Chapter 44: Chapter 44: No One Can Take Her Kingdom (44)

Hee Qingshan couldn’t wear a bamboo hat here, surrounded by so many scrutinizing eyes, he felt utterly uncomfortable and wished he could shout at everyone to leave. His face was gloomy, causing the officials to shake their heads in disapproval.

No wonder Your Majesty was unwilling to bestow the title of Imperial Husband upon him, his mere looks were unworthy.

What puzzled the ministers was why the Eldest Prince and the Princess were also present. They were still young and should not be attending such occasions.

At this moment, Qiann Yan spoke.

“A few months ago, the State Preceptor took the Eldest Prince on a journey across Yaan Country on my behalf, to broaden his horizons. Unexpectedly, the journey was fraught with dangers, and they almost did not make it back. Fortunately, I had arranged for many experts, and the State Preceptor is no ordinary person. The assassins came and went without return, and the mastermind behind them was uncovered.”

The entire court had a look of understanding; they had learned of this matter yesterday, as those ministers had already been thrown into the Heavenly Prison awaiting further punishment.

Could there be more to this that they were unaware of?

None present were fools. They instantly connected the dots, looking at Hee Qingshan in disbelief. Could it be him?

“The criminals in the Heavenly Prison confessed voluntarily, stating the person who instructed them to harm the State Preceptor and the Eldest Prince was King Ning Shan.” As Qiann Yan’s words fell, the court fell silent, not a single soul dared utter a word or even breathe loudly.

“The Eldest Prince is the son of King Ning Shan. I find it hard to believe, so today I’ve gathered everyone to witness and see how those criminals will deny it.” Qiann Yan’s gaze landed on Hee Qingshan’s face, “Qingshan, you’ll have to confront them shortly. As long as you haven’t done it, I won’t place the blame on you.”

Ministers thought: Your Majesty seems so certain yet pretends otherwise, only a fool would truly believe it, Hee Qingshan is finished.

This time, Hee Qingshan had angered Your Majesty and would gain no favor.

Hee Qingshan’s eyes reddened with full-blown anger, is that so?

Why wouldn’t he believe him?

Does Yun Qianyan really think he’s a fool, pretending like this every time?

Can’t she be a decent human being? Is it so fun to toy with him?

He stared at Xun Zihuai, seated just below Qiann Yan to the left, it had to be him, right? If it weren’t for him, how would Yun Qianyan know so much?

Before that pretty-faced State Preceptor returned, everything was fine. But once he was back, all his people were thrown into the Heavenly Prison for punishment.

“Qingshan, did you orchestrate the assassination of the State Preceptor and the Eldest Prince?” After Qiann Yan asked, all eyes were on Hee Qingshan.

Hee Qingshan shuddered all over. Of course, he couldn’t admit it; admitting it meant no chance at all. Survive this calamity today, lie low, and one day he could deliver a lethal blow to Yun Qianyan.

“Yan’er, how could you believe the words of these wicked court traitors? Wen Qian is my son. How could I harm him?”

“Oh, and what about the State Preceptor then?”

“Lord State Preceptor is a meritorious figure of Yaan Country; I would never do such a thing.” Outwardly, Hee Qingshan appeared calm, but inside, anger simmered.

As expected, what she cared about was that pretty-faced State Preceptor.

He probably didn’t even know that the pretty-faced State Preceptor was lying on her bed, such a fickle woman.

“King Ning Shan claims it never happened, are you slandering him then?” Qiann Yan shifted the accusation towards the criminals in prison garb, “Slandering King Ning Shan is a crime that warrants additional punishment.”

The criminals knelt in unison, petitioning: Your Majesty, please don’t pretend anymore, weren’t you fully aware of this from the start? Can’t you be a decent human being?

“Your Majesty, the criminals have evidence, we can prove this matter was commanded by King Ning Shan.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep