Chapter 255: Chapter 198: Demanding Accountability Begins

The Zou Family had not yet responded when Ruoxi had already pushed the door open and entered.

She lowered her voice and said, “Elder Sister-in-law, Fifth Sister-in-law is now a patient; she barely escaped the gates of hell.

Whatever you have to ask can wait for later. What she needs most now is to rest well.”

Originally, the Yang Family was not just concerned with their ordeal at the bottom of the cliff; it was also because rumors were rampant outside, spreading incredibly unpleasant tales.

She was anxious and eager to know what really happened.

In her rush, her words became urgent, without much thought.

However, she detected the dissatisfaction in Ruoxi’s words, who seemed to think she was being unreasonable, making her feel wronged, “For whom am I doing this? With such horrible rumors, I just wanted to ask Fifth Sister-in-law to clear things up.”

Ruoxi frowned slightly, “Elder Sister-in-law, Chunyu Che was still unconscious until my husband and I returned home. What could have happened?

The truth speaks for itself. The rumors will soon be clarified, so what is the use of questioning Fifth Sister-in-law at this time?”

On this matter, it seemed like she and the Zou Family were on the same side. Even though the Yang Family felt uncomfortable, she stood up, pretending to leave. “Fine, then you talk to your Fifth Sister-in-law!”

Ruoxi did not persuade her to stay, “Elder Sister-in-law, take care.”

The Yang Family didn’t really want to leave and said this hoping Ruoxi would stop her so that the three of them could clarify the matter together.

Unexpectedly, Ruoxi directly issued a dismissal, leaving her momentarily startled.

Watching as Ruoxi checked the Zou Family’s pulse, essentially ignoring her, the Yang Family eventually found it pointless and turned to leave.

Ruoxi did not pay her any mind; after all, as the elder sister-in-law, she had indeed handled the matter poorly.

“You must rest properly from now on and avoid unnecessary movement. Once the bones heal, there will be no problem,” Ruoxi said softly.

Listening to Ruoxi’s words, the Zou Family remained silent for a while and then nodded.

Seeing Ruoxi’s hesitant expression, she quietly said, “Ruoxi, if you have something to ask, go ahead.”

This topic was indeed difficult to broach, but Ruoxi asked bluntly, “Fifth Sister-in-law, what exactly happened between you and Chunyu Che at the bottom of the cliff?”

The Zou Family did not conceal anything, revealing her intention to perish together with Chunyu Che and narrated their experiences at the cliff’s bottom verbatim.

However, she omitted the details of their supposedly inevitable demise when she had kissed him.

Looking back now, she regrets it immensely. She doesn’t know what possessed her at that moment; she couldn’t believe she had done such a thing.

If Chunyu Che had held onto this point, she might not have been able to clear her name even if she jumped into the Yellow River.

Ruoxi furrowed her brow slightly. She couldn’t help but recall that Chunyu Che, even in a deep coma, had mumbled urging the Zou Family to run.

When she mentioned that someone was waiting for him to save, his strong will to survive was instantly ignited.

All of this, one could say, was for her Fifth Sister-in-law, something she couldn’t help but ponder.

The Zou Family pressed her forehead slightly, appearing somewhat fatigued, and said, “He did indeed save my life, even at the cost of his own.

This shocked me greatly, and he explained that it was only because I was part of the Shen Family, nothing more.

Ruoxi, things are not what you think.

Once, I only wanted to take his life. I was the one who made him so miserable. Don’t think otherwise.”

Ruoxi gently held the Zou Family’s hand, her gaze filled with concern and worry, “Fifth Sister-in-law, when my mother was alive, she used to say not to let you live as widows for life at such a young age.

If you’re willing, either get married or bring your husband into the family. A home without a man isn’t complete.

No matter when, I will support you.

Fifth Sister-in-law, but Chunyu Che cannot be considered, regardless of his status as the ruler of Beichang, our two countries have been arch-enemies!

We can choose not to invade them, but we must not become entangled with their people…”

The Zou Family gently interrupted Ruoxi, speaking calmly yet firmly, “Ruoxi, I understand your concerns.

If I do have any thoughts of marriage, I will inform you so that you and Prince Zhan can make the decision.

Let’s not bring him up again; I have only benefitted from his favor, and through this incident, I realize he might be a good Emperor. Let’s end it here.”

Ruoxi gazed into the straightforward eyes of the Zou Family, without a trace of guilt, and began to think perhaps she had overthought it all.

She gently nodded and replied, “Fine, we won’t mention him again. His injuries were indeed severe, once making me lose confidence, but fortunately, he pulled through in the end.

Once he returns to Beichang, we will have no further ties, and I will not bring this up again.”

The Zou Family nodded.

She too hoped that Chunyu Che could live on, for he had risked his life to save hers, a kindness that could only be kept deep inside her heart.

She will no longer seek revenge, also hoping that once he returns to Beichang, he can become a wise Emperor.

A hundred days to heal from broken bones and tendons, the Zou Family recuperated peacefully at Shen Mansion, while Chunyu Che convalesced at the courier station.

During this time, the Emperor personally visited the courier station to see Chunyu Che.

At the time, even though Chunyu Che’s injuries had stabilized, he was still exhausted. After saying only a few words, he quickly fell asleep again, leaving the Emperor no choice but to depart.

Time quickly passed, and half a month flew by.

The Zou Family had mostly recovered, needing only to wait patiently for her bones to heal, while Chunyu Che invited Emperor Dayi over through his subordinates.

The Emperor was well aware that the current situation could not easily pass without issue, hence his visit, with sincerity seeking a resolution.

The Emperor slowly sat on the edge of Chunyu Che’s bed, his gaze falling on him. Seeing his rosy complexion and good spirits, he couldn’t help but smile, “Monarch of Beichang, seeing you like this, I assume you’re already healed.”

Chunyu Che nodded slightly, but then his expression and tone suddenly changed, “Emperor Dayi, you should know that my fall from the cliff was no accident; it was a deliberate act.”

The Emperor was momentarily stunned. He actually had a grasp of the general situation, knowing that it was the Zou Family who sought to avenge the Shen Family Army, intending to perish together by dragging him down the cliff.

However, according to reports from his subordinates, it was Chunyu Che who hid the Zou Family in the grass, while he faced the pack of wolves alone.

He was nearly devoured by the wolves at the cliff’s base, whereas the Zou Family, apart from breaking a leg in the fall, seemed otherwise unharmed.

How could someone with a broken leg have run to the grass by themselves? Clearly, the one who saved the Zou Family was none other than Chunyu Che.

Yet, in such a context, here he was pursuing the culprit, which was indeed puzzling.

If he truly wanted revenge, he could have killed the Zou Family at the cliff’s base, so why save each other and now come to make trouble?

“Could it be a misunderstanding?” the Emperor suggested deliberately.

After all, the Zou Family was part of the Shen Family; her husband had died for the country. Emotionally and logically, it was inappropriate to punish her.

Besides, if they attempted to arrest her, Ruoxi would certainly be the first to object, and the situation would likely escalate uncontrollably.

Chunyu Che merely smiled faintly upon hearing this, but there was no warmth in that smile, “A misunderstanding? Emperor Dayi, you must be joking! Why did my good horse suddenly go mad?

She attacked first with a dagger, and when realizing she couldn’t defeat me, she blinded me with white powder, taking advantage of my defenselessness to push me off the cliff.

These incidents are all backed by evidence. Will you address this or not?”

The Emperor furrowed his brows, deep in a short contemplation.

This matter was indeed difficult; if left unaddressed, Chunyu Che would surely not let it go, but if addressed, it would bring the Shen Family into disarray.

The Emperor sighed softly and said, “Monarch of Beichang, the truth of the matter has yet to be determined; further questioning is needed. Besides, it’s better to resolve enmity than to prolong it. The Princess Consort Zhan saved you from the edge of death, you see?”

The Emperor intended to downplay the situation, but Chunyu Che clearly had no intention of letting it go.

Chunyu Che’s gaze fixed firmly on the Emperor, his tone resolute, “Emperor Dayi, I nearly lost my life, should I just let it go?

If this matter isn’t dealt with justly, it might impact the relations between our two countries.”

The Emperor hadn’t expected his persistence and found it troubling, but he smiled, “Monarch of Beichang, the Zou Family’s leg is broken and hasn’t healed yet. Once she’s nearly recovered, I will personally inquire and provide you with an explanation. What do you think?”

Chunyu Che’s expression changed upon hearing about her unhealed leg, and he couldn’t help but ask, “Will her leg be crippled?”

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