Chapter 436: Did He Betray Me? (Second Update)

Qi Han knew he couldn't hide it. After much deliberation, he finally spoke

"Your Highness, this news came from the Treasure Pavilion."

Chu Liuyue was stunned.

"Second Master Yan?"

Qi Han nodded, then shook his head.

Chu Liuyue suddenly understood

"Did the Great Manager of the Treasure Pavilion order Second Master Yan to pass the message to you?"

A flash of surprise crossed Qi Han's eyes; he hadn't expected her to guess so quickly.

However, Her Highness had always been wise and perceptive; it wasn't strange that she would think of this...

"Your subordinate had previously gone to the Treasure Pavilion to purchase medicinal herbs. Later, inside a box they delivered, I discovered a letter. On that letter..."

Chu Liuyue understood.

So that was it.

If it was that person, it wasn't surprising.

That person's origins were mysterious, and his influence was heaven-reaching. Even the Imperial Mausoleum of the Yaochen Kingdom was almost entirely under his control, let alone anything else.

But if he deliberately told Qi Han this, didn't it mean that he was already fully aware of her identity!?

Chu Liuyue asked, "What happened to that letter?"

Qi Han said, "That letter had undergone special treatment. After your subordinate opened it and read it, I burned it immediately."

Chu Liuyue felt a hint of regret.

The other party was clearly extremely cautious, unwilling to leave even a trace behind.

Qi Han gave her a careful glance

"Your Highness, your subordinate did not mention this earlier simply because I did not want to worry you. I originally intended to tell you after I had cleared up that person's identity."

Aside from Thirteen Yue, there was another person in this world who knew Her Highness's true identity!

In fact, he had known even before they did!

After receiving the news, Qi Han's emotions were extremely complicated.

On one hand, he was overjoyed and excited that Chu Liuyue might indeed be Her Highness!

On the other hand, he secretly worried that the other party might use this information to do something detrimental to Her Highness.

Chu Liuyue pondered for a moment, gave a faint smile, and shook her head

"You want to investigate his identity? I'm afraid that will be somewhat difficult. Furthermore... since he already knows and has told you, then there is nothing to worry about."

He had helped her so many times; if he wanted to deal with her, why would he go through such great trouble?

"That person's strength and background are extremely formidable. From this day forward, do not waste any more time or energy investigating him."

Qi Han was somewhat surprised.

Just what kind of identity did that person have to make Her Highness so wary?

And judging by Her Highness's tone, did she seem somewhat familiar with him?

"Does Your Highness know that person?"

"I do not," Chu Liuyue said decisively.

In truth, she wanted to know the Great Manager's identity more than anyone, but since the other party clearly did not want her to know, why should she waste her efforts?

When the time was right, she would eventually find out.

Since Chu Liuyue had said so, Qi Han naturally complied.

"Where are the others of Thirteen Yue now? Do they know about me?"

"They are all outside the Yaochen Kingdom, but we have remained in contact. However, regarding your news, your subordinate has not yet told them."

Until he had personally confirmed Her Highness's identity, he would not disclose it without authorization.

Chu Liuyue's lips curled up in satisfaction.

"Well done. Your cautious nature remains as it always was."

Recognizing Qi Han today was truly a matter of necessity.

Thirteen Yue remained loyal to her, which was a great asset, but regarding her identity, the fewer people who knew, the better.

"Do not let them know about this matter for now. When the time comes, I will naturally tell them myself."

Qi Han immediately replied

"I shall obey Your Highness's command!"

After sorting through these matters, Chu Liuyue's mood lightened considerably.

"One last question."

Her slender, fair fingers tapped lightly on the table, and then she asked, word by word

"Did Mu Qinghe truly betray me?"

***

"Zong Ye, you and I are both sensible people. Let's just lay all the cards on the table."

Inside the great hall, Elder Zong Ye and Situ Xingchen were both imprisoned within that cage woven of white feathers, unable to move even an inch.

Elder Ye stood before the two of them, looking down at them from a height.

Emperor Jiawen stood beside him.

Aside from them, there was no one else.

Elder Zong Ye remained silent, while Situ Xingchen seemed to have fainted due to excessive blood loss.

"I am somewhat familiar with the rules of the Bright Moon Heavenly Mountain. If news of your unauthorized intrusion into the Yaochen Imperial Palace spreads back today... I'm afraid it wouldn't be very good, would it? Hmm?"

Ye Zhiting still wore a smiling expression, yet the words he spoke caused a cold sweat to burst out across Elder Zong Ye's back!

Although the Bright Moon Heavenly Mountain accepted disciples like other sects, it had one major bottom line—it absolutely forbade anyone from interfering in the affairs of various nations!

Elder Zong Ye had committed a major taboo!

Not only would he face punishment, but he might even be expelled from the Bright Moon Heavenly Mountain!

"Ye Zhiting! What exactly do you want to do!?"

"Heh, shouldn't those be the words I ask you? In the middle of the night, you traveled thousands of miles to rush into Youhe Palace and attempt to forcibly take someone away. Speaking of which... isn't this all your fault!?"

"You are twisting black and white! Xingchen is the Eldest Princess of the Xingluo Kingdom. For you to imprison her privately like this was wrong from the start!"

At this, Elder Zong Ye's anger flared even more.

"You tortured her until she was unrecognizable, and yet you dare to blame me!? You are pushing your luck too far!"

"Ai—you can't put it that way. Didn't you also burn down Youhe Palace just now?"

With such fierce flames, one wouldn't know how much effort it would take to extinguish them completely!

Some of the surrounding palaces had also suffered as a result.

Elder Zong Ye's beard trembled with rage

"I didn't set that fire!"

Elder Ye was stunned

"How could it not be you? Weren't you planning to set a fire to use the chaos to kidnap the person?"

"How could I stoop to such low-class methods! If it weren't for that fire, I would have left with Xingchen long ago. How would there be a chance for you to stand here talking!?"

Looking at the agitated and indignant Elder Zong Ye, a hint of doubt arose in Ye Zhiting's heart, and he exchanged a glance with Emperor Jiawen.

Was it really not him?

"I might as well tell you: today, someone entered Youhe Palace a step ahead of me! Furthermore, they laid hands on Xingchen! They crippled one of her shoulders and one of her legs!"

Hearing this, Elder Ye immediately frowned and looked closely at the unconscious Situ Xingchen on the ground.

Was this injury not caused by Emperor Jiawen?

Emperor Jiawen also realized something was wrong; he immediately stepped forward, staring intently at Elder Zong Ye

"Who was it!?"

Elder Zong Ye let out a cold laugh.

"This person, you all know her—Chu Liuyue!"

"Impossible!"

Elder Ye denied it without a second thought.

How could such a thing have been done by his precious disciple?!

"How is it impossible!? Xingchen said it herself! Ye Zhiting, Chu Liuyue is your disciple, right? She came and left so smoothly today—could it be that you were assisting her from the shadows!?"

"Bullshit!" Ye Zhiting cursed directly. "Can Xingchen's words be trusted?! She has long held a grudge against my disciple; she must be using this opportunity to frame her!"

Elder Zong Ye sneered with disdain and looked toward Emperor Jiawen.

"Xingchen also said that Chu Liuyue snatched something from her! Whether you believe it or not—that is up to you!"