Chapter 126 Breaking the Siege

Time passed swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, three days had gone by.

During these three days, Jiang Li did nothing special within the estate. Just as she had done back in Tongxiang, she took care of Xue Huayuan alongside Ye Mingyu. Every day, she also sent people to the inn where the Tongxiang commoners were staying to check if they were doing well.

As a crucial witness, Feng Yutang had already been taken into custody by the Ministry of Punishments, and the commoners were being properly protected. Jiang Yuanbai, completely contrary to his usual behavior, had not come to see Jiang Li again, likely struggling with his own distress. If the Xue family's case truly implicated the Right Prime Minister Li family, Jiang Yuanbai would naturally find himself in a difficult dilemma.

Jiang Li did not care whether Jiang Yuanbai helped her or not. As long as he did not listen to Ji Shuran's pillow-talk and stir up trouble to obstruct her at this critical juncture, it would already be more than enough. Of course, since Emperor Hongxiao had given his imperial promise to personally oversee the case, even if Jiang Yuanbai genuinely wanted to stop it, he would be completely powerless to do so.

She could only quietly wait for the day of the trial to arrive.

When that day finally came, Jiang Li rose at the crack of dawn. Emperor Hongxiao had stated that the trial would be held in the imperial presence, so Jiang Li had to enter the palace. Unlike the previous imperial banquet, entering the palace this time would inevitably draw the attention of Prince Cheng and Princess Yongning, as well as Shen Yurong. Princess Yongning was utterly unhinged and might not hesitate to make a move against her within the palace walls, yet bringing weapons into the palace was strictly prohibited. Even the dagger given to her by Jiang Jingrui could not be easily smuggled inside this time.

At that moment, Jiang Li unexpectedly found herself envying Ji Heng's fan. After all, Ji Heng was able to swagger into the palace carrying that fan, an object so extravagantly gorgeous that no one would ever guess it was a lethal weapon capable of taking lives with a mere flick of the wrist.

Indeed, the more beautiful something was, the more dangerous it became—much like the fan's owner.

Just as she was lost in thought, Tong'er smiled from behind her and said, "Young mistress, your hair is done. Would you like to see how it looks?"

Jiang Li looked at herself in the mirror. Tong'er was dexterous, yet Jiang Li had only instructed her to tie a simple black gauze bun. Adorning the black gauze-wrapped hair was not a single ornament, yet it served to accentuate her fair complexion and delicate, pretty features, making her look all the more ethereal.

Tong'er, who had initially felt that Jiang Li's attire was far too plain, grew increasingly satisfied as she looked at her reflection. "My young mistress is truly stunning; any hairstyle looks wonderful on you."

Bai Xue walked over carrying a white cloak, hesitated for a moment, and asked, "Young mistress, is this outfit a bit too plain? Will the master be angry?"

Jiang Li took the snow-white cloak and draped it over her shoulders. "It's fine. Only by dressing like this can I show how much importance I attach to the Xue family's case."

She turned around, clad in white with raven-black hair, exuding an inexplicable, pure beauty. "Let's go," she said.

Jiang Yuanbai's carriage was already waiting outside. As a court official, Jiang Yuanbai was also expected to attend and observe the trial proceedings. However, the female family members did not need to enter the palace together. The moment Jiang Li stepped out of her courtyard, she ran into Ji Shuran and Jiang Youyao.

Ji Shuran paused for a fraction of a second, then smiled at Jiang Li and said, "Li'er, heading into the palace so early?"

"It seems the Second Sister is terribly impatient to enter the palace and seek redress for the Xue family," Jiang Youyao sneered. "I honestly had no idea our family had a female scholar who longed to act as an upright judge. I only hope you don't bring disaster upon the household."

"Youyao!" Ji Shuran cut Jiang Youyao off, turning to apologize to Jiang Li. "Youyao is just joking, Li'er, please don't take it to heart."

Jiang Li smiled faintly. "It's nothing." She stepped aside, bypassed the mother and daughter entirely, and walked away without uttering another extra word. Yet the more she acted this way, the more furious Jiang Youyao felt, as if Jiang Li was looking down on her completely. She stamped her foot in frustration, gritting her teeth as she muttered, "Mother, look at her!"

"It doesn't matter." The smile on Ji Shuran's face faded as well. Gazing at Jiang Li's retreating back, she said coldly, "Let's just see how much longer she can afford to be arrogant."

Jiang Li continued walking forward with Tong'er. Having not seen Jiang Youyao for a while, she found the girl had grown even more foolish. Perhaps because her marriage arrangement with Zhou Yanbang had fallen through, Jiang Youyao's impatience was practically written all over her face. Jiang Li had certainly not forgotten the fact that Ji Shuran had sent people to attack her in Tongxiang. Originally, she had hoped they could at least maintain a superficial peace, but now that was utterly out of the question.

Once the immediate business of the Xue family's case was settled, she would make certain to completely settle scores with Ji Shuran next.

Only by clearing away these troublesome pests could she truly unleash her full strength to confront Princess Yongning, Shen Yurong, and Prince Cheng.

When she reached the estate gates, Jiang Yuanbai's carriage was already in place.

In the carriage behind it, Ye Mingyu poked his head out and greeted Jiang Li in a low voice, "A-Li!"

Jiang Li smiled and replied, "Uncle."

Ye Mingyu and Xue Huayuan were sharing a carriage, for Xue Huayuan also had to appear before the imperial court today. Fearing any mishaps along the way—such as exposing Xue Huayuan directly under the watchful eyes of Princess Yongning, the very murderer responsible—Jiang Li dreaded what methods the princess might employ. Ye Mingyu, having learned that Princess Yongning was the mastermind behind the scenes, also recognized the gravity of the matter and had promised to stay within a single step of Xue Huayuan, denying Princess Yongning any opportunity to make a move.

Jiang Li climbed into the carriage.

Tong'er lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, nearly blinded by the fierce wind and snow outside. "Young mistress, it's snowing so heavily outside."

Jiang Li glanced out. Indeed, the northern capital's winters were always plagued by fierce winds and heavy snow. Today was particularly severe, with goose-feather snowflakes driving slantwise across the sky, blurring the boundary between heaven and earth.

"Once the wind passes, it will clear up," Jiang Li smiled and said.

Once the wind arrived, blowing away the chaos, all the truth would naturally come to light.

...

The journey into the palace was not particularly long, but Jiang Li felt as though today's passage of time was exceptionally drawn out.

Perhaps she had waited far too long for this very moment. When she was Xue Fangfei, she had waited until her dying breath without ever seeing it arrive. Now that the grievances of the entire Xue family were finally being hauled up from the bottomless depths of the dark water, catching a glimpse of daylight, the facade of falsehood was about to be torn away to reveal the raw truth. As a result, Jiang Li felt her blood burning hot, despite the freezing winter cold.

After an unknown length of time, the carriage came to a halt.

A voice sounded from outside, "Master, we have arrived."

Jiang Li alighted from the carriage. Jiang Yuanbai was already standing outside, looking at this daughter with a complex expression. At times he felt guilt toward her, at times anger, but now there was mostly incomprehension, alienation, and a sense of helplessness. He could not control Jiang Li's thoughts, and on many occasions, he couldn't even control her actions—Jiang Li always managed to find alternative ways to achieve her own goals.

"I must go and see the Emperor first," Jiang Yuanbai told her. "You and your Third Uncle must go and see that official from the Ministry of Punishments. The servants will guide you there." Pausing for a moment, he added, "You... exercise caution in all things."

Jiang Yuanbai was also acutely aware of the complexities lying behind the Xue family's case, which would inevitably drag Jiang Li into danger. Just as Jiang Li had suggested, if the person behind this truly was the Right Prime Minister Li Zhongnan, Li Zhongnan would undoubtedly vent his bitter wrath upon Jiang Li. Given how many souls had died unjustly within the palace walls, Jiang Li was still, after all, his own flesh and blood.

"I know, thank you, Father," Jiang Li smiled. "Father, rest assured, with Uncle Mingyu accompanying me, nothing will go wrong."

She placed a great deal of trust in the Ye family, which inexplicably left Jiang Yuanbai with a slight pang of discomfort in his chest. He said nothing more and departed first.

Ye Mingyu helped Xue Huayuan down from the carriage and asked, "What did your father say?" Ye Mingyu had never cared for Jiang Yuanbai, and Jiang Yuanbai felt the same toward Ye Mingyu. Therefore, they tried their best to avoid speaking to one another, and had it not been strictly necessary, Ye Mingyu wouldn't even have deigned to exchange formal greetings with Jiang Yuanbai on ordinary days.

"Nothing much, just told us to be careful in everything."

"Could there really be someone in the palace trying to harm us?" Ye Mingyu grew anxious. "Surely not? Who could be so bold beneath the Emperor's very feet?"

"To guard against others is an absolute necessity," Jiang Li replied. "Still, there shouldn't be any real danger; let's get moving." In truth, she was not entirely unvigilant, but upon second thought, Ji Heng must have his own people inside the palace as well. Since Ji Heng had promised that her life belonged to him alone to claim, he would never allow anyone else to murder her. In a certain sense, he was the most reliable bodyguard imaginable.

Even if real danger arose, Ji Heng would undoubtedly appear.

Hearing this, Ye Mingyu said nothing further and followed Jiang Li and the palace attendant leading the way deeper into the complex.

Xue Huayuan's mental state was currently equivalent to that of a child of five or six. As they walked through the palace grounds, he constantly looked left and right, finding the surrounding environment immensely fascinating. With Jiang Li present, he did not feel overly frightened. As for Ye Mingyu, this was his first time entering the palace, yet he tried his best to project an air of calm indifference and supreme composure.

Lord Zhou Dezhao of the Ministry of Punishments was in charge of the case. Jiang Li, acting as a witness, would rendezvous with Lord Zhou alongside Ye Mingyu.

The palace guide kept his mouth tightly shut, and after half a day of trying to extract information from him, Ye Mingyu had to abandon the attempt in frustration. When they reached the exterior of a certain secondary palace, the guide stopped. A guard-like figure emerged from within, looked over Jiang Li, and stated, "Second Young Mistress Jiang, Lord Zhou is waiting inside."

Jiang Li exchanged a glance with Ye Mingyu and stepped into the room.

Lord Zhou Dezhao was of an age comparable to Jiang Yuanbai's, with a lean build, a square face, and a resolute jawline. At first glance, he struck one as a person of unyielding integrity. He looked over Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu, cast a brief glance at Xue Huayuan who was quietly playing with a rattle-drum in his hands, and dispensed with all polite formalities, cutting straight to the point: "Second Young Mistress Jiang, the Emperor has shown me the memorial regarding the Xue family's case. Do you know who this case implicates?"

"Princess Yongning," Jiang Li answered calmly.

Lord Zhou was momentarily startled, seemingly caught off guard by how calmly Jiang Li spoke, as if she were referring not to a princess of the realm, but to some ordinary commoner on the street. When Emperor Hongxiao had personally discussed the matter with him, Lord Zhou had likewise found it difficult to conceal his inner astonishment. Having witnessed countless filthy and bizarre affairs at court, along with innumerable suspenseful cases of commoners suing officials, this was nevertheless the first time he had ever encountered the daughter of a Chief Councilor accusing a reigning princess.

"The evidence in Second Young Mistress Jiang's possession is conclusive," Lord Zhou said. "His Majesty is likewise inclined to seek justice for the commoners of Tongxiang, but because this case involves a princess, the power dynamics are immensely complex. Has Second Young Mistress Jiang considered this carefully?"

"Once the bow is drawn, there is no turning back," Jiang Li smiled faintly. "His Majesty is personally overseeing this case, and Jiang Li is far too grateful for that to hold back; I will naturally exert every ounce of effort to bring the truth of this case to light."

She enunciated the four words "bring to light" with deliberate emphasis.

"Yet this case is not entirely without flaws," Lord Zhou warned. "If the mastermind truly is connected to the princess, merely relying on this single case will not resolve the root of the problem at its source. Instead, it will plunge Second Young Mistress Jiang into grave danger. Even so, does Second Young Mistress Jiang refuse to change her mind?"

"Lord Zhou need not test me," Jiang Li smiled. "If I harbored any intention of backing down, I wouldn't have bothered doing any of this. Besides, since His Majesty is personally overseeing it, if I were still holding anything back, wouldn't that amount to the crime of deceiving the sovereign?"

Lord Zhou could be considered an upright official, but to attain his current position, he was hardly someone incapable of adapting to circumstances. Whether his warning that this case would fail to overthrow Princess Yongning and instead earn her bitter resentment was meant as a test or out of genuine kindness was unclear, but Jiang Li deemed such words entirely useless.

Seeing that Jiang Li's resolve was unshakable, Lord Zhou found it difficult to say anything further. Jiang Li was, after all, Jiang Yuanbai's daughter, and he still needed to show Jiang Yuanbai a modicum of respect. This case would undoubtedly offend Princess Yongning, yet since the Emperor had given his explicit imperial word, Lord Zhou had no alternative choice either. In a certain respect, he and Jiang Li were in the exact same boat.

"Very well," Lord Zhou nodded. "Second Young Mistress Jiang, tidy up; we shall proceed to the imperial hall shortly." He paused briefly before adding, "Princess Yongning will not be attending the court session today, but His Highness Prince Cheng will be present."

Prince Cheng was Yongning's full brother, and it was entirely possible that Jiang Li would be subjected to harassment or humiliation from him.

"Let whoever it is come," Ye Mingyu interjected, unable to hold his tongue any longer. "Surely he wouldn't dare pull anything too outrageous right in front of the Emperor."

Neither Jiang Li nor Lord Zhou replied. Being far removed from the halls of power, Ye Mingyu failed to realize that Prince Cheng's influence and arrogance were not things of a day. Even Emperor Hongxiao, forced to bide his time and conceal his strength, had to avoid crossing Prince Cheng's sharpest edge, maintaining a superficial facade of brotherly harmony while the undercurrents surged violently beneath.

Jiang Li sighed softly, wondering whether she ought to pity the current sovereign of Northern Yan. Leaving aside the fact that his imperial throne was coveted by numerous rivals, even Ji Heng, the minister upon whom he relied most heavily, harbored his own independent calculations.

"Lord Zhou, let us go," Jiang Li said, pulling her thoughts back to the present.

Lord Zhou nodded.

Xue Huayuan could not accompany Jiang Li into the imperial hall immediately for fear that his disordered state of mind might disturb the imperial carriage. He had to be kept under care until the appropriate moment arrived for him to face the Emperor. Consequently, only Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu accompanied Lord Zhou as they walked toward the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Calculating the time, the various officials arriving to observe the trial proceedings should all be assembling by now.

As they neared the Hall of Supreme Harmony, several officials caught sight of them, all casting scrutinizing gazes in Jiang Li's direction.

Presently, Jiang Li could be considered quite a prominent figure in Yanjing City. Among households holding official posts, there was scarcely anyone who did not know her name. Jiang Li's actions were unprecedented among Yanjing's aristocratic daughters. Yet people still failed to fathom her intentions: instead of living the comfortable life of a proper young lady, she insisted on plunging into this tempestuous storm and showing her face in public entirely on behalf of unrelated strangers—it was utterly baffling what she hoped to gain.

As they walked, a voice suddenly echoed from behind: "Lord Zhou."

Lord Zhou and Jiang Li turned to see a young man slowly stepping out from behind a garden landscape.

This man was dressed in extravagant, luxurious brocade robes with an extraordinary bearing, and his attendants hardly looked like ordinary servants. His features could be considered handsome, save for a pair of deep, shrewd eyes that carried a somewhat gloomy and predatory edge as he sized people up.

Although he had addressed Lord Zhou, his gaze was fixed squarely on Jiang Li, appraising her without the slightest bit of restraint. Ye Mingyu felt a flicker of annoyance; who on earth stared unblinkingly at a young girl like that?

Lord Zhou bowed and saluted, stating, "This subordinate pays respects to Your Highness Prince Cheng."

Jiang Li likewise curtsied in salutation.

Lord Zhou's words from earlier had truly proven prophetic, fulfilling themselves in the blink of an eye. Jiang Li had hardly desired to encounter Prince Cheng here, yet she had not expected to cross paths with him in a narrow confrontation before even setting foot inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Prince Cheng remarked, "So this is Second Young Mistress Jiang." He smiled slightly. "I witnessed Second Young Mistress Jiang's bearing at the testing grounds a few days ago; quite captivating indeed. I never imagined that after so many days apart, Second Young Mistress Jiang's abilities would have grown to such heights, constantly providing me with daily surprises."

His tone carried a distinctly frivolous edge. Ye Mingyu's expression turned displeased, and fearing he might stir up trouble on the spot, Jiang Li instructed Lord Zhou, "Lord Zhou, please proceed into the hall with my uncle first. I shall have a few words with His Highness Prince Cheng and will join you shortly."

"How can we do that?" Before Lord Zhou could respond, Ye Mingyu objected, declaring, "We leave together or not at all." This Prince Cheng was clearly no pillar of virtue, and Ye Mingyu had heard that this entire affair targeted Princess Yongning, whose brother Prince Cheng surely was. Could he possibly fail to vent his anger on her behalf? Moreover, Prince Cheng's remarks just now had been thoroughly arrogant. Ye Mingyu felt intensely uneasy about leaving Jiang Li alone with Prince Cheng.

Lord Zhou was likewise somewhat surprised. At a moment like this, instead of actively seeking ways to avoid Prince Cheng, Jiang Li was actually stepping forward to meet him head-on—was she truly not afraid of Prince Cheng?

Jiang Li was, in truth, entirely unafraid. With a calm and composed expression, she reassured Ye Mingyu in a low voice, "It's quite all right, Uncle. Prince Cheng and I will be just a few steps away from the Hall of Supreme Harmony; there are people coming and going everywhere here, so His Highness and I will not be in any danger. I merely have a few words to exchange with him and will follow you inside immediately. If you stay here, you will only delay your business with Lord Zhou, wouldn't you?"

Though Ye Mingyu wanted to press further, Lord Zhou had already cupped his hands and said, "In that case, this subordinate will take his leave first." He gestured toward Ye Mingyu. Though still hesitant and shooting a warning look at Jiang Li, Ye Mingyu suppressed his reluctance and entered the hall ahead with Lord Zhou.

Jiang Li always acted according to her own principles, and Ye Mingyu feared that his own rashness might instead disrupt her plans.

Once Ye Mingyu and Lord Zhou departed, Prince Cheng narrowed his eyes, studying Jiang Li with a deeply meaningful gaze.

The reassurance Jiang Li had given Ye Mingyu to put his mind at ease was, in reality, meant for him as well. Since this location was just a few paces from the Hall of Supreme Harmony with people constantly passing by, he certainly could not resort to open violence against Jiang Li here. She had calculated precisely upon this fact, which gave her the immense audacity to speak with him alone in such a place.

"Second Young Mistress Jiang possesses remarkable courage," Prince Cheng observed. "Chief Councilor Jiang has always been cautious and steady; I never expected his daughter to be endowed with such martial daring. I am quite impressed."

"Your Highness flatters me," Jiang Li replied with a slight smile.

She accepted the praise with absolute poise and equanimity.

Prince Cheng was momentarily taken aback, then suddenly burst out laughing. "Second Young Mistress Jiang never fails to astonish. I wonder why you are always so brimming with absolute confidence—do you truly believe today's proceedings will inevitably implicate Yongning, rendering you so fearless?"

Jiang Li abruptly raised her head, locking her gaze onto Prince Cheng as her heart sank slightly.

She had long since known that Prince Cheng maintained his own network of influence within the palace. After all, anyone aspiring to reach that supreme seat would naturally plant secret agents everywhere. However, the memorial she had drafted ought to have been handled with the utmost secrecy. For Prince Cheng to have learned of it already meant that Emperor Hongxiao's inner circle contained a spy working for Prince Cheng. Furthermore, to have access to such tightly guarded secrets, that spy must be someone very close to Emperor Hongxiao indeed.

"What is Second Young Mistress Jiang pondering? Are you wondering how I came to know of this?" Prince Cheng stepped closer, suddenly dropping his voice to a menacing whisper. "There is nothing under the heavens that escapes my knowledge. For you, Second Young Mistress, to imagine you can pull the wool over my eyes and play your little tricks right beneath my nose is utterly naive. Even your father would not dare to attempt such a thing; you are merely a yellow-haired girl, yet your audacity is truly not small."

When he discarded his smile, the gloominess on his face was entirely genuine and terrifying. Had Jiang Li truly been the original Second Young Mistress Jiang, or simply any ordinary young girl thrust into this situation, she would have been scared out of her wits by Prince Cheng. Yet Jiang Li was different; she was even mentally assessing that while Prince Cheng possessed considerable influence, his temperament closely mirrored that of his birth mother, Consort Liu—utterly incapable of restraint, excessively arrogant, and fiercely proud, traits that would inevitably lead to his downfall in the future. In terms of strategic planning and temperament, he was actually inferior to the seemingly isolated Emperor Hongxiao.

Seeing that Jiang Li failed to display the panicked terror he had anticipated, Prince Cheng grew even more displeased. "Second Young Mistress Jiang possesses admirable fortitude," he said coldly, "yet I wonder how long that fortitude will last? You should know that by offending me, even your own father will not be able to protect you!"

"Your Highness Prince Cheng." At that precise moment, another voice suddenly drifted over from a distance.

Both Jiang Li and Prince Cheng turned toward the sound to see a young official striding over briskly. Bowing respectfully to Prince Cheng once more, the youth stated, "This subordinate pays respects to Your Highness Prince Cheng."

Jiang Li was startled; the newcomer was none other than Ye Shije.

Presently, Ye Shije held the post of Imperial Secretary in the Ministry of Revenue. Having been personally appointed by the Emperor and maintaining ties as a matrimonial relation to the Chief Councilor Jiang family, coupled with his own genuine competence, he was performing quite admirably. Among the rising stars at court, everyone was willing to afford him a measure of courtesy, and Emperor Hongxiao held him in high regard.

Jiang Li frowned slightly. She had not expected Ye Shije to step forward at a moment like this. Ye Shije had only recently entered official service; if he were to be targeted and harassed by Prince Cheng over this matter, it would spell disaster. She herself was merely an unwed daughter; if Prince Cheng wished to fabricate pretexts against her, he could only strike through the inner quarters, which Jiang Li could handle with sufficient care. But Ye Shije was an official engaged in court affairs—he was still too green to match wits with seasoned political veterans, and it would be entirely possible for Prince Cheng's subordinates to trip him up covertly in his official duties.

This young man possessed noble qualities, but given his youth, he was still prone to impulsive chivalry—much like Xue Zhao in the past.

"Oh? Reinforcements have arrived," Prince Cheng remarked, glancing between Jiang Li and Ye Shije. "It appears the bonds of affection between Second Young Mistress Jiang and her cousin run quite deep. Imperial Secretary Ye," his predatory gaze locked immovably onto Ye Shije, "if you were truly wise, you would not have so rashly jumped into the fray today. What a pity," he added with a theatrical sigh of regret, "I truly hate to see a promising talent like yourself ruined."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Li's heart clenched tight—Prince Cheng had clearly set his sights on Ye Shije!

Regardless of his inner thoughts, Ye Shije maintained a thoroughly respectful exterior as he replied, "Your Highness jests. To be favored by Your Highness's notice is this subordinate's good fortune."

Though young, he was no longer the hot-headed youth who would bicker over a painting on the streets. Faced with direct provocation, he knew how to blunt the opponent's edge and play the fool when necessary.

Prince Cheng laughed in anger. "Neither of you holds any fear of me. I assure you both, you will live to regret this..."

Before he could finish his sentence, his words were cut short by a light chuckle. A voice drifted lazily from behind the garden, carrying an air of casual indolence laced with amusement: "Well, well, if it isn't Prince Cheng?"

Another person had arrived.

Hearing that voice, a flicker of joy ignited within Jiang Li's heart. Raising her eyes, she saw a flash of brilliant red cutting through the bleak, ice-bound landscape—a vibrant splash of color that lost not an ounce of its dazzling brilliance amidst the heavy, layered walls of the imperial palace.

His garments were striking and vibrant, his appearance soul-stirringly alluring. An attendant held an umbrella over him, preventing a single snowflake from touching his person. His voice was low, enchantingly rich, yet tinged with the schadenfreude of a spectator watching a good show as he drawled, "What are you all brawling about so early in the morning?"

It was none of than Ji Heng, the Marquis of Su.

Prince Cheng was likewise startled. After a momentary pause, he addressed Ji Heng: "Marquis of Su."

According to protocol, Ji Heng ought to have bowed in return. Yet Ji Heng never saluted him, and Prince Cheng dared not compel him otherwise. In Prince Cheng's heart, his wariness toward Ji Heng far exceeded that of Emperor Hongxiao. He had once attempted to drag Ji Heng into his faction by any means necessary, but all such efforts had failed utterly. However, neither had Ji Heng aligned himself with the camp of Emperor Hongxiao and the Jiang family. It was precisely because Ji Heng consistently maintained a stance of absolute neutrality that Prince Cheng guarded against him with heightened vigilance while refraining from initiating any unprovoked moves against him.

He had no desire to court an unpredictable and troublesome adversary.

"I heard shouting about life and death from quite a distance away. What is this, is someone about to meet an untimely end?" Ji Heng asked lazily, hands tucked inside his voluminous sleeves, a look of utter indifference dancing across his features as he smiled.

Jiang Li curtsied to him and said, "My cousin and I inadvertently provoked His Highness Prince Cheng, and His Highness is currently displeased."

At this, both Prince Cheng and Ye Shije turned their gazes toward Jiang Li.

What was the meaning of this? Jiang Li was actually sowing discord right in front of Prince Cheng? And the person she was attempting to incite was none other than Ji Heng! The wording of her statement carried an almost imperceptible, soft tone of grievance—as if Ji Heng were an elder mediating a dispute, an upright judge fully capable of dispensing justice on Jiang Li's behalf.

Had she lost her mind?

Prince Cheng let out a cold laugh. "Second Young Mistress Jiang is quite adept at shifting blame. I suspect you weren't merely provoking me; you were actively offending me. Under the heavens, no one who has ever offended me has come to a good end."

He made no effort to conceal his words even with Ji Heng present. No matter how erratic and whimsical Ji Heng might be, he would hardly dare to physically harm a prince of the realm. Uttering such words right in front of Ji Heng seemed intended to probe Ji Heng's reaction and gauge the exact nature of his relationship with Jiang Li.

Ji Heng narrowed his handsome, phoenix-like eyes slightly, the corners of his lips curling upward in a faint, detached smile. With effortless nonchalance, he remarked, "She's merely an ignorant child; why must Your Highness fuss over her? Let it go."

He was actually... playing the peacemaker?

Both Ye Shije and Prince Cheng stared at Ji Heng in sheer disbelief. Ji Heng's apology, devoid of any genuine remorse, clearly and unmistakably signaled his stance: he was openly protecting Jiang Li!

Jiang Li's eyes widened as well. She had deliberately dragged Ji Heng into the situation, hoping to use his presence as a deterrent against Prince Cheng, but she had never anticipated that Ji Heng would actually speak up on her behalf right to Prince Cheng's face!

This man was a master of putting on a theatrical performance. Even the occasional genuine sincerity amidst their interactions was merely a fleeting glimpse—once the moonlit night passed and daylight broke, both would don their respective disguises once more.

Yet he had genuinely chosen to act on her behalf at this very moment.

---

Author's Note:

Lord Marquis: Launching the attack.

A-Li: Cultivate in safety, don't rush into battle.