If Leng Yue knew his thoughts, they might never even see each other again.
Yun Xiao was unconcerned, mistaking Shangguan Yao's intention to mean she had cured his illness.
"It is the Emperor's supreme good fortune."
Shangguan Yao's eyes were narrowed, both wicked and enchanting, as he spoke indifferently, "Speak, as long as you ask, I will surely reward you."
Yun Xiao frowned. What did she want? She wanted nothing. Moreover, whatever she wanted, Murong would get for her. Most importantly, he would not allow her to accept anything from others; she knew this well.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. May I ask if it is permissible to claim this imperial decree when I think of it?"
After Yun Xiao finished speaking, Shangguan Yao did not make things difficult for her. On the contrary, he was secretly pleased that they could meet again.
The two chatted casually in the hall, as if they were friends.
At the palace gates, Xiao Tingzi rushed in again, knelt respectfully, and reported, "Your Majesty, Lord Lan has brought Miss Zi Chan into the palace?"
Shangguan Yao's expression remained unchanged. He casually glanced at Yun Xiao, and upon confirming she showed no reaction, a strange feeling arose within him.
"Let them in."
Upon hearing Xiao Tingzi's report, Yun Xiao secretly guessed that Shangguan Yao had asked Lord Lan to bring Miss Zi Chan into the palace, perhaps to enfeoff her as a concubine. It was indeed as she had suspected.
Since they had arrived, she should not remain. She gracefully stood up.
"Your Majesty, Leng Yue should take his leave."
Unexpectedly, Shangguan Yao casually said, "Sit down, and give me your reference."
Yun Xiao was taken aback. At this moment, Lan Qinglun entered, leading Zi Chan. Zi Chan was still dressed as before, in a white smoke-and-cloud silk robe, layered and exquisitely beautiful.
The white made her skin appear even more tender. Truly a beauty of unparalleled loveliness, Yun Xiao mused.
This Miss Zi Chan was not only beautiful, but her voice was also melodious. As she walked, her slender waist swayed gracefully, appearing almost too delicate to hold. Her graceful posture, as refined as an orchid, captivated the eye.
Lan Qinglun and Zi Chan entered and respectfully paid their respects to Shangguan Yao.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
Presumably, Lan Qinglun and Zi Chan had told her that the person they met that day was the current Emperor. Therefore, she showed no panic at this moment, remaining dignified and courteous.
Shangguan Yao waved his hand, "Rise."
Lan Qinglun stood up and then noticed another person in the hall – Yun Xiao, disguised. He was slightly surprised but said nothing, merely looking towards the Emperor with a composed expression.
He wondered what the Emperor's intention was. The matter they were about to discuss was highly confidential. Why had the Emperor kept Leng Yue here?
"Your Majesty?"
"Speak," Shangguan Yao said indifferently. In his heart, Leng Yue had risen from a stranger to a friend, as his life and illness had both been healed by Leng Yue. If she had intended to harm him, she would have succeeded long ago, so there was no need for him to guard against her.
He was merely a physician from the common folk, and he had investigated him. He had no dealings with the high officials and dignitaries in the capital. He had been closer to Prince Lin before, but Shangguan Lin was already dead.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Lan Qinglun responded, glanced at Zi Chan behind him, who nodded. Zi Chan stepped out from behind Lan Qinglun, holding a ledger in her hand, and slowly walked to Shangguan Yao, kneeling down.
"Your Majesty, this is evidence of Lord Ye Si Yuan colluding with court officials, accepting bribes, as well as his land acquisition and zoning practices. Furthermore, he has corrupted many officials in the court, all of which are recorded in this ledger."
Zi Chan spoke steadily. Shangguan Yao's face suddenly turned dark, his pupils unfathomably shadowed. He reached out and took the ledger, glancing through it casually. A chill emanated from him. He waved his hand, signaling Zi Chan to rise.
"Lan Qinglun, how do you think this matter should be handled?"
Shangguan Yao looked at Lan Qinglun. Originally, he had only wanted to find a reason to bring down the Ye family, but he had not expected such a grave offense.
Thinking that his own uncle, presuming on his high status to overstep his authority and act with impunity, Shangguan Yao's mood became extremely bad, and his expression was even more unpleasant.
Lan Qinglun lowered his head and said calmly, "Your Majesty, I believe that family scandals should not be publicized. This matter should be handled by making a mountain out of a molehill, turning a big issue into a small one."
"No, I absolutely cannot indulge wickedness."
Shangguan Yao's attitude was firm. Lan Qinglun lowered his head, a fleeting glint of sharpness in his eyes.
Miss Zi Chan, having first heard Lan Qinglun's words, looked confused. Upon hearing the Emperor's words, she immediately knelt with a plop, "Your Majesty must avenge me."
"Miss Zi Chan, please rise. What is the matter?"
"I have no other requests, only that Your Majesty severely punish the Ye family and avenge my mother."
It turned out that Miss Zi Chan's mother had been defiled by Lord Ye Si Yuan, which resulted in her birth.
Her mother died of humiliation when she was a few years old. Before her death, she sent someone to send her to the Ye family. However, that Madam Ye did not acknowledge her at all and beat the young girl before driving her out.
Fortunately, someone adopted her later. From that moment on, she vowed to return to the capital to avenge this wrong.
She had been waiting for an opportunity. For so many years, she sought nothing else but to obtain Ye Si Yuan's evidence of crimes. When he knew she was his daughter, he felt guilty and lowered his guard, thus allowing her to succeed and obtain the ledger.
"This?"
Shangguan Yao hesitated. Ye Si Yuan was his maternal uncle, and his mother, the Empress Dowager, was behind him. If he rashly moved against the Ye family, his mother would not approve, and then what?
But if he turned a blind eye to the Ye family, his uncle would only become more reckless. Would this empire still be his? It would likely belong to the Ye family.
Yun Xiao watched coldly, not expecting that Miss Zi Chan would obtain the evidence of Lord Ye Si Yuan's crimes. It seemed the Ye family was in for trouble. But would the Emperor dare to confront the Empress Dowager?
Silence fell upon the hall, each person lost in their own thoughts.
Suddenly, Shangguan Yao's voice rang out.
"Leng Yue, how do you think this matter should be handled?"
Yun Xiao's head shot up, momentarily stunned. Did this man have a problem with his brain? He was asking her about such important court matters.
What did this have to do with her? Yun Xiao's cool gaze met Shangguan Yao's, and she saw encouraging sparks in his eyes, as if he hoped to hear some advice from her.
A hidden current flowed through Lan Qinglun's eyes, a hint of pleading in his gaze.
Miss Zi Chan, even more overtly, showed her longing, begging Young Master Leng Yue to help her and ensure the Ye family received retribution.
Yun Xiao looked at everyone in the hall staring at her, and after a long moment, she slowly spoke.