Chapter 365: Imprisonment (Second Update)

Rong Xiu opened his eyes, and deep within his profound gaze, ripples of emotion seemed to rise.

"When did this happen?"

"Just half an hour ago! Lu Yun led men to search the Chu residence and found a hairpin belonging to the Fourth Princess, Rong Zhen. They are convinced that Miss Liuyue has hidden the Fourth Princess. Since Miss Liuyue has not yet returned, they took Lord Chu Ning away. He should have arrived at the palace by now."

Yu Mo quickly recounted the events. Glancing at his master's expression, he asked tentatively

"Master, what do you think we should do now?"

Rong Xiu's thin, crimson lips curled slightly, forming a perfect arc that carried a hint of nonchalance.

However, the corners of his eyes and brows remained cold, like the biting chill of early spring.

"They certainly know how to pick their timing."

Yu Mo froze, then realized.

Since Chu Liuyue was not currently in the Imperial Capital, they would undoubtedly subject Chu Ning to intense interrogation.

Furthermore, having found the so-called "evidence," they would surely be even more self-righteous. Chu Ning might suffer quite a bit of hardship.

Currently, Mu Qinghe was still in the Imperial Capital. Even if Chu Liuyue returned, they wouldn't dare truly do anything to her, but using Chu Ning as a scapegoat would inflict just as much pain upon her.

"Are you saying they intend to use this opportunity to take revenge?"

Rong Xiu said indifferently, "With Rong Zhen missing, Si Meng exposed, and the Empress's position in jeopardy, they naturally won't pass up this chance."

For the Empress, whether she could find Rong Zhen now was no longer the priority; what mattered was finding out who had hidden her.

Clearly, they intended to pin all the blame on Chu Liuyue.

This way, a portion of Emperor Jiawen's fury would inevitably be redirected toward Chu Liuyue.

Even if Chu Liuyue had the connection with Mu Qinghe, Emperor Jiawen might not dare to act against her, but this would still benefit the Empress and her faction in clearing their names.

Yu Mo asked with some concern, "In that case, aren't they planning to pin everything on Miss Liuyue and Lord Chu Ning?"

The smile at the corner of Rong Xiu's mouth turned cold.

"That is why that hairpin exists."

Yu Mo gasped: "You mean—"

*Roar!*

A low, angry roar suddenly erupted!

Yu Mo looked up to see a robust white lion suddenly appearing before him.

It was Xue Xue.

Within its ice-blue eyes, flames seemed to be burning.

Rong Xiu glanced at it, and Xue Xue walked over, lying down at his feet.

"Since the Empress wants to make a scene, let her make a scene. The Fourth Princess must be feeling quite lonely and frightened lately; go play with her for a while later."

Rong Xiu's voice was as cold and deep as ever, the end of his sentence rising slightly with a hint of laziness.

However, Yu Mo felt a jolt of shock in his heart.

The Fourth Princess was actually in Master's hands!?

No, looking at it, she was likely under Xue Xue's claws!

Xue Xue reluctantly licked its paw.

That Rong Zhen was dirty, smelly, and only knew how to screech and yell; it truly detested her.

Unfortunately, it did not dare disobey its master's orders.

*Sigh—I miss someone so much!*

At this thought, Xue Xue lifted its head expectantly and looked at Rong Xiu.

Rong Xiu gave it a faint glance.

"No."

Xue Xue's massive head began to shake, leaning in closer as if attempting to act spoiled.

Rong Xiu's voice turned slightly chilly.

"She played with you for quite a long time last time, didn't she? It seems you think it was too much?"

Xue Xue's body suddenly stiffened.

It had actually been found out!

Hadn't it just let Chu Liuyue stay in the mountains with it for a little longer!

One had to realize it had been a long time since it had seen her!

Xue Xue rose and left with a mournful air.

Yu Mo glanced at it, actually feeling that the massive, sturdy silhouette exuded a trace of desolation.

He cleared his throat and withdrew his gaze: "Master, regarding Lord Chu Ning..."

"Has the Third Imperial Brother been quiet lately?" Rong Xiu suddenly asked.

Yu Mo was stunned for a moment before nodding. "Yes. His Majesty has not allowed the Third Prince to leave the Imperial Capital. Everyone believes this is to strip him of his military power, and not many people are interacting with him."

Rong Xiu picked up a book nearby and flipped it open casually.

"That is for the best. Have the people of the Northwest Army made contact with him?"

"Following your instructions, everything has gone smoothly. Furthermore, the Third Prince is unaware of this."

As Yu Mo spoke, he said with some confusion

"Your Highness, by helping the Third Prince like this, aren't you worried that—"

The power Rong Jiu held in his hands was military authority!

If things continued to develop, no one could predict what Rong Jiu might do!

"The ones who should be worried are the Empress and the Crown Prince."

Rong Xiu turned a page, seemingly unconcerned with the matter.

"Go and leak news of the Fourth Princess to the Third Imperial Brother."

"Yes!"

***

The Imperial Palace.

Emperor Jiawen sat in the high seat, with the Empress sitting beside him. She was holding the hairpin found by Lu Yun, her face covered in tears of grief.

"...This is indeed Zhenzhen's. It was a gift I gave her on her thirteenth birthday. Her nickname is even engraved on it; there is no doubt... Poor Zhenzhen, I have failed her..."

Emperor Jiawen stared sternly at Chu Ning

"Chu Ning, what else do you have to say?"

Chu Ning lifted his robes and knelt straight on the ground!

"Your Majesty, please judge fairly! This official truly does not know where this hairpin came from! Nor does he know where the Fourth Princess is! But this official can guarantee with his life that this matter has absolutely nothing to do with Yue'er!"

Emperor Jiawen was also conflicted internally.

He knew what kind of person Chu Ning was. Since he was willing to swear such an oath, it proved he truly believed Chu Liuyue was not responsible.

But how could the hairpin be explained?!

"Lord Chu Ning! I am begging you! Just tell His Majesty and me, where exactly is Zhenzhen now!"

The Empress looked at Chu Ning with a face full of tears, appearing utterly heartbroken.

"As long as she is safe, I will not pursue any other matters!"

Chu Ning's expression was taut.

"Your Majesty, Empress, this official will not admit to something he did not do."

The Empress's eyes shifted as she wiped away her tears, asking tentatively

"Then... is it possible that Chu Liuyue did it, but you simply don't know?"

Chu Ning gave her a cold look.

"Is the Empress suggesting that this official should identify his own daughter as the culprit who kidnapped the Fourth Princess?"

"I... I didn't mean that... Zhenzhen has been missing for several days, and both His Majesty and I are very worried! I do not wish to think this way, but this hairpin... it is truly impossible to deny!"

Emperor Jiawen remained silent for a long time before saying

"In that case, let us wait for Chu Liuyue to return from Taiyan Academy, and then interrogate them together."

The Empress quickly shot a look at Rong Qi beside her.

Rong Qi immediately spoke up

"Father! Absolutely not! If Chu Liuyue truly did it, then Lord Chu Ning will surely find a way to shield her! It would be better to detain him first and subject him to strict interrogation! That way, we won't have to fear that Chu Liuyue will refuse to tell the truth upon her return!"

Emperor Jiawen frowned.

The Empress immediately rebuked him

"Rong Qi! Nothing has been decided yet, how can you treat Lord Chu Ning this way?"

Rong Qi said aggrievedly, "I am only doing this for Zhenzhen's sake..."

Emperor Jiawen pondered for a long time before finally saying

"Guards! Detain Chu Ning!"