Chapter 708: Chapter 709: Request an Audience

Xiao Jiayi’s eyes reddened, but she still shook her head.

"I know I have done wrong. I dare not ask for anything more."

The Eldest Princess looked at her. It had only been a short while since they had last met, but Xiao Jiayi had clearly grown gaunt and haggard. Her cheeks were sunken, and dark circles bruised the skin beneath her eyes. Her gaze was dim and lifeless, as if veiled by a thick layer of dust.

Anyone could see that she must have been having a very difficult time lately.

The Eldest Princess had, in fact, heard rumors about the Xie Family’s affairs. Seeing her today, she didn’t need to ask to know that Xiao Jiayi had recently endured considerable hardship.

Although she was angry, this was her own niece. How could she truly be so heartless as to not care at all?

The Eldest Princess closed her eyes as a faint headache began to throb.

Zhuxin immediately stepped forward and began to gently massage her temples.

It was a technique Ye Chutang had taught her—gentle, yet with just the right amount of pressure. After a moment, the Eldest Princess’s headache subsided, and she opened her eyes again.

"Do you know why you were summoned to the palace today?"

Xiao Jiayi already had a suspicion in her heart.

Her lips tightened before she finally forced the words out. "I... I know. It’s because of the Xie Family... isn’t it?"

Though it was a question, her sorrowful, resigned expression said it all.

The Eldest Princess was silent for a moment, her gaze shifting toward the door.

"I am not the one who wanted to see you. The one who truly wishes to see you is your father, the Emperor."

An involuntary shiver ran down Xiao Jiayi’s spine.

The Eldest Princess’s heavy gaze fell upon her once more. "It seems you’ve long expected this day would come."

Xiao Jiayi touched her forehead to the floor and squeezed her eyes shut. A single tear escaped the corner of her eye, quickly falling to the ground and vanishing.

Her voice trembled slightly, yet it held a firmness and resolve she had never shown before.

"Yes."

"I am willing to bear all the consequences alone! I only ask—"

Her voice finally broke into a sob.

"I only ask that you, Aunt, take good care of Lin’er for me and keep him safe."

...

「Qiyuan Hall.」

After Emperor Muwu spoke, the great hall once again fell into a deathly silence.

Zheng Baosu sneered. "Evidence? Of course there is! For the past several years, during every Mid-Autumn Festival and New Year, a large sum of silver notes has been sent to the Duke Zhongyong Mansion! One glance at the Xie Family’s accounts will tell you everything!"

The Xie Family, though they live in splendor, have long been stripped of any real power. They may own numerous businesses, but it’s impossible for them to have that much extra silver for no reason!

Their finances could never withstand scrutiny!

Emperor Muwu narrowed his eyes slightly. "Aside from this, is there any other evidence?"

Zheng Baosu froze.

’Other evidence?’

’This alone should be enough! Why does Emperor Muwu seem so unconcerned?’

Xie Anjun glanced back and saw the look on Zheng Baosu’s face. The heavy stone that had been weighing on his heart instantly lightened.

’Ha!’

’How could I have forgotten? This Zheng Baosu is a complete and utter fool!’

’The man has spent years at the border and is an expert at fabricating his achievements, but when it comes to scheming and plotting, he’s completely incompetent!’

’Zheng Baosu assumed the Xie Family kept their books the same way he does. He has no idea that for a great aristocratic family like ours, the sheer volume and complexity of the accounts are beyond his wildest imagination!’

A surge of confidence filled Xie Anjun. He cupped his hands and declared loudly, "Your Majesty! I, your humble servant, swear on my life that every single one of the Xie Family’s accounts can withstand scrutiny! If Your Majesty does not believe me, you can send men to the Xie Family this instant to audit the books and inspect the treasury!"

’Someone with a mind like Zheng Baosu’s could never imagine that every bit of silver he offered had long been funneled into the Xie Family’s accounts under various pretexts, only to be funneled out again for all sorts of reasons.’

’An investigation now would turn up absolutely nothing!’

Zheng Baosu was dumbfounded.

Xie Anjun was acting far too self-righteous.

Even Emperor Muwu showed no intention of ordering a search of the Xie Family’s accounts.

’This—’

"I... I’m telling the truth!"

Zheng Baosu grew anxious and tried to defend himself.

"That much money can’t possibly leave no trace! This Xie Anjun—"

"Zheng Baosu," Xie Anjun cut him off, his cold gaze filled with derision. "You can’t possibly think you can slander me and the Xie Family with nothing but empty words, can you? Hmph. I suggest you get your story straight, or else..."

Before he could finish, a palace attendant rushed in from outside the hall to make a report.

"Your Majesty! Mr. Fan Chengzhuo requests an audience!"

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