Chapter 60: Chapter 11: Laying the Groundwork

The Emperor suddenly laughed, and his tone revealed a bit of mockery, “Minister Xiao, do you know what you’re saying right now?”

Xiao Chengyi raised his head, his eyes firm, “Your Majesty, I fought bloodily at the border city and earned military honors. I earnestly request Your Majesty to make a decision for me! Allow my wife Shen Ruoxi to return to the Xiao Family.” With this, he bowed deeply as a sign of plea.

However, the Emperor’s expression instantly turned cold; anyone daring to threaten him with military merits was undoubtedly challenging his limits.

The Emperor’s eyes narrowed slightly, a dangerous aura spreading, as he said in a deep voice, “Minister Xiao, your military achievements are indeed impressive, but have you ever considered how they measure against the Shen Family?

During the battle of Liuzhou City, if not for the Shen Family Army’s heroism in holding back enemy forces with two thousand men and fighting bloodily, the whole border city troops would already be under Beichang’s control.

Moreover, if the enemy had not been held back, Liuzhou City wouldn’t have been so easily taken by our forces.

Now you ask me for what you call mercy with military merits in front of me, it is quite laughable.”

He paused, his tone growing more severe, “As for Shen Ruoxi, not to mention divorce, even breaking up with you wouldn’t be over the top. I’ve given you enough face, don’t take it too far.”

Xiao Chengyi’s face turned as pale as paper, he said in a low voice, “Your Majesty, I’m not disputing military merits; I am truly helpless.

I once begged her to consider our marital ties and return to my side, but she showed no mercy.

I can only ask for Your Majesty’s mercy through military merits.”

The Emperor let out a cold laugh, his tone full of derision, “Xiao Chengyi, the path is your choice, and any result must be borne by you.

Enjoy your life with Military Guard Ning, stop thinking about what’s useless. Since she has made her decision, you know asking me is futile.”

Xiao Chengyi’s heart was bitter, he continued to argue, “Your Majesty, I merely raised a concubine, not committed any heinous crimes.

I promised her mother to take care of her for life, how can I go back on my word?”

The Emperor, hearing this, laughed in anger, “Merely raised a concubine? You speak as if it’s easy! You have already broken your promise to the late Marchioness Shen, what use in saying such words?

I’ve said, she makes the decision, I cannot change her mind; you know who she is better than I do, I am powerless, you may leave!”

“Your Majesty!” Xiao Chengyi wanted to make a final struggle.

The Emperor said coldly, “Leave.”

Xiao Chengyi bit his lip tightly, his fists clenched, eventually saying in a low voice, “This minister takes his leave.”

With these words, he slowly stood up and left the grand hall.

Watching Xiao Chengyi leave in dismay, the Emperor inwardly laughed coldly. Since you don’t learn to cherish, I will guard her life, not let her suffer any harm.

As the Emperor pondered, suddenly a flash appeared before him, a man in black knelt respectfully, saying, “Subordinate pays respect to Your Majesty.”

The Emperor slightly furrowed his brow, asking curiously, “How is the situation?”

The man in black kowtowed, admitting guilt, “Your Majesty, subordinate has failed the task and deserves death! Marquis Shen has already sensed the subordinate’s impure motives and injured the subordinate, forcing him to confess who instructed him to spread rumors.”

The Emperor’s eyes deepened, after a moment of silence he asked, “How did you respond?”

“Subordinate of course did not mention Your Majesty, escaped while she was unprepared.”

The Emperor nodded his head, “Good, you go and recover now! Let your Hidden Guard Group continue spreading this rumor, when tongues start wagging, I refuse to believe anyone dares contest for her with me!”

“Subordinate obeys.” The man in black took the order and disappeared instantly in the Imperial Study Room.

The Emperor rubbed his forehead, planning in his mind, for acquiring her, he had exhausted all thoughts, hopefully wishes will be fulfilled.

Night fell, the window of Shaohua Courtyard was gently knocked.

Shen Ruoxi quickly opened the window, only to see Xu Ji whispering, “Cousin, everything is ready.”

Shen Ruoxi nodded in acknowledgment, advising in a low voice, “Hide in the dark, as soon as Cuicui escapes, we immediately follow, surely someone will try to harm her.”

“Alright, cousin, be careful yourself.” Xu Ji advised with concern.

Shen Ruoxi nodded in agreement, “Understood.”

After saying this, she also nimbly leapt out the window, closed the room’s window, moved, and swiftly disappeared into the night.

When she arrived at the location where Cuicui was held, Shen Da and Qi Kui were on high alert, coldly asking, “Who’s there?”

Shen Ruoxi approached, gently responding, “Uncle Da, Uncle Kui, it’s me.”

Both saw it was her, immediately greeted respectfully, “Greetings Miss.”

Shen Ruoxi said softly, “No need for formalities, how have things been these two days?”

Shen Da quietly reported, “Everything has been calm as usual, not even spies have come.”

Shen Ruoxi inwardly sneered, this Old Mrs. Xu is indeed a tough old fox.

She turned to the two, saying warmly, “Uncles, you’ve worked hard these days, go back and rest. I’ll take over here.”

Shen Da hesitated, “This… can you handle it alone?”

Although they didn’t understand what secret Cuicui was involved in, since Shen Ruoxi valued it so much, it certainly wasn’t minor.

Late at night, alone watching here, is there really no problem?

Shen Ruoxi smiled slightly, “Rest assured, no issues.”

Seeing her firm resolve, the two followed orders and left.

Shen Ruoxi gently pushed open the door, seeing Cuicui curled up in the corner of the room, hearing the door, she suddenly raised her head.

Shen Ruoxi stepped into the room lightly, asked indifferently, “Cuicui, are you still not planning to confess?”

Cuicui’s wounds had healed considerably, but seeing Shen Ruoxi now, her face instantly became pale.

She hurriedly knelt on the ground, trembling as she said, “Marquis, the servant really doesn’t recognize that person, the servant is innocent.”

Shen Ruoxi sneered, “Cuicui, do you think it’s worth selling your life for Old Mrs. Xu? She might be thinking about how to kill you right now.”

Cuicui bit her lip, remained silent.

She thought as long as she refused to confess, she should escape the ordeal.

She knew well whether Old Mrs. Xu or that man, they all had powerful influence outside.

Even if Shen Ruoxi caught Old Mrs. Xu, she herself wouldn’t escape death.

Therefore, no matter what, she absolutely couldn’t reveal the truth.

Shen Ruoxi saw through her thoughts, smiled faintly, “Cuicui, since your wounds have healed, you may leave now.”

Cuicui raised her head in surprise, “Huh?”

Shen Ruoxi said calmly, “If you survive Old Mrs. Xu’s hands, I won’t mention this again.”

Cuicui bit her lip, perplexed, “Marquis, are you really letting me go?”

Shen Ruoxi nodded, “Since you prefer death over confession, keeping you here serves no purpose. Go now!” After saying this, she left the room where Cuicui was held.

Seeing Shen Ruoxi leave, Cuicui was still in a daze, did she really release her so easily?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep