"Your humble subject is guilty, your humble subject knows their crime."
Yun Xiao nodded slightly.
"You are merely the small Guangning Merchant Guild, yet you dared to oppose the imperial court. Truly audacious. The court does not even consider small Guangning. If not for my benevolent heart, this matter would not have concluded so simply; troops would have been dispatched to suppress you."
With a push and a pull, employing a policy of leniency, the three were rendered speechless. Yun Xiao slowly gazed at them and spoke softly.
"However, the market closure you three instigated has alarmed the imperial court, and thus you will not be easily pardoned."
As Yun Xiao finished speaking, an order was called from outside the hall: "Guards, escort Gao Huan, Yang Qian, and Quan Jingyan for a public parade."
A public parade?
The three were stunned. Such a punishment was already lenient for them. The three were convinced and dropped to their knees with a thud, respectfully saying, "Your humble subjects thank the Empress for her mercy."
"You three are wise in all matters, yet foolish in this one. Although the imperial court has increased the taxes on merchants and lowered the taxes on the common people, I wish to ask, no matter how wide their income, where does their consumption go?"
Upon hearing this, Gao Huan and the others were dumbfounded. Indeed, although taxes were increased, it was merely to ensure the sustenance of the common people. When the people had money, their consumption still originated from these merchants, the principle remaining the same as before. It was lamentable that they could not see through this.
Only now were they truly convinced.
Yun Xiao continued, "In fact, the instigator who incited you is the true culprit. He is likely the traitor Ye Jingyi."
"Ye Jingyi,"
Everyone in the hall froze. The world knew who Ye Jingyi was – a heinous traitor. To be associated with him meant the annihilation of one's entire clan.
Gao Huan, Yang Qian, and the others hastily dropped to their knees: "Your humble subjects deserve death. We do not know who that person was! He was masked, and your humble subjects did not see his face."
Yun Xiao waved her hand, signaling them to withdraw. Ye Jingyi would surely appear again; he had attempted to assassinate them before.
Now that the market closure incident in Guangning had been resolved, it was expected that he would appear again. Therefore, they would wait for him to make a move. This time, they were determined to capture him to prevent him from causing further trouble.
"You may all withdraw."
The three from the Guangning Merchant Guild were taken away for a public parade, not daring to utter another word.
Next, Yun Xiao swept her gaze over the Prefect Yuan Xiu and some Guangning officials, her mind already pondering. However, she did not wish to say more at the moment, merely stating lazily, "This empress is tired."
"It is this subordinate's fault, it is this subordinate's fault."
Yuan Xiu, having not heard any reprimand from the Empress, finally breathed a sigh of relief. He quickly rose and led the Empress to the most meticulously prepared room in the Prefect's yamen to rest.
The surroundings were guarded by elite soldiers. Yun Xiao rested in the room.
After all, she was several months pregnant and not like an ordinary person. A little exertion left her feeling weary.
Shangguan Yin flashed in from outside the door. The surroundings were all their own men, so it was known that the Emperor was in disguise.
Yun Xiao had just lain down and had not yet fallen asleep. Seeing Shangguan Yin enter, she gave him a smile.
"Murong, it's finally resolved."
"But you yourself are exhausted."
Shangguan Yin said with concern. Recalling her imposing demeanor in the hall earlier, which had instantly stunned the three merchant heads, he felt a pang of tenderness.
Otherwise, the matter might not have proceeded so smoothly. Seeing her so tired, he felt reluctant. His tall frame moved closer to her, and he sat down, drawing her into his arms. He spoke softly, "Alright, get some sleep. I will watch over you."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
In the room, sunlight streamed through the windows, filling the space with a clear light. The curtains swayed in the gentle breeze. Outside the windows, rows of pomegranate trees were planted, their fiery blossoms blooming brilliantly, as dazzling and radiant as the bright sun.
The fragrance was faint, and the surroundings were quiet.
The person in the room slept soundly, her long eyelashes covering her radiant little face. The one holding her gazed at her without blinking.
Thinking of her reckless dedication, he knew that her desperate efforts were often because this was his. That was why she acted, when in fact, she was not someone who meddled in others' affairs.
Xiao'er, when Dong Qin becomes powerful, I will disappear with you into the mountains and rivers. From then on, we will only envy mandarin ducks, not immortals. We will live a carefree life with our beloved child, just wandering like clouds and wild cranes. Give me a little more time.
In the room, the man's face was ordinary, but his eyes held an astonishing brilliance, concealing a profound arrogance. When he looked up, he was full of dominance, yet when he lowered his head, his face was filled with tenderness.
Yun Xiao slept deeply until dusk. As the sun set, she awoke. The red clouds on the horizon filled the entire sky, as if coated with a layer of rose-colored rouge, brilliant and colorful.
On the fiery pomegranate blossoms outside the window, several colorful butterflies danced gracefully. For a moment, Yun Xiao thought she was in the imperial palace, until the voice of Xiao Ya drifted from the room.
"This servant greets the Empress."
"Rise."
Yun Xiao looked over. There stood two pretty and delicate maidservants, heads bowed in apprehension. Their hands were clasped tightly, and their skin was fair and bloodless.
They seemed very afraid of her. Yun Xiao pursed her lips and smiled faintly. Perhaps in this afternoon's interval, the people of Guangning had spread rumors of her ferocity, possibly comparing her to a fierce demoness. Otherwise, why would the little maidservants be so frightened?
"Alright, I'm hungry. Prepare some dinner and bring it in."
"The master has prepared a banquet and is waiting for the Empress?"
Upon hearing this, Yun Xiao knew it was a ploy by the local officials of Guangning. She was not interested in such things, and moreover, she was pregnant, so not everything could be eaten. She called out towards the outside: "Guards."
Liu Xing and Jing Yun walked in, cupping their fists in respect and saying, "Your Highness."
"The Prefect of Guangning is hosting a banquet for officials. You are to have General Yuchi represent this empress and attend."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Liu Xing took the order and went to relay it. Yuchi Jun indeed complied and left. Yun Xiao then turned and instructed the two maidservants, "Go and prepare some meals and bring them in."
"Yes, Empress."
The two maidservants flashed out quickly, closing the door behind them. They walked to the corridor outside and instructed the people waiting there. Soon, someone responded. Yun Xiao sat in the room, observing the elegant chamber.
A large marble screen stood at the entrance, a deep purple-red. Inside the screen, everything was complete.
Several antiques were placed on an antique shelf, along with a celadon vase with fresh flowers. On the other side was a writing desk, adorned with the "Four Treasures of the Study" and some books. Such an arrangement appeared rather masculine, perhaps because the people of Guangning had not considered that a lady would ever visit this place.
As Yun Xiao was observing, the door creaked open. The two maidservants who had gone out earlier led a line of maids into the room, each holding a tray.
Exquisite pastries and delicious dishes were soon laid out on the table. Yun Xiao stood up and stretched her limbs. She was indeed hungry after sleeping all afternoon. In fact, pregnant women were naturally prone to hunger, as at this time, they were not just eating for one person but for two.