Chapter 425: Kill Me 01

Chapter 425

When Xiao Yinzi heard Zhao Hua's question, his face suddenly took on a secretive expression. He stepped closer and said in a low voice to Zhao Hua in the main hall:

"The Emperor has made a deal with Lord Dong's family. This can guarantee the safety of Imperial Consort Yun's mother's family and allow her to continue enjoying the glory of being one of the four consorts. The price is that Lord Dong must admit to something..."

He paused at the critical part, as if to emphasize how useful he, a eunuch, could be in obtaining information from the imperial court for Zhao Hua.

But Zhao Hua was not impressed and did not give him the slightest positive reaction. She coldly said:

"I dislike dealing with people who stutter. If you have something to say, say it all at once."

Xiao Yinzi was disappointed and respectfully continued:

"The Emperor made Lord Dong write a confession, stating that his act of occupying Jizhou and declaring himself king at the time was instigated by someone else."

Zhao Hua said: "Is this to pin the blame on the Ning family, to find a more justifiable reason for executing the Ning father and son back then?"

"No," Xiao Yinzi shook his head, his tone becoming increasingly chilling. "The Emperor made Lord Dong admit that all of this... was secretly instigated by Prince Rui."

"Prince Rui?" Zhao Hua was startled and quite shocked. "Prince Rui has been confined in the Imperial Clan Court for four years, and his family members, former subordinates, and students have all been executed. The Emperor is..."

Zhao Hua wanted to say more but stopped. Although she did not understand it, upon further reflection, she realized it made sense.

Xiao Jingheng was someone whose mind was more meticulous than a needlepoint or grain of rice. Shang Yang had once said that the world should have belonged to Prince Rui, but Xiao Jingheng killed his father, betrayed his ruler, colluded with officials, and falsified the imperial edict to 'steal' this prosperous land from Prince Rui.

Therefore, as long as Prince Rui was not eliminated, he would remain a thorn in Xiao Jingheng's side, a constant torment in his heart.

He had to completely exterminate Prince Rui's lineage before he could sit securely on the precarious dragon throne.

After a while, Zhao Hua regained her composure and asked Xiao Yinzi:

"When will action be taken?"

Xiao Yinzi said: "Today. Prince Jingyan has probably already gone to the Imperial Clan Court by now."

Upon hearing 'Prince Jingyan,' Zhao Hua's heart tightened, but she maintained her usual calm expression in front of Xiao Yinzi, only saying lightly:

At the same time, in the Imperial Clan Court.

Xiao Jingyan arrived at the Imperial Clan Court in the afternoon.

Upon his arrival, Nalan Cuo, the warden of the Imperial Clan Court, was already waiting at the gate to welcome him.

Nalan Cuo was twelve years older than Xiao Jingyan, but because they were both lovers of painting, they had a close personal relationship.

Knowing that Xiao Jingyan would be coming that day, Nalan Cuo had prepared some premium pre-rain Longjing tea to serve him.

At this moment, they were sitting together in the main hall, and the tea they had brewed was neither too hot nor too cold, just the right temperature to drink.

Nalan Cuo laughed heartily and urged Xiao Jingyan to raise his cup:

"This tea was a gift from the Emperor. I have been reluctant to use it and was saving it until Your Royal Highness arrived, so that I could have the honor of drinking a pot with you. Your Highness, please try it and let me know how it tastes."

Xiao Jingyan took a sip and praised it profusely: "Anything gifted by the Emperor is sure to be of the highest quality."

Nalan Cuo said, "I have set some aside especially for Your Royal Highness. Although I know you have no shortage of such things, it is merely a token of my appreciation. A few days ago, I obtained an authentic work by Zhao Mengfu. I was planning to visit Your Highness's residence at my leisure to appreciate it together. Since an unexpected opportunity has arisen, I have already prepared fine wine and delicacies at my residence. After Your Highness has attended to the official matter today, please honor me with your presence for a drink."

Xiao Jingyan laughed heartily: "Nalan Ge's warm invitation is too kind for me to refuse."

After taking a few more sips of tea, he subtly changed the subject:

"Prince Rui has been under Nalan Ge's care in the Imperial Clan Court for these few years."

Nalan Cuo waved his hands repeatedly in denial. "Your Highness is too polite. In my early years, my father was punished. If not for Your Highness's intercession with the Former Emperor on my behalf, how could the Nalan family have attained such prosperity today?"

He sighed regretfully: "Alas... but now that the Emperor has issued an edict to send Prince Rui on his way, there is nothing we can do."

"Everyone has their destiny. The grave mistake committed by the Fifth Brother this time has led him to such a fate through his own actions."

Xiao Jingyan let out a short sigh and then stood up slowly, saying to Nalan Cuo:

"I should attend to the official matter now. Please lead the way, Nalan Ge."