novelhk Chapter 141 The Innocent Consort Qin
Chapter 141 The Innocent Consort Qin
He Lingyi's words stunned even the usually composed Crown Prince.
Then he said something that left He Lingyi speechless: “I really don’t know what deep-seated grudge the He family of Nanzhou has against the Vice Minister’s mansion that would make you so fearless of death, and so focused on moving Vice Minister Chi.”
What deep-seated hatred or grudge?
Of course, it was the hatred of killing his mother. He stood by indifferently, allowing the Lü family to kill them, and did nothing but think about his own ambition to rise to a higher position.
Perhaps it was the Crown Prince's behavior during this period, coupled with the quiet of the night, that made He Lingyi somewhat more receptive, and she calmly said something.
"Does Your Highness believe that there are parents in this world who would disregard their children's lives for personal gain, and even turn a blind eye to the tragedies they have created for their children?"
When these words were spoken, the Crown Prince sensed that He Lingyi had changed.
He couldn't quite put his finger on what had changed, but the person's emotions and gaze had become someone he didn't recognize. Since he had heard the words, he naturally had to respond, so he nodded.
"Such things happen frequently in the royal family."
"Really? But this is the first time I've seen this, so I naturally feel indignant."
"You mean, Madam Qiao and Madam Hai?"
He Lingyi hesitated slightly, but still nodded. Seeing this, the Crown Prince probably understood where his Crown Princess's inexplicable grudge came from; it turned out to be an act of bravery.
Although he didn't know much about the affairs of the Vice Minister's mansion, judging from Chi Yunjing's character, he was indeed unfair. Therefore, he could guess that the eldest daughter of the Chi family must have suffered a lot of grievances before marrying into the Qiao family.
Both having lost their mothers, the two young ladies naturally felt a deep connection and sympathy for each other.
Seeing this, the Crown Prince held her hand reassuringly and replied.
"Don't worry, this person is stubborn and we won't get any results from her interrogation. It's better to just kill her. The person who was in contact with her will naturally be afraid. Once someone is afraid, it's only a matter of time before they slip up. Chi Yun Jing will surely perish because of his many evil deeds. I guarantee he won't make it past this year!"
He Lingyi was in such a hurry because he was worried that he would not be able to finish his revenge before his mother, Chi Guiwan, gave birth to a child. But how could he say this to the Crown Prince? He could only go along with what the Crown Prince said.
"Your Highness is right, I was a bit too hasty."
"Alright, let's go back to sleep. We've been up all night, and we still have to set off for the capital tomorrow."
"it is good."
The couple returned to the main hall and soon fell asleep in each other's arms.
Once He Lingyi's breathing had evened out, the Crown Prince opened his eyes in the darkness and looked at her calm face, and couldn't help but sigh.
When will you finally tell the truth?
Unfortunately, all she received was silence. She couldn't help but tighten her embrace of He Lingyi before falling asleep herself.
As soon as he woke up, Haiyu was already waiting outside the door.
He held a thick stack of confessions, all the results of last night's interrogation.
With the death of the "Third Princess," these accomplices dared not keep anything to themselves. They all thought that if they knew anything, they could spill the beans and save their own lives.
So, besides the old nanny who was in charge of training, there were seven or eight other people in the palace who were also spies of the Prince of Li. However, they were not responsible for specific tasks; they just helped the old nanny feed the stray cats or provided cover.
Most of them are indeed innocent.
“Take the ringleader and accomplices away, and leave the rest of Ruoyu behind to clean up the mess. With such a big blunder in the palace, it’s clear that a thorough cleanup is needed from top to bottom.”
"Yes, my subordinates take orders!"
After the Crown Prince gave his instructions, Qiao Er began to get busy.
Fortunately, this place is far from the capital, and once the news is blocked, it won't get there for a while. Therefore, anyone with even a hint of suspicion was imprisoned and dealt with, and no one escaped.
As for He Lingyi and the others, they had already boarded the carriage for their return journey.
When they arrived, the Third Princess was chattering away, but on the way back, traveling with the Crown Prince, she became much quieter.
They drank cup after cup of tea, but the atmosphere remained frozen until He Lingyi finally broke the ice by asking a question.
"Your Highness, how should we tell Consort Qin about the Third Princess?"
Upon hearing this, a hint of reluctance appeared in the Crown Prince's eyes, but it quickly disappeared, and he replied calmly.
"To be frank, the Third Princess died several years ago, and her body was disposed of long ago. Even if Consort Qin cannot accept it, she has no choice but to accept her fate."
He Lingyi looked troubled, recalling the helplessness and despair she felt when she suddenly heard the news of her mother's death. She was a living person when she passed away, and now she had become like this. Anyone would feel like it was a nightmare.
"Don't worry, I'll go and talk to them."
"The Third Princess came out with me, so it wouldn't be appropriate for me not to go. Your Highness, please rest assured, I can handle it."
Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince did not say much, but when he entered the palace, he stayed close to He Lingyi until he stood in front of Consort Qin's palace and said a few words to her.
"Let's face it together."
After saying that, he walked inside, with He Lingyi following closely behind. Both of them had rather solemn expressions.
Consort Qin was taking a nap when she suddenly heard that the Crown Prince and Crown Princess were requesting an audience. She was puzzled, so she got up and spoke.
"Have someone bring tea; I will be there immediately."
"Yes, ma'am."
Before the messenger had even left, Consort Qin asked again, "Where is the Third Princess? Didn't she come back with them?"
"Your Majesty, this servant did not see it."
Upon hearing this, Consort Qin frowned slightly, "Has this girl gotten into trouble?"
My heart was pounding, and I felt vaguely uneasy.
The Crown Prince and He Lingyi did not have to wait long before Consort Qin arrived, still smiling as she looked at them and then asked.
"The Crown Prince should be resting in the Eastern Palace after returning from the sacrificial ceremony, why did he suddenly come here? Did the Third Princess cause trouble?"
Consort Qin got straight to the point, and the Crown Prince didn't waste any more words.
"Your Highness, please be seated. I have something to say."
Hearing this, Consort Qin's worries became even more apparent, and she couldn't help but look at He Lingyi and ask softly.
"Where is my daughter?"
He Lingyi looked directly at him without flinching, though she felt a little reluctant. But the Crown Prince was right; hiding it was useless, and it was best to tell him the truth. So she took a step forward and spoke in a gentle tone.
"Your Highness, please accept my condolences. The Third Princess has passed away."
When Consort Qin heard that her daughter was gone, she was stunned. Then her body went weak. She wanted to stand up and question her, but found that she had no strength at all. So she asked a question.
"Gone? What do you mean, gone?"
"A few years ago, the Third Princess was murdered by a villain in her life. This villain was none other than Aunt Mei, who had taken care of her for many years. Aunt Mei was a confidante of the Prince of Li and had been hiding in the palace for many years. All the princes and princesses who died young were her doing. She came with us to the palace this time to send a message, but she was captured on the spot by the people of the Eastern Palace. After interrogation, we learned about this matter, so we specially brought people to wish the Noble Consort to take care of her grief."