The great hall was enveloped in silence, with wisps of incense smoke drifting from the censer, their fragrant scent brushing past everyone's nostrils as each harbored their own thoughts.
At this point, even the Youning Emperor found it difficult to pass judgment. While Xie Ji had not stolen the imperial Golden Decree, it had been discovered in the Xie residence. Shen Xihe had personally stated that she had temporarily given the Golden Decree to Xie Yunhuai for his protection, as Xie Yunhuai was crucial to her own survival—a point the Youning Emperor could not harshly criticize.
Xie Ji also admitted that Xie Yunhuai had visited the Xie residence. Even if the Golden Decree had been misplaced, it should not have been found behind a spirit tablet. Its placement there suggested intentional concealment, implying that Xie Yunhuai might have deliberately planted it to frame him.
Rather than showing favoritism, the Youning Emperor found the latter scenario more plausible. Xie Ji was unlikely to disrespect his ancestors by hiding the decree there, and if he had found it, he should have promptly presented it to the Emperor. Doing so would have incriminated both Xie Yunhuai and Shen Xihe, leaving no reason for him to keep the Golden Decree and risk putting himself in a passive position.
Shen Xihe lowered her eyes, calmly waiting. Whether Xie Ji would face severe consequences depended on whether Xiao Huayong arrived in time.
"There are many uncertainties in this matter. A decision will be made after Xie Yunhuai is found."
"Your Majesty." As soon as the Youning Emperor finished speaking, a eunuch entered with a bow.
The Youning Emperor asked, "What is it?"
The eunuch replied, "Your Majesty, the Capital Governor requests an audience."
At that moment, Liu Sanzhi approached the Emperor and whispered a few words. The Emperor's expression turned cold. "Summon him."
Entering were not only the Capital Governor but also a pale and haggard-looking Xie Yunhuai. As he passed by Shen Xihe, a faint scent of blood wafted past her, causing her to frown slightly.
"Your humble servant/commoner pays respects to Your Majesty." The two knelt and bowed.
Xie Yunhuai's movements were noticeably sluggish. The Youning Emperor's gaze was complex as he sighed softly. "Rise."
After they stood, the Emperor asked, "Governor Zhang, what brings you here?"
The Capital Governor bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Xie Yunhuai sought me out to accuse Duke Xie of detaining him privately."
"Your Majesty—"
Before Xie Ji could say more, the Emperor cast him a sharp glance and asked Xie Yunhuai sternly, "Do you have evidence?"
"Your Majesty, this commoner escaped from the Xie residence. Many commoners can bear witness." Xie Yunhuai spoke with neither humility nor arrogance.
"Your Majesty, I have verified that Xie Yunhuai did indeed escape from the Xie residence," the Capital Governor quickly corroborated.
"This commoner was imprisoned in a secret chamber behind the ancestral hall of the Xie residence. I overheard the Princess and Eunuch Liu speaking when the Princess entered with her attendants," Xie Yunhuai added, then recounted the conversation between Shen Xihe and Liu Sanzhi.
Liu Sanzhi nodded subtly to the Emperor.
The truth was now clear: Xie Ji had privately imprisoned Xie Yunhuai, a grave offense.
By imprisoning Xie Yunhuai—even though Xie Yunhuai was his son—Xie Ji had violated the law, as Xie Yunhuai had severed ties with him. Moreover, Xie Ji's repeated evasions constituted deception of the Emperor!
However, Xie Ji reacted swiftly. He kowtowed deeply and pleaded, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I am nearly fifty and have no heirs. I wished to reconcile with my son, but he stubbornly resents me for remarrying and holds deep prejudices against me. I did not detain him—I only wanted to keep him in the residence to spend more time with him and resolve our differences."
What a cunning and eloquent speaker Xie Ji was! Seeing Xie Yunhuai, he knew that Xun Wang must have been captured, but he would not mention it. The matter with Xie Yunhuai was merely a family affair, and if he insisted on ignorance, the Emperor would not delve deeper.Once the Emperor learned that he had concealed and sheltered Xun Wang, the Xie residence would face a calamity.
He dared not speak, and neither would Xie Yunhuai and the others. He realized that their elaborate scheme from the start was not merely to rescue Xie Yunhuai and deal with him—it was about Xun Wang!
Upon hearing this, the Youning Emperor felt troubled. Even an upright official finds it hard to settle family disputes. Xie Ji had always been extremely loyal to him. Although he had repeatedly lied today, it was understandable. Nearing fifty with no heirs, his only child regarded him as an enemy. In his desperation, he had done these things, and there was no need to delve deeper.
The Youning Emperor had always been lenient toward his loyal subordinates: "The rift between you and your son runs deep. One speaks of detention, the other of retention. I cannot discern the truth. Duke Xie, your household governance is lax. You are fined one year’s salary and stripped of your position as General of the Valiant Cavalry." The punishment was neither too severe nor too light. At the very least, Shen Xihe was satisfied. The Emperor had sixteen imperial guards, with the Left and Right Jinwu being two of them, and the Left and Right Valiant Cavalry being another two. The General of the Valiant Cavalry commanded both guards, while the Left and Right Guards were each led by a Grand General.
In other words, Duke Xie held military authority over two imperial guards!
Shen Xihe showed no dissatisfaction, which pleased the Youning Emperor. After dismissing the others, he reprimanded her in a paternal tone: "Even if you are certain of the whereabouts of the Golden Decree bestowed by the imperial court, you must not act so impulsively in the future. Have you considered what would happen if you failed to find it? How would you handle the situation?"
"I would definitely find it," Shen Xihe refused to yield.
The Youning Emperor sighed deeply: "Too rigid, and it breaks."
If she were not resolute, if she did not show the Emperor her weaknesses, how could he ever feel at ease with her?
Just as Bu Shulin’s perspective suggested, Shen Xihe’s relentless ambition and domineering demeanor were also part of crafting the image of Shen Xihe for the Youning Emperor.
"Zhaoning understands."
While the Youning Emperor was reprimanding Shen Xihe, Xie Yunhuai was escorted out of the palace. In the carriage arranged for him, Xiao Huayong sat upright, his silver-flecked eyes deep and unfathomable, fixed intently on Xie Yunhuai.
Xie Yunhuai bowed and sat quietly to the side, his posture as straight and elegant as a slender bamboo.
"Risking your life to ease her worries—Ruogu, your devotion runs deep," Xiao Huayong’s voice was as clear and cold as a river flowing over glaciers, chilling to the bone.
Shen Xihe did not know that Xie Yunhuai had used himself as bait. Only after guessing that he was treating Xun Wang did he enter the Xie residence. Otherwise, how could he have fallen into Duke Xie’s trap?
Duke Xie was unaware that Xun Wang was secretly building a private army, believing instead that he had faked his death. He owed Xun Wang a life-saving debt and was repaying it. Thus, even though he knew Xie Yunhuai was treating Shen Xihe, he paid no mind, assuming Xie Yunhuai was the most reliable person.
Once Xie Yunhuai cured Xun Wang and he departed, Xie Yunhuai would have no evidence to speak of outside.
The truth was, Xun Wang’s poison was difficult to treat. Duke Xie used an item left by the Qi family as an exchange but never considered the crucial link in between.
Everything unfolded as Xie Yunhuai had anticipated. If he disappeared, Shen Xihe would inevitably search for him and would surely turn the Xie residence upside down while emerging unscathed.
This was Shen Xihe’s only chance to capture Xun Wang, and he wanted to help her.
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince, flatters me. It cannot compare to Your Highness risking the Tianshan Mountains for the Snow Lotus, unable to distinguish the five colors," Xie Yunhuai replied humbly.
"Since you know this, you should also know whom she will marry in the future!" Xiao Huayong said coldly.
Xie Yunhuai’s eyes remained clear and calm as he replied unhurriedly, "Your Highness’s feelings for her differ from mine. I only wish for her peace and happiness, with no selfish desires toward her."
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