Chapter 359: Chapter 359: Investigating the Case
Standing in front of Princess Qianyou's mansion, Zhongshan took a deep breath.
A large number of guards from the Ministry of Justice stood before the mansion, each armed with swords. They surrounded the perimeter.
"Who goes there?" shouted a black-clad official from the Ministry of Justice.
"By decree of His Majesty, I am here to investigate the case of Princess Qianyou, with the Holy Sword as evidence!" Zhongshan declared.
Immediately, he revealed the Holy Sword, its brilliance shining forth.
The official frowned and extended his spiritual sense towards the sword.
"Ahhh!" Suddenly, the official cried out in agony, clutching his head.
"My lord!" Immediately, a multitude of subordinates rushed over, drawing their swords, ready to apprehend whoever dared to attack their superior.
"Hold!" The official shouted, still clutching his head.
"Huh?" The subordinates looked puzzled.
"Long live His Majesty, long live, long live ten thousand years!" The official bowed deeply, showing utmost respect.
With his lead, the others quickly understood and echoed, "Long live His Majesty, long live, long live ten thousand years!"
Ignoring them, Zhongshan strode forward with Zhuhuo towards Princess Qianyou's mansion.
Upon entering the mansion, Zhongshan took another deep breath.
The atmosphere within Princess Qianyou's mansion was desolate and empty, devoid of any servants.
Extending his spiritual sense, Zhongshan sensed only Ah Da and Ah Er waiting outside a distant palace.
"Princess, Master has arrived, Princess...," Ah Da exclaimed excitedly.
"Princess, it's really Master!" Ah Er echoed the excitement.
"Dong, dong, dong..." Footsteps echoed from the palace, and Princess Qianyou swiftly ran to the door, eyes filled with anticipation and excitement.
Zhongshan hurried towards her with Zhuhuo.
"I knew Master would come," Ah Da said, clenching his fists in excitement.
Ah Er also looked excitedly at Zhongshan.
But Princess Qianyou remained silent, showing only a faint smile of relief and peace.
"Princess, I'm back!" Zhongshan stared at Princess Qianyou.
"I knew you would come," Princess Qianyou said with a smile of contentment.
Ah Da, Ah Er, and Zhuhuo tactfully left the main hall. Their presence was no longer needed here.
Seeing the haggard face, emaciated figure, and sorrowful smile of Princess Qianyou, Zhongshan couldn't help but feel a pang in his heart. In that moment, Zhongshan realized that amidst his resolute determination, Princess Qianyou had already secured a place in his heart. It was a feeling he hadn't fully acknowledged until now.
"Yes, this case is incredibly complex. With irrefutable evidence, not just anyone can clear your name. If this investigation fails to absolve you, you'll be in an even worse position. His Majesty is protecting you; that's why he agreed to my request and entrusted me with the Holy Sword for a thorough investigation," Zhongshan explained.
"What did you use to silence all the courtiers?" Princess Qianyou asked.
"Just a passing cloud," Zhongshan chuckled.
"What passing cloud?" Princess Qianyou inquired.
"My military achievements," Zhongshan replied.
Princess Qianyou didn't say much in gratitude or make any vows. She simply uttered a soft "Hmm," her gaze towards Zhongshan filled with determination. It was as if she had made a decision deep within her heart. There was a hint of infatuation in her eyes.
"Tell me then, what exactly happened? I need a detailed account of the events. What happened at that time, not a single detail omitted!" Zhongshan said.
"That day...," ——
One month before Zhongshan returned to court.
In Yining County Princess's Mansion, to celebrate, Yining hosted a banquet in a large courtyard, inviting numerous court officials she knew. Among them were Princess Qianyou, Marquis Qitian, and Marquis Mazhui.
"Congratulations, Princess, on being promised discipleship by Elder Tian," Marquis Mazhui raised his cup and laughed.
"Uncle, stop teasing. It hasn't been formalized yet!" Yining laughed and finished her drink.
"Soon, Elder Tian's word is as good as gold. Once accepted as Elder Tian's disciple, His Majesty will certainly elevate you to princess status. We'll soon be calling you Princess Yining," Marquis Mazhui chuckled.
"Princess Qianyou, Elder Tian chose between you and Yining, and Yining was ultimately chosen. You're not jealous, are you?" Marquis Qitian suddenly turned to Princess Qianyou.
Boldly questioned by Marquis Qitian, everyone fell silent.
"How could I? I congratulate Yining!" Princess Qianyou graciously replied, raising her cup to Yining.
"Thank you, Sister Qianyou!" Yining immediately happily drank another cup.
The banquet proceeded lively. As conversations flowed, midway through the banquet, Yining suddenly took Princess Qianyou's hand.
"Sister Qianyou, come with me," Yining said.
Princess Qianyou followed without hesitation, setting down her cup. They left the banquet and wound their way through Yining's mansion until they reached a small courtyard in a remote corner. There wasn't a soul around.
"Why did you bring me here?" Princess Qianyou asked, puzzled.
"I heard that you possess the 'Xun Ding physique.' Is it true?" Yining widened her eyes inquisitively.
"Who told you that? How could that be?" Princess Qianyou furrowed her brows but then smiled.
"Someone told me. Sister Qianyou, don't deny it. I've long heard of the miraculous nature of the Nine Ding physique. Please show it to me," Yining said eagerly.
"Show it? How would I show it?" Princess Qianyou raised an eyebrow.
"With this," Yining said immediately, pulling out a package from a corner of the courtyard. From it, she withdrew a jade-green longbow adorned with numerous totems.
"The Wind God Bow?" Princess Qianyou exclaimed in surprise.