Only when they reached the wide and even square in front of the main hall did Ye Jiao finally release Liu Yan's arm. She gently instructed Ye Changgen,"Escort Magistrate Liu back to his residence.""No, no need," Liu Yan replied, unaccustomed to such considerate treatment. "I can manage on my own, truly."Ye Jiao smiled without a word. The ever-enthusiastic Ye Changgen firmly supported Liu Yan and guided him away. He carefully matched Liu Yan's small, cautious steps, as though guarding a toddler taking his first walk, terrified that any misstep might cause harm.
Aside from them, Lin Jing also descended the steps. His injuries were grave, and each step was painfully slow. Ye Jiao waited patiently for him to approach, then reached into her sleeve and handed him a bronze token."The Duke An's carriage awaits outside the palace," she said softly. "The driver is a limping man named Feng Jie. Show him this token and he'll take you home to recover. The physician has already been summoned and awaits your return.""I… I'm sorry…" Lin Jing, his hands encrusted with dried blood, clutched the token tightly and lowered his head. "It was my incompetence that burdened the Marquis. I deserve a thousand deaths."
He had always known his status was humble, but today in court, he realized he was not merely low-born—he was utterly insignificant. The imperial guards stood imposing, the ministers exuded dignified authority, and as for the emperor upon the throne—there were no words to describe the awe and dread he inspired, compelling one to worship and tremble. Only Lin Jing, knelt upon the cold floor of the Xuan Zheng Hall, powerless as he listened to slanderous accusations, watching Ye Jiao fall into peril, yet unable to speak in her defense. His past had become the snare used to trap Ye Jiao, and his present self—was nothing more than the dust beneath the feet of these powerful men.
Ye Jiao saw the turmoil on his face and gently consoled him,"You mustn't dwell in guilt. Do you still remember what I once told you?""I do," Lin Jing answered at once. "Do your duty with diligence, and live with integrity."Ye Jiao raised her hand and patted his shoulder."People are born unequal, but only those who live with integrity earn respect. Only by doing your duty well can one carve out a path forward. You've made mistakes in the past—punishment is necessary. But since you've endured such torment this time, I'll discuss with the Magistrate and consider the matter settled. I'll have you remain at the Wuhou Post. How does that sound?"
Lin Jing hadn't dared hope he could stay after all that had happened. He stared in disbelief, his mouth agape, and only after a long pause did he remember to kneel in thanks—but Ye Jiao pulled him up."Don't wear that self-loathing look. You withstood torture and remained true to your heart. That already makes you stronger than many of those courtly officials."Tears welled in Lin Jing's eyes. He bit his lip in silence, overwhelmed by shame, sorrow, and a fragile, almost unbearable sense of gratitude."Go and have your injuries tended to," Ye Jiao said, glancing toward the palace gates. "Yesterday, I sent money and provisions to your mother—there's no need to worry about her. If you return home now, it will only upset her further. Better to recover at the Duke's manor. I have over a hundred people there—it won't hurt to feed one more.""Yes," Lin Jing replied hoarsely, tears falling onto the polished stone tiles before the hall. From this day on, he would live cleanly and honorably."You've grown far too thin," Ye Jiao patted him again. "In the days ahead, you must eat well and regain your strength."
After sending off Liu Yan and Lin Jing, Ye Jiao still did not speak to Li Ce. Instead, she waved to Yan Congzheng, who stood tall by the palace gates, and gave him a polite salute. From the highest step, Yan Congzheng looked down and offered her a warm smile, patting the broadsword at his waist to signal his inability to speak. Ye Jiao made an "I understand" gesture and mouthed,"Treat you to a meal!"Yan Congzheng mimed raising a wine cup, and Ye Jiao countered with the gesture of a wine jar. He couldn't help but chuckle, yet remembering his post, he turned away quickly to suppress his expression.
This entire exchange played out before Li Ce's eyes. Watching Ye Jiao flirt so freely with another, the smile on his face stiffened. After a long while, Ye Jiao finally turned around and looked at Prince Chu, standing quietly in the distance. Li Ce forced a smile, his eyes reflecting both affection and disappointment—but mostly the lightness of a burden lifted.
Ye Jiao did not approach. From afar, she offered him a respectful bow."Thank you."
The tides of today's court had turned thanks entirely to Li Ce's knowledge of the Duke An's financial dealings."What was that, my lady? I didn't hear you!" Li Ce called out.You can joke and gesture with others—why be so reserved with me? I don't need subtlety. Yell if you must!
His voice was loud, like that of an old man shouting across a bustling alley. Startled, Ye Jiao glanced around. Several eunuchs and guards were already looking in their direction. She had no choice but to approach and hiss,"Stop causing a scene!"
Perhaps it was the faint intimacy hidden in her words, but Li Ce's face instantly flushed red. He straightened his posture and walked toward her silently.
"How did you know where the silver had gone?" Ye Jiao asked. "Don't tell me it was a coincidence in Ganzhou—too convenient, isn't it?"Li Ce admitted,"After our first meeting, I had Qingfeng look into your business dealings. One of your clerks in charge of logistics had a very loose tongue."
Ye Jiao nodded."Understood. I'll take care of it."
After this incident, the Duke An's estate would need a thorough internal audit. Any who couldn't keep their mouths shut would be swiftly dismissed.
"And… could you—" Li Ce watched her furrowed brow, his voice barely above a whisper, "could you ever forgive me?"
He had once rejected her in the Zichen Hall, but today in the Xuan Zheng Hall, he had declared his heart before the entire court. Li Ce felt no shame. As long as she was happy, it was all worth it.
"No," Ye Jiao replied, a mocking smile tugging at her lips."You think reading those letters aloud in court would earn you forgiveness? Who was it that said he'd fallen out of love, found me distasteful, and planned to have children with someone else?""I never said anything about having children!" Li Ce protested, cheeks burning. "How could I?"
Ye Jiao turned to leave but paused after a few steps, then turned back with a soft smile."Li Ce," her cheeks tinged pink like blossoming peach flowers, though her words were cold and haughty, "from this day forth, I won't be angry with you anymore. But I don't want to speak to you either. So… stay away from me."
With that, she made a face of disdain, skipped a few steps away, and then resumed a dignified pace as she walked toward the palace gates.
Li Ce remained where he was, feeling as though a bluebird had begun to flutter its wings against his heart—light and soft, each beat brushing his chest with joy, wrapping him in a haze of bliss.
She—she's not angry anymore?
She's not angry anymore!
Overcome with happiness, Li Ce strode out of the palace, eager to share the news with Li Jing, only to bump into one of Li Jing's advisors at the gate. The man immediately dropped to his knees.
"Your Highness, please save our prince! He's been missing from the estate for three days—no one knows where the imperial guards have taken him!"
Li Ce stopped in shock, the bluebird of joy vanishing, replaced by a mountain crashing into his heart.
He went to see the Empress. Yan Congzheng had told him it was by her order that Li Jing was taken.
Fortunately, Li Ce had not yet left the palace. He submitted a formal request for audience, and once approved, was allowed into her presence.
Seeing Li Ce, the Empress's face filled with maternal concern."Prince Chu, you've returned? After such a long journey, why not rest? Why trouble yourself to pay respects so soon? Your mother is not so aged that she needs her children watching over her day and night."
The room was warmed by the underground heating system. The Empress, radiant and majestic, reclined on the phoenix couch, the very embodiment of grace.
Li Ce wasted no time and asked directly about Li Jing.
"Oh, him…" The Empress's elegant brows furrowed as she sighed."I won't lie to you. When he heard the Duke An was in trouble, he rushed to the palace in a panic. But would His Majesty allow him to cry and beg for mercy, and then grant favoritism? If Duke An is to clear his name, the trial must proceed justly and transparently. Don't you agree, Prince Chu?"