Defying the Imperial Edict
didn’t give him so much as a glance and kept staring at Night Qingran. This made his expression darken immediately.Since returning from the palace yesterday, he couldn't suppress the feeling of annoy...Chapter 71: Defying the Imperial Edict
Yun Qianyue paused, squinting as she looked at the main gate of the Cloud Manor where a dense formation of imperial guards surrounded it in layers. Judging from the area around the Cloud Manor’s walls, about five thousand imperial guards were deployed. What did deploying five thousand guards mean It was enough to raze an entire noble household!
Yun Qianyue pursed her lips and turned to Rong Jing, asking, "What do you think"
Rong Jing’s expression remained calm as he looked at Yun Qianyue with a gentle gaze, "Imperial guards are typically deployed in two circumstances: one is when razing an entire noble household, the other is when they come to arrest someone. If it's not the former, do you know who Emperor Xuande most wants to take away from the Cloud Manor"
Yun Qianyue gave a cold laugh and said, "I won’t hand over Yun Muhuan to him!"
Rong Jing’s eyes flickered slightly. “Since the emperor has dispatched imperial guards, things are unlikely to end well. If he openly defies the edict, his anger will reach its peak, providing an excuse for action against the entire Cloud Manor.”
“Is he afraid of taking action against the Cloud Manor Five thousand imperial guards coming just to arrest someone is a bit short-handed!” Yun Qianyue snorted. “Not investigating the cause of Princess Ning’s death but rather coming straight here for an arrest, I want to see what reason they give!”
Rong Jing gave a faint smile and remained silent.
Yun Qianyue did not immediately walk over but stood still watching the movements at the main gate. The imperial guards had surrounded the Cloud Manor completely, then opened a path in the direction of the main entrance from which two people emerged. One person made Yun Qianyue’s eyes widen with surprise: “Night Qingran”
"Yes, you are not mistaken; it is Night Qingran!" Rong Jing nodded.
“Didn’t you seal his acupoints How did he appear here now Can he unseal them by himself” Yun Qianyue looked at Night Qingran. He was in full armor with a solemn expression, and Commander Zhao Zheng of the imperial guards followed behind him.
"Night Qingran’s martial arts practice is different from ours; we normally channel our vital energy through the meridians, while his technique reverses this flow. Hence, he can safely unseal my seal without harm to himself. Moreover, as a child, he researched the sealing techniques of the Glory Manor and it was not unusual for him to unseal before time." Rong Jing looked at Night Qingran and said in a gentle voice.
"Why does just Night Qingran come" Yun Qianyue pursed her lips tightly together.
“Are you going to act if it’s not Night Qingran You can’t act because he is here Is that what you’re saying” Rong Jing looked at Yun Qianyue with raised eyebrows as a cloudiness gathered in his eyes.
"I mean, after I caught Night Qingran and tied him up with the Crimson Krait, how could I harm him" Yun Qianyue glared at Rong Jing. She pulled him forward while her mind raced to devise a plan. If someone else had come, she would have been resolved to teach them a lesson before causing chaos for further negotiation; but now that Night Qingran has arrived, she needs to change her strategy.
Rong Jing seemed to smile as the cloudiness in his eyes vanished and he remained silent, walking forward with Yun Qianyue.
When they reached a corner, they saw Yun Meng running shakily towards them. His face was pale from fear. “Miss Yun Qianyue, Emperor Xuande has dispatched imperial guards to arrest the Young Master and imprison him in the Ministry of Justice!”
The coldness entered Yun Qianyue’s eyes; she guessed correctly as she asked in a cold voice, "Why does Emperor Xuande want to imprison my brother in the Ministry of Justice"
"Of course it's because of Princess Ning's death. After Prince Qi brought people into the palace and the emperor saw her tragic demise, he was enraged like thunder and immediately ordered the arrest of the Young Master for imprisonment in the Ministry of Justice. The one who came with the imperial edict is Lord Night Qingran and Commander Zhao Zheng... " Yun Meng stuttered out: “The men have already arrived; I just informed Old General and Your Highness. Old General said that from now on, everything in the household will be decided by Miss. What… what should we do The Young Master’s injuries are so severe; how could he survive being imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice"
"It's fine, don’t worry, let’s go see him!" Yun Qianyue comforted Yun Meng and then walked forward with a composed expression.
Yun Meng didn’t have time to wipe his sweat from his forehead but immediately followed Yun Qianyue and Rong Jing.
Upon arriving at the Cloud Manor's main gate, they saw neat rows of imperial guards in silver armor and helmets with lances and halberds shining coldly. Their expressions were stern. Even though it was noon, there was a solemn atmosphere around the main gate of the Cloud Manor. There were different ranks among imperial guards, and obviously those surrounding the Cloud Manor today were at the highest level.
Night Qingran's face was concealed under his armor, making his expression indiscernible; however, he looked heroic in his armor with a sword hanging by his waist, appearing both steady and solemn. At this moment, there was no trace of the flamboyant youth from before. He had transformed into an impeccable general, like a seasoned veteran on the battlefield.
"At His Majesty's command, Yun Muhuan failed to protect the princess which led to her tragic death; he is hereby arrested for imprisonment in the Ministry of Justice." Night Qingran saw Yun Qianyue and looked at Rong Jing and Yun Qianyue’s clasped hands before saying without any emotion, "From now on, Yun Muhuan will be imprisoned awaiting punishment."
“Brother is seriously injured, barely hanging onto life. We want the Emperor to give us justice! And yet, they come here to arrest him My imperial father-in-law doesn’t seem very wise.” Yun Qianyue concealed all her emotions and looked at Night Qingran with a similarly emotionless expression.
"Whether Crown Prince Yun is innocent or guilty will be clarified after a thorough investigation. As of now, we cannot disobey the imperial decree!" Upon Ye Qingran's words, he waved his hand and commanded Zhao's commanding officer: "Go inside and take them away!"
"Yes!" Following Ye Qingran’s order, Zhao’s commanding officer waved his hand and led a team of people to walk into the room.
“Stop!” Yun Qianmo’s clear voice rang out. Although her tone wasn’t loud or angry, it contained an implicit warning.
Zhao's commanding officer trembled and subconsciously stopped his steps.
"Yun Qianmo, openly obstructing the imperial decree is considered a serious violation! Do you know how grave this offense is" Ye Qingran’s tone turned slightly solemn.
Yun Qianmo's heart sank. Thinking back to her recovery of memories after losing them, Ye Qingran had always called her "Little Girl" until now. She finally heard the name that marked a boundary between them. Recalling what Duke Deking said when she visited his mansion before, Ye Qingran was still part of the Night Imperial Family's clan and would always have the bloodline of the Night Imperial Family running through him no matter how different he might be from other men in it. She pursed her lips and coldly replied: "Princess Qingwan poisoned my brother with love poison, leading to his current predicament due to his own actions. Who could she blame My brother has done nothing wrong; naturally, he won't go to the Ministry of Justice’s prison! Not only will he not be there, but I also plan to demand justice from His Majesty!"
"His Majesty said that a thorough investigation should take place. If everything you say is true and Crown Prince Yun was poisoned by Princess Qingwan, leading to her death, then the emperor would surely set him free. A wise emperor wouldn’t wrong an innocent person," Ye Qingran solemnly stated: "Move aside!"
"If my brother were found to be innocent yet was imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison, how could his suffering there be accounted for" Yun Qianmo coldly remarked, “Not wronging the innocent You’re doing just that now! Even as a king, if he wants to punish someone unjustly, it must follow reason. Her daughter is human; does this make other people's sons not human”
"Yun Qianmo, be mindful of your place as a subject!" Ye Qingran coldly warned: "Your words are traitorous now; I can bring charges against you!"
"Very well then, let’s talk about the difference between ruler and subject. A wise emperor wouldn’t arrest people without distinguishing right from wrong. When I arrived, my brother was still protecting Princess Qingwan fiercely. Otherwise, he wouldn't be this severely injured; despite having the ability to leave, he chose not to. After waking up, Princess Qingwan felt ashamed and took her own life due to this. Who can she blame If I hadn’t come, my brother would have died." Yun Qianmo’s gaze was icy as well as her voice sharp: "Without evidence of guilt, we will never hand him over. Whether it's five thousand or fifty thousand imperial guards, they won’t be able to take her away from the Ministry of Justice’s prison. As for being traitorous, my uncle knows this about me very well."
"This matter is extraordinary! According to His Majesty’s decree, the five thousand Imperial Guards must follow orders," Ye Qingran stared at Yun Qianmo: "Do you know what it means to defy an imperial decree Death without exception for violators and those who obstruct it! No matter how you look at it, Princess Qingwan's death is due to Crown Prince Yun's failure in protection."
"Then go ahead; arrest me now," Yun Qianmo suddenly smiled: "After all, Emperor has long wanted to abolish the Yun Manor. Today he finally managed to catch hold of an opportunity with his daughter’s death to bring down our manor."
Ye Qingran looked at Yun Qianmo solemnly.
Yun Qianmo stared back; yesterday's Ye Qingran lying on the bed or before and today's Ye Qingran in armor were two different people. He knew well that military orders must be followed. As Rong Jing had said, Old Emperor wouldn't easily let go of this matter if he sent Ye Qingran with five thousand guards. Was he sure that Yun Manor would dare to openly defy the imperial decree She could show him today.
"Do you really want to obstruct" Ye Qingran stared intently into Yun Qianmo's eyes.
"If His Majesty is not just, I will naturally disobey," Yun Qianmo said coolly.
"Prince Jing, as an official in the court, are you also defying the imperial decree here" Ye Qingran suddenly turned to Rong Jing without addressing him as "Weak Beauty" but by his title instead.
“Little Martial Prince Ren, do I defy the emperor's edict merely by standing here” Rong Jing raised an eyebrow.
"It would be best if you don’t. I advise you to step aside a bit; arrows have no eyes and might accidentally injure you," Ye Qingran turned his head and waved at Zhao’s commanding officer, loudly ordering: "Go in and arrest them! If anyone dares to obstruct, shoot the arrow, death without exception!"
“Yes!” After glancing at Yun Qianmo, Zhao’s commanding officer led people into the manor.
The moment Yun Qianmo acted, her Crimson Beauty Silk flew out of her sleeve, lightly sweeping past and sending Zhao's commanding officer and his team back immediately. She coldly looked at Ye Qingran with a frosty gaze: "If you want these five thousand Imperial Guards to be buried here today, I will absolutely accompany!"
"Yun Qianmo! Do you know that defying an imperial decree is a serious offense punishable by the destruction of your family" Ye Qingran’s eyebrows furrowed as he looked at those who had been sent back.
“I only know that I won’t let them take people without investigation,” Yun Qianmo calmly replied and retracted her Crimson Beauty Silk.
Ye Qingran stared at the Crimson Beauty Silk, his eyes momentarily darkened before he shouted, "Shoot!"
The moment Ye Qingran spoke, the Imperial Guards' archery team moved forward, drawing their bows simultaneously and firing a row of arrows towards Yun Qianmo. Standing still, she let her Crimson Beauty Silk fly out from her sleeves like a river, sweeping up a wave of true energy toward the Imperial Guard troops. Instantly, the barrage of arrows was deflected back; many Imperial Guards fell.
"Commander Zhao, go report to the Emperor that Yun Qianyue of Cloud王府 obstructed the imperial decree. Please inform His Majesty how he wishes to proceed."
"Yes!" Commander Zhao got up from the ground and left the entrance of the Cloud王府 heading towards the palace.
Yun Qianyue gently stroked the Crimson Beauty Silk in her hand. The silk was soft and warm, and she looked at Ye Qingran, wondering if today would be the day to confront the old emperor directly She felt that things wouldn't end so simply. The old emperor was about to turn fifty-five years old, and it seemed premature to arrest Yun Muhan without any investigation. Although this made sense, wasn't it an overreaction Wasn't this deliberately stirring up a scandal about Princess Qingwan's death all over the country What benefit would it bring to the old emperor
Ye Qingran did not move further and remained silent, expressionlessly watching Yun Qianyue.
Yun Qianyue felt that something was amiss today. She thought hard for a moment; suddenly, something flashed in her mind, and she quickly changed her expression, lightly touching the ground with her feet and rushing towards Xifeng Garden. Rong Jing's eyes also flickered, following behind her towards Xifeng Garden.
Seeing that both of them had left, Ye Qingran waved his hand to those behind him, "A squad will follow me inside to apprehend the person!"
"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.
Ye Qingran did not use his light-footed skills but led people into the inner chambers instead.
Yun Meng had been pale-faced and trembling since he followed Rong Jing and Yun Qianyue. He never imagined that Miss Shallow Moon would actually defy an imperial edict. Now seeing Rong Jing and Yun Qianyue leave, and Ye Qingran enter the mansion, he immediately followed.
Upon arriving at Xifeng Garden, Yun Qianyue found it unusually quiet, her heart sank. She swiftly entered Cloud Muhan's room to find him no longer in bed and a servant girl unconscious on the ground clutching an overturned medicine bowl, spilling all over the floor. Without hesitation, she knelt down, pinching the human middle point of the maid.
The maid slowly regained consciousness.
"Where is my brother" Yun Qianyue asked solemnly.
"Miss Shallow Moon" The maid was still dazed when she first woke up but soon widened her eyes in panic, "Miss Shallow Moon, the Young Master has been taken by Princess Ye!"
"Ye Qian You're sure" Yun Qianyue was startled.
"Sure! The princess stayed in our mansion for a short while and came here to visit the young master before. I recognized her," confirmed the maid, nodding her head firmly, "The princess wasn't wearing a mask or anything so I didn't suspect anything, otherwise, if I shouted, people would have responded. I thought she was simply visiting the young master but..."
"When did Princess Ye come here" Yun Qianyue asked.
"Just two days ago when you weren't around," replied the maid, "She didn't stay long."
"Was my brother there at that time" Yun Qianyue asked again.
"Yes, the Young Master was here then. It looked like she came especially to see him!" affirmed the maid with a nod.
Yun Qianyue stood up and turned towards Rong Jing standing at the door, walking over to him and asking in hushed tones, "What do you think of this"
"Princess Ye likely knows about Cloud Muhan and Nan Lingrui's swap. Now that she has captured Cloud Muhan, she probably intends to negotiate terms. We have the Southern Frontier's King of Ten Thousand Curses in our hands; she can't go without a trump card," Rong Jing replied calmly.
"How could I not think of Ye Qian!" Yun Qianyue thought about Cloud Muhan still being injured, wondering where Ye Qian took him. Besides, the old emperor was planning to arrest Cloud Muhan and put him in jail; her tone turned somewhat heavy, "Why didn't she take Nan Lingrui"
"He's aware that you know she has feelings for Nan Lingrui, so even if he were captured, it wouldn't serve as a threat. Capturing Cloud Muhan now allows her to negotiate terms based on your protection of him," explained Rong Jing.
Yun Qianyue suddenly laughed, "Hmph! Indeed she's no simple person!"
"If she were simple, how could she have made a deal with Night Tianyi three years ago" Rong Jing smiled in response.
"I wonder if she also made a deal with Ye Tianyi today." Yun Qianyue recalled three years ago, and slowly put away her smile. She had once kept many things from Ye Tianyi, and he had also concealed much from her. Her voice suddenly dropped to a low, heavy tone, "If she and Ye Tianyi collaborate this time, what will be the consequences"
"The consequence is that Ye Tianyi would use this matter to threaten you into marrying him," Rong Jing’s voice also turned slightly lower.
"Would Ye Qian do it" Yun Qianyue raised an eyebrow.
"Can’t be sure!" Rong Jing replied.
Yun Qianyue no longer spoke. Before losing her memory, she had seen Ye Qian twice: once when she made a deal with Ye Tianyi three years ago, and another time five years ago when she saw him spending time together with Ye Qingran and avoided him. In both instances, they didn’t meet face-to-face. After regaining consciousness, Ye Qian came to the Shallow Moon Pavilion, combining previous events and what happened during her period of amnesia, Ye Qian seemed simple, but was actually quite complicated. She could have followed Ye Qingran for five years over a lipstick recipe, she liked Nan Lingrui’s dominance, so it wasn’t certain if she would collaborate with Ye Tianyi again on this matter.
As they were talking, Ye Qingran arrived at the Western Maple Garden with his entourage.
Yun Qianyue thought to herself that if only she had known earlier about Ye Qian coming for her brother, why did she need to stop them With this in mind, her thoughts shifted, and suddenly she looked at Ye Qingran. Since it was him who came, all of her attention was on him and the five thousand imperial guardsmen accompanying him, so she didn’t notice Ye Qian sneak into Yun王府. Otherwise, given her current abilities, if someone entered Yun王府, she would have detected them. She told Ye Qingran, “My brother has been taken away by Ye Qian! Even without me resisting the royal decree, you can’t take him away.”
Ye Qingran stopped in his tracks and glanced at Yun Qianyue but didn’t speak. He waved a hand behind him, two people rushed into the house, circled around, then shook their heads to Ye Qingran, “Reporting to Young Nobleman Qingran: no one is inside!”
Ye Qingran nodded and told that soldier, "Go report back to His Majesty again. Tell him Prince Yun is not in Yun王府."
"Yes!" A small soldier immediately responded and dashed off.
Ye Qingran didn’t say anything more; he suddenly turned around, took a step towards the exit of Western Maple Garden, and those soldiers quickly followed him.
Yun Qianyue frowned as she watched Ye Qingran’s back. After a moment, she tilted her head to ask Rong Jing, "Is there something wrong with Ye Qingran"
"Yes," Rong Jing nodded; his handsome face flickered with a hint of darkness.
“What's wrong” Yun Qianyue saw that Ye Qingran didn’t turn back to look at her, she felt there was something amiss but couldn't pinpoint what it was.
"The way he looks at you," Rong Jing said.
“Right, I always sensed something was wrong with him, and now I know: the way he looks at me,” Yun Qianyue suddenly understood. “Before, when Ye Qingran looked at me, his eyes would carry a smile. But now…” She suddenly clenched her hand tightly and said three words, "Too unfamiliar, as if treating a stranger. What's happening"
"It’s rumored that the emperor has a lost medicine called Forget Love; I don’t know if it was given to Ye Qingran," Rong Jing looked towards the entrance of Western Maple Garden, and slowly said.
Yun Qianyue's expression changed. She knew about Forget Love; not only does it make one forget love but also all emotions including the seven feelings and six desires. How could Ye Qingran take such medicine She couldn’t stand still any longer, lightly tapping her feet, she instantly floated out of Western Maple Garden. Ye Qingran was just stepping out of the gate when she stopped him. Without a word, she reached out to feel his pulse.
Ye Qingran quickly dodged and shouted angrily, “Yun Qianyue, what are you doing”
Without saying anything, Yun Qianyue attacked again, her hand still on his wrist.
"If you don’t stop, don’t blame me for being impolite!" Ye Qingran’s face turned cold.
Yun Qianyue remained silent; she changed her moves with each one targeting his hands. Enraged, Ye Qingran started fighting back. Their exchanges were quick and agile, in an instant dozens of moves were exchanged.
Yun Qianyue’s heart sank; Ye Qingran's martial arts had more than doubled since the previous day. The previous day when she saw him at the military camp questioning Rong Jing about grain supplies, his power was nowhere near as high. How could it be so high now What is going on As she thought this, suddenly he turned into two images and four streams of palm wind came towards her; Yun Qianyue’s expression changed, she quickly dodged but still got brushed by the edge of one stream, her body was pushed back several feet landing in a warm embrace. She knew it was Rong Jing, instantly feeling secure, her face pale as she looked at Ye Qingran.
Ye Qingran stopped his palm wind and gently landed on the ground, coldly looking at Yun Qianyue, "Yun Qianyue, if you do this again, I’ll take your life. Don’t think I’m joking when I say ‘impolite’!"
Yun Qianyue’s body stiffened; she had always avoided Ye Qingran in the past without contact, but hadn't expected him to be like this today. Her eyes narrowed and suddenly pushed Rong Jing away, her red silk sleeve flew towards Ye Qingran.
Night Qingran clearly did not expect Cloud Qianyue to actually come a second time. His face darkened as he unsheathed his sword, meeting Cloud Qianyue's Crimson Beauty Silk.
The weapons clashed instantly, creating two streaks of cold light and sparking off flying sparks.
The two were fighting fiercely in the blink of an eye.
Rong Jing did not stop Cloud Qianyue but stood still at his spot, quietly watching their fight with a slightly cold expression on his handsome face.
Cloud Meng and the platoon of Imperial Guards that Night Qingran brought were waiting in place. Cloud Meng was fine, but the Imperial Guards that Night Qingran brought did not have any Inner Strength and could naturally not resist the power from the duo's true energy dispersing outward; they all collapsed to the ground instantly.
In an instant, the flowers, plants, rocks, and stone carvings outside West Willow Garden were destroyed.
Half a stick of incense later, a loud shout suddenly came from Cloud Manor’s main gate. "The Emperor has arrived!"
The shouts rang out three times in succession, but Night Qingran and Cloud Qianyue seemed to not hear them at all; their fighting was getting fiercer as the minutes passed. Rong Jing did not seem to have heard anything either, as he continued watching the duo fight. Cloud Meng looked over at Rong Jing; seeing his calm expression, Cloud Meng felt slightly reassured.
Not long after, Old Emperor arrived first, followed by Night Tianyi and then a pale-faced Cloud Duke behind him. After them were Wulan and others in court ceremonial retinue. As soon as the Old Emperor appeared, he shouted angrily, "Stop fighting!"
Night Qingran suddenly withdrew his hand; however, Cloud Qianyue did not heed the Old Emperor’s words. She grabbed his sword away from him and wrapped his body with her Crimson Beauty Silk in an instant. Night Qingran was startled as she had already moved forward to seize his wrist.
"Little Moon, what are you doing Do you really want to rebel" The Old Emperor saw Cloud Qianyue's actions; he flew into a rage.
Cloud Qianyue ignored the Old Emperor and carried Night Qingran aloft to land on West Willow Garden’s wall. As soon as she touched his pulse, she felt a strong burst of true energy that rebounded against her; it caused her hand to ache slightly. She quickly suppressed this with her own true energy and was startled at how vast and powerful the true energy in Night Qingran's body was.
"What Miss Qianyue from Cloud Manor has taken a fancy to me" Night Qingran suddenly sneered coldly.
Cloud Qianyue withdrew her hand, glared at him dead-on for an instant. Then she flicked the Crimson Beauty Silk and threw Night Qingran straight into a nearby lake with a splash of water. "Plop!"
"Little Moon, what are you doing" The Old Emperor’s face changed as he shouted.
Cloud Qianyue didn’t even glance at the Old Emperor; she leaped down to the nearby lake as well. As soon as she landed in the water, she went straight for Night Qingran's wrist again and asked him, "I ask you: Have you eaten Forgetful Love"
Night Qingran remained silent, only looking coldly at Cloud Qianyue.
"Abandon all seven emotions; forget the six desires. A person is no better than a beast then. Night Qingran, I ask you again: Have you not eaten Forgetful Love" Cloud Qianyue glared coldly back at him as well. "If you tell me that you have eaten it now, I will kill you right away. There are already too many beasts among the Yin men; they do not need one more of you."
Night Qingran did not say a word.
Cloud Qianyue suddenly reached out to strangle him by his neck; she squeezed tightly, leaving a red mark on Night Qingran's throat. She glared fiercely at him and said, "Night Qingran, tell me or do you really think I will show mercy"
Night Qingran remained silent.
Cloud Qianyue suddenly closed her eyes; she squeezed his neck even harder. Night Qingran suddenly spoke up, "Little girl…"
Cloud Qianyue released him immediately; he coughed and gulped in a mouthful of water. His face was still red under the dim light from beneath the water. He seemed to sigh softly as he said, "Even if I fool Weak Beauty, I know that you won’t be fooled."
"Give me that medicine!" Cloud Qianyue looked at Night Qingran in relief. Even though she did not understand why he was like this today, it still made sense to her; the words of De Prince Old Duke were still ringing in her ears. She did not want Night Qingran to turn into a zombie even if they would become enemies in the future.
"If I have eaten it, where else can you find it" Night Qingran coughed again and complained, "Little girl, you are so cruel!"
"Would you tell me if I wasn’t cruel enough" Cloud Qianyue looked at him and pursed her lips as she asked, "What’s going on How could your powers have increased overnight And why do you need to pretend like this
"Let me up first, and I'll explain to you tomorrow. Otherwise, Grandpa Emperor will order someone to get into the water, and your weakling beauty should be jealous by now!" Ye Qingran said.
When Yun Qianmo heard noises not far away, seemingly someone getting into the water, she grabbed Ye Qingran's wrist and broke through the surface of the lake instantly. She landed on the ground in a blink, let go of Ye Qingran, shook off the water from her body, and immediately looked at Rong Jing.
Rong Jing had an indifferent expression and his voice was warm but emotionless, "Use your energy to dry your clothes right away!"
Yun Qianmo hurriedly used her energy as soon as she heard him. Her true qi vaporized the moisture from her clothes within a short moment. She looked at Rong Jing again; he had already moved his gaze and was now looking at Ye Qingran instead. Yun Qianmo turned to look at Ye Qingran too, seeing that he appeared extremely disheveled with a noticeable bruise on his neck. She withdrew her gaze discreetly and glanced sideways at the old emperor.
"Nonsense!" The old emperor saw both of them and was livid, "What’s going on Who will explain to me"
Ye Qingran and Yun Qianmo remained silent.
"Qingran boy, Moon girl, speak up!" the old emperor shouted angrily.
Yun Qianmo looked at Ye Qingran and gave him control. Though he didn't say much underwater, she could guess a bit about what happened.
Ye Qingran touched his neck, shook off water from his clothes, glanced coldly at Yun Qianmo, and said to the old emperor, "Uncle Emperor, you must punish Yun Qianmo. I was here to deliver an imperial edict as per your order, but she defied it. You’ve seen this situation now. A woman who acts so arrogantly and doesn't respect Your Majesty’s command should be punished."
Yun Qianmo snorted.
"Moon girl! Just now, Commander Zhao also reported to me that you were defying my order. Is it true" the old emperor looked at Yun Qianmo with a stern face.
"No!" Yun Qianmo shook her head.
"No You didn’t injure My Imperial Guards outside the door I saw you injuring Qingran boy myself just now. Are you still denying it" the old emperor glared at Yun Qianmo, "How can this be! I think you’re increasingly not putting me in your eyes!" He didn’t wait for Yun Qianmo to speak and shouted angrily, “Tianyi, arrest her and throw her into Tian Prison. Wait for My judgment.”
Yun Qianmo sneered inwardly at the old emperor's predictable actions but remained silent.
Night Tianyi looked at Yun Qianmo, "Father Emperor, calm down. Moon has never openly defied Your Majesty’s order; there must be a reason behind it. Let her explain herself first before deciding on punishment."
"What is left to say I saw everything with my own eyes! Can it still be fake" the old emperor glared at Night Tianyi.
"Sometimes, what one sees isn’t necessarily true. Father Emperor, why not listen to Moon and see how she explains herself" Night Tianyi said.
"Alright, then let her explain! Let’s see what she can say!" The old emperor looked at Yun Qianmo, his face livid, "Moon girl, tell me what the crime of defying an imperial edict is. If you don’t speak well enough today, no matter who pleads for mercy for you, I won’t forgive you."
Yun Qianmo took a deep breath and said to the old emperor, "Qingwan Princess poisoned my brother with love poison; because of this poisoning, he was powerless to protect her. This led to what happened, making her commit suicide. If I had arrived any later, my brother would have been buried without proper rites too. Emperor Uncle didn’t ask for details before coming after me and my brother. Naturally, I wouldn't give him up. Besides, my brother was taken away by Ye Qian, so how can I hand him over…" Her voice hadn’t finished when she suddenly felt the aura in Xifeng Garden change drastically; she stopped abruptly.
———
Ye Qian is quite remarkable…
Qingran treats Moon with absolute affection! Ladies, are you shocked O(n_n)O~
I saw everyone’s votes of the moon tickets; I love you!
A huge thank you to those who sent diamond tips and flowers:
微淚含笑 (100 flowers), 淡沫如湮 (99 flowers), orange1997apple (5 diamonds), 倒影明月 (10 flowers), 酷夕陽 (9 flowers), 幸福的daisy (1 diamond), chenyuehappy (1 flower), 尋夢的小刺蝟 (1 flower), 風韻三十 (1 flower), 13790053509 (1 flower), zf654321 (1 flower). Thank you, O(n_n)O~y. Before, when she wanted to get married, it was out of fear that the old emperor might arrange a marriage for her; now, things were different from before. Of course, she couldn’t marry at such an ea...