The emperor's decree soon arrived.
The Qin family's treason was an unforgivable offense, and confiscation of property and execution were only fitting. However, regarding the First Prince's rebellion, there was no direct evidence. Moreover, considering his tireless service attending the emperor, he was exempted from house arrest and reinstated to his princely title.
The emperor, moved by his filial piety, even bestowed upon him the posthumous title "Shun," signifying "utmost filial devotion and dedicated service."
While this decree appeared to be filled with immense favor, it was, in fact, conveying to everyone that Ye Tingzhu's acquittal was purely due to the emperor's valuing of father-son affection.
Even with the restoration of his former glory, the Qin family's treason remained an undeniable fact.
As for the Empress, there was even less to be said. With just one person, Su Xi, she could lose all favor.
Therefore, although the emperor withdrew her house arrest, the authority over the six palaces remained with Consort Li and Consort Rong, and was not returned.
Feng Yinwan quietly snuck into Changle Palace just as the guards were bringing back Qin Rulian, who had been tortured to the brink of death.
Originally, having been reduced to the status of a slave and then defiled, her body was considered too unclean to remain in the palace.
It was heard that the Empress had specifically pleaded with the emperor, using the reason of "deep affection and being a collateral branch of the Qin family" to have her remain.
Feng Yinwan, concealed in the shadows, observed the entire procession but found no abnormalities. The Empress was also as she was before, without the eerie sensation from that night.
As it was inconvenient to act openly during the day, she subtly lowered her eyebrows and retreated for the time being.
The moment her form landed within the Kyushu Fragrant Pavilion, she sensed a figure inside the hall.
Earlier, all the palace attendants here had been completely withdrawn by Ye Tinglan, so at this moment, there should be no one else besides her.
Her gaze fell upon the blurry and somewhat furtive figure in the hall, and a sense of alertness surged within Feng Yinwan. Almost instantly, her fingertips pressed against a silver needle.
She possessed internal energy, so her breathing was naturally very light. The person in the hall, however, had scattered breaths and didn't seem to possess any martial arts skills.
She approached silently, only to find that the person seemed to be rummaging for something in the hall. Feng Yinwan's eyes sharpened, and she directly broke into the room.
Her movements were exceptionally swift. Before the person could react, she had already subdued them.
As the cold, hard needle point pressed against their skin, the person trembled and let out a pig-like scream.
"Good… good sir, spare me!"
The voice was somewhat familiar.
Feng Yinwan frowned, her fingertips instinctively pausing.
Looking down, she saw a very round back of a head facing her. The jade crown adorning that head was, annoyingly, somewhat familiar.
While she was deep in thought, the person beneath her hand regained their senses.
Struggling forcefully, they simultaneously issued threats and attempted to escape her grasp.
"Bold rebel, do you know my identity!"
"I am the most valiant Prince Yun in this palace! If you know what's good for you, release me quickly, or I'll unleash my signature technique, the Divine Might Turtle Fist, and I'll beat you until you howl like ghosts and crawl on the ground!"
Ye Tingyun, believing his shouts were imposing enough to psychologically deter the other party, spoke with all his might.
Unexpectedly, after hearing his words, the person behind him let out a cold, disdainful snort, even shifting their body, allowing him to feel their mockery without needing to look back.
His pride severely wounded, he knitted his brows, instantly becoming indignant.
"What are you laughing at! Don't let my restrained appearance fool you, I don't hold back when I fight!"
"The reason I'm not fighting back and am currently pinned to the ground is not because I can't win, but because I am magnanimous and am giving you a chance to repent!"
"Don't be ungrateful, release me quickly!"
He was pressed to the ground, his handsome and tender face pressed firmly against the floor. Yet, he strained with all his might, his mouth proving more stubborn than a duck's.
Feng Yinwan found it amusing. She slightly composed herself, and the silver needle at his nape applied a bit more force.
As if divinely inspired, Ye Tingyun immediately stopped struggling.
Feng Yinwan glanced at him, her delicate brows raised.
This fellow was surprisingly cooperative.
Glancing at the few places he had rummaged through in the hall, she opened her lips, about to question his intentions.
Unexpectedly, he suddenly grabbed her arm. Ye Tingyun then broke free from her restraint, twisted his head, and with a reach, yanked off her veil.
Everything happened so suddenly that for a few seconds, they simply stared at each other, neither of them reacting.
Ye Tingyun came to his senses, his expression stiffening, and was the first to exclaim in shock.
"How… how is it you!"
This woman wasn't dead?
No, that's not right. Third Brother cherished her so much, how could he bear to let her die.
Could it be… she had been secretly hiding here all along?
Feng Yinwan had also not expected him to suddenly do this without her guard up.
Her beautiful eyes fixed on him, narrowing slightly with displeasure. Seeing this, Ye Tingyun immediately pleaded for mercy.
"Hey— Don't be rash, don't be rash! I didn't see anything, alright? I don't know anything!"
He squinted, deceiving himself. Feng Yinwan gave him a cool glance and then, letting go, asked,
"What were you looking for just now?"
In broad daylight, this young man was acting suspiciously behind a closed door, searching for something. She certainly didn't believe he was looking for nothing.
However, she had lived in Ye Tinglan's chambers for several days without discovering anything unusual. Had Ye Tingyun come here because he had received some new information?
She pondered inwardly, her mind already conjuring the outline of some earth-shattering secret. Unexpectedly, the young man looked up at her, scratched his head, and smiled sheepishly.
"Nothing… nothing, you saw wrong. I was just dusting!"
Still trying to hide it from her?
Feng Yinwan's gaze swept over the dust smudged on his cheeks, and she curled her lips coldly.
"Prince Yun's method of dusting is quite unique."
Ye Tingyun pouted, thinking to himself that it was because you pinned me to the ground, but he dared not say it. Moreover, Feng Yinwan's gaze had already turned sharp again.
"Speak!"
Ahhh, this woman is so scary!
"I really wasn't looking for anything. I… alright, I was looking for a letter Third Brother left me."
He mumbled in a low voice, yielding to Feng Yinwan's intimidating presence.
Upon hearing this, Feng Yinwan's brows furrowed even tighter. "What letter did he leave you?"
For him to search so diligently, the letter must be extremely important.
Ye Tingyun grew angry.
Isn't this forcing him to his death! Stop asking!
But reality was harsh. He dared to be angry but not to speak. Under Feng Yinwan's stern gaze, he appeared utterly defeated.
"Oh, it's a letter explaining those things…"
He refused to believe his Third Brother could be so heartless as to reveal nothing to him. He must have left him a letter!
Feng Yinwan was caught off guard, her lips twitching slightly. She asked him again,
"Did you find it?"
Ye Tingyun: "!!!"
Isn't it that she absolutely had to make him say the words "Third Brother doesn't care about me"?
Does this woman have no heart!
Hate people who lack boundaries!