"Zhao Xin!"

"Zhao Xin!"

"Where is Zhao Xin?"

Zhao Ning's angry voice echoed in the Chongli Palace.

Zhao Xin was the middle-aged man he sent to secretly protect Ying Wuji. He was a high-level expert in the fourth stage of the Ling Tai realm. He was usually very reliable, but this time he made such a big mistake, how could she not be angry?

"Report to Your Highness! Zhao Xin and the Qian Kingdom supervisor were both injured by the Xuantie Gate explosion and have not regained consciousness yet!"

"Useless!"

Zhao Ning rarely cursed, but she also knew that it was not entirely Zhao Xin's fault. She had given him the order to only protect Ying Wuji's safety and not to do anything that could affect the Li Kingdom's situation. The incident happened suddenly, and he couldn't possibly know the specific situation. But it was already too late to remedy the situation after the Xuantie Gate fell.

But what should they do now?

Zhao Ning rubbed her head. Just when her mind was in chaos, a voice that made her even more troubled came.

"Your Highness! The Grand Minister of Justice, Wei Huan, is here with his wife to see Your Highness!"

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Wei Huan, the current head of the Wei family, was Luo Yan's uncle and Wei Teng's father. Coming to the Chongli Palace now, his purpose was already self-evident.

Zhao Ning gritted her teeth and said, "Let them in!"

Soon, a middle-aged man with white hair but a sharp spirit and a weeping noblewoman walked in together.

As soon as they reached Zhao Ning, the noblewoman knelt down directly and said, "I beg Your Highness to seek justice for my son!"

According to the Zhou Li, the noble families should not kneel when they meet the king. This kneeling clearly had a coercive meaning.

As Zhao Ning expected, this Lady Wei cried and shouted as if she was about to faint, but her thoughts were exceptionally clear. First, someone must be sabotaging this matter, and the mastermind behind it should be found and sentenced to death. Second, while Wei Teng was guilty, Ying Wuji's brutal methods of killing had already exceeded the laws of the Great Li. According to reason, he should also be sentenced to death.

Both of these viewpoints had some truth to them. The only problem was the sentencing of Ying Wuji. If Ying Wuji was just a noble of the Li Kingdom, he would definitely not be able to escape death. However, he was the prince of the Qian Kingdom, so there should still be room for maneuver.

Even if they could lighten the sentence due to the Qian-Li diplomatic relations, the consequences would still be unbearable for Ying Wuji.

In theory, considering the current situation of the Wei family, they definitely did not want to antagonize the Qian Kingdom. Moreover, Ying Wuji was also a victim to some extent, so they should focus on finding the mastermind behind the scenes from the overall situation.

But the problem was that Ying Wuji had killed twenty-seven people with his own strength, which showed his formidable power. He was not in a situation where killing was necessary, but he still chose to kill everyone.

This was the point that the Wei family could not accept. If they really swallowed their anger, the Wei family's reputation would be completely ruined. Even if Wei Huan could endure it, the tens of thousands of elite Weiwu troops in the Wei family's fiefdom could not.

But... when did Ying Wuji have such strength?

My dear Ying brother!

You really know how to give me a difficult problem!

Zhao Ning forced a smile and said, "Wei Qing, Lady Wei! This matter is of great importance. I am acting on behalf of His Majesty to govern, and I will definitely uphold justice! However, this matter is confusing, and the Flying Fish Guards are intensively investigating it. Wei Qing is also a pillar of the country. Both of you must not let personal emotions interfere with the bigger picture and your health!"

"Ah!"

Wei Huan sighed heavily, as if he had aged several years in an instant. He hadn't said a word since he entered, but now he finally spoke, "Your Highness! Teng'er is the son I love the most. His current disgrace is due to my poor upbringing! But Teng'er's mistakes do not deserve death. Please give me justice, Your Highness!"

Zhao Ning forced herself to say, "Wei Qing, rest assured, I will uphold justice!"

Wei Huan's expression became solemn, and he bowed deeply, "Then please, Your Highness, publicly try this case!"

This was his true purpose for coming this time.

Zhao Ning's expression slightly changed. The situation had developed too suddenly, and she had no time to react. From the current situation, she had no reason to refuse Wei Huan's request to publicly try the case.

But her plan was to fabricate a story to clear Ying Wuji of the charges and help him escape punishment.

Once the trial was made public, it would be difficult to use such methods. The Wei family was not a group of easy targets, especially Wei Teng, who was the most beloved son of Wei Huan and Lady Wei.

"Your Highness!"

Wei Huan bowed again, and his voice became even more desperate, "My son's body is now lying in the morgue of the Flying Fish Guards. I don't know when they will be able to sew his body back together. Can't Your Highness fulfill this small request?"

Zhao Ning remained silent for a few moments before nodding, "Then, as Wei Qing said, the case will be publicly tried within three days!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Wei Huan finally thanked her and left with his wife.

In the vast Chongli Palace, Zhao Ning remained silent for a long time. Until now, her mind was still in a daze.

It was already all she could do to strictly forbid anyone from using punishment on Ying Wuji and appoint Wu Shuangxu to be in charge. The Yang Zhu lineage seemed to be very interested in this Qian Kingdom hostage. With their methods, they should be able to help to some extent.

Sigh!

Ying brother!

Why are you doing this?

Zhao Ning sighed deeply and prepared to leave the Chongli Palace.

"Ning'er!"

"Mother!"

The Queen Consort approached, and Zhao Ning quickly saluted.

The Queen Consort also had a serious expression, "Where are you going?"

Zhao Ning said in a deep voice, "The Flying Fish Guards! This matter is full of strangeness and suspicion. If Ying Wuji's mind cannot be settled, the consequences will be very serious. I should ask for clarity."

"No, you can't!"The queen's response was resolute: "If this matter is related to the royal family, it would be understandable for you to intervene! But now, this matter concerns the Wei family and Kingdom Qian. As the crown prince, what you need most is fairness! When you go to see Ying Wuji, the murderer, in what capacity will you be prepared?"

"But the marriage alliance between Kingdom Qian and Kingdom Li..."

"But there is no marriage alliance yet!"

The queen's voice became colder: "You helped Ying Wuji in the matter at the bookstore before. If there is any bias now, it will easily expose your inner thoughts. Do you know what consequences that will bring?"

Zhao Ning fell silent.

The news of Ying Wuji obtaining the official seal was no longer a secret in Jiangcheng. It represented the rising status of this hostage for exchange. The marriage alliance between Kingdom Qian and Kingdom Li was something that the Wei and Han families least wanted to see, especially since Wei's territory was adjacent to Kingdom Qian.

The reason why the territory of Kingdom Li was still relatively stable was because the Zhao royal family did not show any signs of attacking them openly. But as long as the royal families of Kingdom Qian and Kingdom Li formed an alliance, it would be a threat openly displayed.

If it succeeded, then it would be fine, and the overall situation would be determined. Wei would have to endure it.

But if the intention was exposed and the alliance failed, then this move would truly be a stinking one.

The reason why Zhao Ning dared to have the idea of establishing the Great Li Academy was because of the confidence that Ying Wuji's proposal of a marriage alliance gave her.

Seeing Zhao Ning's silence, the queen's tone softened slightly: "This might be Ying Wuji's destined calamity. You have done everything you can. If he can't bear it, then let the matter of the marriage alliance between Kingdom Qian and Kingdom Li be forgotten!"

Zhao Ning took a deep breath: "Mother! No matter what the result is, I will protect Ying Wuji's life!"

The queen pondered for a long time, then nodded slightly: "After all, he is the prince of Kingdom Qian. The fact that Ying Thirteen is willing to intervene this time also shows Kingdom Qian's attitude. In the name of the diplomatic relations between Kingdom Qian and Kingdom Li, even if Wei Huan wants to kill him, he still needs to consider the weight of the Wei family. It is not impossible to protect his life!"

"Yes!"

Although Zhao Ning still felt frustrated, the tension in her heart finally eased a bit.

The queen gently patted her shoulder: "I know you appreciate Ying Wuji very much, but the embassy's affairs and the overall situation of Kingdom Li must not be influenced by personal feelings! Go back to Qingjiang and rest. I will handle this matter for you!"

Zhao Ning was stunned, knowing that the queen was afraid that she would act impulsively.

Perhaps...

She thought of Ying Wuji's appearance when discussing the current situation with her, and also thought of her own ambitious aspirations during these days.

Perhaps... she really would act impulsively.

But she still didn't want to: "Mother! Please let me handle this matter!"

The queen suddenly became angry: "Do you intend to hand over the stability of the previous kings to your impulsive thoughts? Your father made you the crown prince, and he made me the regent. Is it for me to sit back and watch you act foolishly?"

Zhao Ning fell silent for a long time. She had never seen her mother so determined before.

But upon careful consideration, if it was really like this, then she was not qualified enough to be the crown prince.

She gritted her teeth and bowed: "Then I will trouble you, Mother!"

After speaking, she turned around and left with difficulty.

...

Qingjiang Palace.

Li Caimei was tending to the plants in the courtyard, but she was not as focused as before, appearing somewhat absent-minded.

She glanced at the few winter melons hanging in the corner of the wall, then looked up at the setting sun gradually sinking, muttering discontentedly: "I thought he was an interesting person, but it turns out he's just a pigeon spirit. Boring!"

With that, she threw the vine in her hand aside and hummed a song as she returned to the study.

Although she was a little disappointed that Ying Wuji didn't come, his appearance this time gave her a song that she really liked.

She couldn't play it.

But she could hum it.

Just humming it lightly could make her mood much lighter.

"Creak!"

The courtyard door opened.

Li Caimei glanced outside and smiled as she asked, "The sun hasn't set yet, why did the crown prince come back? Has there been so little government affairs recently?"

"It's not that little!"

Zhao Ning smiled bitterly, casually found a chair and sat down, adding, "It's too much! The queen is afraid that I won't handle it well, so she asked me to come back and rest!"

Li Caimei was somewhat surprised: "Since you became the regent, you have been dealing with numerous government affairs without any mistakes. How could you suddenly be unable to handle it because there are too many?"

Zhao Ning opened her mouth to speak, hesitated, but always felt a sense of frustration in her chest. If she didn't say it, it would be too uncomfortable.

After hesitating for a moment, she finally spoke: "Ying Wuji has killed someone. Twenty-seven lives, including Wei Teng from the Wei family! He is currently being held by the Flying Fish Guards, I'm afraid..."

"What!"

Li Caimei's face changed drastically. So that's why he didn't come today! She quickly asked, "Why? Although Ying Wuji appears arrogant, there are traces to follow everywhere. He doesn't seem like a ruthless and reckless person. Why would he suddenly kill so many people?"

For a moment, her heart couldn't help but tighten.

Although she had only spent less than an hour with Ying Wuji, she also felt that such a person should not be trapped in such a quagmire.

Zhao Ning shook her head and explained the whole story.

Li Caimei listened, feeling a bit depressed: "It's indeed not very appropriate for the crown prince to intervene, but if the queen handles this matter, she will definitely do her best to protect the interests of the royal family. Do you really think you will act impulsively because of Ying Wuji?"

Zhao Ning nodded uncertainly: "Although I have only met Brother Ying a few times, I have always had a feeling that he is the person sent by heaven to help me break through the current situation. But... looking at the history books, how many talented and brilliant people have died under the struggle for power? Can one person really change the situation of the Great Li?"

If I were to ruin the stable situation that the previous kings had worked so hard to build just because of my intuition, how would I face the previous kings a hundred years later?"Li Caimei did not refute, because she knew that every Li king in the past had faced such a heavy historical burden. Otherwise, everyone would not be practicing the Blood Dyeing Secret Technique to suppress the domestic situation.

Although she and Zhao Ning were not a couple, she still knew this crown prince quite well. He was always cautious and careful like walking on thin ice.

But...

After pondering for a moment, she still asked, "What about the Great Li Academy? What about the reforms? Without the Qian-Li alliance, does Your Highness have the confidence to do these things?"

Zhao Ning was taken aback. Without the military deterrence of Kingdom Qian, would the Wei family allow the completion of the Great Li Academy?

Once Ying Wuji committed a crime, the best case scenario would be to send him back to Kingdom Qian. In that case, all the solutions she had come up with recently would be in vain.

Yes!

It could indeed maintain stability.

But only stability remained.

Zhao Ning looked at Li Caimei in surprise and asked, "You have never expressed your opinions on political matters before. Why today..."

Li Caimei smiled and said, "Over the years, Your Highness has treated me sincerely, even though you haven't let me leave the palace. How can I not share your worries?"

Zhao Ning couldn't help but ask, "I promised you that as long as you can secure the throne, I will set you free. If I do that, it will probably take many more years to secure the throne. Are you willing?"

Li Caimei shook her head and smiled, "Your Highness made such a promise because you didn't want to see a caged bird die in despair. I am advising Your Highness like this because I don't want to see two talented and ambitious young men bow their heads and become the bones of the dynasty!"

"This..."

Zhao Ning was deeply shocked. Li Caimei lived in the deep palace and would naturally not die in despair, but the bird that flew in her heart had already died.

If he chose to stabilize the situation, he would not have to bow his head and become the bones of the dynasty so quickly.

But there was only one Ying Wuji, only one hostage who was talented, had a high status, and wanted to form an alliance with Kingdom Li!

She had to consider whether this was the only opportunity in her life to break the deadlock of Kingdom Li.

But... Kingdom Li was not her own country alone. She hadn't even officially ascended the throne yet. Could she bear the consequences of failure?

For a while, her heart was in painful struggle.

Li Caimei took a deep breath and said, "Your Highness! It is not appropriate for you to come forward, just because you can't find a suitable reason. But I have been living in the deep palace, reading the Liao Zhai Zhi Yi and hearing the poem 'The Peacock Flies to the Southeast.' I feel quite sorry for this talented scholar. Your Highness favors me and allows me to go and take a look. It should be fine. If Your Highness has anything to say or wants to entrust to Ying Wuji, you can tell me."

Although the reason was a bit far-fetched, it was still acceptable.

Zhao Ning nodded and said, "Let's do as you said. When the situation becomes clearer, I will come up with a plan. I will trouble you then!"

"Okay!"

Li Caimei nodded and couldn't help but smile bitterly in her heart. She felt like she must be crazy.

After all, what Zhao Ning said was right. From her perspective, she should hope that Zhao Ning would consider the overall situation so that she could gain her freedom earlier.

But she had never been a rational person. The most rational decision she made once led her to the deep palace.

Being rational was so tiring, she didn't want to be rational.

She didn't want to see Zhao Ning become a mediocre person, and she didn't want to see Ying Wuji, who was so interesting, go to waste.

The sunset quickly set, and the courtyard was soon enveloped in darkness.

During this time, Zhao Ning had been looking out of the window, seemingly lost in thought.

At this moment, a voice came from outside the courtyard.

"Your Highness! Captain Chen Wei of the Flying Fish Guards requests an audience!"

"Let him in!"

In a short while, a middle-aged man wearing the Flying Fish Robe came forward and bowed, "Captain Chen Wei pays respects to Your Highness!"

Zhao Ning's expression turned cold and stern, "What's the matter? Speak quickly!"

For ordinary matters, the Flying Fish Guards would follow the normal reporting procedures.

Only in extremely urgent situations would they come directly to the Qingjiang Palace.

At this critical moment, besides Ying Wuji's matter, what else could it be?

Chen Wei quickly said, "Captain Wu has ordered a preliminary body examination. Before the results come out, no one except her can approach Ying Wuji. We all followed the order, but shortly after the examination started, Wei Meng led people to break into the headquarters of the Flying Fish Guards. Wei Meng said that he had invited a Soul Searching Master, and as long as he searched Ying Wuji's soul, the truth would be revealed immediately. He also said that this master mastered the Soul Capturing technique, one of the seventy-two techniques of Earth Sha. This soul searching would not cause any harm to Ying Wuji and would be a great help to us. He asked us to allow the soul searching."

"Soul searching!"

Zhao Ning stood up and his face became extremely ugly. "Outrageous! Does Wei Meng no longer regard our Zhao family as important? Even if he masters the Soul Capturing technique, one of the seventy-two techniques of Earth Sha, and it does not harm Ying Wuji, it is absolutely not a reason for soul searching. Soul searching can search all memories, equivalent to completely stripping a person naked and parading them in the streets, which is a great humiliation for anyone. This method is only used on extremely wicked criminals. Ying Wuji is the son of Kingdom Qian. Using this technique on him is no different from trampling on the dignity of the Qian royal family. Moreover, the Flying Fish Guards are directly under the Li king. For Wei Meng to forcefully break into the Flying Fish Guards is truly disrespectful."

Wei Meng was Wei Huan's eldest son and Wei Teng's older brother. It was understandable that he was angry.

But how could a noble family's scion make such a disrespectful move?

Did Wei Huan really condone him?

Zhao Ning asked sternly, "What is the current situation?"

Chen Wei hurriedly replied, "Wei Meng brought many people this time, otherwise they wouldn't have been able to break in. We naturally didn't allow it, and the two sides almost came to blows. Fortunately, the supervisor of the Qian embassy was present, and Captain Wu managed to barely stabilize the situation and sent me to report to Your Highness."

"Very well!"

Zhao Ning sneered. This matter was already complicated enough, but he didn't expect someone to make it even more complicated.She immediately stood up: "I, for one, am curious to see who the person behind the scenes really is this time!"

With that, she strode towards the courtyard.

Li Caimei hesitated for a moment, then quickly followed: "Your Highness! I'm coming too!"