In the gradually darkening sky, Princess Xin’an’s face was pale and uncomfortable: “I… I don’t remember.”

In Li Yuan’s dark eyes, there seemed to be shadowy flames flickering: “Don’t remember, or there was simply nothing?”

Princess Xin’an didn’t dare meet his gaze and turned her face away: “Of course there was something. After so many days, not remembering… is also normal. Does the Tang King really suspect that I killed His Majesty? I… what reason would I have to kill His Majesty?”

“You certainly do!” The speaker was Ruyi, who said: “His Majesty and my princess had deep affection. After learning that the princess would marry the Second Young Master, he ordered the Six Palace Bureaus to spare no effort in preparing the princess’s wedding. Not only did this consume half the national treasury, but it also reduced the allowance for Shuangyue Palace. Because of this matter, you spoke to His Majesty many times, but unfortunately, His Majesty’s mind was firm and didn’t change due to your repeated complaints. You harbored resentment and came up with this method to kill two birds with one stone.”

“Not only that!” Yunyi said gravely: “On the day His Majesty ascended the throne, I learned from the guards that a woman had made a great commotion at the palace gates, claiming to be a princess of the current dynasty. She was sent to prison by the guards. When I went to visit the prison, I discovered this woman was Xin’an. His Majesty was young, and I didn’t want him to be influenced by Xin’an, so I privately had people send Xin’an out of Chang’an to be settled in Taiyuan. Later, somehow, she returned to Chang’an and had been wanting to take revenge on me!” As for what influence she feared Yang You might receive from Xin’an, Yunyi didn’t elaborate, but Li Yuan and the others had all heard about Xin’an’s reputation spread outside, so how could they not guess?

Yunyi stared at Xin’an’s face, which was several shades whiter than paper, and said painfully: “Xin’an, I could understand if you hated me, but why did you kill His Majesty? When you said you didn’t like plum trees, he had them removed according to your words. When you said you wanted to build a glazed greenhouse in Shuangyue Palace, he also complied with your wishes. He always respected you as his aunt. How could you be so heartless?!”

Princess Xin’an forced herself to maintain composure: “All of this is your speculation. There’s no real evidence!”

Yunyi smiled with a trace of coldness, pointing to the bowl containing blood: “If this isn’t called real evidence, I truly don’t know what is.”

Jixiang pointed at Princess Xin’an and said hatefully: “You murderer, don’t think you can escape today!”

Li Jiancheng, afraid that if this continued, the facts would become irreversible, said: “Father, this matter is of great importance. Although there’s blood evidence, your son believes we should still investigate carefully to avoid wrongfully killing the innocent!”

Yunyi’s gaze shifted and fell thoughtfully on Li Jiancheng’s seemingly calm face. When Li Shimin went to Jiangdu to rescue her, Li Jiancheng had instructed Liu Wen and others to secretly harm him. Could it be… this incident was also related to him?

Speaking of which, this scheme was so meticulous that it truly seemed like Li Jiancheng’s handiwork. Could he really be the mastermind behind this?

While she was pondering, Li Yuan had already raised his hand: “I have my own decision about this matter. You need not interfere.”

As Li Jiancheng responded and stepped back, Yunyi suddenly said: “Xin’an, I know that with you alone, it would be impossible to set up this scheme. If you’re willing to reveal your accomplice, considering our twenty years of sisterly affection, I might be able to help you plead with the Tang King to spare your life.”

Hearing this, Princess Xin’an instinctively looked toward Li Jiancheng, but she quickly withdrew her gaze and stared at Yunyi hatefully: “I didn’t kill anyone. Don’t slander me!”

Yunyi sneered: “Are you really going to wait until torture is applied before you confess?”

Hearing the word “torture,” a trace of fear flashed through Princess Xin’an’s eyes: “You dare to think of torturing me?”

Yunyi didn’t acknowledge her but said to Li Yuan: “What does the Tang King think?”

Li Yuan looked at her for a moment, then said slowly: “Those with solid evidence who refuse to confess their crimes should be punished!” This statement was undoubtedly agreeing to use torture. Although Li Jiancheng was anxious, he couldn’t speak too much in Princess Xin’an’s defense. He hadn’t missed the look Yunyi gave him earlier. Perhaps… Yunyi already suspected him.

Princess Xin’an retreated in horror, saying tremblingly: “You… you’ve gone mad! I am the Late Emperor’s daughter, His Majesty’s aunt. How can you torture me based on mere speculation?”

Li Yuan pressed forward while saying coldly: “I don’t want to use torture either, so please tell the truth, Princess. Who exactly killed His Majesty, and who was your accomplice?”

Faced with Li Yuan’s relentless pressure, Princess Xin’an kept retreating until she backed against the cold wall, then said with insufficient confidence: “I already said no. Don’t act rashly!”

With his son’s life at stake, Li Yuan had no interest in beating around the bush with her. He said coldly: “Since the Princess stubbornly refuses to speak, I can only take offense!” After saying this, he commanded without hesitation: “Go fetch the torture instruments immediately!”

This statement tore apart Princess Xin’an’s remaining composure and dignity. She said frantically: “You can’t torture me, you can’t!”

Li Yuan laughed in anger: “The Princess is wrong. In this city of Chang’an, there is nothing I cannot do!”

Princess Xin’an heard the ruthlessness in his words, her body trembling like a fallen leaf in the autumn wind. Yes, how could she forget? Although Li Yuan was nominally a minister, everyone knew he was the true emperor of Chang’an. As long as he was willing, not to mention torturing her, even killing her would not be impossible.

And there was Li Jiancheng, who had clearly instructed her to kill Yang You and frame Li Shimin and the others, yet now he was pretending to be deaf and mute, saying nothing. He clearly wanted to cross the river and demolish the bridge, turning his back on her. She had been so devoted to him, even willing to commit murder for him, yet he was so heartless and ungrateful. How detestable!

Hmph, if she really had to die here today, she would never let Li Jiancheng off easy.

Staring at the departing figure of the guard, Princess Xin’an’s face showed various complex emotions. Just as the guard was about to step out of sight, she finally spoke: “Fine, I’ll tell you!”

Her words made Li Jiancheng’s heart panic. This woman wouldn’t be planning to expose him, would she? What a brainless fool!

He wanted to signal her with his eyes, but unfortunately, Yunyi kept staring at him. If he showed the slightest unusual expression, she would discover it. He could only worry secretly.

Meanwhile, Li Yuan had the guard called back and said coldly: “Then please tell the truth, Princess.”

Princess Xin’an took a deep breath and said helplessly: “On March 27th, I quietly went to Mingse Palace after Lülǐ fell asleep. After His Majesty was lured to Mingse Palace, I killed him with Yunyi’s dagger, then quietly returned to Shuangyue Palace as if I had never left. Even Lülǐ didn’t notice.”

Hearing Princess Xin’an personally admit to killing Yang You, Yunyi let out a long breath. The false accusation that Shimin had endured could finally be cleared.

Li Yuan’s gaze coldly swept over Princess Xin’an’s face: “Why did you do this?”