In the Li Kingdom, who else would dare to recklessly injure Baili Ye and cripple his arm, disregarding royal dignity, and wear a golden mask, if not that one person?
Even Feng Ninghe would consider the Li Emperor's face and would not truly cripple Baili Ye.
There were many opportunities for revenge; she didn't need to choose the most disadvantageous one for herself.
What she wanted was to make Baili Ye and that group of Feng family members wish they were dead, to live in torment for the rest of their lives. Only then could her revenge be complete.
Feng Ninghe met Su Hongxiu's gaze openly, nodding in response without a ripple.
Although she had not personally witnessed Si Jianye attacking Baili Ye, based on various descriptions, she could confirm that Si Jianye was responsible.
Even she dared not offend Si Jianye.
Baili Ye was simply tired of living.
"It was him."
Upon receiving a positive confirmation, Su Hongxiu narrowed her eyes, a flicker of light passing through them.
What surprised him was that Baili Ye was still alive.
Given Si Jianye's temperament, those who dared to offend him would face dire consequences. Baili Ye's survival was nothing short of a miracle.
Feng Qingcheng slowly shifted her gaze to Feng Ninghe, her gentle female voice unhurriedly falling, "Feng Ninghe, are you still planning to hide in the back and say nothing? You owe the First Prince an explanation for this matter, don't you?"
"That's right! Everyone is present today and can bear witness. You are harboring someone, so this matter must also involve you!"
Baili Ye's face was contorted with anger, his complexion pale. He said furiously, "You must have instigated someone to attack me!"
At this moment, a palace official announced the arrival of the Li Emperor with a drawn-out tone.
"The Li Emperor and Empress arrive!"
All eyes immediately turned to the rear.
The Li Emperor, arm in arm with the Empress, strode forward. Their opulent attire exuded an imposing aura, followed by a large entourage.
No one dared to be remiss, and they quickly bowed in unison, "Greetings to the Li Emperor and Empress!"
The Li Emperor stood at the forefront, his figure tall and imposing, his eyes like shooting stars.
The Li Emperor scanned the assembled guests, his deep male voice slowly resonating, "Today is a palace banquet. Enjoying yourselves is paramount. Everyone, please rise; there is no need for ceremony."
The crowd then rose.
The Li Emperor glanced at Baili Ye, his seemingly casual gaze carrying an imposing authority, "First Prince, I saw you were engaged in a lively conversation just now. What were you discussing that you could share with me?"
Everything that had transpired at the banquet had already reached the Li Emperor's ears.
Towards this useless son, the Li Emperor felt a pang of disappointment and even shame.
The Zhenguo Duke's family had sacrificed for the nation, leaving behind only one daughter. Yet, he, as the ruler of a kingdom, had failed to protect Feng Ninghe.
Baili Ye had even been gravely injured by an unknown assailant, losing an arm.
Why would someone attack him without reason?
It must be that this unpromising scoundrel had done something to provoke such a powerful individual.
The First Prince's mansion was heavily guarded. For someone to ambush Baili Ye under the watchful eyes of these elite guards was no ordinary feat.
Baili Ye hastily said, "Father Emperor, you have arrived just in time. We were discussing the identity of the masked man who attacked me. Feng Ninghe recognizes this person but is deliberately concealing the truth and refusing to confess. This matter might be more complicated than we imagine."
"Oh?"
The Li Emperor raised an eyebrow, casting a slightly displeased glance at Baili Ye.
Although Baili Ye was disappointing, he was still his blood. If a prince was gravely injured by a mysterious individual, he could not ignore it.
The Li Emperor also wished to know who dared to disregard royal authority and attack a prince.
Feng Tongtong's beautiful eyes, visible beyond her veil, flashed with light. Without hesitation, she pointed at Feng Ninghe, "She knows who attacked the First Prince but refuses to tell the truth. It is likely that this matter is also connected to her, perhaps she instigated it!"
Baili Ye nodded repeatedly beside her, his face pale. Without thinking, he said, "I have seen her wandering the streets with the masked man multiple times, and they had a child with them. That child bumped into me, and Feng Ninghe even attacked me fiercely on behalf of that child!"
Seizing the opportunity to speak, Baili Ye paid no heed to anything else, twisting the truth and embellishing his accusations against Feng Ninghe.
His words were pointed directly at Feng Ninghe. Her face, as fair as jade, remained composed, her phoenix eyes slightly lowered, as if she were an uninvolved bystander.
"Reporting to the Li Emperor, this humble subject truly does not know who the masked man is."
Feng Ninghe stood up and stepped forward, her graceful figure standing with composure. "I have only met the masked man a few times. He came to seek out Immortal Xu to refine pills. I truly do not know his specific identity. He wears a mask all day, so I cannot see his face clearly."
Her acquaintance with Si Jianye was indeed due to a transaction.
However, Si Jianye had come to her for medicine refinement, not Elder Xu.
Her strong and resolute female voice was inexplicably convincing.
Old Man Xu's mouth twitched violently. Feng Ninghe had pulled him into the matter with just a few words.
He stroked his goatee with feigned profundity and said with conviction, "What my disciple says is the truth. The masked man paid a generous reward for me to refine pills for him, so I complied. This person appears and disappears without a trace; even I do not know his identity."
Si Jianye's identity was not something everyone was privy to. This person must not want to reveal his identity, hence the mask.
It was better to have fewer troubles than more. Old Man Xu did not wish to provoke this demon king, so he pretended to be ignorant.
Old Man Xu's words also lent more credibility.
Not everyone could enlist the help of Immortal Xu. He also never asked for reasons and did not pry. As long as something piqued his interest, he would act.
"That's a lie!"
Feng Tongtong was the first to jump out in refutation, saying somewhat anxiously, "Feng Ninghe is Immortal Xu's disciple. It is natural for a master to protect his disciple. Who knows if she is lying!"
Bai Niannian grumbled, "If Sister Ninghe wanted to act, why would she do it sneakily? Her style of conduct would let everyone know!"
Feng Ninghe had publicly whipped Baili Ye and disciplined Feng Tongtong in broad daylight, unafraid of offending the royal family.
Such a person, even if she were to act, would do so openly and honorably.
"Miss Bai speaks wisely. Feng Ninghe dared to publicly whip the First Prince, so what else is there to fear? If she wanted to act, she would have done so already, why wait until now?"
"I was at the First Prince's mansion that day and personally witnessed Feng Ninghe's decisive actions. Someone like that would have acted on that day if she intended to..."
The cultivators murmured amongst themselves, also concluding that Feng Ninghe was innocent.
The shift in the situation made Baili Ye panic.
"Father Emperor, my right arm is injured. Everyone says this hand is beyond healing and will likely be crippled. If it weren't for Feng Ninghe, the second daughter of the Feng family, I wouldn't even be able to get out of bed now. This matter cannot be let go!"
As he spoke, Baili Ye used his good hand to lift his robe, revealing his heavily bandaged arm.
The Li Emperor's brows furrowed, his gaze fixed on him.
After a moment, the Li Emperor withdrew his gaze and sat down. "You will continue to investigate the masked man. I will also dispatch more men to assist you. Since this matter has nothing to do with Ninghe, then cease your accusations. I trust Ninghe."