Chapter 370: The Whole Truth

Chapter 370: The Whole Truth

Manager Cen was shocked beyond words, "Master Ji, didn't you leave?"

"Yes!"

Ji Li glared at Meng Qianqian with a menacing look, "How do you know I didn't leave?"

Meng Qianqian spread her hands, "I guessed."

Ji Li's face darkened, "Is that even possible?"

Meng Qianqian said, "Do you want to go in and talk, or do you want to do it here? Don't blame me for not warning you, your elopement with Princess Wanping is public knowledge. There are as many people watching your every move as there are fish in the river. Don't regret it if you talk about it outside."

Behind the wall, in the alley, on the street... wherever a person could stand, there were curious onlookers.

Ji Li stood tall, unafraid of any shadows, and said righteously, "When did I ever elope with Princess Wanping? It was clearly her own decision!"

Meng Qianqian raised an eyebrow, "So, you admit that you two eloped?"

Ji Li clenched her fists and exploded again, "What elopement? That's not true!"

Meng Qianqian calmly asked, "Did the two of you leave the hunting grounds without saying a word?"

Ji Li thought, To hunt a fierce tiger, who do I inform and how? What if someone else takes the prey?

Meng Qianqian continued, "After you left the hunting grounds, did you continue heading south?"

Ji Li thought, The compass is broken!

Meng Qianqian asked, "Did you tell Princess Wanping that you were enough protection, and she didn't even need Chang Kuan?"

Ji Li thought, Chang Kuan is injured!!!

The onlookers, who had only dared to sneak glances from a distance, somehow found the courage to crowd in front of the Grand Marshal's Mansion.

With each soul-searching question from Meng Qianqian, the crowd erupted with sounds of sudden realization.

"Hmm."

"Hmm."

"Oh."

Ji Li: "..."

Meng Qianqian said, "Give us an explanation."

Ji Li asked, "What explanation?"

Meng Qianqian said seriously, "It's time for the wedding."

Ji Li choked, "I..."

The onlookers shouted in unison, "Wedding! Wedding! Wedding!"

Ji Li stomped her feet, "Shut up! All of you, shut up!"

Just then, a carriage slowly came to a stop behind the crowd.

Gonggong Fu descended from the carriage, waved his feather duster, and announced in a high voice, "An Imperial Edict has arrived—"

The crowd parted, making way for him.

Meng Qianqian stepped down from the platform.

Gonggong Fu approached Ji Li and unfurled the Imperial Edict in his hand, "Ji Li of the Rooster Guard, with both talent and beauty, and peerless martial arts, has made outstanding contributions at the border. The Emperor bestows a marriage to Princess Wanping, granting the title of Marquis of the Imperial Harem, to be married immediately."

"Ji Li of the Rooster Guard, receive the Imperial Edict!"

Ji Li said, "I refuse!"

The crowd gasped in shock.

Brother, don't be so stubborn! Refusing an Imperial Edict is punishable by death!

Meng Qianqian politely said to Gonggong Fu, "Let me try to persuade him."

Gonggong Fu smiled, "Thank you, Lady Lu."

Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. Princess Wanping is to be married to a Marquis, a joyous occasion.

The Retired Emperor has decreed that as long as the Marquis doesn't commit murder or arson, a few curses won't matter.

Meng Qianqian said to Ji Li, "You really won't accept the edict?"

Ji Li defiantly replied, "No."

Meng Qianqian said, "If you don't accept, I'll have to use force."

Ji Li laughed, "Do you want to threaten me with my secret again? Let me tell you, that won't work!"

Refusing an Imperial Edict is punishable by death. If he wants to live, he must leave the Great Zhou.

Since he's already left, why bother with his naked ambition?

Meng Qianqian sighed, "If you won't take the wine of persuasion, you force me to use the wine of punishment. Gonggong Fu, I'll accept the edict on his behalf."

Ji Li asked, "On what grounds do you accept it? Who are you to me?"

I'm your Grand Marshal!

Meng Qianqian took the edict and said to Ji Li, "Do you want to get into the carriage yourself, or should I have someone tie you up and put you in?"

Ji Li gave a cold laugh, "Tie me up? Little Tiger, do you think your mediocre skills can handle me? I'm returning to the capital with Lu Yuan because I want to, not because he's forcing me. Even if you two join forces, you're no match for me!"

Tan'er, eating skewered grapes, suddenly looked up at the sky, "There are so many cows in the sky!"

"Who said I wanted to fight you?"

Meng Qianqian took Tan'er's hand and turned towards the mansion, "Grandfather—"

Ji Li's body trembled!

The Majestic King of Miaojiang strode out of the Grand Marshal's Mansion, "Granddaughter-in-law, you're here!"

Ji Li gritted her teeth, knowing that the Majestic King and she were not on the same level. Even though he was a young prodigy, he was no match for the old demon, the Majestic King!

Little girl, you've got quite a few tricks up your sleeve!

Hmph, if she can't beat him, can't she run away?

Ji Li turned and left.

(End)

Meng Qianqian didn't even turn her head, "Brother—"

Chen Long descended from the heavens, blocking Ji Li's path.

Ji Li's hairs stood on end, "Damn!"

"When did you return to the capital? Weren't you with Yu Zichuan to investigate the news about Qi Ji Ge?"

Chen Long replied, "Just got back."

Ji Li's knees buckled with a thud.

Oh heavens and earth, without the Fengshui compass, she was truly doomed to bad luck everywhere—

Next was Wanping Princess.

Meng Qianqian could be tough with Ji Li, but not with Wanping Princess.

Wanping Princess had high standards and was extremely picky, but her heart was kind. It was precisely because of her kindness that she couldn't be forced.

One had to move her with emotion and convince her with reason.

But thinking of Wanping Princess' stubborn nature, Meng Qianqian instantly felt it was extremely tricky.

"Sister, just take the poison!"

"This... isn't quite right."

Tan Er said righteously, "This is called—following the imperial edict to take the poison!"

Meng Qianqian: "..."

Meng Qianqian would never poison Wanping Princess.

If Wanping Princess refused to agree, this marriage could only be called off.

"The Retired Emperor is advanced in years, and the only person he worries about is you. He hopes to find you a husband to be with for life during his remaining years. It's the heart of all parents in the world..."

Although it was a bit of an exaggeration, the Retired Emperor did want to marry off Wanping Princess.

Moreover, Ji Li and Wanping Princess were a good match, both in terms of status and compatibility.

Their compatibility meant that Ji Li wouldn't be unlucky after marrying the princess, but rather, the princess wouldn't be affected by his bad luck when they were together.

Meng Qianqian had spoken casually at the time, never expecting her words to come true.

Wanping Princess was a genuine dragon among phoenixes, born of the imperial family. Her status could suppress Ji Li's unlucky fate.

The Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department had been busy for a month, and the princess's mansion was brightly lit and decorated.

Meng Qianqian, along with Tan Er, got off the carriage.

"Braised pork! Braised pork!"

Tan Er excitedly entered the mansion, "Princess! The moon is full tonight! I want to eat braised pork—"

Meng Qianqian went to Wanping Princess's chamber.

She took a deep breath, ready to begin her silver-tongued persuasion.

As she entered the room, she was momentarily blinded by the radiant glow.

Wanping Princess was dressed in a bright red wedding gown, wearing a golden phoenix crown, holding a fan, and sitting quietly in front of a bronze mirror.

Meng Qianqian wondered if she had entered the wrong room, so she stepped out and entered again, staring fixedly at the familiar yet unfamiliar face.

The familiarity was in the facial features, but the strangeness was in the makeup.

Wanping Princess's previous attire had been too immature, losing her charm. But now, with the phoenix crown and crimson robe, her delicate eyebrows and red lips made her look gentle and elegant, a beauty beyond compare.

Meng Qianqian was deeply captivated.

Such a princess was indeed a stunning beauty.

"What are you doing here?"

Wanping Princess asked calmly.

Meng Qianqian regained her composure and discreetly tucked the marriage paper into her sleeve, then approached Wanping Princess and bowed, "Princess, may you live in peace. I heard that the princess has returned to the capital, and I, Xiaojiu, have come to congratulate you on your wedding."

After racking her brains for a hundred things to say on the way, the result was that the wedding gown was already on?

You're so easy to talk to?

Then what was the point of all the effort I put into your wedding? If I had known, I would have tied up Ji Li and sent him to your mansion, saving us from all this trouble—

Wanping Princess glanced at her from the bronze mirror, "You're here so early, I thought you came to help me with my bridal makeup?"

Meng Qianqian blinked, "That's possible too."

Wanping Princess looked at her coldly.

Meng Qianqian calmly said, "Of course I'll help with the princess's makeup!"

Wanping Princess extended her hand.

Meng Qianqian smiled slightly, "Xiaojiu can't carry it, it's on the way."

Very well, adding a dowry to the mix.

Meng Qianqian cleared her throat, "Princess, you and the Rooster Guard..."

Wanping Princess sighed, "The imperial edict has been issued, what can I do?"

Meng Qianqian's lips twitched. Was it really because of the imperial edict? Or was it because you took a liking to Ji Li? Meng Qianqian stroked her chin.

Upon careful thought, Ji Li was indeed not bad. Calling him the most handsome guard wasn't an exaggeration.

Furthermore, he had high martial arts skills, a healthy body, and a large...

Cough, she didn't know about that.

Wanping Princess slowly said, "The princess is getting married, and I finally don't have to compete with you for Lu Yuan. You should be happy."

Meng Qianqian whispered, "I was actually hoping you'd come and compete."

Wanping Princess: "..."

Meng Qianqian: "I was joking."

The makeup artist finished the final touches on Wanping Princess's makeup, and the princess said to her, "You may leave, and you all may leave as well."

The makeup artist and the palace maids respectfully exited the room.

Wanping Princess turned around on the stool and looked at Meng Qianqian seriously, "Meng Xiaojiu, the princess is getting married, and I only have one question for you. Answer me truthfully, and don't lie."

Meng Qianqian spoke with a serious tone, "Your Highness, please speak."

Princess Wanping said, "Regarding Chancellor Xun, I've heard that it wasn't just the Duke's Mansion that brought him down, but also the Retired Emperor secretly supporting it from the shadows. He also wanted to get rid of him."

Meng Qianqian asked, "What is it that Your Highness wishes to ask?"

Princess Wanping paused for a moment before saying, "Are the charges against Chancellor Xun true? Is it a case of 'when the birds are gone, the good bow is hidden, and when the rabbit is dead, the dog is cooked'? Or is it personal grudges?"

Personal grudges? If it were a matter of 'when the birds are gone, the good bow is hidden, and when the rabbit is dead, the dog is cooked', it would still be somewhat reasonable.

But the Retired Emperor wasn't that kind of person.

Meng Qianqian took a few steps forward, knelt on one knee, and looked at her intently, "Your Highness, the Retired Emperor is a wise and benevolent ruler."

Princess Wanping asked, "Meng Xiaojiu, how well do you know my father?"

Meng Qianqian asked with confusion, "Your Highness, what do you mean by that?"

"It's nothing."

Princess Wanping lowered her gaze.

Meng Qianqian noticed her troubled thoughts, "Your Highness, if you trust Xiaojiu, I'm willing to listen attentively."

Princess Wanping remained silent.

After a while, she seemed to have made a significant decision and spoke softly, "When I was very young, there was a rumor in the palace that my mother had a shallow relationship with Chancellor Xun."

Meng Qianqian was astonished, could such a thing be true?

Princess Wanping recalled, "My mother passed away in the second year after my younger brother was established as the Crown Prince. I was just eight years old at the time, and my brother was five. I remember my mother was in good health, but suddenly she fell ill, and no one was allowed to visit her. Soon after, she passed away from her illness."

"Some say that she was secretly executed by my father because he discovered her affair with Chancellor Xun. He suspected that my brother was Chancellor Xun's bastard son. The reason my father didn't remove my brother from the position of Crown Prince was that Chancellor Xun was secretly competing with my father."

"My father wanted the Chu King to inherit the empire, but do you know why the Chu King was raised outside the palace? Did my father tell you that the Chu King's mother didn't want to bring her son back to the palace?"

Meng Qianqian replied, "Yes."

Princess Wanping said, "But I heard that my father was always on guard against Chancellor Xun, fearing that the Chu King would fall victim to his schemes. So, he raised his son in the borderlands, but Chancellor Xun still discovered him. To secure my brother's position as Crown Prince, Chancellor Xun secretly eliminated the Chu King's family, removing the biggest obstacle to his ascension."

Meng Qianqian furrowed her brows.

Since the Crown Prince was Chancellor Xun's biological son, why did Chancellor Xun send Lu Yuan and Luo San to infiltrate the Crown Prince's mansion? Lu Yuan had always protected the Crown Prince, and although Luo San incited the Crown Prince to poison the Chu King's family, he neither betrayed the Crown Prince nor used this incident to blackmail him afterward.

The Crown Prince's death was due to his own fear, not an assassination by Chancellor Xun.

In other words, Chancellor Xun never intended to take the Crown Prince's life.

He was using the Crown Prince, but from another perspective, he was also tempering the Crown Prince's resolve.

To be an emperor, one cannot be too soft-hearted.

But the Crown Prince was too weak.

The Retired Emperor wanted to protect the Chu King and have him inherit the throne, yet the Chu King's family died in the struggle for imperial power.

Chancellor Xun wanted the Crown Prince to become a decisive ruler like the Chu King, but it backfired. The Crown Prince died because of Chancellor Xun's "well-intentioned" plans.

If all of this were true, it would be too lamentable.

Soon, Meng Qianqian shook her head; this was too absurd.

After just a few words from Princess Wanping, she had imagined so much?

Having experienced many conspiracies, she couldn't help but make such wild speculations.

"Your Highness, how much of what you've said can be believed?"

Princess Wanping replied, "I don't know. You can take it as a story."

At that moment, the matchmaker's voice came from outside, urging, "Your Highness, the auspicious hour has arrived! We must go now."

Princess Wanping stood up lightly.

The matchmaker and the female official entered.

The female official supported Princess Wanping's hand, "Your Highness, it's snowing outside."

"Hmm."

Princess Wanping nodded slightly and, with the female official's assistance, gracefully moved forward, her figure surrounded by a radiant glow.

Meng Qianqian watched her silhouette without blinking.

As Princess Wanping stepped over the threshold, she suddenly stopped, turned her head slightly, and glanced back, "Meng Xiaojiu, I've told this story to only you today."

Meng Qianqian smiled, "Xiaojiu was just admiring Your Highness's beauty and was so captivated that I forgot to listen to your story."

Princess Wanping looked out at the silent, heavy snowfall, "That's a pity, I'm too lazy to repeat it."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end