CHAPTER 253 (2): PRINCE YUN FORCED TO YIELD
A bright glint flickered across Pei Qianhaoâs eyes, and he chuckled. âThis Prince doesnât care who the real murderer is. The important thing is that the one who killed the Wei Missâ wasnât this Princeâs maidservant. The Eldest Imperial Princess used this Princeâs maidservant chiding the two Wei Missâ as justification for accusing her, but you tell me, who has the bigger motivation to kill here? This Princeâs maidservant, or the scholar?â
His reasoning was completely logical. In their deal, Su Xi-er and Ning Anlian had agreed that the latter would have to go to the Imperial Mausoleum as long as it was proved that Su Xi-er wasnât the murderer. It didnât make any mention of uncovering the real culprit.
Ning Lianchen was cheering on the inside. How clever of Prince Hao! He grasped the key point and immediately made Yun Ruofeng unable to argue.
âThis Emperor thinks that the scholar has a bigger motive to kill. As for how the scholar died, it wouldnât be surprising if he had taken his own life out of a guilty conscience. After killing the Wei Missâ who had loved him so much, he couldnât sleep properly at night, and decided to end it once and for all. Donât you think he decided to do that instead of suffering from living in guilt, Prince Yun?â Ning Lianchen looked at Yun Ruofeng, his words laced with an undertone that he knew the latter would understand.
Yun Ruofengâs breath hitched for a moment as he tightened his fists under his sleeves.
Pei Qianhao waved his hand. âThe covenant must be honoured. Since today is the last day of Nanzhaoâs state banquet, Your Majesty will need to discuss with Prince Yun as to when you will send the Eldest Imperial Princess to the Imperial Mausoleum for three years.â
He purposely raised the volume of his voice so that the surrounding civilians could hear him. A few clever peddlers understood immediately.
âApparently, Prince Haoâs maidservant had made a deal with the Eldest Imperial Princess.â
âHow can the Eldest Imperial Princess malign people?â
âThatâs right. However, itâs also right for the Eldest Imperial Princess to go to the Imperial Mausoleum. Going there will show her filial piety.â
Everyone around started gossiping. It seems like Ning Anlian has no choice but to go to the Imperial Mausoleum.
Pei Qianhao opened his mouth again and spoke in a voice that was full of authority. âPrince Yun, this Prince dislikes people who break my trust and go back on their words. Whether itâs governing the country or leading an army, trust is the most important thing.â
Pei Qianhao turned and got on the horse carriage behind him.
Shortly after, the horse carriage started moving, Pei Qianhao sat up and narrowed his eyes. Su Xi-er will return soon. After all, two days are almost up.
I have fully let go of Su Xi-er for the past two days. Although she still had a day left, there was an inexplicable feeling in his heart that made me uncomfortable and feel that something was amiss, causing his eyebrows to involuntarily become furrowed.
After Pei Qianhao left, the street where the Wei Residence was located gradually became quiet. Yun Ruofeng still maintained his usual gentle aura in front of everyone.
âPrince Yun, you should head back first since you didnât feel well earlier today and drank much wine at the banquet tonight. This Emperor will handle the rest.â Ning Lianchen waved his hand, displaying the disposition of an emperor.
Yun Ruofeng nodded and thought to himself. Ning Lianchen is getting more and more out of control. I will need to make a move to get him under control after the dignitaries from the various countries leave.
âYour Majesty is becoming more and more talented. This Prince is very happy that you have learnt to care for me. This Prince did drink too much wine tonight, and will withdraw first.â Yun Ruofeng paid his respects politely and turned to leave.
I have to respect Ning Lianchen in front of the civilians. After all, he even told them that he would be reducing the taxes earlier today.
Yun Ruofeng got on his horse carriage. Before the horse carriage had travelled for long, Qin Ling arrived on a horse. âPrince Yun, Commander Wei still hasnât returned after carrying out your order.â
Yun Ruofengâs brow was knitted. No matter how ferocious Su Xi-er is, she is just a weak little woman. Why hasnât Wei Mohai returned yet?
âNo need to panic, we will just wait.â
Qin Lingâs expression was very anxious. âPrince Yun, Commander Wei hasnât returned, but his warhorse has!â
Yun Ruofeng immediately lifted up the curtain of the horse carriage. A commander will always be with his warhorse. If their warhorse has returned without them, the commander is either missing⊠or dead.