In the second month, a fine drizzling rain fell densely, pattering continuously.

As night deepened, it transformed into heavy snowflakes, particle by particle, layering upon each other. In no time at all, the roof tiles and road surfaces were already covered in a blanket of white.

Under the eaves and beams, in that brightly lit room, white silk streamers hung from all four corners, fluttering wildly in the wind. Along with several white lanterns, they flickered dimly, alternating between bright and dark!

Corresponding with the white snow, the scene appeared particularly desolate.

Throughout the entire night, Wei Yi knelt in the mourning hall, his back still held ramrod straight, white paper money in his hands, occasionally scattering it into the fire basin.

It seemed he had cried for two days, and his tears had finally dried up.

Most of the Wei household servants knelt outside, draped in mourning clothes, their heads bound with white cloth, heads bowed, weeping mournfully.

As dawn barely broke, the Wei household’s funeral procession had already set out.

Wei Yi held two memorial tablets in his hands at the front of the procession. The white snow fell thickly, landing on his line of sight, melting into his dense eyelashes like crystal-clear water droplets that transformed to water and fell.

On his cheeks, one could not distinguish whether it was ice water or salty tears!

Behind him were two coffins covered with white cloth.

Eight people carried each coffin, the two proceeding together!

People on all sides held white spirit banners, scattering paper money, accompanied by the monks’ chanting for salvation, making their way to the auspicious burial ground.

Ji Yunshu only accompanied them halfway along this journey before stopping.

She merely watched the funeral procession ascend the mountain.

Jingrong silently remained by her side.

Following her line of sight, Jingrong inquired, “Are you truly not going to tell him? After all, they were his parents.”

She shook her head. “No need.”

In the end, she hoped she could protect Wei Yi, preserving that pure and clean nature of his heart forever.

Just as the two were turning back, Lang Bo approached hurriedly with several guards, his expression slightly tense.

“Your Highness, this is bad. Master Ji has brought people to make trouble at the yamen, insisting that Magistrate Liu release Ji Yuanzhi. Right now, he’s probably already gone to the prison.”

That old fox, he truly has audacity!

Jingrong grew slightly angry. “If he dares take the man away, this prince will personally sever his hand and foot tendons.”

Did you grow up eating fireballs?

So vicious!

Ji Yunshu moved her feet. “We cannot let my father take him out.”

Ji Yuanzhi being the murderer was already an established fact. If he were rescued now, who knew where her cunning, jackal-like father would hide him? Then wouldn’t this case become an unsolved mystery?

Thus quickening her pace, the group rushed to the prison.

At this moment, at the prison entrance, Ji Shuhan had already brought Ji Yuanzhi out!

The county magistrate and several jailers tried to stop them, but truly could not!

Because Ji Shuhan stood at the front, and though the jailers had drawn their blades, they dared not strike.

Though they dared not act, Jingrong dared.

Still forty meters from the prison gate, he reached back and drew the sword from Lang Bo’s hand, aimed at his target, and hurled it with all his might.

The sword hilt left his hand like an arrow released from its bow, cutting through a cold, sharp arc of white light, piercing through the falling white snow, striking accurately into the clothing at Ji Yuanzhi’s shoulder.

The sword’s force was tremendous. While lifting his clothing, it dragged his entire body backward several steps by inertia.

Then, the sword pinned him to the prison’s large wooden door.

If Jingrong’s aim had been off by even a fraction, this wretch would already be dead!

Everyone was stunned by this suddenly striking sword.

“Jailbreak, jailbreak, someone’s breaking into the jail!”

The county magistrate cried out, his body diving behind several jailers.

Truly afraid of death!

The jailers drew their blades, all turning toward the direction from which the sword had come.

Upon seeing that the culprit was Jingrong, they immediately wilted!

The county magistrate’s face showed even more embarrassment, his lips twitching.

When the people drew near, he stepped forward, cupping his hands. “So it’s Your Highness. This humble official thought…”

Jingrong raised his index and middle fingers together, cutting off the county magistrate’s words.

His face cold and stern, he looked at Ji Shuhan’s timid eyes.

He said, “It seems Master Ji truly does not regard this prince with any respect. This prince only sent Ji Yuanzhi to the yamen one day ago, and you’ve come storming the gate to take him. It truly is this prince who underestimated your audacity.”

Though these words seemed somewhat casual, they clearly carried the bearing of a prince, applying pressure from beneath the surface.

Ji Shuhan hastily said, “Your Highness, this humble official wouldn’t dare, it’s just…”

“Just what?”

“It’s just that my son did not commit murder at all. That girl hanged herself to death. This crime absolutely cannot fall upon his head. Your Highness is wise and discerning—please clarify this matter.”

Jingrong sneered coldly. “Forcing someone to their death, though it may not require paying with one’s life, the living crime cannot be escaped.”

“Yes, the evidence is conclusive and cannot be denied,” the county magistrate chimed in.

Now his confidence had returned.

After all, Jingrong was his lifeline!

First there was Madam Jiang, now there was Master Ji. Being an official like this was truly unlucky!

Yet Ji Shuhan’s face showed firm determination. This person, he must take away today.

Ji Yuanzhi, pinned to the door, showed a face covered in nervous sweat.

His eyes looked pleadingly at his father. “Father, you must save me!”

Hearing his son’s plea for help, Ji Shuhan’s brows hardened a few degrees. He raised his head to meet Jingrong’s gaze.

With a slightly aggressive tone, he said, “Your Highness, you should know that this humble official’s two sons are both important court ministers. One is the Left Director of the Linyi Army, one is the Changlin General personally appointed by His Majesty, both deeply valued by the court. Even if Your Highness does not consider this matter, should you not also consider the court and the state…”

“Insolent!”

The rebuke rang like thunder, terrifying to the ears.

Jingrong’s solemn face gradually darkened, those cold eyes blazing with flames, as if he would flay someone alive!

Until now, no one had ever dared threaten him like this.

Moreover, using the court and state to threaten him!

Was this an attempt at treason?

Even though Ji Yunshu stood behind him, she could feel his fury.

Ji Shuhan froze slightly, also realizing his words were inappropriate.

“Please forgive this transgression, Your Highness. This humble official only spoke the truth, with no intention of angering Your Highness.” His voice trembled slightly.

“Ji Shuhan, do you know that disaster comes from the mouth? You speak disrespectfully, even attempting to threaten this prince. Even if your Ji family produces talented people in abundance, do you think you can cover the sky with one hand? Shall I pin the crime of treason upon you?”

Treason?

This tall hat was one Ji Shuhan absolutely dared not wear.

“This humble official… this humble official absolutely does not mean that, Your Highness please discern clearly. This humble official is only worried about my son. He did not kill anyone. Even though that girl died when he was beside her, he should not be punished for it.”

“What about premeditated murder?”

A light sentence overflowed from Ji Yunshu’s mouth.

She stepped forward, her indifferent eyes meeting Ji Shuhan’s astonished gaze.

“Father.”

“…”

She called to him once, but it was ice cold.

Her indifferent eyes gradually became somewhat darker, the corners of her mouth pulling slightly. “I know well that our bodies and hair are received from our parents. I should have endured repeatedly, serving you until your natural end. But I was wrong.”

Those last four words were extremely cold!