"Did no one ever suspect why Su Zhan, facing such immense pressure, never revealed the instigator behind him, Prince Beijin? How could a monk who had been ordained for years get involved in these matters back then? Was it truly all for the sake of love?"
Mu Qingyao's questioning stunned everyone, from the Emperor to the three individuals below the throne. For a long time, no one dared to speak. Finally, Prince Nan'an couldn't help but interject, "Does the Empress mean that Prince Beijin is, in fact, the offspring of that monk and the Empress Dowager?"
As these words were spoken, it was like a bolt of lightning striking from the heavens, leaving everyone dazed and speechless. Only then did the Empress slowly speak:
"I have been pondering this question recently. Why did the late Emperor, on his deathbed, tell the Emperor that Empress Li was killed by the current Empress Dowager? A dying person's words are often truthful. Why would he do this? It signifies great resentment. He must have discovered this matter in the end, thus harboring resentment. This also explains why Su Zhan, despite his pain, could persevere when his entire family of one hundred and eight was executed. It's because Prince Beijin is his biological son, and he couldn't bear to hand over his own son."
The great hall was silent, utterly still, as if frozen in time.
Finally, the Emperor's pupils flickered. If Prince Beijin were not truly the late Emperor's bloodline, things would be much simpler. However, this was merely the Empress's speculation. The Emperor's gaze, filled with shifting light, swept down to the officials. "Prince Nan'an, proceed immediately to the Ministry of Justice prison and conduct a blood kinship test with Prince Beijin."
Approaching the Empress Dowager about such a matter would yield nothing but denial. Moreover, that woman was now mad, and her words were not to be believed. Only irrefutable evidence could ascertain the truth.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I obey your command."
Prince Nan'an withdrew. The Left Prime Minister Mu Hen and the Grand Censor, two elder officials, still found it difficult to believe, unable to process such a reality. They both stared at the Empress on her throne, marveling at her audacity to even conceive such a thought and articulate it so convincingly.
Mu Qingyao did not consider her ideas to be so earth-shattering. In ancient times, the royal bloodline was of paramount importance. If Prince Beijin's royal bloodline could be disproven, then there would be no chaos. On the contrary, people would likely sympathize with the Emperor and condemn Prince Beijin.
"Your Majesty can have Eunuch Li, the personal eunuch of the Empress Dowager of Guangyang Palace, serve as a witness to prove Prince Beijin's rebellion. Coupled with the fact that he is not of the royal bloodline, I believe these rumors will be dispelled. Furthermore, the case should be concluded as soon as possible."
After Mu Qingyao finished speaking, she saw her father and the Grand Censor below practically gasp, showing a hint of pity.
These ancient people were too easily frightened. It was perfectly normal for imperial bloodlines to be impure. The Emperor had so many consorts, and yet he wouldn't utilize them. Must those women live as widows?
"Very well, proceed according to the Empress's plan. Once Prince Nan'an's news arrives, we shall make the final decision."
The Emperor's decree settled the matter. Although he too was shocked by such a revelation, resolving the rumors was the most important thing.
He wondered why Yao'er dared to think so boldly. This unconventional idea – who had planted it in her mind? Seeing the Prime Minister's ashen face, the Emperor's dark pupils deepened, unfathomable.
"Your ministers take our leave."
The Prime Minister and the Grand Censor bowed and withdrew. The hall fell silent. A smile then graced the Emperor's handsome face as he sat on his throne, his expression as soft and warm as if illuminated by pearlescent light.
"Thank you, Yao'er, for resolving this crisis for me."
Seeing his smile, Mu Qingyao's mind inexplicably drifted back to what had happened that night, and she let out a cold snort.
"I simply couldn't bear to see Xian Yue in distress or my father in a difficult position. This seems to have nothing to do with Your Majesty."
With that, she stood up and began to walk down from the hall. Murong Liu Zun's hand stretched out, but he missed.
Just then, Ah Jiu entered with a young eunuch. He first glanced at Mu Qingyao, then looked up at the Emperor. "Your Majesty, Ximen Xinyue requests an audience?"
"What does she want?"
The Emperor, having just been rebuffed, was in a foul mood. He frowned coldly, his voice sharp and frigid. Seeing the Emperor displeased, Ah Jiu quickly replied.
"She has been beaten."
"Beaten?" The Emperor showed a flicker of curiosity. This was the imperial palace. How could Ximen Xinyue be beaten within these deep walls? It was indeed peculiar. He waved his hand, ordering Ah Jiu, "Let her in. I want to see who dared to hit her."
"Yes, Your Majesty." After speaking, Ah Jiu cast another glance at the Empress. Mu Qingyao stopped her movement and remained standing in the hall, exuding an aura of icy elegance, her entire being radiating a sharp, captivating beauty that drew the eye.
Seeing her standing in the hall, the Emperor's eyes flickered with understanding. The person who had been preparing to leave paused again. It seemed there was a hidden motive behind Ximen Xinyue being beaten. He wanted to see why the Empress had ordered Ximen Xinyue to be struck.
Ximen Xinyue followed Ah Jiu in. Upon lifting her head, she saw the Empress standing gracefully in the center of the hall, her face stern as she cast a cold gaze upon her. Startled, she quickly averted her eyes and knelt to greet the Emperor. She had never imagined the Empress would be present.
"Xinyue greets Your Majesty, the Empress."
On Ximen Xinyue's delicate, flower-like face, her eyes and half of her cheek were swollen and red, indicating a severe injury. At first glance, it appeared she had been beaten quite badly.
The Emperor, naturally, would not diminish the merits of General Ximen, who had made significant contributions in the case of Prince Beijin. Therefore, he slowly asked, "Ximen Xinyue, what is the matter with the injuries on your face?"
"Replying to Your Majesty, it was, it was..." As she spoke, she cast a soft, pleading glance at Mu Qingyao and quickly lowered her head, seemingly fearful of the Empress. Finally, she gritted her teeth and said, "It was someone from the Empress's palace who inexplicably beat me. Xinyue does not know what wrong she committed."
Mu Qingyao walked before Ximen Xinyue, looking down at her from a commanding height, and spoke coldly:
"Do you truly not know? You, a mere candidate for the harem, dared to privately interact with a eunuch in the harem. Tell me, what kind of person are you?"
Mu Qingyao spoke icily. Since she enjoyed playing the pitiable victim before the Emperor, she assumed she wouldn't resort to physical violence. Therefore, she wondered how long she could maintain her act, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Mu Qingyao abruptly grabbed Ximen Xinyue by the collar of her robe, raised her other hand swiftly, and with a sharp crack, delivered another slap.
The eunuchs and palace maids in the hall were stunned. The Empress was usually aloof and imposing, but rarely angered. To think she would slap Ximen Xinyue today!
The Emperor on his throne was also taken aback. His dark pupils were as deep as the abyss, his thoughts completely inscrutable.
"This slap is to even things out a bit. And it's not that I wanted to hit you, but I'm hitting you on behalf of the innocent people of the Su family." With that, she suddenly released her grip, stood up, and calmly clapped her hands as if her hands were dirty. Then, with an elegant smile, she said, "There, now you can go cry to the Emperor."