CHAPTER 328: CHAPTER 128: THE DOUBLE AGENT STRATEGY (2) THE EMPEROR’S THREAT_4

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At the foot of the mountain.

After Ye Qichi and Xiao Jinxing each took a sedan chair down the mountain,

they shared a carriage back to Prince Chen’s Mansion.

On the return journey,

neither of them spoke a word.

It was as if there was nothing to say.

Ye Qichi thought that since Bai Mowan had returned, Xiao Jinxing surely had his heart set on her, with no spare time to attend to Ye Qichi. If Ye Qichi tried to talk to him now, she would surely be met with his cold gaze; she was not so uninterested in herself to do that.

Xiao Jinxing’s silence, however, was him waiting for Ye Qichi to initiate conversation.

He assumed that after Ye Qichi’s success this time, she would naturally come to claim credit for her achievements.

But after a long wait,

Ye Qichi didn’t utter a single word.

She appeared completely at ease, not even giving him a proper look.

In the carriage, where the atmosphere was a bit stiff,

Xiao Jinxing couldn’t help but break the silence and ask, "Was it you who set the fire?"

Ye Qichi was nearly scared to death by Xiao Jinxing’s sudden question.

"What are you talking about so suddenly?"

She turned to glance at Xiao Jinxing, "If I hadn’t set the fire, how would we have gotten those two to rush out in such disarray! If I had just opened the door to catch them in the act, I fear I wouldn’t have had the chance to inform you before I was killed by Xiao Jinsen."

Only by creating an accident could she distract Xiao Jinsen and prevent his vigilant elimination of witnesses.

"This time, you have indeed merited recognition," said Xiao Jinxing directly.

Rarely acknowledging and commending her.

Indeed.

His beloved woman didn’t have to marry someone else, so naturally, he was pleased.

Pleased, his words naturally became more pleasant.

She said, "Just remember, treat me well, that’s enough."

Xiao Jinxing felt a slight movement in his chest.

His eyes shifted away.

He suddenly turned very indifferent again.

Ye Qichi frowned.

Was Xiao Jinxing misunderstanding something again?

She couldn’t help but explain, "What I mean is, don’t start talking about separation or divorce so casually."

Xiao Jinxing’s expression seemed to turn even colder.

Ye Qichi felt that the more she talked, the bigger the misunderstanding got.

This Prince probably thought she didn’t want to leave him.

She quickly added another explanation, "Don’t get the wrong idea, I mean, let’s just stick to our agreement, don’t suddenly change your mind half-way through..."

Before she could finish explaining,

Yuan Wenkang suddenly reported from outside the carriage, "Prince."

Xiao Jinxing’s eyes narrowed, "What is it?"

"We have just received an urgent message from the Imperial Palace, saying that you and Princess are to visit the Palace immediately."

Xiao Jinxing and Ye Qichi exchanged glances.

Without guessing, it was clear that the matter involving Xiao Jinsen and Xie Ruiyao today had reached the Emperor’s ears.

It seems the Emperor intends to deal with the situation personally.

Xiao Jinxing ordered coldly, "To the Imperial Palace at once."

"Yes."

The carriage hurried towards the Imperial Palace.

Xiao Jinxing and Ye Qichi then fell back into silence.

The carriage arrived at the Imperial Palace.

Palace Attendants led them to Qiankun Hall, the Emperor’s sleeping chamber.

As they entered, Xiao Zhanping was seated on the Dragon Throne, his face an ashen iron hue.

At this moment, besides the Emperor.

The Empress Yu Qingyuan, Imperial Concubine Zhao Mengyu, as well as Xiao Jinsen and Bai Mowan were already present in the grand hall.

Xie Ruiyao, however, was nowhere to be seen.

Just as Ye Qichi was puzzled.

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A Palace Attendant relayed the message, "The Duke Mansion’s elder Princess has arrived."

Apparently, Xie Ruiyao must have entered the palace together with Xiao Qinghui.

As expected.

With red-rimmed eyes, Xie Ruiyao followed in Xiao Qinghui’s footsteps and entered the grand hall.

Upon entering, she started her greeting towards the Emperor, "Your servant greets Your Majesty..."

Before Xiao Qinghui had a chance to curtsy.

Xiao Zhanping immediately said, "My Imperial Aunt is of advanced age, there’s no need for such formalities."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," said Xiao Qinghui, straightening her posture.

Due to her seniority, and being the Emperor’s own aunt, she had her own authoritative presence.

"Servants, bring a seat for the elder Princess."

The Palace Attendants quickly brought a chair for Xiao Qinghui, placed it in the grand hall, and assisted her as she sat down.

"My Imperial Aunt sent a message to me, saying there are important matters to discuss, and requested that I summon these individuals. Please, speak frankly, Imperial Aunt."

"In front of Your Majesty, I shall not beat around the bush," Xiao Qinghui said confidently.

"The Imperial Aunt may speak."

"Today, my granddaughter Yao’er visited Nanshan Temple to pray, but encountered Your Majesty’s own son, Prince Xiao Jinsen. Now, a return message from my maidservant reports that Prince Xiao Jinsen took liberties with my granddaughter. My granddaughter is an innocent maiden, and as Your Majesty’s Prince, you need to give me an explanation," Xiao Qinghui spoke plainly.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinsen naturally looked quite unsightly.

In such a short time, this had already reached the Duke Mansion; one needn’t think too hard to realize someone had deliberately orchestrated this.

And before they had even descended from Nanshan Temple, they received the Emperor’s orders to return immediately to the palace.

He restrained his emotions.

Just at that moment, the Emperor’s stern voice rang out, "Xiao Jinsen, what is this about!"

Such overwhelming fury!

Xiao Jinsen quickly knelt on the ground, "Reporting to Father, your son has not been inappropriate towards Miss Xie, and requests that Father discerns the truth!"

Xiao Zhanping’s face darkened.

Xiao Qinghui continued, "According to reports, at the scene besides my granddaughter and Prince Xiao Jinsen, Prince Chen, Princess Chen, and even the Bai Family girl were present."

Unequivocally seeking out witnesses.

Knelt on the ground, Xiao Jinsen’s face was extremely unsightly.

No one here would help him; indeed, some might even harm him.

Just now in Nanshan Temple, after Xiao Jinxing and Ye Qichi left, he had said much yet had not won the trust of Bai Mowan.

"Prince Chen!" Xiao Zhanping called Xiao Jinxing, clearly signaling for him to clarify.

"Present, your son is here," Xiao Jinxing promptly knelt on the ground.

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"Tell us about what you saw today," commanded Xiao Zhanping.

"Reporting to Father..."

"Wait," Xiao Zhanping interrupted Xiao Jinxing.

Xiao Jinxing dared not speak.

"You have always been fond of Bai Mowan; it is well-known! Therefore, in this matter, you need to recuse yourself," Xiao Zhanping stated bluntly, "Princess Chen."

Suddenly called upon, Ye Qichi quickly stepped forward and knelt, "Your daughter-in-law is here."

"You tell me what you saw today," Xiao Zhanping addressed Ye Qichi, "but before that, I must remind you that you are to answer truthfully. This pertains to Prince Xiao Jinsen, Duke Mansion, and the Bai Family’s major matrimonial concerns. There must be no frivolity. Think carefully before you speak!"

These words seemingly exuded fairness and justice.

In reality, they were a threat to Ye Qichi.

Evidently, the Emperor too, did not wish for Xiao Jinsen to marry Xie Ruiyao.

He naturally desired Bai Mowan to marry Xiao Jinsen, to stabilize Xiao Jinsen’s position of power.

Ye Qichi lightly bit her lip.

Isn’t this essentially pushing her into the line of fire, onto the blade’s edge?!