Chapter 359: Chapter 359: Investigating the Case
Standing in front of Princess Qianyou's mansion, Zhongshan took a deep breath.
A large number of guards from the Ministry of Justice stood before the mansion, each armed with swords. They surrounded the perimeter.
"Who goes there?" shouted a black-clad official from the Ministry of Justice.
"By decree of His Majesty, I am here to investigate the case of Princess Qianyou, with the Holy Sword as evidence!" Zhongshan declared.
Immediately, he revealed the Holy Sword, its brilliance shining forth.
The official frowned and extended his spiritual sense towards the sword.
"Ahhh!" Suddenly, the official cried out in agony, clutching his head.
"My lord!" Immediately, a multitude of subordinates rushed over, drawing their swords, ready to apprehend whoever dared to attack their superior.
"Hold!" The official shouted, still clutching his head.
"Huh?" The subordinates looked puzzled.
"Long live His Majesty, long live, long live ten thousand years!" The official bowed deeply, showing utmost respect.
With his lead, the others quickly understood and echoed, "Long live His Majesty, long live, long live ten thousand years!"
Ignoring them, Zhongshan strode forward with Zhuhuo towards Princess Qianyou's mansion.
Upon entering the mansion, Zhongshan took another deep breath.
The atmosphere within Princess Qianyou's mansion was desolate and empty, devoid of any servants.
Extending his spiritual sense, Zhongshan sensed only Ah Da and Ah Er waiting outside a distant palace.
"Princess, Master has arrived, Princess...," Ah Da exclaimed excitedly.
"Princess, it's really Master!" Ah Er echoed the excitement.
"Dong, dong, dong..." Footsteps echoed from the palace, and Princess Qianyou swiftly ran to the door, eyes filled with anticipation and excitement.
Zhongshan hurried towards her with Zhuhuo.
"I knew Master would come," Ah Da said, clenching his fists in excitement.
Ah Er also looked excitedly at Zhongshan.
But Princess Qianyou remained silent, showing only a faint smile of relief and peace.
"Princess, I'm back!" Zhongshan stared at Princess Qianyou.
"I knew you would come," Princess Qianyou said with a smile of contentment.
Ah Da, Ah Er, and Zhuhuo tactfully left the main hall. Their presence was no longer needed here.
Seeing the haggard face, emaciated figure, and sorrowful smile of Princess Qianyou, Zhongshan couldn't help but feel a pang in his heart. In that moment, Zhongshan realized that amidst his resolute determination, Princess Qianyou had already secured a place in his heart. It was a feeling he hadn't fully acknowledged until now.
With clarity in his heart, Zhongshan no longer hesitated. Gently, he reached out and touched Princess Qianyou's cheek.
"You've lost so much weight," Zhongshan whispered softly.
As Zhongshan reached out, Princess Qianyou didn't shy away. In fact, she seemed to anticipate it, waiting for that warm hand to touch her cheek. The previous content smile turned into one of excitement, and tears welled up in her eyes the moment Zhongshan uttered, "You've lost so much weight."
"Pu~~~" Princess Qianyou threw herself into Zhongshan's arms, tears flowing like a river.
In that embrace, Zhongshan felt a love deep within his heart, and Princess Qianyou felt the same in hers. It wasn't something that happened today, but something they had both felt days before.
Only through setbacks could one reflect, and only through sadness could one understand true emotions!
Whimpering at the moment of death, imprisoned within her own familial clan like the ancient Shi family, Princess Qianyou felt the world turn its back on her. Those who once fawned over her now showed indifference; even the Emperor was vexed and distant. Her own father, too, had grown distant.
The world seemed cold and distant, as if everyone had abandoned her. It felt like standing alone in an empty forest, a terrifying silence and overwhelming loneliness. Intense sadness and heartache filled her mind. In that moment, her only thought was of Zhongshan—Zhongshan, whom she could trust absolutely, who treated her better than her own clan. She longed for Zhongshan to appear before her immediately, to be enveloped in his embrace, shielded from the storms of the outside world. It was then that Princess Qianyou realized just how deeply she loved Zhongshan—a yearning akin to a rushing river.
And then, as if by magic, Zhongshan appeared, embracing Princess Qianyou tightly, just as she had imagined.
No words were spoken, just the tight embrace.
In that moment, Princess Qianyou relaxed completely, a satisfied smile gracing her face. The strong, independent woman of the past had disappeared; now, she was simply a fragile woman in Zhongshan's arms, a woman protected. She didn't think about anything else; she no longer feared the winds that blew outside, for she had found this safe harbor, the warmest refuge in the world.
Zhongshan, too, felt a profound warmth in his heart as he held Princess Qianyou. With one hand around her, the other gently stroked her long hair. In no time at all, Princess Qianyou fell asleep in Zhongshan's arms.
A grandmaster of the highest realm, crying herself to sleep?
Zhongshan chuckled affectionately, lifted Princess Qianyou, and carried her into the main hall. He gently laid her on a jade couch, covering her with a silk quilt.
Watching Princess Qianyou sleep peacefully, a smile on her face, Zhongshan absentmindedly brushed her hair.
It was clear how much pressure and injustice Princess Qianyou had endured in these days. She was worn down, anxious, and tense. Only with Zhongshan's appearance did she finally relax and fall into an exhausted sleep.
Princess Qianyou was too tired; this sleep was likely to last all day.
When Princess Qianyou woke up, she found Zhongshan sitting by her side, lost in thought, yet holding her hand firmly, never letting go.
Feeling the warmth of Zhongshan's hand, Princess Qianyou blushed. Perhaps her waking had startled Zhongshan.
"Awake?" Zhongshan asked.
"Mm-hmm," Princess Qianyou nodded shyly.
This was the first time Zhongshan had seen Princess Qianyou like this. The calm, composed demeanor she once had was now gone.
"Well, it's been a day of our month's time. Shall we discuss the case?" Zhongshan took a deep breath.
"A month?" Princess Qianyou asked.
"Yes, His Majesty has granted me a month to thoroughly investigate your case," Zhongshan said.
"The case seems clear-cut, but no one in the court wants to wade into this murky water. Even His Majesty, who used to favor me, is angry and forbids anyone from mentioning it," Princess Qianyou said.
"Heh, no, from what I see, the one most concerned about you in the court is His Majesty himself," Zhongshan took a deep breath.
"His Majesty?" Princess Qianyou looked puzzled.
"Yes, this case is incredibly complex. With irrefutable evidence, not just anyone can clear your name. If this investigation fails to absolve you, you'll be in an even worse position. His Majesty is protecting you; that's why he agreed to my request and entrusted me with the Holy Sword for a thorough investigation," Zhongshan explained.
"What did you use to silence all the courtiers?" Princess Qianyou asked.
"Just a passing cloud," Zhongshan chuckled.
"What passing cloud?" Princess Qianyou inquired.
"My military achievements," Zhongshan replied.
Princess Qianyou didn't say much in gratitude or make any vows. She simply uttered a soft "Hmm," her gaze towards Zhongshan filled with determination. It was as if she had made a decision deep within her heart. There was a hint of infatuation in her eyes.
"Tell me then, what exactly happened? I need a detailed account of the events. What happened at that time, not a single detail omitted!" Zhongshan said.
"That day...," ——
One month before Zhongshan returned to court.
In Yining County Princess's Mansion, to celebrate, Yining hosted a banquet in a large courtyard, inviting numerous court officials she knew. Among them were Princess Qianyou, Marquis Qitian, and Marquis Mazhui.
"Congratulations, Princess, on being promised discipleship by Elder Tian," Marquis Mazhui raised his cup and laughed.
"Uncle, stop teasing. It hasn't been formalized yet!" Yining laughed and finished her drink.
"Soon, Elder Tian's word is as good as gold. Once accepted as Elder Tian's disciple, His Majesty will certainly elevate you to princess status. We'll soon be calling you Princess Yining," Marquis Mazhui chuckled.
"Princess Qianyou, Elder Tian chose between you and Yining, and Yining was ultimately chosen. You're not jealous, are you?" Marquis Qitian suddenly turned to Princess Qianyou.
Boldly questioned by Marquis Qitian, everyone fell silent.
"How could I? I congratulate Yining!" Princess Qianyou graciously replied, raising her cup to Yining.
"Thank you, Sister Qianyou!" Yining immediately happily drank another cup.
The banquet proceeded lively. As conversations flowed, midway through the banquet, Yining suddenly took Princess Qianyou's hand.
"Sister Qianyou, come with me," Yining said.
Princess Qianyou followed without hesitation, setting down her cup. They left the banquet and wound their way through Yining's mansion until they reached a small courtyard in a remote corner. There wasn't a soul around.
"Why did you bring me here?" Princess Qianyou asked, puzzled.
"I heard that you possess the 'Xun Ding physique.' Is it true?" Yining widened her eyes inquisitively.
"Who told you that? How could that be?" Princess Qianyou furrowed her brows but then smiled.
"Someone told me. Sister Qianyou, don't deny it. I've long heard of the miraculous nature of the Nine Ding physique. Please show it to me," Yining said eagerly.
"Show it? How would I show it?" Princess Qianyou raised an eyebrow.
"With this," Yining said immediately, pulling out a package from a corner of the courtyard. From it, she withdrew a jade-green longbow adorned with numerous totems.
"The Wind God Bow?" Princess Qianyou exclaimed in surprise.
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