Chu Lingyang knew that Lan Ji must have been frightened by the news that Chu Qianli personally oversaw the execution of his own imperial uncle.
He softened his voice, "Lan'er, you haven't spent much time with Xiao Li'er, you don't understand her character yet."
"In the future, when you have time, interact with her more, and you'll know that she's an extremely kind girl."
He smiled, trying to ease the atmosphere, "Believe me, she is truly a very kind person, don't be fooled by her outward coldness."
"If you say she is, I'll believe it. As for interacting more..."
Lan Ji managed a slight smile, "You know I don't like to engage in such relationships. I just want to guard my own small family. Those things, I don't like to do."
"Alright, if you don't like it, then don't do it. Lan'er, whatever you want is fine, as long as you don't worry and relax."
"Mmm."
Lan Ji leaned into his embrace, lowering her eyelids so he couldn't see her true feelings.
She sighed softly, saying helplessly, "I hope everything... is as you say."
...
After Chu Lingyang left, Feng Yexuan finally raised the last question, "Uncle-Master still carries the burden of the Heaven and Earth Lock, how can it be removed?"
During this period, Chu Wang didn't even dare to leave the palace gates easily.
Now that the matter with Prince Yu had been resolved, but as long as the Heaven and Earth Lock issue remained unresolved, Chu Wang could not move freely.
In fact, he was still in danger of losing his life at any moment.
"But the Heaven and Earth Lock is really not on me, I haven't seen that thing at all."
The matter of the Heaven and Earth Lock was simply an undeserved calamity for Chu Lingyang.
However, he also knew that this was Prince Yu's method of dealing with the Emperor.
Now that Prince Yu was dead, the Heaven and Earth Lock issue had not been resolved.
Evil persists for a thousand years; I truly don't know when this matter will pass.
Chu Qianli's slender fingers landed on her wrist.
The Heaven and Earth Lock was actually within her Qiankun Chain, but she too could not decipher its secret.
Should she tell her Fourth Imperial Uncle?
She glanced again behind the screen.
Her father still hadn't woken up. Perhaps, this matter should be discussed after her father woke up?
"Xiao Xuanzi, why are you suddenly concerned about this matter?"
Chu Wang looked at Feng Yexuan and smiled, "Are you that concerned about your Uncle-Master?"
Feng Yexuan remained silent but suddenly stood up.
"What's wrong? If I say you're concerned about me, you get angry? Can you not be so proud while you're alive?"
Chu Wang thought he was angry and quickly coaxed, "It was just a joke, don't take it seriously."
"Chu Minghao, how do you plan to deal with him?" Feng Yexuan ignored him and looked only at Chu Qianli.
Chu Qianli thought for a moment before saying, "His death sentence can be waived, but he cannot escape punishment. He will be demoted to commoner status and exiled to the border."
...
Although Chu Minghao was indeed deserving of his crimes.
Before he was exiled, Chu Qianli still went to see him one last time.
At this moment, beside Chu Minghao was a woman who looked gentle and fragile, Ru Ji.
Looking from afar, even though Ru Ji was wearing an outer robe, it was still evident that her lower abdomen was slightly protruding.
This appearance suggested she was at least three to four months pregnant.
No wonder even Prince Yu knew about Ru Ji's pregnancy and used it to threaten Chu Minghao, making him bear all the blame.
"I know my elder brother's crimes are unforgivable. Princess, you are so magnanimous, I am already very content."
It was Chu Feiyan who brought Ru Ji.
The once arrogant and wild Princess Feiyan, upon meeting her again, had become mature and steady, as if she had changed into a different person.
She bowed to Chu Qianli and said softly, "But please, give my elder brother another chance to start anew."