"Guard brother, you escort this scoundrel back to the royal manor, the young lady and I will return immediately," said the maid.
The guard nodded, observing Feng Er Xian Sheng's increasingly grim expression. Miss Jiang had always treated them, the guards, very well. Now, facing such an incident, the guards were also enraged, their gazes towards Feng Er Xian Sheng sharp as knives.
"Feng Er Xian Sheng, let's go!" the guard said, his tone decidedly unpleasant.
Feng Er Xian Sheng's face darkened. He was being treated like a prisoner.
However, he knew he could only endure it for now, as the matter had not yet been clarified.
The Northern Border King's head ached. He had not expected so many troublesome affairs to unfold in just one morning.
Jiang Yu Li sat there, weeping bitterly. She had never imagined that a simple banquet would almost cost her her purity.
Feng Er Xian Sheng remained silent, unsure of what to say. He was still somewhat dazed.
He thought back carefully, trying to recall where the misstep might have occurred.
"Yu Li, stop crying. Go back to your room. Your elder brother will not let you suffer in vain," the Northern Border King said coldly.
Hearing this, Jiang Yu Li cried even harder. She no longer had any hope. She feared the Yan manor would already know. The thought made her weep more heartbrokenly.
"Xiao Huan, help your young lady back," the Northern Border King commanded coldly.
Xiao Huan stepped forward and said, "Miss, let's go. Don't delay the King's interrogation here."
Jiang Yu Li stood up and approached the Northern Border King, biting her lower lip. She bowed her head and said, "I hope elder brother will grant me justice."
After speaking, she walked out. As she passed Feng Er Xian Sheng, she glared at him fiercely.
Feng Er Xian Sheng looked up and saw the intense hatred in her eyes, which sent a shiver down his spine.
With Jiang Yu Li gone, the Northern Border King looked at him and said coldly, "Can Feng Er Xian Sheng give this King an explanation?"
Feng Er Xian Sheng closed his eyes and replied, "This old man truly had no intention of defiling Miss Jiang. This old man was also set up."
The Northern Border King stated, "I sent people to search secretly, and we found no aphrodisiac in the room you mentioned."
Feng Er Xian Sheng was taken aback. "Your Highness, you do not believe this old man?"
"This King is willing to believe Feng Er Xian Sheng, but what Feng Er Xian Sheng has said, this King has found no evidence of. How can this King believe Feng Er Xian Sheng?"
Feng Er Xian Sheng's brows furrowed slightly. "Your Highness, this old man suspects someone deliberately targeted me, with the aim of creating a rift between you and me."
The Northern Border King replied, "This King is also aware of that. Feng Er Xian Sheng, this King asks you, why were you going to the tea house?"
Feng Er Xian Sheng did not answer.
The Northern Border King sneered, "Feng Er Xian Sheng, even now, you will not speak?"
After a long pause, Feng Er Xian Sheng finally said, "A message came from the clan, instructing me to meet at the tea house."
"Did Feng Er Xian Sheng not suspect that someone might have faked the message?" the Northern Border King inquired.
Feng Er Xian Sheng shook his head. "That is impossible. Messages from my clan are delivered by specific individuals. No one can, or would, fake it."
The Northern Border King frowned. "May Feng Er Xian Sheng provide the message for this King to examine?"
Feng Er Xian Sheng nodded. "Naturally."
He took out a piece of paper from his embrace and handed it over. The Northern Border King accepted it; it was fine silk.
"It is made of specific silk. No one could have faked it," Feng Er Xian Sheng stated with certainty.
The Northern Border King frowned. The matter had become increasingly complex. Then, who exactly wanted to frame Feng Er Xian Sheng?
At that moment, Feng Er Xian Sheng added, "Your Highness, the purpose of this person is not only to create discord between you and this old man, but likely to have you eliminate this old man. Whoever benefits the most from this old man's demise would reveal the culprit."
The Northern Border King suddenly realized, "If that is the case, then naturally the Empress benefits the most."
Feng Er Xian Sheng nodded. "Indeed. Therefore, this old man must leave here quickly and return to the clan to explain this matter. If it is delayed, perhaps your eldest prince will also be suppressed."
"Good, hurry along then!" the Northern Border King said.
"What about Miss Jiang..." Feng Er Xian Sheng hesitated.
"Rest assured, this matter is in this King's hands. This King will ensure they remain silent," the Northern Border King replied.
Feng Er Xian Sheng bowed. "Thank you for your trust, Your Highness!"
"Miss, the King has released Feng Er Xian Sheng!" Xiao Huan exclaimed indignantly.
Jiang Yu Li looked at her reflection in the bronze mirror. "Your elder brother's grand ambitions are paramount. He will not jeopardize them for just one person."
She understood this clearly and knew that no one would champion her cause. She had not expected anyone to.
"Miss..." Xiao Huan said with a look of distress.
Jiang Yu Li smiled. "It's alright. I'm used to it."
Used to being ignored, to not being valued.
"How could the King treat Miss like this?" Xiao Huan said indignantly.
Jiang Yu Li merely smiled. "I am living under someone else's roof. Why should I make myself unhappy? Xiao Huan, you should change your temper."
"This servant... this servant is merely speaking up for Miss," Xiao Huan said with a tearful face.
"There is no 'speaking up.' I am accustomed to it," Jiang Yu Li said, lowering her gaze.
Since arriving at the Northern Border King's manor, she had been prepared. Did the Northern Border King not allow her to return home with the intention of using her marriage to further his plans? It was highly probable that he intended to win over Prince Yun Duan Hai of An Cheng.
However, Yun Duan Hai had not responded to the matter, and it was dropped.
"Miss... are you just going to let that scoundrel go unpunished?" Xiao Huan was so angry she almost stomped her foot.
Jiang Yu Li suddenly raised her head. On her beautiful face in the bronze mirror, her eyes now held a deep, secluded glow. "Perhaps."
"Miss..."
"You may leave. I wish to be alone," Jiang Yu Li said.
Xiao Huan looked at her cold expression and could only curtsy and withdraw.
Closing the door, Xiao Huan's expression changed.
Jiang Yu Li rummaged through the bottom layer of her jewelry box and found a dagger. She touched it, then quickly put it back.
Yan Manor
Wen Yu Xi looked at the freshly arrived message and said, "It's done."
Xue Zi Xuan leaned closer and couldn't help but ask, "Wen Yu Xi, I've always wanted to ask you, do you have people in the Northern Border King's manor?"
Wen Yu Xi was startled. "What makes Young Prince say that?"
Xue Zi Xuan smiled. "It feels like some things happened at just the right moment."
"Then perhaps it is as you think," Wen Yu Xi replied with a smile.
"What do you plan to do next?" Xue Zi Xuan asked.
"Heaven's secrets cannot be revealed," Wen Yu Xi said mysteriously.
Xue Zi Xuan's mouth twitched. "What can't be said?"
"I fear if I say it, it won't work."
Xue Zi Xuan looked at Wen Yu Xi, helpless. "What do you mean 'work' or 'not work'? Or perhaps you don't know what to do next?"
Wen Yu Xi said, "I am waiting..."
"Waiting for what?"
"Waiting for the person who makes the move," Wen Yu Xi said slowly.