Ji Xue finally accepted her fate, shedding her previous ferocity. If she didn't tell the truth now, she feared she would truly be executed.
Currently, the six nations stood united. Even if the Empress Dowager held resentment, she could do nothing against six countries. Therefore, her death would not be in vain.
"Yes, this matter was done by Ji Xue, and has nothing to do with the King of Nan'an."
After Ji Xue finished speaking, Mu Rong Liu Zun, Mu Qingyao, and the ministers who cared about the King of Nan'an all breathed a sigh of relief.
However, everyone harbored a question: who then took the King of Nan'an's jade pendant and placed it in the Crown Princess's hand to frame him?
The ministers were unaware that the King of Nan'an had encountered the Crown Princess when he entered the palace that night, and they had fought. The jade pendant was torn from him by the Crown Princess.
Although Mu Qingyao and Mu Rong Liu Zun were aware of the details, they found it inconvenient to explain. However, whoever placed the jade pendant in Ji Feng's hand must have been very familiar with the King of Nan'an, meaning someone close to them. But who could it be?
"What this Palace is concerned about is who helped you?"
"In truth, this King doesn't know who entered my Imperial Sister's chambers after I committed the murder."
Ji Xue spoke frankly. She genuinely didn't know who had entered her Imperial Sister's chambers afterward. She only learned after the fact that someone had placed the jade pendant in her Imperial Sister's hand, and that the jade pendant belonged to the King of Nan'an.
She was merely fortunate to have a scapegoat.
Mu Qingyao hadn't expected such a situation. She looked at Ji Xue intently. Though her pale face bore a fierce expression, her eyes were sincere, not appearing to lie.
Then who had entered the Crown Princess's chambers? From the beginning, this person had planned to frame the King of Nan'an, wearing similar robes and styling their hair the same way. Later, upon entering, they found the Crown Princess murdered.
They saw the jade pendant, knew it belonged to the King of Nan'an, and thus fabricated the evidence.
Did this person intend to instigate war between the two countries? Or did they have a personal vendetta against the King of Nan'an?
"Xiao Qiao, weren't you two guarding the chambers that day? Did anyone enter?"
Mu Qingyao asked Xiao Qiao. She and Da Qiao, as the Crown Princess's personal maids, had been guarding the door. Yet, they had never mentioned anyone entering the chambers.
Xiao Qiao, who had been kneeling, respectfully raised her face.
"Reporting to Her Majesty the Empress, around midnight, Da Qiao and I somehow fell asleep. When we awoke, the sky was already beginning to dawn. Thus, when we prepared to enter, we discovered the Crown Princess had already been murdered."
Xiao Qiao's voice choked, her eyes reddened. She turned to look at Prince Ji beside her. The Prince was truly heartless. Not only had he killed the Crown Princess, but he had also killed Da Qiao. The Empress Dowager would surely not spare him.
Mu Qingyao exchanged glances with Emperor Xian. It seemed that person had used pressure points to make Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao fall asleep, rendering them unaware. Therefore, whether anyone had entered the chambers was unknown.
"Minister of Justice?" Emperor Xian's cold and ruthless voice rang out.
The case had reached a concluding point. The King of Nan'an was cleared of charges. Although the mastermind had not yet been apprehended, the Crown Princess's body could not be kept for too long, and Ji Xue's murder was undeniable.
"This subject is here."
The Minister of Justice quickly stood up and bowed, awaiting the Emperor's decree.
"Immediately draft the case file and escort Prince Ji back to Danfeng Kingdom, handing her over to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager for judgment."
"This subject receives the decree, Your Majesty." The Minister of Justice accepted the imperial edict, a heavy stone lifted from his heart. The King of Nan'an had finally been absolved.
Although one culprit remained at large, the Emperor's demeanor was no longer as fierce and wild as before. It seemed his head was safe. This matter was all thanks to Her Majesty the Empress; she was his reborn parent.
As the Emperor finished speaking, Empress Mu, seated beside him, spoke with a profound expression.
"Wait a moment. Don't forget to bring the other envoys from the five nations. Otherwise, how will the Empress Dowager of Danfeng believe the one-sided account of our Xian Yue?"
Mu Qingyao's sharp words caused the envoys from the five nations to lose face. They, a group of men, had been outmaneuvered by a young girl, which was truly humiliating. The Prime Minister of Wanhe Kingdom’s old face turned ashen, and he remained silent. The other envoys also fell into silence.
This mission to Xian Yue had been a complete failure, both in terms of reputation and profit.
The case of the Crown Princess's murder was finally brought to light. Prince Ji confessed everything, and the King of Nan'an was released.
Although one person had not yet been apprehended, Emperor Xian had taken it to heart. This person's shadowy machinations were a malignant tumor that must be removed.
He was determined to find out who had manipulated the situation. His dark and inscrutable gaze swept towards the pale-faced Prince of Beijin. He hoped it wasn't his Imperial Brother, otherwise, he would not be held accountable for his ruthlessness.
In the vast and silent Liuli Palace, the Emperor felt a sense of relief after handling the Crown Princess's murder case. He leaned lazily against the side of his dragon throne.
Ah Jiu, after escorting everyone away, entered to report.
"Your Majesty, Prince of Beijin requests an audience?"
The person on the throne remained still, his narrow eyebrows raising, his eyes swirling with unspoken currents. "He hasn't left?"
"No, he is waiting for Your Majesty's summons."
"Let him in," Mu Rong Liu Zun waved his hand. He also wanted to see if it was indeed the Prince of Beijin who had acted covertly. If so, his martial arts were extremely formidable, and his schemes were astonishing.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Ah Jiu responded, instructing the eunuchs guarding the hall to quickly escort the Prince of Beijin in. The eunuch swiftly exited and soon found the Prince of Beijin.
He appeared frail, his face pale, dressed in a white python robe with a crashing waves pattern. Whether it was due to the robe being too large or his own excessive thinness, the robe swayed from side to side as he walked, appearing empty and evoking a sense of sadness.
"This subject greets Your Majesty."
The Prince of Beijin bowed respectfully. Emperor Xian waved his hand and said kindly, "Rise, and be seated."
"This subject is humbled," the Prince of Beijin rose but did not walk to the side to sit. Instead, he spoke earnestly, "Regarding the Crown Princess's murder case, this subject bears unavoidable responsibility. Your Majesty ordered this subject to entertain the envoys of the six nations, yet such a major incident occurred. I beg Your Majesty to punish me."
"Prince of Beijin need not worry. This matter is the responsibility of the Ministry of War and the palace guards. Prince of Beijin is without the strength to even truss a chicken. His hospitality this time was diligent. What fault is there?"
Mu Rong Liu Zun's dark pupils were deep, his smile icy cold. His magnetic and ghostly voice echoed through the hall.
"This subject is humbled." The Prince of Beijin lowered his head. Mu Rong Liu Zun gazed at his pale face, which looked as if he were about to faint. Whether it was feigned or genuine, he had no desire to parley now.
Because of the King of Nan'an's matter, he was very tired and wanted to rest. As for other matters, they could be discussed later.
"Prince of Beijin, you may return. I am tired."
"Yes, Your Majesty, this subject takes his leave." The Prince of Beijin obeyed the order and slowly retreated.