and shouted: "Cheng Xu!"

  The man beside him made a swift and silent gesture, drew his sword, and with one stroke cut the chain in two.

  "Bang——" The door was pushed open, raising a cloud of dust, and pounced on the wall beside that person, covering his head and body.

  "Cough, cough, cough..." Li Huaiyu in the woodshed let out a series of coughs, half-opening her eyes to look at the person who had come, taking a long time to make out who it was. She forced a smile and said, "How did you get here?"

  Jiang Xuanjin was shocked by the scene in the woodshed, took a step forward, and reached out to touch her forehead. But his hand stopped halfway, frightened by the blood on her head.

  "Whats with that expression?" Huai Yu thought to shift her body, but stiffened again, took a deep breath and said, "Zi Yang Jun is more suited to having an expressionless face, it makes him look profound and mysterious. Your current scowling face is a bit frightening."

  "But now Im really stuck on the wall, you have to hug me to get up."

  Jiang Xuanjin opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but the bloody smell that rushed over from her body blocked it back into his throat.

  He fell silent, his fingers clenched into fists, the joints turning white. His chest seemed to be gripped by something, making it hard for him to breathe.

  The air in the barn was too smelly, he thought, slowly lowering his body and embracing her.

  "Really want to hug?" Huai Yu smiled and looked at his clothes, "Youre a clean freak, with this bloodstain on me, you can forget about your robe."

  Its just a robe, if you dont want it then forget about it. He held her and turned around, looking at the person outside the door.

  Bai Meng and Bai Xueqi stood outside, already stunned.

  "Your Lordship, this...," said Bai Mengshi, pointing to the person in his arms. "She has committed many family rules and was beaten by a house slave, which belongs to the White Houses family affairs."

  He paused for a moment, then felt that his tone was not enough, so he put on an air and said: "In the back house of the White House, everything is done by the hostess!"

  Are you overstepping your bounds?

  Jiang Xuanjin walked towards her with a stride.

  Bai Meng was stunned and subconsciously grabbed the hand of Bai Xuanji beside her. Zi Yang Juns aura was intimidating, and even on her own turf, no one dared to look him straight in the eye. Although she knew he wouldnt make a move, his slow approach still sent chills down her spine.

  "This is all...," she wanted to say, this is the rules of the house, cant blame her.

  However, as she spoke, Jiang Xuanjin carried Bai Zhuiji from her side and walked past her with a swagger, as if he hadnt seen her at all, walking straight forward.

  "Pretty." His voice still came from behind, "Where does your little sister live?"

  Ling Xiu was stunned and only came back to her senses later, hurrying to catch up. As she passed by the two of them, she frowned and took a glance, then ran even faster.

  Bai Mengs face suddenly looked very ugly.

  There were still many servants and underlings around, all of whom had witnessed the scene just now. This mistress, who was quite authoritative in the mansion, couldnt even utter a word in front of Prince Ziyang.

  What is this!

  West Wing

  Jiang Xuanjin carried Li Huaiyu into the small room, his eyes scanning the interior for a long time before falling silent.

  She had previously said that she was having a hard time at the White Mansion, but he didnt believe her. As the biological daughter of Bai Dezhong, no matter how bad it was, could it be any worse?

  However, when he saw it with his own eyes, a very strange feeling arose in his heart, as if he had returned to that hut, and the air around him was full of dust, making it hard for him to breathe.

  He walked over to the bedside and put down the half-asleep person in his arms, Jiang Xuanjin pulled off her dirty outer garment and helped her lie down on the bed.

  As he moved, the cuff of her sleeve slightly opened, and he lowered his head to see the bruise on her arm. He furrowed his brow slightly, thought for a moment, then reached out to roll up her sleeves bit by bit.

  Blue, purple and black, large patches of bruising spread from her wrist all the way up to her arm, the more she rolled up her sleeves, the more bruises there were.

  Jiang Xuanjins face turned very ugly, and after a moment of thought, he said to Cheng Xu: "You go back to the mansion and inform them."

  "Whats going on?" asked Cheng Xun, leaning in close.

  His eyes scanned the room deeply and Jiang Xuanjin said, "Im saying Im at the White Manor, I wont be returning tonight."

  "Master?"

  Even if Fourth Miss Bai is seriously injured, he cant not return to the manor! If Old Master asks about the reason, how will he respond?

  "If anyone at home asks, just tell them the truth." Jiang Xuanjin said calmly, "Tomorrow morning, please ask Father to bring along my elder brothers and deliver the betrothal gifts for me."

  He paused for a moment and added: "Let them all come, not one can be missing."