The Blue Sail escaped, and Prince Yu was thrown into the imperial prison.
The dust seemed to have settled.
But Chu Qianli knew that for many things, this was just the beginning.
"You must keep a close eye on Prince Yu, absolutely do not let him escape, otherwise, the Southern Ming will fall into chaos."
Given Prince Yu's status, he could not be easily dealt with without a thorough investigation and conviction.
However, the imperial prison might not be truly safe.
"Yes."
After Yang Xun led the guards away, Chu Qianli immediately wanted to leave.
"Father Emperor, I will go and see Princess Feiyan."
"Go ahead." Chu Jiangnan, thinking of the haggard Chu Feiyan, felt a pang of sympathy.
Then, looking at Chu Qianli's departing figure, his heart suddenly tightened.
"Xiao Li'er," he called out.
Chu Qianli stopped immediately and turned to look at him, "Father Emperor, is there something else?"
Chu Jiangnan looked at her, wanting to speak but hesitating.
After a moment, he said gently, "It's nothing, it's just... you must be careful in everything, protect yourself. Father Emperor... will be fine."
Father Emperor will never use you as a tool for power struggles, regardless of whether you are his biological daughter or not.
Chu Qianli seemed to understand his unspoken words, and her heart warmed.
She smiled, "Father Emperor, are you uneasy seeing Princess Feiyan like this?"
Chu Jiangnan looked at her, a hint of pleasure flashing in his eyes.
This girl could understand him.
Little Shunzi quickly said, "Your Majesty, please rest assured. The Princess has profound cultivation and is resourceful. His Highness will protect herself."
"That's right, I can protect myself. Father Emperor, you must also take care of yourself and get better soon."
Some affections are truly strange.
Even though he knew she wasn't his daughter, Father Emperor still cared for her sincerely. Moreover, Chu Qianli could clearly feel that after spending some time together, Father Emperor truly treated her as his daughter.
Once this matter was over, she would reveal the truth to Father Emperor completely.
That day was not far off.
"I'll be back soon, Father Emperor. You should rest early."
After Chu Qianli paid her respects, she left immediately.
Half a day had passed since Prince Yu was thrown into the imperial prison.
Chu Qianli had asked Xi Jiu to catch up with Chu Feiyan. Originally, she had intended to invite Chu Feiyan to the Empress Dowager's palace, so that the Empress Dowager could accompany her.
But Chu Feiyan did not want to see anyone.
So now, although Chu Feiyan was still in the palace, she was in the most secluded courtyard.
Xi Jiu had been guarding her.
He wasn't accompanying her, because she didn't need him to. He simply stayed outside the door until Chu Qianli arrived.
"Princess," Xi Jiu immediately stepped forward, "She hasn't eaten or drunk all day, and I don't know what she's doing."
"Is she alright?" Chu Qianli was a little worried.
Chu Feiyan's condition was indeed not good.
However, her willingness to step forward and testify against her own father was somewhat unexpected.
She was just afraid she had pushed her too hard.
"She should be fine. I've been guarding her." If she had committed suicide or something, there would have been some commotion.
Chu Qianli was still uneasy. She quickened her pace and soon reached Chu Feiyan's door.
She raised her hand and knocked, "Princess Feiyan, it's Chu Qianli. May I come in?"
Inside, there was no sound at all.
Chu Qianli and Xi Jiu exchanged glances. Xi Jiu also began to feel a faint sense of unease.
Although he had guarded for a whole day, because she was a lady, it was inconvenient for him to go in and check.
So, he hadn't seen her at all until now.
"Princess Feiyan, may I come in?"
After knocking several times and still receiving no response from inside, Chu Qianli's heart sank, and she immediately pushed the door open.