Chapter 200 You killed someone, how are you going to explain this?
Chapter 200 You killed someone, how are you going to explain this?
However, Xie Wanru's nighttime intrusion into the imperial prison was eventually discovered by Emperor Qinyong, who immediately summoned her to the palace.
"Xie Wanru! I tolerate and pamper you because you are Xie Yun's daughter, but that doesn't mean you can run wild!"
Emperor Qinyong was furious that someone had actually committed murder right under his nose.
"Even if Xiao Yi is guilty, he can only be convicted after the Dali Temple has tried him. Now that the Northern Barbarian army is pressing in, we need him to clear things up. How will you explain killing him?"
He never imagined that Xiao Yi would be killed by Xie Wanru.
After all, on the surface, Xie Wanru and Xiao Yi have no connection.
"Your Majesty, I am willing to go to the northern border to defend our land with my father and brothers! The northern barbarians are wolves in sheep's clothing; there is no end to their concessions!"
Xie Wanru stood ramrod straight.
"My third brother is back. Some members of the Xie family are staying in Xuancheng. I'm going to the northern border. I want to join my father and brothers to win a great victory for the Great Zhou!"
Xie Wanru said firmly.
At this moment, Emperor Qinyong felt as if Xie Wanru was exactly like Xie Yun.
Emperor Qinyong had no choice but to have her taken away for a while; he needed to calm down.
“Your Majesty, Yongchang’s words are not without reason. Xiao Yi cannot be allowed to appear in the public eye. Letting him escape will only cause greater trouble. Now that he is dead, it will put an end to this matter.”
The Empress offered words of advice from the side.
"Your Majesty, I also want to go."
Prince Rui walked in from outside the door.
"I believe Xie Yun and his sons would never covet this position, but who can guarantee that Xie Wanru won't have such thoughts if she has a son with a member of the royal family?"
After all, who wouldn't be tempted if they had the means to compete for the throne? The Xie family is powerful, but they are ultimately subjects. Once Xie Wanru marries any prince and has a son, it would be perfectly legitimate for her to compete for the throne.
"So you can't go. I know what you're thinking."
"I am diligent and brave," Emperor Qinyong said coldly.
"Oh, Your Majesty, you already know. Then I'll speak frankly. You've been wary of the Xie family for so many years, trying to prevent them from threatening your throne and avoiding any marriage alliances between the royal family and the Xie family. Don't you think this is absurd?"
Prince Rui spoke without any regard for appearances, and Emperor Qinyong's expression was not very pleasant, but he still listened quietly.
“Long’er is about to become a father, yet you are still worried that someone will threaten Long’er’s path to succession. Your Majesty, don’t you think that’s a bit too much of an overreaction? If Long’er can’t even handle a newborn child, how can he hold onto the throne if you hand it over to him? If he is such a useless person, he won’t be able to hold onto the country either. But I don’t think he is a useless person.”
"Furthermore, isn't it enough that I haven't married all these years and have already missed the one I love? Your Majesty, you are the Emperor, but I am just an ordinary person. This time, I want to protect Wanwan. It doesn't matter if you disagree. I will not stay in Xuancheng. I want to fight alongside her."
After Prince Rui finished speaking, he strode out.
Emperor Qinyong was unable to calm down for a long time. His plans and concerns seemed worthless in front of his younger brother.
He knew his younger brother had no intention of disloyalty, but he was always worried that the Xie family's descendants would be instigated and that Long'er's position would be threatened in the future.
“Your Majesty, I think… what Prince Rui said makes sense. I know you love Long’er, but Long’er will eventually have to stand on his own. I believe that even if the things you are worried about happen, Long’er will be able to handle them.”
The Empress gently advised, as she truly did not want Xie Wanru to continue to suffer because of the royal family's arrangements.
If Prince Rui truly loves Wanwan, and Wanwan is willing to be with him, then let them be together. Years later, she will be able to face Xie Wanru's deceased mother with dignity.
Emperor Qinyong remained silent for a moment, then looked intently at the Empress, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. "Empress, do you know that the court and the harem are like a game of chess? One wrong move, and the whole game is lost. How could ordinary people understand my concerns? But you are right, Long'er is my eldest son, the Crown Prince of the Great Zhou. He should learn how to face the storms and how to stand firm in the vortex of power."
"As for the Xie family," Emperor Qinyong said slowly, "they have been loyal and virtuous for generations, and their achievements are outstanding, as I am well aware of. But the more so, the more cautious I must be, just in case. However, what Prince Rui said today has made me reflect. Perhaps I am being too cautious, which has tied the hands of too many people."
Seeing that the Emperor's expression had softened, the Empress felt somewhat relieved and continued, "Your Majesty, I have watched Wanwan grow up. She is strong-willed but also intelligent. If she and Prince Rui are truly in love, why not help them be together? This would fulfill Prince Rui's long-cherished wish and also allow the Xie family to feel the Emperor's great grace, making them even more loyal."
Emperor Qinyong sighed softly, seemingly making a difficult decision. "Fine, I will grant your request this time. But this matter must be handled with caution. We must consider the face of the royal family, but we must not hurt the Xie family's feelings. Issue an edict to summon Xie Wanru and Prince Rui to the palace. I want to hear their thoughts in person."
Upon hearing this, the Empress smiled with satisfaction and nodded gently. "Your Majesty is wise. This arrangement not only tests the sincerity of the two individuals but also demonstrates Your Majesty's magnanimity. It is truly a win-win situation."
That night, Emperor Qinyong sat alone in his study, gazing at the deep night outside the window, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew that as an emperor, every step he took had to be cautious, and every decision could affect the future of the Great Zhou Dynasty. But he also understood that a true emperor not only had to know how to weigh the pros and cons, but also had to learn to trust and let go.
However, Xie Wanru was unaware of Prince Rui's decision, and she would have to bear the consequences of her impulsive actions.
Moreover, her eldest brother, second brother, and father were all in the Northern Territory, so she had to go there as well.
Xie Wanru was packing her belongings in her boudoir, preparing to set off for the northern border that very day.
Her heart was filled with worry for her father and brothers, as well as her unwavering commitment to the greater good of the nation. Suddenly, a palace eunuch rushed in, summoning her to the palace immediately to meet the emperor.
Although Xie Wanru was uneasy, she knew that there was no time to hesitate. She quickly tidied her clothes and followed the eunuch into the palace.
Along the way, she wondered if the Emperor Qinyong had summoned her to punish her, but she also thought it was impossible.
After all, if someone is to be punished, it's not a matter of sending someone to invite her; it's more likely that someone will come to punish her.
Lost in thought the whole way, she finally arrived. She stepped into the main hall and saw the Diligent and Brave Emperor sitting on the dragon throne, his expression solemn yet dignified.
Prince Rui stood to one side, gazing tenderly at Xie Wanru, with the Crown Prince and Shen Cong'an also present.
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