"Keep them confined for now, but make sure they aren't starved. They are to receive three meals a day as usual. Once I've handled my current affairs, I'll deal with them!"
Mu Qingyao waved her hand. The most pressing matter was the case of the Prince of Nan'an.
With only three days remaining, there was no time to delay. Other matters would have to wait until this was resolved.
As a citizen of the String Moon Kingdom, and with her father being the Prime Minister, she naturally had obligations. Most importantly, she had secured a promise from the Emperor, a promise that would be used in the future.
"Yes, Your Highness, the Empress."
Yi Yun rose and withdrew. Once Yi Yun was gone, a eunuch guarding the gate announced that Eunuch Ah Jiu had arrived with an imperial decree. Mu Qingyao raised an eyebrow, wondering what message the man had for her, and motioned for him to enter.
Accompanying Ah Jiu was another woman, captivating and graceful, with eyes like a painting, alluring and soul-stirring. Mu Qingyao recognized her at once as the one who had prevented Changsun Zhu from taking her away that night. She appeared to be an imperial secret guard, named Bing Xiao. Why was she here?
Ah Jiu glanced at the Empress's inquiring gaze and quickly spoke respectfully.
"Greetings, Your Highness, the Empress. This is Bing Xiao, a secret guard. His Majesty has sent her to protect Your Highness's safety."
Bing Xiao smiled charmingly and slowly stepped forward to bow. "Your subordinate greets Your Highness, the Empress."
"Rise, both of you," Mu Qingyao said, her face as radiant as a peach blossom, her eyebrows raised. A serene radiance enveloped her as she slowly scrutinized Bing Xiao.
This woman was like water, gentle and flowing. They say women are made of water, and perhaps this was the kind of woman they meant. Who would have thought such an outstanding woman was a secret guard, possessing astonishing martial skills?
"Thank you, Your Highness," Ah Jiu and Bing Xiao said in unison. They rose and stood to the side.
Mu Qingyao couldn't help but marvel at the abundance of handsome men and beautiful women around Murong Liuzun, all of whom were utterly loyal to him.
Living in ancient times, it was truly impossible to get by without one's own power. If she were to leave the palace, she would definitely need to cultivate her own influence.
Mu Qingyao pondered for a moment. Seeing that it was getting late, she rose and instructed Mochou, "Mochou, accompany me to the Ministry of Justice. I wish to meet the Prince of Nan'an. Meixin, remain in Fengluan Palace and await my return."
Meixin, upon hearing that her mistress would not be taking her, was a little displeased. But she understood why her mistress did not bring her: because she had no martial arts skills, and if an accident occurred, the Empress would have to protect her. Thus, she remained silent.
Fortunately, His Majesty had sent Bing Xiao, which reassured her. She had heard Mochou speak of Bing Xiao's formidable martial arts; it was she who had blocked Changsun Zhu's path last time, thereby protecting her mistress.
Since her mistress would be fine, it made no difference whether she went or not.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Chief Eunuch Ah Jiu, upon hearing the Empress's words, did not dare to delay and quickly took his leave. Before departing, he cast a glance at Bing Xiao, signaling her to ensure the Empress's complete safety.
Now, he was more inclined to believe that the Empress and the Emperor were on the same path, and that she would aid the Emperor.
Mu Qingyao, accompanied by Bing Xiao and Mochou, left Fengluan Palace. To avoid alerting others, she specifically instructed Meixin to keep an eye on everyone in Fengluan Palace and not to leak any news of their departure.
Meixin, having a task to perform, quickly shed her previous dejection and seemed much more spirited. Together with Yi Yun, they vigilantly guarded the entrance to Fengluan Palace. Not even a fly could get through. They were determined to ensure no news was leaked, as it concerned the Empress's safety.
The dungeons of the Ministry of Justice.
The prison cells were sturdy and tall, dark and airless, and completely sealed. Each cell had only a ventilation hole high up, with no other windows.
The prison cells were dimly lit and extremely humid. Coupled with the frequent use of torture on prisoners, the smell of blood was intense, mingling within the narrow cells to create an extremely unpleasant odor.
The cells were guarded by layers of soldiers, and without special orders, ordinary people could not get close to the prison.
The innermost cell of the dungeon was much cleaner than the outer cells and even contained a soft bedding.
At this moment, a tall, handsome man was seated on it. His stern features were like carved frost, and his dark eyes were filled with overwhelming rage. His beautiful lips were tightly pursed, and a potent killing aura emanated from him.
His dark hair was somewhat disheveled, with a small lock falling loose, but it did not appear messy. Instead, it added to his commanding handsomeness. He was none other than Murong Liumo, the Prince of Nan'an.
Within the prison, there was another rare individual: a tall, charismatic man dressed in a dark blue brocade robe embroidered with flowers. He wore a jade belt, and his refined demeanor and striking beauty were evident in his every expression. His eyes, like glazed glass, flickered with an enchanting light, and a mere curve of his lips brought forth a smile that could captivate the world.
He was Murong Liuzun's friend, Chu Qianyi, who was accompanying him in the prison, engaging him in conversation.
"Liu Zhao, how did you get yourself into such a mess?"
His words clearly carried a hint of mockery and teasing.
Murong Liuzhao glared at him unceremoniously. Did he have such a sarcastic friend? He was in prison, and this fellow was standing by, making light of the situation. He could have used that time to help find some favorable evidence, yet here he was, trying to provoke him.
"Get lost. Can't you see I'm in a bad mood? I don't have time to bicker with you."
Murong Liuzhao was extremely displeased. He shot Chu Qianyi a fierce, cold glare and raised his fist, ready to strike. This fellow's pearly white teeth were an eyesore; he wondered what it would be like to knock them out.
However, Chu Qianyi was not one to be hit for nothing. He reached out and grabbed Murong Liuzhao's fist, preventing him from attacking.
"Alright, I'm just talking to you because I see you're in a bad mood."
Chu Qianyi put away his playful expression, his handsome face taking on a serious hue. He spoke thoughtfully:
"However, I heard that your personal jade pendant was found at the scene of the crime. How did that item end up in the Crown Princess's chambers? Moreover, there are maids who saw you emerge from the Crown Princess's chambers. With eyewitnesses and physical evidence present, this is extremely unfavorable to you. The Prince Ji of Danfeng Kingdom has set a three-day deadline for the Emperor to solve the case. If the true culprit is not found by then, you'll be in serious trouble."
As Chu Qianyi spoke, Murong Liuzhao's expression grew darker. His face was covered in a layer of ice, like a carved statue. Even Chu Qianyi, who was close to him, could feel the cold air radiating from him.
"I never entered the Crown Princess's chambers. How could my jade pendant have ended up in her room?"
The Prince of Nan'an, Murong Liuzhao, spoke in a deep, cold voice. He couldn't fathom this matter either. Why would his jade pendant be in the Crown Princess's chambers, becoming crucial evidence of his alleged murder?
Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him. Could it be?
Last night, he had led a group of guards to the palace to apprehend the Empress for meeting someone in secret. After realizing it was a misunderstanding, he had led his men out of the palace. Unexpectedly, midway, they had encountered Ji Feng, the Crown Princess.