Seeing Xiao Shan so enthusiastic about going to Jiangnan together, Xie Zhui agreed with a simple "Alright."

Hearing his response, Xiao Shan's eyes curved into a smile. His laughter was bright and radiant, like a celestial being descending to the mortal world.

Xie Zhui looked at him, and for the first time, he was so captivated that he forgot to speak.

The memorial from Wang Xin accusing Liu Jingxuan quickly spread throughout the court and the harem. Regardless of whether Liu Jingxuan had committed such heinous acts, some people were already spreading the news.

Upon hearing the news, the Empress' first reaction was to worry about Liu Jingyi, fearing that her health might not withstand such a shock. She immediately sent someone to find Xiao Jin, intending to instruct him to ensure that no idle gossip reached Liu Jingyi's ears.

The Empress was very anxious, inwardly cursing Wang Xin for submitting a memorial to the palace at such a time.

She was also worried that Liu Jingxuan might have indeed committed such treasonous acts. If that were the case, Liu Jingxuan would have thoroughly implicated the Liu family this time.

The Empress' anxiety was unbearable, and she didn't expect that not only Xiao Jin would arrive, but Liu Jingyi as well.

Seeing Liu Jingyi, the words the Empress wanted to say to Xiao Jin got stuck in her throat. She forced a smile and said to Liu Jingyi, "Your condition is delicate. You shouldn't move around too much at this time."

Liu Jingyi looked at the Empress and suddenly knelt down solemnly, saying, "Your daughter-in-law thanks Mother Empress for her protection."

The Empress blinked, and Xiao Jin said, "Mother Empress, Liu Jingyi already knows about the Liu family matter."

The Empress was startled and then became angry, "She knows? Who has been gossiping in front of the Crown Princess?" Saying this, she quickly helped Liu Jingyi up and asked gently, "Were you frightened by this news?"

Liu Jingyi shook her head, "With the Crown Prince by my side, I was not frightened."

The Empress found this statement somewhat odd.

Then she heard Xiao Jin's voice, speaking slowly, "Mother Empress, I personally told Liu Jingyi about this matter. I was worried that her emotions might fluctuate too much, so I specifically asked Imperial Physician Su to attend to her."

The Empress was in the middle of earnestly comforting Liu Jingyi when she suddenly heard Xiao Jin's words. She turned sharply to look at him, completely unprepared for the fact that the "gossip" had come from him. She felt as if he had lost his mind. This kind of reckless behavior was something she expected from Xiao Shan, not Xiao Jin.

Could it be that spending too much time with someone could make their traits rub off on you?

Xiao Jin initially felt he had done the right thing, but under the Empress' intense gaze, he suddenly felt a bit guilty.

The Empress tried to hold back but ultimately couldn't. She looked at Xiao Jin and said, "Is this the right time to tell her such things? What if she couldn't handle it? Did you consider the consequences?"

Xiao Jin quietly said, "That's why I sought out Imperial Physician Su from the beginning..."

The Empress was about to say more when Liu Jingyi moved. She walked up to the Empress and softly said, "Mother Empress, the Crown Prince did it for my own good." Although she said this, it was rare to see the Empress scolding Xiao Jin, and Liu Jingyi wanted to watch a bit longer. So, she took her time explaining, speaking particularly slowly.

By the time she had slowly recounted Xiao Jin's concerns, the Empress' expression had changed several times.

After a long while, the Empress sighed and said, "Your concerns are valid, but this was still too reckless. You are the Crown Prince. In the future, you must not act so impulsively in other matters."

Xiao Jin quickly responded, "Yes, Mother Empress." He couldn't help but wonder if it was his imagination, but Liu Jingyi seemed to be speaking particularly slowly today, occasionally pausing as if she were very tired.

Liu Jingyi stood quietly to the side, looking completely innocent.

***

The Emperor's decree was soon issued, appointing Xiao Shan to go to Liangzhou to investigate the truth of Wang Xin's allegations.

Additionally, he sent Zong Qing, the Deputy Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, to accompany him.

Zong Qing, nearing his thirties, was known for his uprightness and unwavering loyalty to the Emperor. He never showed favoritism in his investigations and was unafraid of offending the powerful, earning the Emperor's deep trust.

Everyone knew that Zong Qing was a sharp blade in the Emperor's hand.

When the news spread, people had mixed feelings.

Initially, they thought the Emperor was siding with Liu Jingxuan by sending Xiao Shan, implying that no matter what Liu Jingxuan had done, his reputation would be protected.

But then the Emperor also sent Zong Qing along. What was the meaning behind this move?