Chapter 258: Jing GUI Toffee

Chapter 258

The main hall was deathly silent, with only the clear sound of water droplets from a copper clock.

Xiao Jingheng remained silent for a while, then furrowed his brow and scrutinized Prince Rui.

"Are there any inaccuracies in these incriminating pieces of evidence?"

Prince Rui bowed deeper, speaking with conviction, "The families of the implicated soldiers have been controlled by my younger brother. With them under control, those soldiers dare not utter a word. If Your Majesty doubts it, you can summon them and question them one by one."

"You are my brother, devoted to the welfare of the dynasty. I trust you," said Xiao Jingheng.

Xiao Jingheng absentmindedly toyed with the ring on his thumb and muttered with a cold tone,

"The Ning Family... very well!"

"Creak!"

As they conversed, the closed doors of the main hall were gently pushed open.

Jiang Deshun entered and bowed deeply to Xiao Jingheng, standing at the lower level of the hall.

"Your Majesty, Empress Yi sent some pastries. She is waiting outside," he respectfully reported.

Xiao Jingheng had no leisure at the moment and replied, "Tell her to return for now. Inform her that I will visit her palace to have dinner later."

"I understand," Jiang Deshun replied. Just as he was about to take his leave, Xiao Jingheng called him again.

"Hold on. Go and summon the Grand Secretary, Minister of War, Commander of the Nine Gates, and the Imperial Executioner."

After a brief pause, he added, "Secretly."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Deshun's face immediately turned grave.

The officials Xiao Jingheng mentioned were all important figures in the court.

Summoning them all together meant that there was an important matter to discuss.

Jiang Deshun dared not delay and quickly retreated.

He first relayed Song Zhao's message outside the door.

"Is this what Princess Dowager was looking for?"

Princess Dowager Jinggui took the sachet that Xiao Fuzi handed over, gently dusted off the dust on it as if it were a treasure, and her solemn expression relaxed slightly, revealing a faint smile.

Song Zhao looked at the sachet, embroidered with mandarin ducks and dragon patterns, and speculated that it must have been a gift from the late emperor to Princess Dowager Jinggui. It's no wonder she treasured it so much.

Now that the sachet had been lost and found, Princess Dowager Jinggui's attitude towards Song Zhao also softened a bit.

"The people under your command are quite clever," she said.

While speaking, she tried to walk out of the flower garden but accidentally stepped into the muddy ground, causing her body to tilt and almost fall.

Fortunately, Song Zhao was by her side and quickly supported her. "Please be careful, Princess Dowager."

After Princess Dowager Jinggui stabilized herself with Song Zhao's support, she finally looked at her directly for the first time.

"I haven't seen you before. You must be the Emperor's new favorite?" she asked respectfully.

Song Zhao replied, "I am Consort Yi, Song Shi."

"Song Shi?" Princess Dowager Jinggui's eyes trembled visibly, and she was clearly taken aback. The joy on her face instantly disappeared.

She forcefully pulled her hand out of Song Zhao's palm, and the sharp armor cut Song Zhao's tender flesh, causing blood to seep out immediately.

"Your Highness!" Yun Shan quickly stepped forward, guarding Song Zhao's side, and took out a handkerchief to wipe the bloodstains on her palm. "Are you alright, Your Highness?"

Song Zhao shook her head without answering, and she looked at Princess Dowager Jinggui in confusion.

She saw the dull and dim gaze of Princess Dowager Jinggui, with a hint of resentment flowing within.

"Princess Dowager, I..."

Before Song Zhao could finish her words, Princess Dowager Jinggui suddenly turned and walked away, leaving her standing there, puzzled.

Xiao Fuzi whispered, "Don't take it to heart, Your Highness. Princess Dowager has always been peculiar, even the Empress rarely interacts with her."

Song Zhao tightened the blood-stained handkerchief in her hand and fixed her gaze on the slightly hunched figure of Princess Dowager Jinggui. She spoke with a hint of unease,

"They, mother and son, truly know how to provoke others. Well, let's return to the palace."