Chapter 383: The Gift (Fifth Update)

Rong Jin frowned.

"This... I do not know either. Imperial Mother never mentioned it to me before. That day was also my first time visiting Seven-Corner Alley."

As for the so-called bronze vat and those hundreds of corpses, he truly had never heard a word about them.

Situ Xingchen frowned imperceptibly, but she continued to press, unwilling to give up

"But if that truly was the Empress's doing, it should have been for your sake, Your Highness..."

"I said I don't know!" Rong Jin retorted with a hint of annoyance. "Besides, Imperial Mother is merely a woman of the inner palace; how could she possibly do such a thing?"

Those white bones belonged to cultivators, and among them were not a few outstanding experts.

But Imperial Mother's cultivation talent was mediocre, and she had spent years upon years confined within the palace. Relying on her strength alone, it would have been impossible to carry out such a series of actions.

In Rong Jin's view, everything was nothing more than slander by Rong Jiu and the others!

Setting those aside, consider Rong Zhen alone.

She had indeed gone missing at that time, causing Imperial Mother to be filled with fear and anxiety, even seeking him out several times to discuss countermeasures.

If Imperial Mother had truly sent Rong Zhen to Seven-Corner Alley from the very beginning, why bother acting in front of him?

Wouldn't that just be a waste of time and energy?

In Rong Jin's impression, Imperial Mother had always trusted him deeply.

Since childhood, he understood that he was Imperial Mother's hope, bearing her heavy expectations; she would give everything for him.

Even if Imperial Mother hid things from the entire world, she would surely be honest with him.

Therefore, from beginning to end, he had never believed that those things were done by Imperial Mother.

"Imperial Father is merely being deceived for the moment. As long as I find the truth, everything will naturally come to light!" Rong Jin said through gritted teeth.

Situ Xingchen sneered inwardly.

Deceived?

Rong Jin could only say that about himself.

The Empress's reaction that day was enough to explain the problem.

Aside from Rong Zhen's mysterious appearance, everything else was clearly related to the Empress!

Situ Xingchen rubbed her teacup without drinking. She lowered her eyes to look at her reflection in the tea, her gaze cold, yet her voice remained as gentle as water.

"Your Highness is absolutely right. Xingchen does not believe those things either. Otherwise, would Imperial Father have stepped in to help? But given the current situation, you must think of a way as soon as possible. Otherwise, I fear the Empress's days in the palace will not be easy."

Rong Jin's brow furrowed tightly: "Then tell me, what should I do? Imperial Father refuses to see me now..."

"Does Your Highness know that Lord Chu Ning and the Third Prince are investigating the matter of Seven-Corner Alley together? If they truly uncover something, wouldn't it be easy for His Majesty to pass judgment? In other words, your and the Empress's future is currently in their hands."

"How could I not know that?"

Rong Jin rubbed his face in irritation.

Setting Chu Ning aside, Rong Jiu held a deep grudge against them; she would certainly take advantage of this opportunity to act behind the scenes!

"Your Highness, in my view, the key to this matter still lies in Seven-Corner Alley. I believe those things were certainly not done by the Empress, but she must know something. Don't you agree?"

Rong Jin remained silent.

"If the Empress were to tell you everything she knows, then you would be better able to deal with your current predicament! Therefore, why not go and seek guidance from her?"

Rong Jin pondered for a long time and felt that this was indeed a way.

But the most troublesome part was—

"But Mother and I cannot meet right now. How can I ask her?"

The corners of Situ Xingchen's lips curled slightly into a gentle smile.

"Have you forgotten? Xingchen can enter the palace."

Walking outside the door, Chu Xianmin suddenly froze upon hearing these words.

Then, she heard Rong Jin's joyful and excited voice

"Xingchen, you truly are the best woman in this world! To be able to marry you as my Crown Princess is truly a blessing from the heavens!"

Chu Xianmin felt as if countless fine needles were piercing her heart, causing unbearable pain.

Her hands clenched tightly. Many thoughts flashed through her mind, but finally, as if having reached a certain determination, her gaze steadied, and she turned to leave.

***

Chu Liuyue arrived at Mu Qinghe's residence once again.

Just as she reached the door, she heard a joyful, clear chirp.

Chu Liuyue looked up to see Hong Yao excitedly flapping her wings as she flew over.

Although they had only been apart for half a month, Chu Liuyue had missed Hong Yao quite a bit. Seeing such a passionate welcome, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but lift into a smile.

"Hong Yao, have you been good lately?"

Hong Yao flew a circle around Chu Liuyue, her wings flapping vigorously; Chu Liuyue even saw a faint layer of cyan flames.

This was clearly an affirmative answer.

Chu Liuyue's eyes crinkled with laughter: "Don't worry, I didn't forget to bring you a gift."

Hong Yao let out another happy cry.

Chu Liuyue took out her Universe Bag, intending to pull the item out, when she suddenly sensed a gaze falling upon her, as tangible as a physical object.

Her movements paused, and she looked up.

Jian Fengchi was leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, watching her with great interest.

"How strange. Hong Yao is not your magical beast; why are you so attentive to her?"

Chu Liuyue's eye twitched slightly.

It had already been over ten days; why hadn't this guy left yet!?

As if reading Chu Liuyue's thoughts, Jian Fengchi smiled with an air of smugness.

"It is easy to invite this young master here, but it is not so easy to ask me to leave."

Chu Liuyue tried her best to appear calm and polite as she performed a curtsey: "Greetings, Young Master Jian."

Jian Fengchi suddenly said, "Do you know that Mu Qinghe only allows Hong Yao to accept gifts from one person?"

(End of Chapter)