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墨書 Inktalez
Xi Chao stood as if she hadn’t heard, lost in her own thoughts about Du Yuetang.
In the past, stargazing with Du Yuetang had been her only pastime. She smiled softly, until the sky began to brighten, exhaustion overtaking her as she leaned against Feng Chengqian's shoulder and fell asleep.
When Xi Chao awoke, a grave incident had occurred in the palace.
Consort Jin was found dead in Zixiao Palace, confirmed to have been murdered.
The eunuchs and palace maids on duty were summoned for questioning, and panic spread among them.
Du Yuetang returned in tears, saying, “Xiao Xi, they say Lord Feng is the murderer. He would never do such a thing, right?”
She knew it was true; they had spent the entire night together.
But who could she tell? Who would believe her?
Xi Chao comforted Du Yuetang, saying, “The innocent will clear their name. The Emperor will make a decision.”
In Xuande Hall, two eunuchs from Consort Li’s palace testified that they had seen Feng Chengqian climbing over the wall into Zixiao Palace.
Feng Chengqian was at a loss for words as Qin Hao roared in anger, “Feng Chengqian, your silence is an admission of guilt? I have treated you well; why do you humiliate me like this? To my beloved consort…”
Qin Hao was furious. “Bring forth the order to strip Feng Chengqian of his title and imprison him in the dungeons to await…”
“Your Majesty,” a eunuch reported, “the maid Qi Chao has come to see you. She claims she can prove that Feng Chengqian is not the real murderer.”
“Her?” Feng Chengqian was stunned.
Xi Chao entered the hall, her gaze never meeting Feng Chengqian’s. Taking a deep breath, she said, “Your Majesty, Lord Feng could not have committed this crime. Last night, I was with him the entire time.”
Whispers erupted around them, but Xi Chao couldn’t concern herself with that. If she didn’t save him, she would be betraying Du Yuetang; besides, he had once saved her as well.
Xi continued, "I have old scars from past injuries, and the Lord Marquis, being considerate of the palace maids, sent me medicine for my wounds.
Last night, under the pleasant moonlight, I chatted with him a bit more... I can assure you that Lord Feng had no opportunity to commit any wrongdoing."
Consort Li snorted lightly, "A lone man and a woman, without proper decorum. How do we know you aren't colluding?"
"I assure you, I am innocent with Lord Feng."
"Whether you are innocent or not will soon be revealed."
With the Emperor's consent, Consort Li signaled to an old matron in the palace to take Xi down for an examination.
Why did she have to go this far? Wasn't it said that she didn't want to stir up trouble? Feng Chengqian didn't understand but felt a sense of fear at the thought of her being dragged into this.
After Xi was confirmed to be intact, Consort Li's expression faltered. Just as she was about to press further, Qin Hao interjected, "This matter has nothing to do with Feng Chengqian. I will investigate this thoroughly."
As Xi stepped out of the Xuande Hall, her legs weakened and she nearly fell. Feng Chengqian reacted quickly and supported her.
"Why did you..."
Xi pushed him away. "If you die, Yuetang will be heartbroken."
"I thought you came here purely for me," Feng Chengqian said with a bitter smile. "Xi Chao Xi, how can you be so cold-hearted?"
Xi couldn't respond; she stared blankly as his hand moved further away.
Feng Chengqian was called back by Qin Hao. She stood under the blazing sun watching his retreating figure, suddenly feeling a chill.
A close maid of Consort Li came to summon Xi for a reprimand.
The Consort looked at her with disdain. "A lowly maid is just a lowly maid, foolishly dreaming of soaring to great heights!"
She approached the maid and patted her face. "Do you think the Emperor would still be interested in your current appearance? Listen to me, focus on your own duties, and I might just allow you to leave the palace sooner."
As Qi Chao Xi listened and nodded, she encountered Feng Chengqian on her way back and exchanged only a few words before walking away.
Du Yuetang observed Qi Chao Xi's strange expression. "I've heard everything."
The palace maid Qi Chao Xi had risked her life to save Feng Chengqian, and their relationship had been ambiguous for quite some time... She couldn't believe the rumors that were spreading like wildfire. Du Yuetang grew anxious and said hurriedly, "Morning, please don't compete with me for Lord Feng... I think I might be pregnant..."
On the night Qi Chao Xi was attacked, Du Yuetang had drugged Feng Chengqian's drink and climbed into his bed, but he didn't remember her. Instead, he kept getting entangled with Qi Chao Xi, which made Du Yuetang panic.
Qi Chao Xi's face turned pale.
"Yuetang." She looked at the anxious Du Yuetang and opened her mouth to say, "Lord Feng is leaving the palace."
Going on a diplomatic mission was essentially becoming a hostage.
Feng Chengqian grabbed her hand. She didn't want to listen, but he insisted on speaking. It was then that she learned he was Qin Hao's half-brother, a prince abandoned by the late emperor, and someone the current emperor had been trying to kill all along.
He said, "It’s wise of you not to want any ties with me."
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