It turned out that Crown Princess Ji Feng had knocked out the eunuch at Hutou Lane and sneaked out from another palace, seemingly wanting to enter her imperial brother's Glazed Palace.
Since he encountered such a thing, how could he stand idly by? Therefore, he immediately ordered to fight with Ji Feng.
Finally, he personally apprehended Ji Feng and sent her back to the other palace. It might be that during their struggle, Ji Feng had snatched his jade pendant. As it was late, he hadn't paid much attention. Who knew that Ji Feng would be murdered the next day?
Murong Liu Zha was deep in thought when Chu Qianyi, seeing his flickering gaze, asked with concern, "Are you thinking of something? Every detail must not be overlooked. This might be the evidence to clear your name?"
Murong Liu Zha was startled and quickly regained his composure.
If this matter were brought to court, the Empress would inevitably be implicated. This was something that would tarnish the Empress's reputation. Outsiders, unaware of the details, would likely spread nasty rumors.
She was the mother of a nation. Regardless, this matter could not be brought to light. With this thought, Prince Nan'an Murong Liu Zha's face turned grim, and he shook his head.
"If I had thought of anything, I would have said so already. Would I have waited until now?"
Chu Qianyi's dark eyes flickered, and he said nothing. Just now, he was almost certain that Prince Nan'an had thought of something, but in the end, he said nothing.
This must involve some complicated matters. Since he didn't want to speak, as his friend, he couldn't force him. But with no favorable evidence at hand, what could be done?
"The Emperor will surely find a way to clear your name?"
"It's a bother for my imperial brother. My being framed is a minor matter, but I fear that war might break out between the two countries, leading to widespread suffering among the people. This would only benefit the other five nations, who would reap the rewards and divide the empires of both countries."
Prince Nan'an was not worried about his own life; he was distressed for the countries of Xian Yue and Dan Feng.
The confrontation between two great powers would surely end in mutual destruction, benefiting other nations.
At that time, there would be no more Xian Yue and Dan Feng. But he couldn't reveal that he had entered the palace to apprehend the Empress meeting someone in secret. It was just after the banquet ended, and she should have left the palace. Why was he still inside?
"Actually, besides the Emperor, there is another person who can save you."
Chu Qianyi had a sudden inspiration, sparks jumping in his eyes, his voice unable to hide his excitement.
Although it seemed incredible, he truly believed that if that woman were willing to help, perhaps Liu Zha could escape danger.
That woman possessed extraordinary wisdom. While they, as those involved, always tried to clarify the situation regarding Prince Nan'an's framed death, the more they clarified, the more confused they became. But she was an outsider.
People say that those involved are confused, while observers are clear-headed. Therefore, she should be able to find the flaw.
As soon as he finished speaking, Prince Nan'an Murong Liu Zha knew who he was referring to. He immediately objected.
"There's no need."
His voice, cold and clear, echoed in the prison, like a haunting melody, resolute and unnegotiable.
The thought of letting that woman come forward to save him made him feel sick to his stomach.
Not to mention the entanglement between him and her, where he had almost beaten her to death, just yesterday evening he had led people to catch her red-handed. It was unlikely that woman would forgive him. In his understanding, women were vengeful.
"You?" Chu Qianyi was about to say something else when his ears twitched. He rose swiftly. Someone had entered, moving extremely fast, and soon stopped outside the prison door. A leisurely voice rang out.
"It seems this prison isn't secure enough, allowing people to come and go as they please. Minister of Justice, what do you say?"
A group of people stood at the prison door. Leading them was the Empress, dressed in a clear and cold demeanor, her beauty unparalleled. Even in the dim prison, her sharp gaze and astonishing beauty could not be concealed. A curve of her lips formed a cold, wicked smile as she spoke indifferently.
Behind her, besides Mo Chou and Bing Xiao, stood another high-ranking official, the Minister of Justice.
Upon hearing the Empress's words, he became nervous, sweat beading on his head. He quickly wiped his forehead and repeatedly said, "This minister has failed in his duty. I beg the Empress to punish me, I beg the Empress to punish me."
Damn it, what else could he say? One was Prince Nan'an, the other was the son of the Right Prime Minister, and now the Empress herself had appeared. Any one of them was of higher status than him. Did he have any other choice?
The dignified Minister of Justice was left with no choice but to apologize. He smiled wryly, wiped his sweat, and trembled slightly in his heart. He truly didn't know that the son of the Right Prime Minister was here. Otherwise, he would have at least sent someone to deliver a message.
"What are you doing here?"
In the prison, Prince Nan'an, who had been sitting upright, suddenly leaped up. His cold face became even colder, his eyes flashing with a ghost-like dark glint. He stared chillingly at Mu Qingyao outside the prison door.
Mu Qingyao's expression darkened, and she pulled at the corner of her lips.
This man was truly arrogant. He really deserved to be taught a lesson. If she hadn't promised the Emperor to help him uncover the truth, she wouldn't have bothered to see him.
Looking at his arrogant demeanor, he still thought of himself as a prince. If proof to the contrary couldn't be found, the Emperor would have no choice but to hand him over, unwilling to strain relations between the two countries and ruin Xian Yue.
"I've come to see if you are comfortable staying here?"
As soon as Mu Qingyao finished speaking, she heard the sound of teeth grinding, as expected.
Murong Liu Zha moved, his tall body approaching the prison door. He gripped the bars with his strong hands, veins bulging clearly. His face was as black as the bottom of a pot, his breathing heavy.
If he could, he really wanted to strangle this woman. He didn't understand why his imperial brother had made this woman his Empress.
Although she was intelligent, wasn't her mind too wicked? She was clearly adding insult to injury. It was laughable that he still had to consider her reputation and not mention what happened last night?
"Your Highness?" Several voices sounded simultaneously. Everyone held their breath. Anyone with eyes could see that Prince Nan'an was about to explode. Who knew if he would do something crazy? The man was already in a miserable state, and Her Highness was still adding insult to injury?
Among everyone present, only Mo Chou knew the truth. Her Highness merely wanted to take revenge on Prince Nan'an. In fact, she was wholeheartedly helping him. As long as Her Highness took action, Prince Nan'an would be fine.
Another person emerged from the prison. Chu Qianyi watched Mu Qingyao with a playful expression, intense sparks leaping in his eyes. He supported the prison door with one hand, elegantly flicking his dark hair.
"Why should the Empress add insult to injury?"
"My affairs are not for Young Master Chu to manage. Moreover, aren't you too idle? The educational methods of the Right Prime Minister are truly questionable. He has such a hobby of visiting prisons. Perhaps I should keep you here to keep him company?"
Mu Qingyao smiled without a smile, revealing a row of white teeth. She spoke sinisterly, her star-like eyes fixed on Chu Qianyi, who was striking a pose.