Before Li Shimin could say anything, Jixiang already said, “Princess, have you forgotten how Princess Xin’an treated you before? This kind of person doesn’t deserve your kindness at all.”
Yunyi sighed softly, “There’s one thing she said that wasn’t wrong. No matter how bad things are between us, we did grow up together after all. I don’t want to be too ruthless.”
“Princess…” Jixiang still felt that Yunyi was being too merciful in this matter. She was about to persuade her further when Yunyi said, “My mind is made up on this matter. You need not persuade me further.”
Seeing her say this, Jixiang and Ruyi, who had opened her mouth to speak, had no choice but to give up. Yunyi turned her gaze to Li Shimin, “Is it possible?”
Li Shimin nodded, “Of course it’s possible. I’ll go to the Ministry of Justice prison with you right now.”
When Princess Xin’an saw Yunyi return, she was initially quite happy, thinking she had finally softened and planned to take her to see Yang You. But when she learned that she was to be sent out of Chang’an to Taiyuan, she immediately said excitedly, “I won’t go! I won’t go anywhere! I’m staying in Chang’an!”
“Chang’an is not where you should be.” How could Yunyi not know Xin’an’s thoughts? The latter was still dreaming of restoring her former glory, not knowing that this world had long since changed. Letting her stay in Chang’an, stay by Yang You’s side, would only harm herself and Yang You.
Princess Xin’an shrieked, “What do you mean it’s not where I should be? You and I have the same status. Why can you stay in Chang’an while I can’t? Why?!” Speaking of this, she continued, “You want me to leave? Fine! Go get His Majesty here and let him tell me personally!”
Yunyi said indifferently, “His Majesty has state affairs to handle and has no time to see you.”
Princess Xin’an snorted coldly, “I don’t care what you say. In any case, for me to leave Chang’an like this is absolutely impossible!”
Li Shimin, who had not spoken until now, said, “I’m afraid this matter is not for you to decide.”
Only then did Princess Xin’an notice there was another person present. She looked Li Shimin up and down and said, “And who are you?”
Yunyi said, “This is the second son of the King of Tang, the Duke of Qin personally enfeoffed by His Majesty.”
“King of Tang… so you’re Li Shimin?” Princess Xin’an was no fool. Yang You had been enthroned by Li Yuan, and Li Yuan’s previous title was Duke of Tang. It was obvious that this King of Tang must be Li Yuan.
“Correct.” Seeing Li Shimin confirm this, Princess Xin’an suddenly started laughing, and her laughter grew louder and louder, making everyone puzzled. Jixiang couldn’t help but ask, “What are you laughing at?!”
Princess Xin’an gradually stopped laughing and looked at Yunyi, “I finally understand why all the other sisters have fallen into misfortune while you alone not only came to Chang’an but still maintain your high position. It turns out you’ve hooked up with Li Shimin. No wonder.” Speaking of this, she clicked her tongue, “You used to always lecture me so seriously, but it turns out you’re the one who’s most skilled with men. First it was Du Ruhui, and now even the Second Young Master of the Li family has become your intimate guest. Jinyang, you truly make me, your sister, see you in a new light!”
Ruyi said angrily, “Don’t talk nonsense! My princess is not that kind of person!”
Princess Xin’an laughed lightly and threw Li Shimin a flirtatious glance, “Second Young Master, how are my seventh sister’s skills at serving men?”
Li Shimin looked at her for a moment, then said slowly, “The princess is right. You shouldn’t stay in Chang’an city.” Speaking thus, he said to Duan Zhihong behind him, “Take her to the carriage!”
Seeing Duan Zhihong about to come grab her, Xin’an quickly shrank to the corner of the cell, shouting loudly, “I said I won’t go anywhere except Chang’an! Don’t think you can take me away!”
Duan Zhihong ignored her and went straight forward to grip her joints, forcing her to walk outside. Princess Xin’an cursed as she walked, her language filthy and unbearable, until her mouth was gagged and she finally became somewhat quieter.
As the carriage drove out of Chengtian Gate, someone in the distance murmured, “Isn’t that Duan Zhihong driving the carriage? What’s he doing leaving the city?”
“Crown Prince, should we follow and see?” Xue Wanche asked. The person standing beside him was none other than Li Jiancheng, who pondered for a moment and said, “Follow them.”
The people in the carriage didn’t know they had picked up two tails. After driving several li from Chengtian Gate, they slowly stopped. There, another carriage was waiting. The coachman saw them and came forward to bow. When the coachman walked, one could see that his foot was lame.
Duan Zhihong said, “Old Zhang was a soldier in the army before. Later he injured his foot and couldn’t fight anymore, so he makes a living driving carriages for people. Second Young Master and Princess can rest assured, Old Zhang is very reliable and tight-lipped. He absolutely won’t tell anyone anything.”
Li Shimin nodded, “You’re to escort someone to Taiyuan for me. She’s somewhat unwilling to go, so on this journey, you must watch her closely and absolutely not let her escape or have any accidents. If she really won’t behave, you can tie her up.”
Old Zhang carefully memorized what he said, “Second Young Master, rest assured. This humble person will definitely deliver her safely to Taiyuan.”
“Good.” With this word, Duan Zhihong took a bundle from the carriage and handed it to Old Zhang, “This contains five strings of cash. When you return, there will be another five strings.”
Hearing this amount, Old Zhang was startled. Although money wasn’t worth as much as before, these ten strings of cash were still a considerable sum. He quickly pushed the bundle back, “This is too much. Six strings would be sufficient.”
Duan Zhihong forcibly stuffed the bundle into Old Zhang’s arms, “The Second Young Master gave it to you, so just take it. Don’t be so fussy.”
Seeing him say this, Old Zhang had no choice but to accept the bundle and repeatedly thanked Li Shimin. After settling these matters, Duan Zhihong brought the bound Princess Xin’an down from the carriage. She stared at Yunyi with a face full of resentment. As soon as the cloth in her mouth was removed, she immediately shouted, “I don’t want to go to Taiyuan! I don’t want to go!”
“Fourth Sister, I’ve prepared some money for you. After you reach Taiyuan, as long as you don’t spend recklessly, it will be enough for you to live for several years. Also, I’ll write a letter to Xianyue, and she’ll look after you for me.”
Princess Xin’an sneered, “You needn’t show false mercy here like a cat crying over a mouse. If you truly cared about sisterly affection, you’d take me to see His Majesty!”
Yunyi said calmly, “I’ve said all I need to say. Let’s set off.”
Hearing these words, Princess Xin’an’s still-attractive face immediately contorted as she stared at her, “Jinyang, do you think that by hooking up with Li Shimin, you can rest easy forever? Ha! Once he gets tired of playing with you, he’ll kick you aside. Hahaha, just thinking about it makes me happy.”
Seeing her wantonly insulting Yunyi, Li Shimin’s face rarely showed anger, “Gag her mouth. Before reaching Taiyuan, don’t remove it except for meals.”
Princess Xin’an said quickly, “You can silence me for a while, but you can’t silence me forever. Soon, the whole world will know about you two dogs engaging in illicit affairs and become the laughingstock of the world.”
