Chapter 151: No One Can Guess the Emperor's Mind

Thanks to the patrons "Bai Xiaogui" and "Shui Lan jing" for their generous tips~
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"In that case, this Liancheng is indeed the primary culprit behind the framing of the Crown Prince. Yuntuo, how do you think he should be dealt with?" Zhao Gou asked, looking at his son with a blank expression.

Prince Xuan's expression tightened slightly as he stepped forward hurriedly. "Imperial Father, words alone carry no proof. Even if Liancheng stealthily framed the Crown Prince, why would he end up beaten to within an inch of his life? It would be better to wait until he wakes up and question him thoroughly. If it is indeed his doing, this son will show no leniency whatsoever."

"Your Majesty, please examine that sword closely," Ji Changge suddenly stepped forward to say.

Zhao Gou looked at the filthy, stained sword. It was a blade he had bestowed upon Crown Prince Yunze, so he naturally recognized it.

"Where is the scabbard?"

"The scabbard was not found at the scene; it may still be in Liancheng's possession. If the scabbard can be recovered, it will prove that the Crown Prince was framed by Liancheng," Ji Changge continued.

Zhao Gou glanced at Ji Changge and said, "That makes sense. Guards, take this precious sword and search the Prince Xuan's Estate. If there is a scabbard that matches this blade, bring it back."

Yang Wenguang, the Commander of the Imperial Bodyguards, stepped forward to take the sword and strode out of the grand hall with several guards.

Prince Xuan met Ji Changge's gaze, and sparks seemed to collide silently in the air. Zhao Gou cast a subtle glance at the two of them, a flicker of displeasure flashing across his eyes.

"Your Majesty, would you permit Seven to take Liancheng's pulse?" Wen Jing requested.

Surprise flickered in Zhao Gou's eyes. "You possess medical skills?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I am casually acquainted with the arts," Wen Jing replied with lowered eyes.

She still refused to believe that anyone could beat Liancheng to the point of being entirely incapacitated. If it was an act, a single check would reveal the truth. Taking advantage of the gap while the guards searched the estate, she intended to go and "take Liancheng's pulse."

"Granted," Zhao Gou said indifferently, his gaze sweeping over the unpredictable crowd as if watching a theatrical performance.

Hearing that the Emperor had actually consented, a faint smile curved the corners of Wen Jing's lips as she slowly walked over to Liancheng's side.

Prince Xuan watched Wen Jing expressionlessly. His countenance remained entirely unchanged.

Placing her fingers gently against Liancheng's wrist, Wen Jing frowned slightly. His pulse was utterly chaotic, and his heartbeat was barely perceptible. From these signs, Liancheng's injuries were indeed severe. Furthermore, if he were not clinging to life thanks to high-grade ginseng pills and similar restorative elixirs, he would likely have already met the King of Hell.

Meeting Prince Xuan's placid gaze, Wen Jing suddenly felt as though she were judging a noble gentleman with the mindset of a petty person.

Turning her back slightly to block the sight of the onlookers, Wen Jing pressed down hard on a specific acupoint on Liancheng's arm. Watching Liancheng's features contort in agony as muffled whimpers escaped his throat, Wen Jing sneered inwardly. So you too know what it feels like to be manipulated? When you were threatening others back then, did you ever imagine this day would come?

At the thought of Qingliu's death, the pressure in Wen Jing's fingers intensified by a fraction. Even so, this was not even a tenth of the pain Qingliu had suffered when the poison acted up. Besides, this was merely the interest.

After a moment, she released her grip. Looking at Liancheng's bloodless, distorted face with its twisted mouth, Wen Jing mused that this truly was no act; this poisonous snake had indeed been struck at its fatal weakness, almost losing its life in the process.

Wen Jing stood up and addressed Zhao Gou, "Reporting to Your Majesty, although Liancheng's injuries are gradually stabilizing, he will likely remain a cripple for the rest of his life."

Prince Xuan's eyes sharpened. He glanced toward Fang Yuankang, who promptly lowered his head.

Ji Changge cast a sideways glance at Prince Xuan, knowing full well that the latter had no idea Liancheng was injured this severely. To Prince Xuan, even if he had to trade every concubine in his estate to save Liancheng, he would not blink an eye. Although Liancheng was sinister and ruthless in his methods, over the years by Prince Xuan's side, he had attended to every detail personally and served with utmost devotion—truly a loyal hound.

A flurry of hurried footsteps sounded outside the doors as Yang Wenguang returned with his guards.

All eyes focused on Yang Wenguang, awaiting the results of the search.

"How did the search go?" Zhao Gou asked indifferently, though a trace of eagerness leaked into his gaze.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, we found a blood-stained scabbard. Please inspect it, Your Majesty." Yang Wenguang held up an object wrapped in black cloth.

A gasp of surprise rippled through the grand hall. Prince Xuan looked on with apprehension as Head Eunuch Li brought the black-wrapped object before Zhao Gou.

Wen Jing glanced at Ji Changge, a hint of confusion in her eyes. The scabbard had been found with such astonishing ease—could Liancheng truly have been so careless?

Just as Eunuch Li reached out to strip away the black cloth, Zhao Gou gestured for him to stop, signaling that he would do it himself. The crowd held their breath as Zhao Gou extended his hand. Hovering above the cloth for a fraction of a second, he then unfolded it without hesitation, revealing a scabbard to all present.

Those further down the hall could not see clearly, but judging by the Emperor's furious expression, the scabbard was undoubtedly the missing one. It seemed Prince Xuan was in for a catastrophic disaster this time.

Prince Xuan dropped to his knees with a heavy thud. "Imperial Father, this son is wronged! This son truly has no idea how this object came to be in the estate, nor did I ever instruct Liancheng to frame Third Brother!"

Zhao Gou suddenly stood up and said calmly, "Did I say you were the one who framed Yunze? You're awfully quick to start crying grievances."

A jolt of shock went through Ji Changge, while the rest of the assembly remained entirely baffled, turning their unified gaze toward the Emperor.

"This scabbard is not the one I bestowed upon Yunze at all; it is merely a counterfeit. Therefore, it now appears that someone is attempting to make the Prince Xuan and the Crown Prince turn against each other so they can reap the benefits as the fisherman. My lords, tell me whether I am right or wrong?" Zhao Gou smiled faintly, his gaze sweeping across the grand hall.

"Your Majesty is wise," the officials chorused.

Ji Changge lowered his head, his expression as calm as still water. When he lifted his head again, he had smoothed away every ripple of emotion, restoring his outward serenity. Wen Jing glanced at him. Could he be the "fisherman" the Emperor had just mentioned?

"Both the Crown Prince and Prince Xuan were victims of a frame-up. This case is closed," Zhao Gou announced to the assembly. "Next, I shall reward those who have rendered meritorious service."

Zhao Gou picked up brush and paper and began to write on an imperial edict.

"Grand Councilor Ji, receive the edict."

Ji Changge hurried forward and dropped to his knees.

"For your meritorious service in cracking this case, Grand Councilor Ji is hereby promoted to Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, and granted five thousand taels of both gold and silver. Let this be known."

"Long live the Emperor, and thank you for your grace."

Ji Changge smiled as he accepted the imperial edict from Eunuch Li.

"Seventh Lady of the Wen Family, receive the edict."

Astonishment rippled through the crowd, especially in Wen Qiran. In his wildest dreams, he never expected to hear his daughter's name echoing through the imperial hall. Wen Jing's earlier stunts had scared him half to death; the fact that His Majesty had not executed her already felt like a blessing from his ancestors. Was the Emperor actually going to reward her now?

"Seventh Lady of the Wen Family is truly a heroine among women, assisting the Court of Judicial Review in solving one baffling case after another with monumental contributions. She is hereby appointed as a Junior Assistant Administrator in the Ministry of Punishments, and granted one thousand taels of both gold and silver. Let this be known."

At these words, the entire hall was struck dumb with shock. The grand hall grew so silent that only Wen Jing's breathing could be heard.

The Ministry of Punishments... Wen Jing accepted the imperial edict while trying to decipher the Emperor's true intent. Why transfer her to the Ministry of Punishments? The mere thought of having to work alongside Zhao Shenghua in the future gave her the sudden urge to resign on the spot. However, she quickly dismissed the notion; having just narrowly escaped a brush with the executioner's grounds at the Meridian Gate, resigning now would surely provoke the Dragon's wrath.

Wen Qiran wiped the sweat from his forehead. Just moments ago, the Emperor had been ready to sever his seventh daughter's head, yet now he was conferring upon her a sixth-rank official post—and in the very Ministry of Punishments where he used to serve, no less. It left him truly speechless and bewildered. The Emperor's mind was indeed an unfathomable abyss. Looking at Ji Changge, he figured the man was likely harboring similar thoughts.

"This case is concluded. Those with no further business may return early; I am weary," Zhao Gou declared, rising from his throne to dismiss the court.

After everyone else had cleared out, Wen Jing remained rooted to the spot. Liancheng was getting off scot-free, and she was thoroughly unreconciled. Qingliu could not have died in vain at his hands.

"Seven, let us go," Ji Changge said gently, tapping her shoulder.

"Let's go home."

...

Finally stepping out of the imperial palace, everyone exhaled a collective sigh of relief. Their heads were safe for another day.

"Father..." Wen Jing looked at Wen Qiran's deeply furrowed brow.

Wen Qiran stared back at Wen Jing and heaved a heavy sigh. "We will talk at home."

"Father, you go on ahead. I have a few words to exchange with Lord Fang."

Wen Qiran sighed once more, flicked his sleeves, and walked away. There was simply no managing this daughter of his.

"Many thanks to Administrator Wen for saving our lives," Fang Yuankang and Fang Tingyu said, stepping forward.

"Please, just call me Seven," Wen Jing said speechlessly. Her official titles were getting increasingly awkward—Evaluator Wen, Administrator Wen...

"Seven, you saved my daughter's life; you are the benefactor of the Fang family. If there is ever anything you need in the future, just say the word," Fang Yuankang said sincerely.

Wen Jing glanced at Fang Tingyu and Baili Moran, offering a faint smile. "It was merely a case of mutual benefit. Lord Fang need not be overly formal."

Fang Yuankang was left blinking in astonishment. No matter how one looked at it, Wen Jing had risked her own neck to save his entire family. Even though she had been rewarded with an official post, it was exchanged at the risk of her life—how could they not be grateful?

Dangerous? Naturally it was dangerous. High risks came with high returns. Wen Jing looked toward the distant horizon. As for the so-called hypnotism, she still had no mastery over it; everything just now had been a play staged by her, Fang Tingyu, and Baili Moran. Fortunately, it had not exposed any flaws before the sharp-eyed Zhao Gou, or they would all be dead. As for those three questions, the answers had evidently been agreed upon in advance.

"That last question—what did the two of you write down?" Wen Jing asked. When Zhao Gou had unfolded those two sheets of paper, her mind had gone entirely blank, leaving her resigned to being exposed by the Emperor.

Baili Moran and Fang Tingyu exchanged a smile.

"Perhaps the heavens took pity on us. Once, we happened to chat about a hunting expedition, and I recalled how my father had been bitten on the shoulder by a leopard when I was young. The leopard bit my father's right shoulder—both Fourth Sister and A-Xian knew about this. Fearing Fourth Sister might misremember, I pretended to touch my right ear, and she caught the cue without error. Otherwise, our heads would have rolled today," Baili Moran laughed.

Looking at Fang Tingyu and Baili Moran, the corners of Wen Jing's lips curved upward of their own accord. The pity of the heavens... Zhao Gou probably never imagined that despite being the Son of Heaven, he had been played for a fool by the heavens itself. Believing himself supremely clever, he was ultimately no match for the word "destiny."