Zhang Quan supported Emperor Qizhen as they slowly left the Ministry of Justice hall.

After they departed, Jing Yi released the hostility he had been suppressing, glaring furiously at Jingrong.

He demanded, “You calculated this step all along, knowing Father Emperor would come.”

Jingrong replied dismissively, “You’re overthinking it.”

“Whether I’m overthinking it or not, you know clearly in your heart.” A chilling murderous intent flashed through his sinister gaze. “The one who laughs last is the true winner!”

His response was met only with Jingrong’s indifferent expression.

He then glared viciously at Wen Shisan beside him. “This prince calculated everything, yet unexpectedly forgot about you.”

“I merely discussed the facts.”

“What fine words—’merely discussed the facts.'”

He snorted coldly!

With a sweep of his wide sleeves, he left in anger.

Ji Yunshu moved before Wen Shisan, pressing her lips together. “Thank you.”

Wen Shisan smiled. “Thanks? Why thank me?”

He was clearly asking despite knowing the answer.

“Thank you for writing that case report.”

“Oh? That case report nearly cost Zhang Daqi his life. Why thank me?”

Others might not understand, but Ji Yunshu knew. “That case report was indeed beautifully written, but precisely because it was too beautiful, it was full of errors. Although you seized upon the point that Zhang Daqi’s severed tongue prevented him from speaking and covered all the details, once a single doubt was discovered, your case report became worthless paper. You must have determined I would find evidence, and calculated that Zhang Daqi wouldn’t die. Combined with what you just said before the Emperor, which caused Prince Yi to lose badly—by rights, I should naturally thank you.”

Wen Shisan seemed somewhat unappreciative. “I wasn’t helping you, nor am I a chess piece you planted beside Prince Yi. I simply couldn’t tolerate Prince Yi’s conduct. Although I want to defeat you, not through such methods—I want to win openly and honestly. I know I truly did many wrong things before. Fortunately… you scolded me awake and exposed my faults. I hope that one day, I can compete with you properly and honorably.”

Revealing a frank and proud demeanor!

“There will surely be such an opportunity.” Ji Yunshu worried again. “But what are your plans going forward? You turned your weapon against Prince Yi—he won’t let you off easily. I fear…”

She didn’t continue.

Wen Shisan showed no fear. “Since I chose this path, I naturally thought of an escape route.”

Jingrong warned, “If Jing Yi is determined to take your life, no matter how well you hide, you won’t be able to conceal yourself.”

He smiled, extremely carefree. “Then when water comes, I’ll block it with earth. When soldiers come, I’ll meet them with generals.”

“If you need help, just say the word. This prince can ensure you leave the capital safely.”

“Thank you for Prince Rong’s kind intentions. I appreciate the thought, but my departure from the capital is already arranged.”

Jingrong nodded and didn’t press further.

Wen Shisan’s eyes grew slightly heavy as he looked at Ji Yunshu, the corners of his mouth lifting into a smile. “I also said before—once a teacher, always a teacher. No matter when or where, you are my master. But this disciple has been inadequate, even violating his master’s teachings, abandoning righteousness for fame and profit. If I truly suffer retribution, it will be self-inflicted. I only hope Master can forgive Zhou San.”

He lowered his eyes and bowed in respect.

Ji Yunshu drew a breath and lifted his arm up.

Simply saying, “Hurry and leave the capital.”

He nodded and paused for a moment.

“Farewell.”

Turning around, that proud and upright figure left the Ministry of Justice hall.

Still carrying his unique bearing.

Gradually disappearing into the distance…

Ji Yunshu and Jingrong’s eyes met.

She said, “I fear this capital will not remain peaceful.”

Jingrong curved his lips. “That day must come eventually.”

…

On his way back to the manor, Jing Yi couldn’t swallow the breath stuck in his throat.

He said to Dou Quan, “Those who betray this prince cannot be kept.”

“This subordinate understands.”

Just as he returned to the manor, someone came rushing to report urgently.

“Your Highness, it’s… terrible! The young heir… is gone!”

“What did you say?”

“The young heir couldn’t be saved.”

Like five thunderbolts striking overhead, heavily smashing down on him.

He froze for a moment, then quickly rushed to Chen Xiang’s courtyard.

The maids and servants in the room knelt fearfully all over the floor.

In the inner chamber, Chen Xiang lay in bed covered in sweat, her hair disheveled, her face pale as paper, blood visible below her body, staining the bedsheets and quilt red.

She lay there motionless, her bloodshot eyes staring blankly at the bed canopy above.

Like a dead person.

When Jing Yi entered, his whole body trembled.

The physician immediately knelt on the ground, crying repeatedly, “Your Highness, spare my life! Your Highness, spare my life…”

Jing Yi’s steps moved with difficulty to the bedside. Without looking sideways, he waved his hand once.

The physician was immediately dragged out.

“Your Highness, Your Highness, spare my life…”

The utterly miserable pleas for mercy could still be heard from afar.

Jing Yi looked at the bloodstained quilt beneath Chen Xiang, his trembling hands grasping hers.

His fingertips turning slightly white.

Chen Xiang’s eyeballs moved, looking at him. Tears flowed out, her lips trembling as she said weakly, “The child… is gone. Our child… is gone.”

“…”

“Why? Why…”

She asked over and over again.

Her voice desolate.

Jing Yi’s eyes were bloodshot, murderous intent raging between his brows…

On the other side, outside Ji Muqing’s courtyard.

Ever since Cailan followed Chen Xiang, she had almost completely forgotten her former master, Ji Muqing. Now, she paced at the entrance for a long while. Gathering her courage, she finally entered.

Several maids in the courtyard saw her arrive. “Cailan? Why aren’t you with the Secondary Princess Consort?”

She glanced into the room. “Is the Princess Consort inside?”

“Yes.”

She entered the room.

Inside, Ji Muqing was like a prisoner, watched closely every day. Since she sneaked out last time, Chen Xiang had added two more people to the courtyard to watch her every step.

She stood before the window, holding a tree branch in her hand, foolishly plucking the leaves from it.

With each leaf she plucked, she murmured “one,” “two,” “one,” “two”…

Repeating endlessly.

Completely devoid of the arrogant bearing of a legitimate daughter!

Cailan told the people in the room, “I have something to discuss with the Princess Consort. You should all leave first.”

A maid said, “But the Secondary Princess Consort ordered us to watch the Princess Consort closely, never leaving her side.”

“The Princess Consort is in this room and can’t go anywhere. You guarding outside is the same.”

The several maids thought about it but didn’t move.

Cailan then slipped them some broken silver, and only then were they willing to leave.

After everyone left, Cailan walked to Ji Muqing’s side, tears brimming in her eyes, and called out chokingly, “Miss.”

Ji Muqing seemed not to hear and continued plucking the leaves in her hand.

“One, two, one, two…”

“Miss.” Cailan grasped her hand. “Miss, it’s me, Cailan!”

Only then did Ji Muqing slowly stop her movements, turning her eyes to look at her, tilting her head, examining carefully.

Then, she smiled coldly and pushed her away with one motion. “Cailan? What are you doing here?”