“I owe Ning Wanyin a debt of gratitude, but I also hate her. But no matter how I treat her, it has nothing to do with this matter! Whether it’s her or anyone else, whoever harmed your child, I will not lie for them.”
“That woman surnamed Song, she’s lying to you. Do you believe her but not me? I don’t know why she would hurt herself, but what I’m saying is the truth!”
Zhuang Fei stared at Helian Qi, speaking each word carefully.
She wasn’t pleading for Ning Wanyin; what saddened her was that the Emperor could no longer trust her.
They grew up together, childhood sweethearts. In Zhuang Fei’s heart, whether he was the current emperor or the prince who was overlooked back then, he was simply her lover.
The Emperor always treated her differently. All the other women in the palace were outsiders; only she was forever loyal to the Emperor.
But the Emperor didn’t believe her…
Zhuang Fei’s bright eyes were red, and tears fell one by one.
“Brother Qi, how could I possibly lie to you? You…you trust a stranger…”
The Qianxin Hall was very quiet.
Helian Qi looked at her quietly without saying a word.
Zhuang Fei was heartbroken and distressed. She covered her face and ran out crying. The palace maids who accompanied her hurriedly bowed and followed after her.
Wang Degui didn’t dare to breathe too loudly the whole time.
The Emperor imprisoned Ning Jieyu, but she neither made a scene nor cried, nor did she question why the Emperor didn’t believe her. Zhuang Fei, who had nothing to do with the matter, however, was so angry that she cried…
Who would have thought that?
“Wang Degui, send a few men to follow her. Don’t let her do anything rash.” Helian Qi ordered.
Wang Degui accepted the order and quickly ordered his people to give chase.
Seeing the Emperor’s somber expression, he tentatively asked, “Your Majesty is so fond of Zhuang Fei, you must believe in her…”
“Zhuang Fei has always been frank, but there are indeed some suspicious points in this matter.” Helian Qi said casually.
But it was even more unreasonable for Song Qingzhi to harm herself.
Just then, a eunuch came to report: “Your Majesty, Shun Pin requests an audience!”
Ever since the near-disaster at Linlang Palace, Shun Pin hadn’t dared to leave the palace. This was the first time she had left Changchun Palace.
“Let her in.” Helian Qi said.
Shun Pin entered the main hall, knelt down, and bowed: “Your Majesty, this concubine greets you—”
“No need for formalities. Get up.” Helian Qi said.
Shun Pin did not rise, but said, “Your Majesty, I believe that Ning Jieyu would not harm Song Jieyu. There must be some misunderstanding! Ning Jieyu has always taken good care of this concubine. I do not believe she is that kind of person. I beg Your Majesty to clear Ning Jieyu’s name!”
When she first heard about it, she was quite gloating.
But on second thought, what would she do without Ning Wanyin?
So she rushed over to plead for mercy.
“Your Majesty, if Ning Jieyu is jealous of the pregnant concubines, how could she possibly take such good care of me? I cannot live without Ning Jieyu. I beg Your Majesty to reconsider!”
Helian Qi immediately understood Shun Pin’s thoughts.
She was afraid without Ning Wanyin.
Ning Wanyin had indeed done a very good job in protecting Shun Pin’s pregnancy.
“I understand what you mean. Go back and rest well. I will make my own decision.” Helian Qi said.
Shun Pin couldn’t understand what the Emperor meant either, so she could only bow and take her leave with the help of her maids.
“Your Majesty, Shun Pin is truly kind and righteous, and what she said makes sense…”
Wang Degui subtly added, “Ning Jieyu has always been devoted to protecting Shun Pin’s pregnancy.”
The Emperor was looking for evidence to exonerate Ning Jieyu; it was clear that he did not wish for Ning Jieyu to be the culprit, so he naturally spoke in accordance with the Emperor’s intentions.
“Her merits and demerits cannot offset each other…” Helian Qi said dejectedly.
No matter how many merits she had, they could not outweigh the crime of plotting to harm the imperial heir.
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Sam Williams On TYMIMA Chapter 152