chapter 19

Zhan Lue asked coldly, “Qin Yi has seen Zhan Yin before. Why would he mistake you for her?”

Qing Rong’s face paled and her eyelashes trembled. Struggling to hold her tears back, she replied, “My clothes and accessories were practically identical to Zhan Yin’s. It’s natural that he would mistake me for her.”

She refused to change her stance. However, Zhan Lue let out a light chuckle. “Think carefully about how your arm broke. Or, would you rather be exposed by me?”

Everyone else was confused. Qing Rong’s eyes were brimming with tears and her lips trembled. She slowly backed away until she reached the Empress Dowagers’ side and said pitifully, “Since His Majesty believes that I’m lying, then so be it.”

What a strategic compromise. Those with sharp eyes could tell that she liked Zhan Lue—it was fully logically for her to back off just as Zhan Lue was trying to corner her. The Empress Dowager tugged her hand sympathetically. She said, “Alright, let’s end the day. Zhan Lue, bring Xian Sheng back. We need to investigate this issue clearly. If it is discovered that she had colluded with Qin Yi, she will be harshly punished…”

“Imperial Grandmother.” Zhan Lue interrupted her loudly and bowed. “The Princess is innocent and she is my legitimate wife. Before the matter is finalised, I would like Imperial Grandmother to be more mindful of your language.”

His attitude was courteous, yet his words were an implicit criticism of the Empress Dowager’s disrespect. Her expression changed. Not wanting to argue with the future Emperor, Imperial Consort Rong became silent.

Scanning the room, Zhan Lue said, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

Empress Xin’s expression was full of praise. She bowed and said, “I shall also take my leave.”

Zhan Lue walked over and helped Xian Sheng up. After suddenly kneeling down earlier, Xian Sheng’s knees still hurt greatly—his knees buckled after walking a few steps. With a swift motion, Zhan Lue carried him up. With his eyelashes lowered, Xian Sheng was carried up to the carriage, and the party returned to the Empress’ Royal bedroom.

Even before they entered the room, the Empress laughed. “How satisfying! I haven’t hit her in a long time. Zhan Lue, stay here with Xian Sheng tonight. Celebrate with your mother!”

Zhan Lue replied, “I’ll only stay if mother cooked personally.”

“According to your wishes, then!”

The Empress was the first to enter the room. However, she suddenly stopped in her tracks. Xian Sheng, who was following behind them, did not understand what happened. He heard the Empress say in a soft voice, “I pay my respects to Your Majesty.”

Emperor Jin sat on the master seat, his expression ice-cold. Beside him stood Zhan Jin with a hopeless expression.

With a deep voice, he asked, “Who did you hit?”

Empress Xin glanced at him and replied slowly, “Rong Jing. Imperial Consort Rong.”

Emperor Jin slammed the table. “You are becoming more and more arrogant!”

Zhan Lue went forward. “Father…”

“Shut up!”

From behind Zhan Lue, Xian Sheng silently stepped out and bowed. Emperor Jin’s gaze landed on him and his furious expression softened. He asked Zhan Lue in a cold voice, “What do you want to say?”

“Imperial Consort Rong wanted to torture Xian Sheng. She was the one who started the fight—Mother was just too infuriated by her.”

Emperor Jin glanced at Xian Sheng and asked, “How was she tortured?”

“She hit Xian Sheng’s palace maid.” Zhan Lue gestured for Ru Yi to come forward. Her cheeks were swollen and she knelt down hurriedly. “The moment she entered the room, Imperial Consort Rong wanted to slap Princess. Her body is weak—how can she endure it… Luckily, the Empress arrived in time to save her.”

Xian Sheng looked at Emperor Jin subconsciously, his eyes revealing a sense of hurt injustice. Hence, Emperor Jin turned his gaze to the Queen and said in a slower manner, “You are the nation’s Mother. Why do you have to hit her personally?”

Empress Xin replied coldly, “I have always protected those close to me—it’s not the first time Your Majesty knows about this.”

Xian Sheng looked at Zhan Lue silently. Upon meeting his gaze, he asked, “Mother is cooking personally today. Would Father like to stay and have a meal together?”

“Never mind. I have something else to do.”

While he claimed to have other things to settle, it was not long later that the Empress’ servant returned with a report. “He went to Imperial Consort Rong’s Palace.”

It was impossible to tell what Empress Xin was thinking about from her expression. Zhan Lue brought Xian Sheng to the inner chamber. Taking out an ointment for bruises, he said, “Let me see how bad your bruise is.”

“It’s just a small injury. I’ll go back and ask Ru Yi to…”

“She suffered a beating for you. Let her take two days off.” Zhan Lue took off Xian Sheng’s shoes and rolled up his pants—his leg was bruised, but it was not very serious. Zhan Lue rubbed his palms together to warm up the ointment and gently spread it over his bruise. Upon sensing that Xian Sheng was trembling slightly, he mocked, “Are you scared of pain?”