Seventy decided to throw him into a dung pit and be done with it.

  A torrential rain lasted for nearly an hour, and the air was filled with the smell of mud, damp and oppressive.

  Fortunately, Xia Lixuan was placed under a slightly higher tree by Liu Xuelan, otherwise he would have been sitting in the puddle by now.

  Despite being shrouded in dense foliage, Xia Lixuan was now more disheveled than ever.

  Not far away, the outer garment that had been flung off by him was miserably enduring the torrential rain, with muddy water flowing over it, making it even more bedraggled than the man under the tree.

  Looking at that old coat that was no longer wearable, Xia Lixuan felt inexplicably annoyed. Looking at it, he thought of that woman, and how she had abandoned him here without even looking back.

  He didn't know why every time he met her, he would lose his usual composure and calmness, and couldn't help but go crazy.

  The heavy rain has stopped, and the forest after the rain is even more desolate.

  But a certain woman has never appeared again since she left.

  Xia Li Xun was so angry that his head almost smoked. He also hated himself for being injured at this time, if he wasn't injured, he would have taught that inhumane woman a lesson by now.

  Suddenly, a faint sound came from afar.

  He almost subconsciously let out a low growl in that direction: "Liu Xue Lan, aren't you coming over to see me yet?"

  Until two figures appeared in front of him, he was stunned for a moment.

  "Who are you calling?" Bai Xintian looked at the man under the tree, who was drenched in rainwater. Despite his disheveled appearance, he couldn't hide his innate arrogance. As if pretending not to know, she sneered and asked back, "Prince Fengde, are you looking for Miss Liu? But it seems she's not here."

  Xia Lixun's face was somewhat cold and dark. His thin, crimson lips were pursed into a straight line, his angry eyes staring at the outer garment that had been soaked through by rain and mud, as if it owed him a grudge, as if he could stare several holes into it.

  Following his line of sight, Bai Xinzhu also found the outer garment. He couldn't help but feel curious: "Huh, Miss Liu's clothes? How did they end up here? They're all wet like this, did she not wear any clothes?"

  "What are you all doing, still not hurrying to take me away?" Suddenly, Xia Lixun let out a low growl.

  Bai Xin turned his head back, not looking at him, but rather irritably said to Yan Mo Yu beside him: "Mo Yu, this guy is too ignorant, you go and give him a good scare!"

  What's going on?!

  Calling him a psychopath is an overstatement. With this kind of moral character, he dares to shout and yell at them, thinking they don't dare hit him?

  Yan Mo had always been cold and expressionless, but when he heard Bai Xinzhi's words, he didn't say anything and directly walked towards Xia Lixuan.

  "You——" Xia Lixun was so angry that he was about to speak, but only made a sound before his neck hurt and he fell to the ground unconscious.

  ……

  When he came to, he found himself in a horse-drawn carriage, and the couple driving the horses were that annoying husband and wife, with no one else in sight.

  "What about Liu Xuelan? Where did that dead woman go?" Just thinking about how he was made a fool of by that woman, Xia Lihuan's tone became extremely unpleasant.

  Yan Mo drove his horse-drawn carriage, completely ignoring him.

  Bai Xin pouted and didn't turn her head, leaning it against Mo Yu's arm, humming and saying: "Mo Yu, you say this guy has such a bad temper, shouldn't we just get rid of him? With him around, the two of us can't have a peaceful life."

  Yan Mo held the reins with one hand and wrapped his other arm around her, looking down at her gently: "Where does Ran want to throw him?"

  Bai Xin suddenly clapped his hands: "Didn't we just pass by a manure pit? Let's just throw him into the manure pit and be done with it."

  Inside the carriage, it suddenly became silent, and all that could be heard was a man's heavy breathing, presumably because he had been angered.

  Looking at his wife's mischievous appearance, Yan Mo raised the corner of his lips with pleasure and nodded in agreement: "Ran'er's method is extremely good, and as a husband, I also agree. Otherwise, I'll turn my head and go back?"

  Inside the carriage, there was first a grinding sound of teeth, followed by a low growl: "You two still have the nerve? Daring to plot against me, I will not forgive you when I return to the capital!"

  "Hmph! Still trying to show off your authority at this time? Bai Xinzhen disdainfully curled her lip and left Yan Moyu's arm, she turned around, lifted the curtain that was blocking the way, and coldly scolded: "You're almost crippled, what are you still shouting about? If you keep showing off your authority, believe it or not, I'll dig a hole and bury you alive?"

  "How dare you!" Xia Lixun's face turned black with rage, his eyes glaring fiercely. How could this woman be so vicious?

  "Heh heh~" Bai Xincheng smiled lightly: "What's there to be afraid of? In this desolate mountain wilderness, even if we bury you alive, no one would know. To prevent someone like you from repaying our kindness with enmity after returning."

  Xia Lixun shut his mouth, but his face remained gloomy and dark.

  Bai Xin didn't bother to reason with him, turned her head and leaned back into Yan Mo's arm.

  How dare he bully her? Just watch him get scolded to death by her!

  ……

  I galloped through the night and returned to the capital in just two days.

  After sending Gong De Wang back to his residence, he and Bai Xinzhi hurriedly went to the palace again. Only then did they learn that the Emperor had not yet returned to the capital.

  The couple did not intend to disturb the crown prince and turned back directly to Cheng Wang Fu.

  "Mo Yu, where are the Emperor and Empress now? Will anything unexpected happen?" Only after closing the door did Bai Xintong reveal a hint of anxiety. This matter couldn't be joked about at all; after all, it was her decision to let Blood Shadow take the Emperor away. If something happened to the Emperor, could she escape responsibility?

  Yan Mo sent a large group of guards out to search for Xia Gao's whereabouts as soon as he returned to the mansion. Seeing the woman look worried, he quickly pulled her into his arms and comforted her in a low voice: "Perhaps they took a small path, so it took them a little longer. Tonight we'll wait for news at the mansion, if they still don't return by tomorrow, we'll go out to search again."

  Bai Xin nodded. Now they could only wait for news temporarily. After all, the others hadn't returned either, presumably because the three of them had rushed ahead too quickly.

  The couple spent the night in the room and neither of them slept much.

  The whole night, the people sent out to search did not return. In the morning, after Yan Moyu had simply washed and dressed, he was preparing to go out and search himself. But before he could leave the house, a guard rushed in to report:

  "I report to Your Highness, the Crown Prince has dispatched a large contingent of troops outside the Cheng Wang Fu and at this moment, they have already completely surrounded the Cheng Wang Fu."

  Upon hearing this, Yan Mo and Bai Xinzhu were both shocked. They hadn't expected the Crown Prince to be so impatient?

  "What should I do now?" Bai Xinzhi was inexperienced in such situations and looked bewildered and at a loss.

  Yan Mo quickly replaced the guards and pulled her into the study room.

  "Ran Er, I will send you out of the house first. Take this jade token and go find the Minister of War. Tell him that for now, he cannot listen to the Crown Prince's words. Before the Emperor returns to the capital, it is not permissible to recklessly lend troops to the Crown Prince. Moreover, he must protect the Fong De Wang Fu (Palace). If anything happens, no one will be able to guarantee the safety of his entire clan."

  "Mo Yu..." Bai Xin's brow furrowed as she looked at him, then glanced at the jade token in her hand. "What will you do if I leave?"

  Yan Mo raised his hand and stroked her face: "Don't worry, I won't have any trouble. The Crown Prince's move this time is not aimed at me."

  Bai Xin's eyes widened in confusion: "Who is the prince going to deal with?"

  As soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly reacted: "The Crown Prince wants to deal with King Pongde?!"

  "Uh-huh." Yan Mo nodded. "I'll explain this to you in detail later, but for now, the most important thing is that you need to stabilize the situation with the Ministry of War and prevent them from believing the Crown Prince's words and rashly invading the Fong De Wang Fu. Otherwise, with the power accumulated by Fong De Wang over the years through secretly raising troops and privately manufacturing weapons, the country of Shu Xia will fall into a state of internal chaos. Do you understand this reasoning?"

  "Why did the Crown Prince choose to deal with King Pongdeok instead of you?" Baek Hyeon couldn't understand, it wasn't that she wanted to curse her husband's misfortune, but there were some things she just couldn't figure out. Didn't they say that the Crown Prince and he were arch-enemies? Last time, the Crown Prince even tried to frame him, this time with such a good opportunity, he actually let him go to deal with King Pongdeok, what was the Crown Prince thinking?

  His eyes sank, and he said lightly: "The Crown Prince has wanted to get rid of King Fengde for more than a day or two, but because the Emperor is there, he rarely has the opportunity to take action. Perhaps in other people's eyes, I am the person the Crown Prince fears most, but that is not true. The person the Crown Prince fears most is actually King Fengde. I am just an outer surname king, even if I gain favor, I do not threaten his position as Crown Prince, but King Fengde is different. If King Fengde wants to compete with him for the throne, then he will be his greatest threat."

  It seems that I have somewhat understood the situation. In Lu Yunshan's several encounters with danger, it is likely that the 'Crown Prince' has made a contribution. That is to say, among the many people who went out, there must be the Crown Prince's internal response, who knows their whereabouts clearly and also knows that the three of them have returned.

  It was precisely because the three of them returned ahead of time that they gave the Crown Prince an opportunity to get rid of King Pongdeok.

  Since the prince has this intention, then...

  "Will something happen on the Emperor's side?" Since the Crown Prince has made up his mind to deal with King Fengde, he will definitely not let the Emperor have a chance to know about his actions. Then the Emperor...

  "The Emperor may not be able to return to the capital for the time being." Yan Mo Yu furrowed his brow, with a deep concern in his eyes.

  Although they didn't recognize each other, after all, he was still his father...

  Bai Xin's face changed with shock: "Could it be that His Majesty has encountered some mishap?"

  "I'm not so sure about that. With Blood Shadow and Yin Du around, I believe the Emperor will be safe, but returning to the capital won't be easy now. The Crown Prince must have ordered the city gates closed by now."

  Damn! The white-hearted one is cursing in his heart. This prince is really too sinister! He actually managed to do it without leaving a single clue...

  However, the Crown Prince had not anticipated that King Gong of Jing would prove to be not as weak as he had imagined.

  How weak can those who privately manufacture and smuggle weapons be?

  Just as her husband said, these years must have been spent by King Fong De to raise troops and build weapons, fearing that he had accumulated a lot of power...

  These bastards are all sinister and cunning to the extreme!

  Although she knew it in her heart, Bai Xiner still couldn't help but ask: "Are you sure everything is alright with you staying at Cheng Wang Fu?"

  "I nod: 'If I leave, the prince's people will definitely find an excuse and then take the opportunity to break into the mansion. Once they enter the mansion, many unimaginable things will happen. If I stay, they think they have trapped me, and no one can help King Feng De.' I stretch out my hand and pull Bai Xincheng in front of me, 'Listen, your husband will be fine.'"

  Bai Xin's eyes flashed with anger as she pressed her lips together, and suddenly her face turned cold as she threatened, "Don't you dare have any accidents, do you understand? Otherwise, just wait for me to clean you up!"

  He was so speechless that he couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time, and he really wanted to ask her how she planned to deal with him, but as soon as he asked this question, it seemed like he was eager for trouble, and he would definitely be scolded by her. So he could only deepen this kiss by holding her head.

  ……

  The Wang Mansion wasn't just a single gate, the back door alone had three entrances. And it was not through the back door that Bai Xinzhu left, but rather by climbing over a secluded corner of the wall to depart.

  Watching her leave Cheng Wang Fu smoothly, Yan Mo Yu then gathered the guards of Cheng Wang Fu to go to the gate.

  ……

  The current Feng De Wang Fu

  Xia Li Xun was sent back to the mansion by Mo Yu and Bai Xin Ye yesterday, and then he asked the imperial physician to come to the mansion to re-examine his injuries. However, unexpectedly, after just one night, before he had even woken up from his drowsiness, he heard the butler come to report that the Crown Prince had arrived, bringing many guards from the Eastern Palace with him.

  Xia Lixuan's bedroom

  Xia Yunhao looked around the magnificent room, a subtle smile on his face: "Second brother is really good at enjoying himself. The elegance of this Fu De Wangfu is almost comparable to that of the imperial palace. I suppose Father Emperor has not been to Second Brother's mansion before. If Father Emperor came, he would probably like this luxurious residence too."

  Looking at the crown prince in front of him, who spoke with a strange tone and even looked neither male nor female, Xia Lixun's eyes floated with a hint of disgust. He, who was lying on the couch nursing his wounds, didn't show any tension, but instead, his disdain for the crown prince was particularly evident.

  "The Crown Prince is not in the palace to handle state affairs on behalf of his father, why did he come here? I am injured and may not be able to receive the Crown Prince. Moreover, this humble abode is too small to accommodate the noble personage of the Crown Prince."

  In response to Xia Lihuan's disdainful and rude expression, Xia Yuhao not only didn't show a hint of anger, but instead curled up the corners of his lips, laughing with an enchanting smile: "Could it be that Second Brother saw me arrive and felt guilty about something? That's why he's in such a hurry to drive me away?"

  "Hmph!" Xia Lixuan snorted disdainfully, "What have I done to make you feel guilty? Don't waste words in front of me, I hate it when people beat around the bush. If there's nothing else, then please leave, Your Highness, I need to rest."

  "Second brother, you are still so arrogant by nature. No wonder the emperor doesn't like you and the other officials don't approve of you either. You really need to change this temperament of yours." Xia Yunhao said with a hint of teasing.

  Xia Li Xuan narrowed his eyes, and the color of his pupils rolled up with a cold meaning: "The prince wants to say something, please speak directly, no need to humiliate this king by being roundabout here."

  At this time, Xia Yunhao's lips, which had been smiling, suddenly stiffened, and his delicate features, more beautiful than a woman's, suddenly showed a few degrees of severity: "Feng De Wang, you are about to die yet still dare to be so arrogant and unbridled. Do you believe that today I will take your life on behalf of the Emperor?"

  Upon hearing this, Xia Lixuan suddenly threw his head back and burst out laughing, sneeringly asking: "The Crown Prince is indeed majestic, the Emperor merely let you oversee the country for a few days, yet you think you're about to become the Emperor yourself. This kind of majesty almost surpasses that of the Emperor! I wonder what crime the Crown Prince intends to use as an excuse to take my life, would you be so kind as to tell me?"

  Xia Yunhao's phoenix eyes narrowed, a thread of anger quickly flashed from the bottom of his eyes, and he coldly said to Xia Lihuan: "Prince Gongde, three years ago, you privately dug silver mines, which should be punished for stealing from the national treasury. One year ago, you privately set up an arsenal and transported large quantities of weapons to other countries, which should be punished for treason. Do you think that by doing so many evil things, you can deceive heaven and earth? This palace has grasped all your evidence."

  Upon hearing this, Xia Lixun's jaw dropped in surprise: "I didn't think I was so capable, and yet I've done so many things. Thanks to the Crown Prince for reminding me, or else I really wouldn't have known that I had such abilities."

  "King Fengde!" Xia Yunhao coldly rebuked, "Don't pretend to be stupid in front of me, do you think I have no way to deal with you just because you're pretending to be stupid?"

  Xia Li Xun raised an eyebrow: "Since the prince has grasped the evidence of this king, it's not a problem to bring out all the evidence. Perhaps after this king sees them, he will remember immediately and also sign his confession."

  Upon hearing this, Xia Yunhao sneered and curled his lips: "Do you think I'm a fool? Hand over the evidence to you? Isn't that equivalent to handing it over for destruction? These pieces of evidence have already been handed over to the Ministry of Justice. It's only natural that they should be the ones to decide on this matter."

  As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly turned around and ordered the guards he had brought with him: "Take away Prince Gongde! Before His Majesty returns to the capital, throw Prince Gongde into the heavenly prison first, and do not allow anyone to visit him!"

  Xia Lixuan's eyes flashed with a cold light for an instant, but he didn't resist, allowing the two guards to carry him away.

  Admiralty Police Station

  In the study, looking at his daughter who rarely appeared in front of him, Director Liu Boyu was first taken aback, then thought for a moment and his expression turned cold.

  "What brings you here?"

  Liu Xue Lan walked by with a swagger, her face cold as she looked at the middle-aged man in front of her who was called 'foster father' but was actually her biological father. She spoke directly: "I want to discuss a condition with you."

  She never called him that because she thought he didn't deserve it!

  If he dares to have an affair outside, then he should dare to acknowledge her identity. However, for the sake of that woman, he doesn't even dare to acknowledge his own flesh and blood. Is this still a man? Does he deserve to be her father?

  A hint of displeasure flashed across Ryū's dignified expression: "Because of Prince Fude's matter?"

  Liu Xue Lan didn't deny it either: "I want you to rescue him."

  "It's impossible!"

  "Why?" Liu Xue Lan's hand, which was placed by her side, clenched tightly. "He is the imperial prince, now wrongly accused and thrown into the heavenly prison. As a minister of the country, shouldn't you lend a helping hand to rescue him?"

  Looking at her stubborn face, Liu Boyu sighed and said: "It's not that I don't want to save him, but the prince has made up his mind to deal with him. I'm also helpless, do you want me to fight with the prince for him?"

  He paused, then solemnly advised: "I know you like Feng De Wang, but you must understand that Feng De Wang is arrogant and will not marry you. I advise you to give up this idea and cut off any inappropriate thoughts. With your wedding with the eldest son of the White House approaching, you are not allowed to go anywhere during this period, just stay in the house and wait for the wedding!"

  Upon hearing this, Liu Xue Lan slapped her palm on his desk: "The marriage with the White family was arranged by you, if you want to marry, then marry yourself! I'd rather become a nun for the rest of my life than be controlled by you and married off!"

  "How dare you!" Liu Boyu's face turned iron-green with rage. "Do you know who you're talking to? Don't forget, I'm your father!"

  "Hmph!" Liu Xue Lan met his angry face with a cold, mocking smile. "What father? I, Xiao Jiao Hua Zi, was born from the cracks of a stone, where did this 'father' come from? If you want to talk about adoptive fathers, it's the surname Liu, I didn't beg you to raise me, it was you who brought me to the Liu family. If you can't stand me, just send me away directly. Do you think I want to live here? Do you think I want to watch all of you people? Without all of you, I don't know how comfortable I would be!"

  "Ah!" Li Boya's face turned iron-green, but he was speechless. All these years, despite spoiling and indulging her, couldn't she see it? He knew she had a difficult childhood, and he had been trying to make up for it all along, refusing her nothing except for a formal status.

  I originally wanted to find her a suitor, but unexpectedly she was still entangled with King Pongdeok and refused to let go. It's one thing to have romantic feelings, but it's gotten to the point where everyone in the city knows about it.

  It's not easy for a university student to be proposed to, and it's said that Bai Yuhao likes her very much. He also understands Bai Yuhao's character, although he lacks some talent, but he looks dignified and his family background is good. His father, Bai Hanqing, is a first-class scholar of the current dynasty, so this marriage can be said to be hard to find even with a lantern. Unexpectedly, she not only didn't accept it, but also insisted on liking that Fongde Wang.

  Now for the sake of that one man, he actually lets him go against the crown prince. Isn't this just asking him to find trouble for himself?

  Heaving a deep sigh, he looked at his daughter with a pained expression: "Is it that as long as I help Prince Feng De, you'll be willing to marry into the Bai family?"

  Liu Xuelan nodded without thinking: "Yes."

  "I'll tell you something, the Crown Prince has a lot of evidence in his hands that is unfavorable to him. Tomorrow at court, there will definitely be some debate. I don't dare to make any rash judgments about whether he can save him, but I will do my best to speak for him." The Crown Prince's intentions are too obvious, and many officials in the court will likely come out to oppose his actions. In any case, it is not suitable for the Crown Prince to personally arrest King Fengde. After all, the Emperor has not yet returned to the capital, and no matter what, as a prince, King Fengde's life and death should be decided by the Emperor."

  Liu Xue Lan lowered her eyes, nodded: "No matter whether Wang Gong is dead or alive, as long as you've tried your best, I won't blame you. From now on, I also have no objections to my marriage, do whatever you think is right."

  She was tired, exhausted, and annoyed, and didn't have so much thought to entangle with a man anymore.

  If you can't marry someone you like, then marry someone who likes you.

  ……

  In the imperial palace, Crown Prince Xia Yunhao was furious with the Minister of War.

  "You're quite bold, Deng Chaoyi! I sent people to search the Fong De Wang Fu and you actually dared to send troops to block them! You don't even put me in your eyes, are you tired of living?"

  "I report to Your Highness, the Crown Prince, that it is not my intention as a subordinate official to obstruct your investigation. However, this matter concerns the reputation of King Fengde, and I believe it would be better to wait for His Majesty's return to the capital before making a decision. Moreover, you mentioned that there is evidence of King Fengde's guilt, but you have been unwilling to produce it. Now, not only has he been thrown into the heavenly prison, but you also want to send someone to search his mansion. If this gets out, it will be extremely unconvincing." Deng Chaoyi spoke with a serious expression, his words full of conviction.

  Upon hearing this, Xia Yunhao's beautiful face almost twisted in anger. The so-called evidence was just something he had heard, if there were real proof, he would have presented it to the Emperor long ago, and would not let Prince Feng De roam free?

  Now that the Emperor is not in the capital, it's the perfect time for him to make his move. As long as he can enter the Fong De Wang Fu and search around, even if there's no evidence of a crime, he has already prepared the evidence, and at that time, even if Fong De Wang had a thousand mouths, he still wouldn't be able to explain himself clearly!

  Now everything is ready, only waiting for the east wind, but unexpectedly Deng Chaoyi suddenly led his troops to guard the Fongde Wangfu and did not allow anyone to enter the mansion.

  "Deng Chao Yi, I order you to immediately withdraw the person, otherwise don't blame me for punishing you together with Prince Gong De. Do you know that your behavior is shielding Prince Gong De?"

  Deng Chaoyi's face looked a bit unsightly. This crown prince was humble on the surface, but had an iron heart in reality. Not only did he want to devise ways to harm his brothers, but even he himself would be framed - was this the virtue that a crown prince should have? The emperor ruled the country with benevolence, being kind to his officials and loving his people, so it was very rare for wrongful cases to occur. But this crown prince was good at creating wrongful cases out of thin air, which really left one speechless!

  "Your Highness's order, I'm afraid the lower official cannot follow. The lower official still has business to attend to and will not disturb Your Highness further. The lower official bids farewell!" Deng Chao bowed his head and made a gesture of respect, then straightened his back, turned around without looking back, and walked out of the imperial study.

  Watching the back of the person walking out, Xia Yunhao was so angry that he slammed his fist on the dragon case.

  "Your Highness, what should we do now? The Fong Deh Palace is currently sealed off by this Deng Chao-yi person and our people can't get in. How are we going to send those evidence into the Fong Deh Palace?" A eunuch behind Xia Yun-hao quickly stepped out and asked when he saw no one else was around.

  "Hmph!" Xia Yunhao narrowed his eyes, coldly snorting in anger. "This Deng Chaoyi is really too arrogant. He thinks that just because he has control over a portion of the military power, he can look down on anyone. He's got some connection with Prince Cheng, so this must be something Prince Cheng told him to do."

  Eunuch: "Your Highness, isn't the Crown Prince being held under house arrest in the Eastern Palace? How did he manage to inform Deng Chaoyi?"

  Xia Yunhao's eyes flashed, and the corner of his mouth suddenly curled up in a cold smile. The person below came to report that he had only seen King Cheng but not Queen Cheng, what more needed to be said about this?

  That woman... He knew she was no ordinary woman! After he finished off King Feng De, he would come back and deal with King Cheng. Hmph...

  Ignoring the eunuch's puzzlement, Xia Yunhao suddenly asked: "How is King Pongde doing in Tianlao at this moment?"

  "Reporting back to Your Highness the Crown Prince, since entering the Heavenly Prison, King Feng has remained silent and has not uttered any extreme words or actions."

  Xia Yunhao coldly snorted: "I suppose he's waiting for someone else to come and rescue him? He really is a dreamer! Since we can't enter the Feng De Wang Fu, then let's call the person back."

  "Does His Highness mean we won't be searching the Pongdeok Palace?"

  "That Dang Chaoyi thought he could stop me, but I'll make Wang Fengde helpless. Hmph, he underestimated me too much. Since that's the case, I'll settle him early on and make it a one-and-done deal!"

  Watching Xia Yunhao wipe his neck, the eunuch nodded knowingly: "Your Highness, don't worry, I know what to do."

  It's easy to get Wang Fengde killed in Tianlaolao and then stage a scene of him taking his own life out of fear of punishment.

  Heir to the Imperial Palace

  He sat quietly in the study for a whole day, with a calm face but his eyes kept looking at the door, it had been several hours since he waited for the woman's return, even though he was calm, he felt a little uneasy.

  Until the study door was suddenly pushed open, looking at the woman who returned safely, Yan Mo took a few steps forward and hugged her in his arms.

  "Why did you go for so long?"

  Bai Xin's face turned red as he stuck out his tongue, a look of guilt on his face: "Sorry, I didn't know the Minister of War's residence was there when I went, and I didn't dare to ask for directions, so I got lost."

  Upon hearing this, Yan Mo was at a loss for words, both laughing and crying. How could he have forgotten that she rarely went out?

  The stone in his heart suddenly fell to the ground, he bowed his head and held Bai Xin's cheek, somewhat urgently covering her mouth. It seemed that by absorbing her breath, he could thoroughly dissolve the unease in his heart.

  After a long time, the two finally separated, and Bai Xincheng leaned against him with some trembling legs, looking at him also safe and sound, and her heart was also at ease.

  "Right, did the prince's people force their way into the mansion?"

  "The Crown Prince is now more than a match for Feng De Wang alone; he's not foolish enough to want to take on two people at the same time."

  Bai Xin nodded and immediately spoke out the news he had just heard: "I heard that Prince Feng De was taken to the Heavenly Prison by the Crown Prince. Lord Deng sent someone to protect Prince Feng De's mansion, but now it's unknown how Prince Feng De is doing in the Heavenly Prison."

  "I'm afraid I won't be able to help with this matter for the time being. It's up to King Fengde himself now. Hopefully, the power he has been cultivating over the years is not just a facade."

  He can save Wang Fengde, but this is the power that cannot be seen in the light. If he exposes some of his own affairs because of Wang Fengde, it's likely to fall into the hands of the Crown Prince.

  Moreover, he didn't believe that Feng De Wang was someone who would willingly suffer in silence. Since he could be "invited" out of the mansion by the Crown Prince, he must have had some way to save himself. Otherwise, even if he were to sit on that position in the future, he wouldn't submit to him...

  "What are we going to do now, Mo Yu?" Bai Xinzhi asked, raising his head. Since he said not to care about King Feng De, then so be it, that guy deserved a beating anyway, and suffering a bit would be good exercise for him.

  "Let's gather our things and leave the mansion after nightfall." The most pressing matter was to find the Emperor and have him return to the palace first.

  Bai Xin nodded and followed him back to the house.

  In the pear courtyard

  Qiu Shi was overjoyed upon learning of the capture of Feng De Wang.

  What she most wanted to see was those princes killing each other. In this way, when those people fought each other to the death and were both wounded, then announce Yu'er's identity, at that time Yu'er would not have to face so many obstacles.

  And when she arrives, she can also stand in a high position with her status as the crown prince's mother, even if it's the empress, she might have to give in to her a bit.

  Because Xia Gao had said before that if in the future he found an opportunity to announce his relationship with Yu Er, considering she had raised him for many years, he would give her a concubine's status and fabricate a past romance between them, only then could they explain Yu Er's origins to the world.

  What she needs to do now is to get rid of those who want to compete with her for fame and power. For example, that woman surnamed Bai!

  ……

  In the Heavenly Prison

  Xia Li Xuan shed his luxurious attire, donning a prisoner's uniform as he leaned against the stone wall. Even as a convict, his haughty demeanor and elegance remained unmistakable.

  At least when a certain 'little eunuch' came in and saw him, he was still in this fearless appearance.

  The jailer opened the prison gate and let in a small eunuch. All that was heard was the small eunuch shouting in a shrill voice: "Prince Gongde, I have been sent by Prince Taizi to bring you food!"

  Others couldn't hear Xiao Taijian's voice, but for Xia Lixuan, this voice had been heard for many years, even if her throat really changed shape, he could still tell.

  A complex glint flashed quickly in his cold, proud eyes. He was stunned for a moment, then turned to the jailer and said in a cold voice: "I want to eat, all of you get out!"

  The jailer curled his lip and walked away, somewhat displeased. Who likes to watch a dead prisoner eat? This is probably the last meal before death, and it's unlucky to watch.

  Watching the prison guard leave, Xiao Taijian sat down on the hay-covered ground with a plop and took out several dishes from the food basket to place beside Xia Lixuan's feet.

  "Go ahead and eat."

  Xia Li Xuan's silk-like hair didn't move, and even her gaze was slanted, let alone the tone of her voice. Except for disgust, no other emotions could be detected: "I've told you before, I don't want to see you. You're so stubborn, don't tell me you want to die with me?"

  Liu Xue Lan gave him a faint glance before withdrawing her gaze: "Can't you say a few pleasant words to someone who's almost dead? Who wants to accompany you in death? I came to see you for the last time today, also to give myself closure and repay your kindness from back then. This way, even if you die, I won't feel like I owe you anything. And this meal is actually a celebration of my upcoming wedding, I'm afraid that if you die, you won't have the chance to drink at my wedding banquet, so I brought it to you in advance."

  Upon hearing this, Xia Lixuan suddenly narrowed her eyes. Soon, she burst out laughing: "You think you can still marry someone? Which young master is blind enough to want to marry a shrew like you?"

  This time, Liu Xuelan didn't show any anger, nor did she glare at him with a fierce expression. Instead, she looked at his handsome face with a calm and natural smile, revealing two cute dimples: "You're right, there really are men who don't know how to appreciate me. And the other party is the eldest son of the University Scholar's Mansion. My father told me that the man looks okay too, and it's said that he likes me so much that he took the initiative to propose. To think about it, I'm actually making a profit from this marriage. With my status, being able to become someone else's legitimate wife is really a blessing from my past life."

  I've always wanted someone to care for me in this life. Although Old Liu is fond of me and spoils me, he can't possibly stay with me forever. Now that I have a man who says he likes me and is willing to marry me, I feel like half my wish has come true. As time passes and we spend more time together as husband and wife, nurturing our feelings for each other, perhaps my life will become even more perfect."

  As he gazed at her naturally radiant smile and listened to her calm tone, Xia Lixuan inexplicably fell into a daze. When he finally came back to himself, feeling embarrassed, a hint of coolness flashed in his eyes, and he even asked incredulously, "Is what you're saying true?"

  He didn't know what was wrong with him, but when he heard her calmly say the three words "husband and wife", he suddenly felt a strange suffocating feeling in his heart.

  "Of course it's true, do you think I'd use something like an engagement to provoke you? Heh ~ I clearly know you don't like me, why would I bother provoking you?"

  "Why do you want to get married?" As soon as these words came out of his mouth, Xia Lixuan himself didn't even notice anything was off.

  Liu Xuelan sighed and shifted her gaze elsewhere, making it impossible to discern what she was thinking. She spoke calmly: "I'm already 19 years old, if I don't find a man to marry soon, I'll become an old maid. Besides, Old Man Liu said that the man is not bad, although he's two years younger than me, but I think it doesn't matter as long as he's a good person. Moreover, relying on Old Man Liu's indulgence and pampering of me, I believe the person he has chosen for me won't be wrong."

  Upon hearing this, Xia Lixuan felt a inexplicable chill run through her entire body, and even the hands she had placed on her knees were clenched into fists without her realizing it. Her gaze coldly measured the woman's profile, a face she had seen for seven years now, yet it seemed to have changed very little, still bearing the appearance of a young girl; if she hadn't spoken up, one would never have guessed that she was already nineteen.

  He suddenly looked up and smiled, then looked at Liu Xue Lan with a mocking gaze: "I didn't expect you to be such a fickle woman? One day you can confess your love to me, the next day you can fantasize about marrying another man. Liu Xue Lan, I really underestimated you."

  Liu Xuelan turned her head, and in her large and round eyes, a clear and peaceful light flashed, calm as if the lake surface had no wind. This was the first time Xia Lixun saw her so calm side, and his heart was inexplicably shaken for an instant.

  "Whether you're dead or alive this time, it's the last time we'll meet, so spare some dignity in your words? I've been chasing you for seven years and I'm tired. It's about time I took a rest. Do you think I want to chase you for the rest of my life? I'm not that foolish. You should be happy now that I won't be bothering you anymore, so why must you still mock me?"

  Upon hearing this, Xia Lixuan suddenly turned black-faced and reached out to grab her wrist.

  For a moment, both of them were stunned.

  Looking at the big hand grasping his wrist, even in this dark prison, it was clean enough to dazzle people's eyes.

  Her eyes flashed lightly, and Liu Xue Lan withdrew her wrist without a trace, calmly standing up and walking towards the prison gate.

  "Take care, I've already asked Old Liu to speak for you in the imperial court. You also know that I'm not capable of much, and this is all I can do to help you." With that said, she left the Heavenly Prison without looking back at the man.

  ...... Until the person had been gone for a long time, Xia Lixun was still staring blankly in the direction of the prison gate, and his gaze couldn't be withdrawn for a long time. His heart felt suddenly empty, and he wanted to raise his hand to cover it, but found that his hands were powerless.