嫩草影院地址一二三

Chapter 357: 357. Will you put righteousness before family?

But the problem lies here. Su Liang is not sure what Duanmu Chen intends to do, and once Old Lady Xing personally deals with Madam Miao, Xing Yuyang, and Miss Miao, it would become a burden in her heart and would affect her relationship with the other children of the Miao family. In short, this is a very difficult situation to deal with.

Therefore, Su Liang did not want to pass this huge trouble to Old Lady Xing, and after the events took place, she only needed to say that Duanmu Chen did not allow her to interfere.

If Old Lady Xing doesn’t know Duanmu Chen’s intentions beforehand, can’t stop him during the events, she will be able to let go more easily afterward.

It was even more unnecessary to tell Xing Yusheng beforehand. He had always been respectful and kept away from Madam Miao and her children.

After returning home, Su Liang and Gu Ling quickly went to bed.

Early the next morning, the Marquis Zhong Xin’s entire family, including the Crown Prince Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing, were summoned into the palace.

At the same time, Miss Miao, who Xing Yuyang thought was well-hidden, as well as her two elder brothers hidden in another place in the capital city, were subsequently searched and arrested by Xing’s subordinates, along with their servants, and taken into the Heavenly Prison.

Upon entering the palace, the Xing family did not directly see Duanmu Chen nor Xing Yuyan, but instead waited in an empty palace.

Old Lady Xing felt uneasy in her heart, feeling that something bad had happened, and momentarily suspected that something might have happened to Xing Ji who was far away in Xuanbei City.

Xing Yusheng did not think his father was in trouble. If so, Duanmu Chen should have consulted Su Liang first, and she would inform the Xing family in the first instance.

Being in the Imperial Palace, Xing Yusheng couldn’t help but suspect that today’s events were related to Xing Yuyan. However, not knowing the details yet, he said nothing, only comforting Lin Xueqing not to worry. Even if Xing Ji wanted to rebel, Lin Xueqing would be safe at least.

After Duanmu Chen finished the morning court and reviewed the memorials, he finally came to see the Xing family members with Jing.

Old Lady Xing led the entire family to kneel and salute Duanmu Chen. With an indifferent expression, Duanmu Chen said, “Old Lady and Crown Prince’s wife, please rise, you have seats.”

Xing Yusheng, who was still kneeling on the ground, felt a sinking feeling in his heart. Only his grandmother and the pregnant Lin Xueqing were allowed to sit, while the others had to continue kneeling? It was undoubtedly bad news!

Xing Yusheng gave Lin Xueqing a reassuring look before palace maids came and helped Old Lady Xing and Lin Xueqing to sit down.

Madam Miao’s head was hanging low, and Duanmu Chen’s gaze swept over her before settling on Xing Yuyang.

Old Lady Xing tried to stay calm, “Your Majesty, may I ask what has happened?” She also suspected that Xing Yuyan had made a big mistake.

“Bring in the Empress.” Duanmu Chen’s expression was indifferent.

Xing Yuyan entered the room soon after, followed by two serious-looking palace maids, who were unfamiliar faces to Old Lady Xing.

Although Xing Yuyan’s clothes were neat and her hair ornaments were all in place, her eyes were red and swollen, clearly having cried. As soon as she entered and saw the Xing family members, she broke into tears again, “Grandmother, save me…”

Old Lady Xing’s heart lurched, but she heard Duanmu Chen’s cold voice, “Does the Empress not even understand the rules?”

Xing Yuyan’s body trembled, and she knelt down to pay respects to Duanmu Chen but was not called to stand up.

“Tell your family what you have done, Empress,” Duanmu Chen said coldly.

Xing Yuyan glanced subconsciously at Madam Miao and Xing Yuyang, “Your Majesty, my second brother has also taken that medicine, and it really doesn’t cause any harm…”

As soon as Old Lady Xing heard the word “medicine,” she felt as if she had been struck by lightning, her face turning pale! No matter what kind of medicine it was, it was extremely sensitive in the palace!

Xing Yusheng was already filled with murderous intent. He knew that when trouble arose, he would not be considered an outsider since their surnames were both Xing.

“Jing, tell Old Lady what the Empress has done.” Duanmu Chen didn’t look at Xing Yuyan again.

Chang’an’s expression turned serious, “Yes.” He then recounted the incident of Miao’s mother secretly bringing untraceable medicine into the palace and giving it to Xing Yuyan, who had secretly put it in a chicken soup for Duanmu Chen to drink. He also declared that last night, it was confirmed that the medicine was brought into the capital city by the maternal relatives of Miao’s mother, and the related parties had already been arrested and thrown into the Heavenly Prison.

In the end, Chang’an said, “Last night, His Majesty broke out in red rashes all over his body, and the situation was extremely dangerous. Fortunately, Imperial Physician Su and Marquis Chang Xin entered the palace in time to treat His Majesty, otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.”

Lady Xing was sweating profusely, and she couldn’t sit still as she listened. She got up and knelt down again. Lin Xueqing silently knelt by Lady Xing’s side, supporting her with one hand, afraid that she would faint.

After Chang’an finished speaking, all that could be heard were the sobs of Xing Yuyan, who kept saying that she really didn’t mean it, she didn’t know it would turn out like that, she only wanted to bear the emperor’s Dragon Seed as soon as possible.

Duanmu Chen looked at Lady Xing, “I know that Su Liang is the adopted daughter of Marquis Zhong Xin. She has a good relationship with the old lady and the crown prince, so I specifically instructed her last night not to intervene in this matter.”

These words explained why Su Liang had not informed the Xing family at the earliest opportunity.

Lady Xing said solemnly, “This incident has nothing to do with Su Liang. It is because of the unfortunate circumstances of my Xing family. I beg Your Majesty to consider the loyalty of my son and treat us leniently.”

It was impossible for Duanmu Chen to not punish them. In the past, Duanmu Chen had given the Xing family important information and saved them because of Su Liang’s face, but he was a crown prince back then, and now he is the emperor.

If Miao’s mother and Xing Yuyan weren’t the empress and Duanmu Chen still needed to use Xing Ji, their whole family could be executed, and even his nine clans could be exterminated.

Upon learning from Su Liang about the things Miao’s mother and Xing Yuyang did behind their backs, Lady Xing still wanted to value harmony and even thought of how Miao’s daughter had already become Xing Yuyang’s woman and was carrying his child, and thus needed to take responsibility.

Back when Lady Xing allowed Miao’s mother to enter the family, she had the same mindset. Since Xing Ji’s wife, Qin Yuan insisted on doing that, Lady Xing admitted even if she knew that Xing Ji was calculated by Miao’s mother.

However, at this moment, Lady Xing had completely turned cold towards everyone related to Miao’s mother. She regretted more and more that she should have been firm back then and never allowed Miao’s mother to enter the Xing family’s door! If they married a virtuous wife and severed ties when they had to, the Xing family wouldn’t have been destroyed by the Miao surname!

You should know that the day before yesterday, Lady Xing told Su Liang that the emperor was extremely good to Xing Yuyan. This was a fact. Duanmu Chen, on one hand for Xing Ji’s strength and on the other hand for Su Liang’s face, was kind and just towards the Xing family. Xing Yuyan was living in happiness without knowing it, and it was so stupid that it was infuriating!

Duanmu Chen, as a crown prince, already had several concubines serving him, but none of them had ever given him a son. Didn’t Miao’s mother and Xing Yuyan know why? It was Duanmu Chen’s intention because he wanted his main wife to give birth to his legitimate heir first, to avoid the situation where his eldest son was born illegitimately!

So Xing Yuyan only needed to be more patient, and if her body wasn’t ill, the firstborn prince of Qian Country would definitely be her son.

Lady Xing had reminded Miao’s mother and Xing Yuyan of this, but because they were in the palace, they didn’t dare to speak too explicitly. She didn’t know whether they were too stupid to understand or whether they understood but just couldn’t settle down!

“In consideration of Marquis Zhong Xin’s loyal service at the border, I will not depose the empress.” Duanmu Chen’s words ended, and Xing Yuyan’s expression brightened.

Miao’s mother breathed a sigh of relief but heard Duanmu Chen continue, “However, those who instigated the empress to poison me must be punished severely.”

Miao’s mother’s face stiffened, “Your Majesty… I did it out of good intentions!”

Xing Yuyan also pleaded for her mother, “Please spare my mother, Your Majesty, she really meant well!”

Duanmu Chen’s face turned cold, “Silence! Whoever thinks my punishment is too severe and dares to plead for mercy again will be punished the same way!”

Xing Yuyan’s face stiffened, and she didn’t dare to speak anymore.

Miao’s mother, pale-faced, crawled over to Lady Xing, “Mother… Mother, save me! I did it all for Yuyan and the Xing family!”

“Summon.” Duanmu Chen ordered.

An old eunuch came forward holding a tray with a pot and a cup. Anyone not a fool would know what was inside.

As Miao’s mother cried and wailed, Duanmu Chen got up and walked out, “There’s no hurry. Wait until Lady Xing is ready, then send her on her way.”

His words left the palace, and the door was closed from the outside. Inside, only the Xing family members and the old eunuch who brought the poison wine were left.

Xing Yusheng helped Lady Xing and Lin Xueqing up and let them sit down. Then he turned around and fiercely kicked Xing Yuyang, “Look what you’ve done!”

It seemed Duanmu Chen didn’t show any mercy and directly ordered the execution of Xing Ji’s wife. However, in reality, he was still merciful. Those with the surname Miao didn’t expect to survive, but those with the surname Xing were all right.

Knowing this, Lady Xing dared not say another word. She knew that Xing Yuyang and Xing Yuyan, who were directly involved, would deserve death if they were punished.

Xing Yuyang grabbed Xing Yusheng’s leg, his expression panicked, “Brother! Go find Su Liang! As long as she pleads with the emperor, he will definitely spare my mother’s life!”

Xing Yusheng kicked Xing Yuyang away and said coldly, “It’s no use asking anyone, even if Father were here, it would be useless! Didn’t you hear what the emperor said, Su Liang is not allowed to intervene! The emperor didn’t kill you and Xing Yuyan together, that’s already a great grace!”

Lin Xueqing held Lady Xing’s cold hand, not knowing what to say. She had a simple background and didn’t have much contact with the Miao family after her marriage, so she couldn’t understand why they would do such things instead of living a good life. They say that being with the emperor is like being with a tiger, so you have to be cautious. But Miao and Xing Yuyan have gone too far!

Xing Yusheng ignored them and sat down next to Lady Xing, “Grandmother, things have come to this point, the emperor has already been extremely merciful.”

“I know…” Lady Xing sighed deeply, “I’m just worried about your father. If he knows, he will definitely feel heartbroken.”

After all, that’s Xing Ji’s wife, even if she’s in the wrong, Xing Ji will still blame himself for not managing his family properly.

“Father will understand.” Xing Yusheng wasn’t too worried about this. Xing Ji was the smartest person in the Xing family. But in another sense, he was also the most foolish. He could always handle external affairs well, but he couldn’t handle family matters properly. If they had just kept the doors closed and only dealt with family matters, that would have been fine. But this time, some people had overreached themselves.

Xing Yusheng looked at Miao, who was about to be executed, and felt nothing. She was his stepmother, and the person he had hated from childhood, with no emotional attachment.

Unworthy people in high positions will inevitably bring disaster. Xing Yusheng suddenly thought of his father-in-law, Lin Shuzhi’s previous warning about Xing Yuyan. Lin Shuzhi’s point was that the Xing family must control Xing Yuyan, not seeking her help for their family, but just hoping that she would behave and stay out of trouble.

Lady Xing did just that, but who would have expected that some people were so fearless and absolutely insane…

Su Mansion.

Qi Jun was reporting the news of the Xing family to Su Liang, “It’s said that the Empress is sick, and the emperor has allowed the family members to visit her in the palace. Lady Xing went in a hurry.”

Su Liang was slightly stunned, “She’s dead?”

Qi Jun nodded, “Yes. The Xing family members have left the palace and returned home, and they are preparing for the funeral.”

“What about the others?” Su Liang asked.

Qi Jun shook his head, “The others should be fine. By the way, on my way back, I went to the place where Xing Yuyang’s concubine was hidden, and it was empty.”

“I see. You go and say that I asked you to check on Lady Xing’s health, and bring this box of calming incense to her.” Su Liang ordered, “Ask if she needs me to come over.”

Qi Jun understood and went to the Xing family.

Su Liang sighed and looked at Gu Ling, who was making medicine nearby, “I didn’t expect the emperor to have Xing Yuyan’s mother executed. But after all, it involves poisoning the emperor, and killing someone is not excessive.”

As for the missing Miss Miao, Su Liang felt that her chances of survival were slim.

Xing Yuyan’s life must not be as good as before, even if the position of Empress is still hers.

Duanmu Chen seemed gentle, but his gentleness was only for useful people. Even if Xing Ji returned to the capital, he would have to thank Duanmu Chen for his grace, for not killing his children.

Qi Jun soon came back and said that Lady Xing’s face was not very good, but she was fine and told Su Liang not to come.

In addition, Lady Xing asked Qi Jun to tell Su Liang that she was preparing to cancel Xing Yuyang’s marriage, using the reason that he would be in mourning for three years, and letting the Ministry Mansion’s lady choose another good husband.

Su Liang thought this was a good option, as Xing Yuyang was a person who made mistakes and also had the habit of calculating his fiancée, which was different from the situation when they first got engaged. Lady Xing’s move, on one hand, did not want to delay the Ministry Mansion’s lady, and on the other hand, was to punish Xing Yuyang.

Xuanbei City.

Xing Ji had no idea that something had happened to his family in the capital city. He was currently entertaining the marriage envoy from Liang Country. The leader of the group was a familiar face – the person who had once pretended to be Che Yun, now the second prince of Liang Country, Situ Jing.

The envoy was to stay in Xuanbei City for one night before setting off again the next day.

Xing Ji maintained a strictly professional attitude and did not show any special emotions towards Situ Jing.

As night fell, Xing Ji was having a leisurely chat with Qi Jiang under the moon. The two had been friends for more than half their lives, with Qi Jiang’s companionship lasting even longer than that of Xing Ji’s wife and children.

“Marquis, the second prince of Liang Country is here,” someone reported.

Xing Ji looked up to see Situ Jing standing at the entrance of the courtyard, holding a jar of alcohol in his hand. He had once sported a long beard when pretending to be Che Yun, but now, without the beard, he looked much younger and more refreshing. He was indeed a handsome man.

However, Xing Ji could not bring himself to like him, no matter how he looked at him.

Situ Jing entered and said, “I came here to have a few drinks with the Marquis.”

Qi Jiang stood up, gave Situ Jing a cold glance, and remained by the side without leaving.

Situ Jing took a seat and poured wine for Xing Ji, “This is the imperial wine from Liang Country. Please have a taste, Marquis.”

“I am afraid I may not be fortunate enough to enjoy such a precious gift,” Xing Ji replied coldly.

Situ Jing smiled and raised his cup, drinking it himself, “It feels like returning home when I come back here.”

Upon hearing this, Xing Ji really wanted to hit him.

“Actually, there is nothing special,” Situ Jing said to Xing Ji. “I just thought that the Marquis must miss his home very much. If there are any letters or items, I can help deliver them to the capital city along the way.”

Xing Ji shook his head, “No need.”

“There is one more thing,” Situ Jing raised his cup again, “I would like to thank the Marquis for his care and support in the past.”

Xing Ji grabbed the wine glass full in front of him and splashed it on Situ Jing’s face, “No need to thank me!”

Wiping the wine off his face with his hand, Situ Jing’s smile grew deeper, “I deserve it. Even if the Marquis cuts me with a knife, I would still owe it to him.”

Qi Jiang drew his knife and handed it to Xing Ji.

Xing Ji took it without hesitation, pointing the blade at Situ Jing, “You choose the spot.”

Situ Jing stretched out a finger, pointing to his own forehead, “Here.”

Xing Ji snorted coldly, swung the knife, and cut off a strand of hair from Situ Jing’s forehead. “Second Prince Situ, please leave.” He could see Situ Jing had drunk quite a lot of alcohol before coming and was somewhat tipsy.

Situ Jing picked up the hair that had fallen on the table, slowly winding it around his finger, and laughed at himself, “If the Marquis really cut me with a knife, I would be very happy. But just like Su Liang, you are not willing to give me even the slightest chance.”

“There is no need to say such nonsense, as if becoming the second prince of Liang Country was forced upon you by Su Liang,” Xing Ji said coldly.

Situ Jing nodded with a sarcastic smile, “Indeed, it was her and Gu Ling who forced me to go there. If they were willing to accept me, I would never have gone to Liang Country.” With that, he turned around and walked away slowly.

At the entrance of the courtyard, Situ Jing looked back, “I wish I were your son. This is something I have wanted to say for a long time, and today I finally said it. I want to ask the Marquis one thing: if your family members do something grievously wrong, would you protect them or let them pay the price, even with their lives?”

Xing Ji frowned, “No matter who it is, everyone must take responsibility for their actions.”

Situ Jing chuckled, “Very well. May the Marquis and your family never make any mistakes. And Su Liang and Gu Ling too. What I want to know most is whether Su Liang would abandon Gu Ling if he makes a mistake.”