Chapter 64: Every Word is a Pearl

  The clouds were shallow and the moon was low, Yun's footsteps paused for a moment, and her clear eyes flashed with a hint of spirit.

  Ye Qingyan's footsteps paused, and she stopped smiling. She turned to ask Yun Shangyue, "Did he really hit your hand? Let me see, how swollen is it?" As soon as she finished speaking, she reached out to grab Yun Shangyue's hand.

  The hand hiding in the sleeve immediately dodged, dissatisfied with him: "Don't let you see! Can't you give me some face? Do you think it's good to be beaten until swollen and bruised?"

  At night, Ye Qing's hand stopped moving as she gazed at the shallow moonlit clouds. She coughed dryly and spoke softly: "There are no outsiders here either, and Imperial Uncle isn't an outsider. If Imperial Uncle doesn't mock you, who dares to? Don't be annoyed, I won't look."

  Yun Qian Yue hummed and turned her head to glare at Rong Jing fiercely.

  Rong Jing smiled wryly and rubbed his forehead.

  The old emperor looked at Yun Shangyue, then at Rong Jing, and suddenly burst out laughing. As he laughed, he said: "It seems that only Rong Jing can handle you, little girl! I heard that you were locked up in the Rong Wang Fu for half a month to learn how to read and write, and now it seems like you've learned quite well? Rong Jing is indeed my heavenly saintly talent, and he must not disappoint Old Master Yun's expectations."

  Yun Shallow Moon hung her head and didn't speak. As for whether she had learned the word or not, she left it to Rong Jing to say. Anyway, he knew that her illiteracy was a disguise, now it's up to him whether he wants her to lose face for him or not.

  "Alas, this little girl is not only untalented but also dull and incompetent. I'm afraid she will disappoint Old Master Yun, and even I have not taught her well. Now she can barely recognize a few characters and manage the household chores of the Yun Manor. As for other things, I am truly powerless." Zong Jing sighed and shook his head in distress at the old emperor, "Even beating her with a ruler would be useless."

  Yun Shallow Moon rolled her eyes inwardly, Rong Jing, you said it yourself, don't blame me for losing your person in the future!

  "Haha, it's already not bad that she can learn to recognize characters and manage the household. This little girl has been growing up under my watchful eye since childhood, so I naturally know her virtues very well. Cloud Old Master Wang spoiled her until she became uncontrollable, and even Cloud Master Wang couldn't do anything about it. Usually when I scolded her a couple of times, she wouldn't be happy and would talk back to me eight times. Her aunt would also shake her head and sigh whenever she mentioned her. I originally thought that this little girl would not recognize a single character in her lifetime, but now that she can recognize characters and even manage the household, I'm already very satisfied." The old emperor laughed again: "Thanks for your hard work, Jing Shizi!"

  "It's just a few days of hard work, but the hardest ones are still Old Master Yun and Grandfather Yun." Rong Jing shook his head.

  "Yes, this little girl is just like that rascal Qing Ran, always causing trouble from a young age to adulthood, and never changing her ways. I'm also at my wit's end with them." The old emperor stared at Yun Shang Yue, seeing her small face scrunched up in discontent, and laughed even louder. He turned his head to smile at Cloud King, who was sitting below him, saying: "Cloud King, look, I just said a couple of words about her, and this little girl is already giving me the cold shoulder."

  Yun Wangye's mind was filled with doubts. Yesterday, when he gave Yun Qianyue the hidden guard token at the Wangfu, he didn't see her hand being swollen! Could it be that he didn't notice it then? Impossible! He looked at Yun Qianyue again, then at Rong Jing, and suppressed the doubts in his heart. With a bow to the Emperor, he sighed: "My daughter is disobedient, causing Your Majesty to worry as well. It's truly this old minister's fault!"

  "What's wrong with you, Cloud King? We're family. Family members shouldn't speak of two different households. Although Moon Girl is stubborn and disobedient, refusing to follow rules and etiquette, she has a true nature, which surpasses that of many women in the imperial harem. You also don't need to be too harsh on her. In recent years, Moon Girl has been neglected by you, but from now on, don't do so again. After all, she's just a little girl. Once she gets married and settles down, her nature will gradually become more subdued." The old emperor advised Cloud King.

  "His Majesty is right!" Cloud King immediately nodded his head.

  Yun Shallow Moon's heart tightened, and the old emperor's last sentence made her heart twist 180 degrees. Indeed, as her father king said, the emperor was using this to probe her, with some premeditation? She had always heard people say that she would soon be coming of age, but didn't know how much longer it would take until her 15th birthday, and could only wait and see what happened next.

  As they spoke, the four of them entered the pavilion. Rong Jing bowed to the old emperor with a standing ceremony, as he had been exempted from kneeling by the old emperor's grace. Ye Tianqing and Ye Qingran immediately knelt down on the ground, while Yun Shuoyue, although unwilling in her heart, also quickly followed suit and knelt down, knowing that this was ancient times where imperial power reigned supreme.

  "Never mind! Since we are outdoors today, there is no need to stand on ceremony!" The old emperor smiled and waved his hand at the four of them.

  Rong Jing immediately stood up, and Ye Tian and Ye Qing also stood up together. Yun Shang let out a sigh of relief, if she really had to kneel down, her heart would definitely not feel comfortable, now that she didn't have to kneel, it was just what she wanted.

  "The Moon Girl and Jing Shizi encountered difficulties at the Qing Shan Temple this time, I have already ordered the Da Li Temple to thoroughly investigate this matter. However, for now, it is still unclear who was behind the plot. This matter can only be slowly and thoroughly investigated.

  The old emperor looked at Yun Qian Yue again and spoke, "Losing martial arts skills can be relearned, Moon Girl shouldn't be so gloomy either. Otherwise, you would have wasted my intention of letting you watch the magnificent martial skills of my Tian Sheng son today."

  "The Emperor's uncle must thoroughly investigate that matter, my life was almost lost there." Yun Shangyue heard this and showed a resentful expression, nodding her head, the bitter look on her small face improved somewhat. "I will definitely practice my martial arts well again, by next year's Wu Zongyuan Conference, I will also go up to compete, only then can I truly appreciate the magnificent skills of the Tian Sheng male disciples! Not just standing here feeling frustrated."

  "Oh? You want to go up again?" The old emperor raised an eyebrow, looking at Yun Shangyue with a hint of a smile.

  Yun Shang Yue raised her head, "That's natural! As long as the Emperor and Uncle agree, it's settled!"

  "Shallow Moon, don't be reckless!" Cloud King growled in a low voice.

  Yun Shang Yue didn't look at Yun Wang Ye, but instead looked longingly at the old emperor.

  The old emperor laughed and nodded, "Alright, as long as you can recover your lost martial arts skills by next year, I'll let you participate in the Martial Arts Championship next year. How's that?"

  "This is what you said, no taking it back!" Yun Shangyue was suddenly delighted, her joy was written all over her face. She immediately became bold and took a step forward, coming to the old emperor's front, stretching out her small hand in front of him, with a childish tone: "Shake on it!"

  "Shallow Moon! Don't be rude!" The Cloud King's heart was already in his throat. He had seen Yun Shangyue being bold before, repeatedly speaking out and offending the Emperor, but he had never seen him act so unscrupulously as to want to hold hands with the Emperor.

  "I'm a man of gold and jade words, what I say counts!" The old emperor was taken aback by the finger pointed at him, and burst out laughing.

  "It's also, so many people are witnessing this, I'm not afraid of the emperor's uncle changing his mind next year." Yun Shangyue didn't want to really get entangled with this old emperor at all, immediately withdrew her hand, and looked at Ye Qingran with a smug expression, "What's so great about going up there to play this year? Next year I can go up too. Hmph!"

  Ye Qian's face turned red as she smiled, thinking that this little girl was indeed clever. This year, the Emperor had given her special permission to attend, but next year was not guaranteed! However, she had already gotten the Emperor to personally promise that next year at the Martial Arts Competition, she would not only be able to attend, but also participate in the tournament itself. He couldn't help but feel admiration for her.

  "It seems that I was fooled by this little girl!" The old emperor not only didn't get angry, but also laughed loudly and said to King Yun: "King Yun, who says this little girl is stupid? In my opinion, she's very clever."

  The clouds were shallow and the moon was thinking of moving.

  "Intelligence is wasted on the righteous anyway!" Yung Jing said lightly.

  "The Emperor, how can you let her behave so recklessly? The Martial Arts Assembly has become a joke in her mouth. Jing Shizi is right, I think she's clever, but she uses it for the wrong purposes... Ah..."

  "It's just that, Emperor Uncle, you shouldn't praise her anymore. This little girl will get too proud and arrogant." Ye Qingran also said with a smile.

  "You're just jealous that the Emperor's uncle is being nice to me!" Yun Qianyue shot a glance at Rong Jing and Ye Qingran. She felt like standing here for so long was like having countless knives stabbing her, thinking that this ancient language was more difficult to deal with than modern-day decoding and defusing timed bombs.

  The emperor burst out laughing again, "You're right, this little girl really can't be praised! If you praise her a few more times, her tail will truly rise to the sky."

  Clouds are shallow and the moon is dim, no one speaks again. Several people also smiled without speaking.

  The civil and military officials who sat in order below the emperor were also silent, not making a sound. They all looked at Yun Shangyue, thinking that even if Yun Lao Wangye allowed this woman to be taught by Jing Shizi, what could she do? A rotten wood cannot be carved into a pillar no matter how hard you try. It's just a waste of effort. However, seeing the emperor's delighted expression, although they still looked down on Yun Shangyue's unorthodox and unruly behavior, they didn't dare show it.

  King Wang sat together with King Yun, while Filial Piety King snorted coldly in his heart, looking at Cloud Shallow Moon. His old face occasionally shot out a gaze that seemed to want to devour her. His son, Cold Shao Zhuo, had been at odds with Cloud Shallow Moon for a long time and had never gotten any benefits from her, making him lose face and feel extremely angry. Thinking that as long as he found an opportunity, he would grasp Cloud Shallow Moon's mistakes and definitely not let her off.

  De Wangye watched his son Ye Qingchen gaze at Yun Shangyue with a smile, and his face showed a worried expression. He swept his eyes over Rong Jing, Ye Tianqing, and Yun Wuheng, who had been silent the whole time, as well as the Fourth Prince. Seeing that everyone's attention was on her, Rong Jing's gaze remained calm and unchanged, but Ye Tianqing's gaze at Yun Shangyue was vastly different from before, without any disgust, instead with a warm smile on his face. The Fourth Prince also had an interesting smile on his face, and even Yun Wuheng's indifferent face showed a hint of warmth. In his heart, De Wangye pondered, feeling that this little girl was somehow different from before, but couldn't quite put his finger on what it was. She was still bold, still spoke her mind without restraint, still did as she pleased, yet somehow didn't seem to be disliked by anyone today.

  There were several younger princes staring at Yun Shang Yue with wide eyes. Although Yun Shang Yue often entered the palace, the princes had many lessons arranged for them and rarely had the opportunity to meet her. Moreover, Yun Shang Yue usually had an expression of looking down on everyone except when facing Ye Tian Xiang, so naturally no one got along with her. But today, as they looked at her, they felt that this shallow moon sister didn't seem too bad after all. Especially with her delicate and weak appearance, her green silk clothes fluttering in the wind, her facial expressions constantly changing, looking very vivid and beautiful.

  Yun Qianyue felt like a sweet potato being roasted on a large stove, receiving all the gazes from these people and then completely ignoring them. She thought to herself that indeed, it was not as comfortable as sleeping in bed.

  "Your Majesty, it's getting late." Eunuch Lu reminded the old emperor in a soft voice behind him.

  "Hmm!" The old emperor nodded, and only then did he withdraw his gaze from Yun Shangyue. From their previous conversation, it was clear that he was overjoyed on the surface, but it was impossible to discern any emotions in his heart. He asked Lu Gonggong, "Why hasn't the Crown Prince of Nanliang arrived yet? Have you sent someone to invite him?"

  "Reporting to Your Majesty, I've gone to invite him. The Crown Prince said for you to start first, he'll be here shortly." Eunuch Lu leaned in close to the old emperor's ear, stifling a smile as he whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear: "The Crown Prince stayed overnight at the Smoke Willow Pavilion yesterday. The person I sent to fetch him just returned and said he'd only just woken up and won't be able to hurry over so quickly. Apparently, Su Su's room in the Smoke Willow Pavilion was quite lively last night with the Crown Prince's arrival... I think the Crown Prince must be exhausted, it's normal that he can't rush over for a while."

  Yun Shallow Moon thought that this old eunuch also understood the romance of wind, flowers, snow and moon! Looking at Zhang Lao's face smiling as if he was the one who had a romantic night, she couldn't help but feel goosebumps all over her body. Thinking about Nan Lingrui's life, it was actually still possible for him to be so romantic, truly unmatched in his romance.

  "Sure enough, it's been ten years and nothing has changed. The Crown Prince's elegant virtues are unchangeable." Ye Qingran sneered.

  "You little demon king is also a decade-long unchanged demon king's behavior. Can't change it anyway." The old emperor laughed and scolded Ye Qingran, waving his hand at Lu Gonggong, "Since that's the case, there's no need to bother, Crown Prince Rui will come naturally when he wakes up."

  "Yes!" The eunuch Lu stepped back and stopped speaking, his body retreating behind the old emperor.

  "Yu'er, you can order people to start now!" The old emperor said sternly to the fourth prince standing beside him.

  "Yes, Your Majesty!" Ye Tianyu bowed to the old emperor and turned his head to look at the scene, saying to a small eunuch following him: "Pass on the order, the Wu Zhuangyuan Grand Assembly begins."

  "Yes, Fourth Prince!" The little eunuch received his orders and immediately ran off.

  "All of you, take your seats!" The old emperor waved his hand at Rong Jing and the others, then instructed Yun Shang Yue, "Yue'er, come sit by my side!"

  Her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and a faint gleam of deep sadness flashed in her eyes, only to vanish instantly.

  Everyone was shocked to hear this, and they looked at the empty seat beside the Emperor. They then looked at Yun Qian Yue, and their eyes changed slightly. This was an unprecedented honor, could it be that the Emperor really wanted Yun Qian Yue to enter the palace? Was she the top candidate for the next Empress?

  Yun Shangyue's face turned pale, her heart tightened, and she took a step back, shaking her head. "Your Majesty, uncle, please spare me! I'm already envied by others and said to be lawless and reckless. If I sit next to you again, won't it make people hate me even more? From now on, every day there will be people making small dolls in my likeness and stabbing them with needles, no!"

  It seems that Yun Shangyue's refusal was unexpected, and the old emperor was taken aback.

  The crowd changed their expressions once again, some people thinking that Yun Shang Yue really didn't know how to behave, the Emperor had given him such a great honor and he actually didn't want it, looking like he was scared to death, simply without dignity!

  "Haha, Emperor, your kindness is probably more than this little girl can handle." Ye Qing's eyes also flashed with a hint of surprise as she looked at Yun Shang Yue's fearful appearance and laughed loudly at the old emperor, "Look at her, she's so scared..."

  "Your Majesty, this is unbearable, the little girl is being naughty, what if she gets spoiled..." Yun Wangye also hastily apologized.

  "Princess Yuelou, you've always been fearless and bold. What's making you afraid now? Don't worry, if anyone dares to bully or harm you, as soon as I find out, they will be beheaded without mercy!" The old emperor spoke sternly after a moment of pause.

  "But even so, I feel restricted when I'm with you, it doesn't look good!" Yun Shangyue pouted.

  "Are you still afraid of me?" The old emperor looked at Yun Shangyue with a scrutinizing gaze.

  Yun Qian Yue shook her head, her mind racing with thoughts. When her gaze fell on the coldly smiling face of King Xiaoqin, she immediately made up her mind. She pouted and quickly glanced at King Xiaoqin again before swiftly looking away, saying in a low voice: "Although the Emperor's uncle has been good to me, there are those who haven't been kind to me and would even want to kill me! Just half a month ago on the main street, King Xiaoqin's young master blocked my carriage with his hidden guards intending to kill me. If it weren't for Rong Jing saving me, I wouldn't have made it out alive! Haven't you seen the way King Xiaoqin looks at me? It's as if he wants to devour me whole! He's sitting so close to you, and if I were to sit down too, wouldn't that be like sitting on pins and needles? I won't go over there!"

  Yun Shallow Moon threw out a few words, she blocked a bit, it was such a big thing that day, this old emperor couldn't possibly not know at all, everyone said he was wise and wise, now looking at it is indeed not to be underestimated. Everyone says private, but she just wants to shake this matter out, see how? The depth of the water doesn't need to be tested with stones, nor does it know whether it's true or not?

  Yun Shallow Moon's words fell, and the expression on Filial King's face sank instantly, as if he hadn't expected Yun Shallow Moon to bring up what happened half a month ago in this gathering.

  Rong Jing's gaze fell on Xiaoqin Wangye's gloomy face, and the corner of his mouth hooked up slightly, but he didn't say a word.

  "What? Leng Shao Zhuo actually dares to intercept and kill you in the street with his hidden guards? What a big nerve! Is there no king's law anymore?" Ye Qing Ran's face changed slightly as she heard this, her voice suddenly rising.

  "Hmm, you must have been too busy at the military camp to know about this matter." Yun Shangyue nodded, "I almost died under his hidden guard, just a little bit more and I would never see you again."

  Ye Qing's eyes suddenly gathered anger as she heard the words, and she turned to face the old emperor with a serious expression: "Your Majesty, although the Tian Sheng Imperial Court has regulations that allow each mansion to have hidden guards to protect the palace, it does not say that they can be used at will to kill people. Especially on the streets. Such things must be severely punished."

  The old emperor frowned and looked at Xiaojin Wang, "Leng Wang brother, is this really true?"

  "It's not as serious as Miss Shallow Moon said, it was just a fight between two children. Your Majesty also knows that Sha Zhuo and Miss Shallow Moon have never gotten along." Xiang Qin Wang immediately stood up straight and spoke respectfully to the old emperor.

  "Filial King, what do you call a fight between two children? Twelve of your hidden guards rushed out from behind your son to kill me, and this is still considered a small fight? This is premeditated murder." Yun Qianyue's face sank, and she spoke coldly to the Filial King.

  As soon as she came up, she saw the old man's poisonous eyes staring at her, and when she saw his face similar to Leng Shaozhuo's, she guessed that he was Wang Ye. Since it's a venomous insect, it should be brought out into the open, so she can deal with him openly and fairly, even if this time it will end in nothing, but also to give him a warning, indicating that she is not easy to provoke, best let his son behave himself and not come to provoke her again, otherwise she won't guarantee that she won't kill that guy first.

  Moreover, the most important thing is that she wants to use this to probe the old emperor and see if it's true what Yun Wangye said about the old emperor having a tendency to support Xiaojing Wangfu and suppress Yun Wangfu. Then she'll know how to act in the future.

  "Miss Shallow Moon, you also have hidden guards! My son has not gained half the benefit, but instead let you and Jing Shi Zi kill those twelve hidden guards." Xiang Qin Wang turned his head to scold Yun Shallow Moon.

  "My personal bodyguard is by my side, how can those twelve people be his match? He couldn't kill me because Rong Jing arrived just in time. Later, even when Rong Jing advised him to stop, he still didn't stop. It's only natural that he died with grievances." Yun Shang Yue coldly snorted.

  "You... utter nonsense!" Xiaojin Wang was choked by Yun Shangyue, glaring at her in anger and unable to speak.

  "The emperor's uncle, you can judge for yourself. That day, I was on my way to the Rong Wang Fu to learn how to read and write, following my grandfather's instructions, but I was intercepted by Leng Shao Zhuo and his men in the middle of the street. Half a month has passed since then, and not even an apology from the Xiao Qin Wang Fu - it's as if nothing had happened! This time, as soon as I arrived, he gave me a look that could kill, and now he's speaking with such reason? Even if he is highly respected and favored by Your Majesty, he shouldn't be so biased. Although I'm a spoiled young master who likes to have fun, I've never done anything that would harm others or go against the law. Unlike his son, who kills people without batting an eye."

  "Haven't you done enough evil deeds? Didn't you set fire to the Wangchun Building, killing hundreds of people?" Xiaojin Wang finally found Yun Shangyue's weakness.

  Yun Qian's heart sank, how could she have forgotten this matter! Although she didn't do anything that would harm the heavens or go against reason, her body had done such things before. Based on her conjecture, since this body was disguised, the fire at Wang Chun Lou must have had a reason back then. And that reason definitely wasn't for Ye Tian Qing.

  She pursed her lips, just about to retort. But then Rong Jing said calmly: "Haoqin Wang was right, as far as I know, the big fire at Wangchun Building wasn't actually started by Shallow Moon Miss, but rather someone set it on fire from behind and framed her. She simply took the blame for someone else."

  Clouds shallow moon a daze, turned her head to look at Rong Jing, Rong Jing did not look at her, with an air of calmness and composure.

  "Oh?" The old emperor also looked at Rong Jing, appearing very surprised.

  The night sky is thin and pale, her lips are pursed, she tilts her head to look at Rong Jing.

  Ye Qingran was also taken aback, and then said: "I just feel that it's not Moon Sister, this little girl looks bold and reckless, but actually has a small heart, can't even bear to kill an ant, being bullied by others will only know how to hide and cry, where would she have the heart to kill hundreds of people in Wang Chun Lou? Now if you say it's a frame-up, I'd believe it."

  "Jing Shizi, at that time she set fire to Wang Chun Lou and everyone witnessed it. Even if you want to help Yun Qianyue, there's no need to speak nonsense to absolve her of guilt." Xiangqin Wang said, looking at Rong Jing.

  "My mouth never utters false words." Rong Jing said calmly.

  "What evidence? Can Jing Shizi really find any evidence?" Xiaojin Wang pressed step by step, if it were before, he still had the heart to please Rong Jing, but from when he helped Yun Qianyue kill his twelve hidden guards, he was resentful of him. Now naturally not polite.

  "There is no evidence, and I don't dare to bring this matter out and say it!" Rong Jing's words fell, and he slowly pulled out a secret letter from his sleeve and handed it to the Emperor. "Your Majesty will know that it was not Miss Shallow Moon who did it that day, but someone else framed her."

  "Bring it up!" The Emperor ordered Lü Gonggong.

  Lu Gong immediately walked up to take the secret letter from Rong Jing's hand and handed it over to the old emperor. The old emperor looked at Yun Shangyue for a moment, slowly opened the secret letter, but only took a glance, his face sank, and he slammed the letter shut with a "slap", angrily saying: "What a frame-up!"

  Yun Qian Yue had never seen him reveal his true imperial demeanor under his dragon crown until now.

  Everyone was shocked, and no one knew what Rong Jing had written in the secret memorial to the Emperor. It was astonishing that with just one glance, the Emperor believed that the big fire at Wang Chun Lou was not caused by Yun Shang Yue, but rather a frame-up.

  "Filial King, what else do you have to say?" Yun Shangyue took the initiative. Thinking that Rong Jing was quite considerate at critical moments, she also felt that according to this body, giving alms to beggars and rescuing children from persecution by Leng Shaoyu's hands should be a kind master. Even if Wang Chunlou is despicable and dirty, it is still the lives of hundreds of people. This body, even if it is not well-behaved or obedient, cannot be so cruel. It turns out that someone has been framing her.

  Filial King hummed, originally wanting to take a look at the secret memorial in the Emperor's hand, but seeing the Emperor's gloomy face, he thought this matter must be true. However, he was still unwilling to give up and turned his head to Rong Jing: "The old minister just mentioned Miss Shallow Moon burning down Wangchun Building, and immediately after that, Prince Jing handed over the secret memorial. So much time has passed since then, and Prince Jing clearly had evidence but didn't bring it out. Now he brings it out, what is his intention?"

  The old emperor also looked at Rong Jing.

  Everyone's eyes were on Rong Jing.

  Rong Jing's expression didn't change, and he said calmly: "After the incident at Wang Chun Lou, I've always felt that there were many suspicious points. So, I privately investigated and only found evidence yesterday. Today, after the Wu Zhuangyuan conference, I was going to present it to the Emperor. Since Xiaojin Wang mentioned it, how could I not bring it out?"

  "Jing Shizi is indeed very concerned about Miss Shallow Moon!" King Xiaoxin threw out a bombshell with great significance.

  "I'm only concerned about the Tian Sheng dynasty's laws, and the fire at Wang Chun Lou resulted in the deaths of hundreds of lives. The Crown Prince and everyone in the court are convinced that it was done by Miss Shallow Moon, so they won't investigate seriously. But Rong Jing thinks otherwise, so he secretly investigated and found out that it was indeed true. As a subject of Tian Sheng, I should share the emperor's worries. King Xiao Qin is questioning me like this, making me think that he has lost sight of right and wrong due to personal grudges. The Fourth Prince's Manor and all the officials in the court are supposed to assist the emperor with their best efforts. Is King Xiao Qin getting old and only caring about personal grudges, putting national affairs behind?" Rong Jing raised an eyebrow, his calm voice was as clear as water, but every word was sharp and piercing.

  Yun Shang Yue couldn't help but secretly call out to Rong Jing, "Good!" She thought that when he bullied her, it was infuriating, but seeing him bully others made her feel relieved.

  Filial King's face turned pale in an instant, and for a moment he didn't know how to speak.

  "Yes, Emperor Xian seems to have grown old. He only cares about personal grudges and ignores state affairs. If no one investigates, won't Moon Sister be wrongly accused for the rest of her life? Your Majesty, this matter must be severely punished in order to clear Moon Sister's name." Ye Qing Ran also spoke up at this time, glancing at Ye Tian Qing and saying: "That day, Empress Dowager and Crown Prince were furious and wanted to throw Moon Sister into the Ministry of Justice prison! If they had really thrown Moon Sister into prison back then, wouldn't she have been wrongfully killed?"

  Yè Tiān Qīng's face changed, and he looked at Yè Qīng Rǎn with a heavy gaze. He hastily stepped forward, bowed his head, and said: "Imperial Father, I also had some doubts at the time that it wasn't Moon's doing, but many people witnessed it with their own eyes, and the evidence was conclusive. I didn't investigate further, and indeed wronged Moon. I beg for punishment, please, Imperial Father, punish me!"

  Yun Qianyue finally understood why Ye Tianjing had been able to stand firm as the crown prince for twenty years. This kind of attitude towards recognizing one's mistakes was truly admirable. She coldly laughed to herself, not believing that Ye Tianjing didn't know that the fire at Wang Chun Lou wasn't her doing.

  The old emperor fell silent, gazing up at the night sky for a moment before turning his attention to Xiaojing Wang, his face looking extremely unpleasant.

  Filial King's heart was shocked, and he immediately bowed his head and said: "It's just that hundreds of lives were lost in the Wangchun Building, how can it be compared to national affairs? Prince Jing, don't make a big deal out of a small matter. Although I am old, I still know how to distinguish between public and private matters. Please, Your Majesty, investigate clearly. My loyalty is as clear as day and night."

  "A small hole made by ants can cause a dike of a thousand miles to collapse! The burning of the Wangchun Building, which resulted in the loss of several hundred lives, is a small matter. But the numerous connections behind the Wangchun Building are a big deal. You, King Xiang, don't even understand such simple logic, I think you're really old." Yon Jing sighed.

  "Filial King Uncle is over sixty this year, right? Leng Shao Zhuo is your only son, and he's almost forty years old before having a child. It's natural to be protective of him, anyone can understand that. However, when it comes to killing people on the streets and doing all sorts of evil deeds, you don't know how to teach him, but instead secretly support him, that's a huge mistake! You were not so selfish when you were young, now you're really old!" Ye Qing Ran also echoed Rong Jing Dao.

  Filial King Lao's face turned pale, with sweat dripping from his forehead. He didn't expect that by targeting Yun Shangyue alone, he would provoke both Jing Shizi and Ran Xiao Wangye to protect him together, and every sentence he spoke was met with accusations of being biased due to his old age. He couldn't refute a single point, and in his anger, his hands trembled as he repeatedly implored: "Please, Your Majesty, investigate clearly! Although this old minister's method of teaching his son is flawed, his loyalty to the heavens and to Your Majesty is as clear as day and night..."

  Yè qīng rǎn piē piē zuǐ, róng jǐng miàn sè qīng dàn, bù zài yán yǔ.

  Translation:

  Her face was pale and her lips were pursed, her complexion was light and she didn't speak again.

  Yun Shangyue's waist was straight as a pen at this time. Since she didn't kill or set fires, and didn't do anything unforgivable, what was she afraid of? The ones who should be afraid were the people who plotted against her behind her back, and also the filial king who allowed his son to kill him on the street. Today, let's see how this old emperor would judge the law.

  "Since Yueli did not commit arson or murder, it also shows that she is kind and innocent. These years have not disappointed my trust and care. Tianqin, as the crown prince, was too rash in handling the matter of Wangchun Building, framing Yueli and allowing others to harm her. This has truly disappointed me. I hereby deduct half a year's salary from you." The old emperor fell silent for a moment before speaking in a stern voice.

  Yun Qian's head hung low, her body bearing the weight of so many unjust accusations. How could the old emperor utter such a light and airy sentence, as if her pure and kind heart was enough to absolve her? And yet, Ye Tianqing didn't even bother to investigate the Spring Pavilion, stubbornly convinced that she was at fault, nearly sending her to prison before finally settling on docking her pay for half a year. Her heart was icy cold, but she remained silent.

  "The Heavens are inclined to grant an immediate thank you, 'Your son obeys your orders! Thank you, Your Majesty!'"

  "As for Prince Leng's loyalty to me, I naturally have my own judgment. However, the actions of Prince Leng's son are truly disappointing. If in the future the throne of the Imperial Palace were to fall into his hands, with such reckless and lawless behavior as killing people on the streets, how could I possibly feel at ease?" The old emperor's voice was heavy with emotion.

  Filial King knelt down on the ground in a flurry, "Your Majesty forgive me, my son is still young and ignorant, I will teach him well! Not let him do anything wrong again!"

  "Since Moon Princess Meng Jing was rescued safely by Shizi, and Leng Shizi also lost his twelve hidden guards, it's a heavy loss. I won't pursue this matter today, but if there's a next time, I will severely punish him! Leng Wang, you must teach Leng Shizi well!" The old emperor said.

  Yun Qian's heart sank as she thought that her father, the king, was right after all - the emperor was indeed shielding the Xiaoqin Royal Manor.

  "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will make sure to teach my son well and not disappoint your kindness." The Filial King was overjoyed and immediately thanked the emperor.

  "Get up!" The old emperor waved his hand.

  Filial King immediately got up from the ground and in a moment's work was already sweating through his clothes.

  At night, Qing Yan's eyebrows were slightly furrowed, seemingly dissatisfied with the old emperor's lenient sentence. Just as he was about to speak, he received a warning glance from De Qin Wang and swallowed his words back down. He turned his head to look at Yun Qian Yue, seeing that she had her head lowered and didn't show any dissatisfaction or reaction, so he also remained silent.

  Rong Jing seemed to have expected it, his face calm as usual, and he didn't say a word.

  "Yue Yaotou, come sit by my side!" The old emperor spoke to Yun Qianyue again, his stern expression changing to a warm and kind one. He smiled and said: "I think you're a good girl, although a bit mischievous, but you wouldn't really do anything bad. You didn't disappoint me, so your aunt doesn't have to feel guilty every day for not teaching you well."

  Yun Shang Yue sneered inwardly, indeed emperors were skilled at being two-faced and turning their backs faster than flipping through a book. She stood still with her head hung low, as if she hadn't heard the old emperor's words.

  "Are you still afraid of Xiaojie Wang?" The old emperor didn't get angry, but smiled and waved his hand at Xiaojie Wang, seemingly helplessly saying: "Leng Wang brother, just go sit a bit further away. This little girl is just a child, hasn't suffered any losses yet and is already throwing a tantrum! If she really had suffered losses, wouldn't that have turned my world upside down? Since she's not satisfied with you, let her have her way today!"

  "Yes!" Xiaojing Wang was angry in his heart, but he didn't dare show it on his face. He hastily retreated a few steps back.

  "Yue Yaotou, this time you should be satisfied, shouldn't you?" The old emperor stared at Yun Shangyue.

  Yun Qian took a deep breath, thinking that this little bit of unfairness was nothing to her. The world had never been fair, only ability, strength, and power mattered. Now she had none of those things, all she had was the status of being the legitimate daughter of the Yun King's Manor, so naturally she was at others' mercy. Her heart was cold, but her face remained calm, she lifted her head, pouted at the old emperor, and walked towards him while muttering: "If Your Majesty had spoken up earlier and told the Duke of Xiaoshen to move aside, I would have gone over long ago! He's so old, yet he still scares people to death. From now on, wherever the Duke of Xiaoshen is, I will definitely avoid him, and his son too, I'll avoid him as well. If I can't beat them, I can at least avoid them!"

  Filial King's face was still calm, but his anger was already showing. This Yun Shangyue really didn't know when to stop while she was ahead. Did she really think that with Jing Shizong and Ran Xiao Wangye protecting her, she could do whatever she wanted and speak nonsense without consequences? Ridiculous!

  "Little girl, are you saying that I handled it unfairly? That day, Jing Shizong helped you kill his twelve hidden guards, which was also a punishment. You didn't get hurt at all, did you? Let's let bygones be bygones and forget about this matter! If Leng Shaoyue dares to intercept you again and cause trouble for you, I will definitely not forgive him." The old emperor said with a smile to the silent Yun Wangye: "Brother Yun, this little girl of yours is really formidable! I'm even a bit afraid of her!"

  The Cloud King looked at Yun Shangyue with a glance, then looked at the filial piety king who was suppressing his anger, and sighed: "Your Majesty is unaware of this. It's not surprising that Shangyue is resentful, she has been carrying the reputation of murder and arson for so long, it's normal to feel uncomfortable in her heart. Moreover, half a month ago, she was intercepted by Cold Shizi on the street with the intention of killing her, fortunately, Jing Shizi rescued her in time. At that time, I was also furious when I learned about it, but considering not wanting to worry Your Majesty, and also considering my colleague relationship with Cold Wang brother, I didn't want to create a rift between us because of the trivial matters between children, so I suppressed it. Now, Cold Wang brother just needs to keep a distance from this little girl. Don't treat her like a ordinary maid, be tolerant! Your Majesty, please also be more forgiving."

  "Ah, Cloud King said it well. Moon girl was indeed wronged!" The old emperor nodded, grasped the secret letter in his hand and handed it to Rong Jing, saying in a deep voice: "Thanks for your hard work, Rong Shizi. Fortunately, we found out that it wasn't Moon's doing and gave her justice. You take good care of this, I'll discuss this with you after the martial arts competition today. Let's see who is behind the scenes causing trouble and framing Moon!"

  Lu Gonggong immediately stepped forward and took over the secret letter, handing it back to Rong Jing.

  "Yes!" Rong Jing nodded and took over the secret letter, putting it into his sleeve.

  All the civil and military officials present looked at Rong Jing's sleeve, only to see that his white sleeves covered the secret letter, and everyone guessed what was inside. The emperor had not shown it yet, although he was curious to take a look, but no one spoke up. Some people heard that the emperor wanted to have a private conversation with Rong Jing to thoroughly investigate this matter, and for a moment their faces became especially stiff.

  Yun Qian Yue this time sat down naturally and calmly in the seat next to the old emperor, looking at the crowd below, her eyes scanning everyone's faces. In her heart, she sneered, looking at the expressions of some officials, probably not many people in the court had not gone to Wangchun Building for a romantic affair, now hearing that there would be a thorough investigation, their faces couldn't hold up.

  She glanced at Ye Tianqing, seeing that his expression didn't change, she shifted her gaze away, thinking about the incident of Huo Shao's seduction in Wang Chun Lou and whether Ye Tianqing was involved. She would definitely investigate and get to the bottom of it. If he was involved, she wouldn't let him off easy.

  Ye Tian seemed to feel Yun Qianyue's gaze and looked over at her, but Yun Qianyue didn't look back at him, instead lowering her head to stare at the ground.

  "Everyone, please take a seat!" The old emperor waved his hand at Rong Jing, Ye Tian Qing, Ye Qing Ran, and the Crown Prince, waiting for them to slowly sit down before turning to ask Ye Tian Yu, "Yu'er! It's getting late, how are the preparations going on your end?"

  "Your Majesty, it's all ready. We can begin now. I didn't dare disturb you earlier."

  "Hmm, since we're ready, let's begin!" The old emperor nodded.

  "Yes!" Ye Tianyun responded with a loud voice, using his true energy to shout downwards: "The martial competition has begun! First round!"

  Everyone's gaze finally shifted downward.

  Yun Qian Yue also looked down at this time, and saw that the martial arts arena below her had already been packed with people after a dispute between her and Xiao Qin Wang. They were all young men in uniform, each one spirited and energetic, with excitement written all over their young faces. Just as she was about to shift her gaze away, suddenly someone flew up from the crowd below, wearing white clothes, and landed elegantly on the high platform. He was handsome and elegant, with a refined and airy quality, clearly having excellent lightness skills.

  Yun Qian Yue stared blankly at the man who had fallen onto the stage.

  "Good!" The old emperor beside him praised with a single word.

  "This lightness skill is indeed extremely good! Whose young master is this? Why does he look a bit like Jing Shizong? When did the Rong Wangfu have such a person besides Jing Shizong?" De Qinwang also praised and turned his head to look at Rong Jing.

  "Is it? I have never seen him before?" The old emperor also looked at Rong Jing.

  Rong Jing glanced at Yun Shangyue, seeing her staring blankly at Rong Feng on the stage. He narrowed his phoenix eyes, and his clear gaze dimmed slightly, but he quickly withdrew his line of sight, leaving only a faint impression. In a soft voice, he said to the old emperor and De Qin Wang: "His name is Rong Feng, from a collateral branch of the Rong Wangfu's ancestors. This branch produced a talented person and was granted the title of Wenbo Houfu by the previous emperor. Ten years ago, Wenbo Hou followed his father, the king, to war and died for the country, never returning. The Wenbo Houfu later suffered a great calamity, with over 300 people killed in one night. Since then, it has declined. At that time, the emperor also investigated this matter, but ultimately did not find the culprit and let it go. However, the Wenbo Houfu did not become extinct, leaving behind only Rong Feng, who was sent to Tianshu Mountain to practice martial arts as a child. He has now returned after completing his studies and wants to serve the country. Yesterday, he just entered the capital and is temporarily staying at the Rong Wangfu. Therefore, it's not surprising that Your Majesty and De Qin Wang have never seen him before."

  "It turned out to be a descendant of Wen Bohou's manor!" The old emperor nodded and looked at Gong Yun on the high platform, his face deep and profound.

  "No wonder he looks a bit like Jing Shizi! It turns out to be a side branch of the Rong Wang Fu!" De Qin Wangye nodded and also looked at Rong Feng, sighing: "The case of Wen Bo Hou's mansion being exterminated overnight ten years ago was a major case for a hundred years, with no clues left behind. Wen Bo Hou was one of my most talented people in Tian Sheng back then, probably not inferior to Jing Shizi now. Unfortunately, he followed Rong Wang out on a campaign and never returned, and now it's been ten years, being able to have Wen Bo Hou's descendants is also quite comforting."

  "Not bad! It's been over a decade since Rong Wang and Wen Bo left me!" The old emperor also let out a sigh.

  Yun Qian's thoughts stirred, and she shifted her gaze from the high platform to look at Rong Jing. She saw that his face was pale, his eyes dim, as if what the old emperor and De Qin Wang said had nothing to do with him. Her slender eyebrows furrowed slightly, then she turned her head back to continue watching the scene, coincidentally meeting Rong Feng's gaze which was directed at her.

  Digression

  It seems like the monthly ticket is in danger of being cancelled~

  I feel it, jq is coming~

  I estimate that there are still some of you who have been holding back and will fiercely attack me with votes, I reckon it will make jq come even more violently.

  Thank you for the rewards, diamonds and flowers from everyone below!

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