After Rebirth, My Wife Turned Out to Be Myself - Chapter 42

After bathing, the two dined in Wanyi Palace.

Eating together after a long time.

Even in the palace, Anyu didn’t have the rule of not speaking during meals. She talked while eating, her face animated.

Xie Wan listened beside her, hearing about her gains and experiences during the four months she was away.

When talking about Qianlong Stronghold, Xie Wan asked her: “Were you injured during the assault on Qianlong Stronghold?”

“No, Her Majesty provided ample troops; those mountain bandits were no match at all.” Anyu paused, brushing it off perfunctorily.

“Oh?” Xie Wan placed a piece of food in her bowl with chopsticks, saying nonchalantly: “We thought you wouldn’t follow what was written in Our brocade pouch.”

Anyu suddenly looked up, then quickly lowered her eyes again, “Her Majesty foresees things like a god; the brocade pouch was full of brilliant strategies. Why wouldn’t I follow what was written in the pouch?”

“Because a direct assault is the worst strategy.” Xie Wan sighed, “In terms of troop strength, Qianlong Stronghold is indeed no match, but its terrain is easy to defend and hard to attack. A direct assault means being prepared for heavy losses on our side.”

Anyu nodded like a chick pecking rice.

Of course, she understood Her Majesty’s words. Because that’s exactly what she had thought.

But the matter of taking a different path and meeting the three siblings from the Silver Snake Escort Agency on the mountain… Anyu thought, let’s wait until she’s asked about it.

“Did you see the leaders of Qianlong Stronghold? Were any left alive?” Xie Wan asked.

Anyu tensed up, whispering: “No survivors were left.”

Xie Wan frowned, “Killed them all?”

Seeing her like this, Xie Wan found it somewhat strange. She originally thought that if Anyu had truly encountered the three leaders of Qianlong Stronghold and fought them, she wouldn’t have gone so far as to kill them all…

Anyu lowered her head, clutching the hem of her clothes, not letting Xie Wan see her expression, “Her Majesty’s brocade pouch didn’t tell me to spare the lives of the three leaders.”

“Our brocade pouch also said, a general in the field can disregard some of the sovereign’s orders. Anyu, a qualified general should have their own judgment.”

“Forget it… We are not blaming you,” Xie Wan softened her tone, “We just feel… they are highly skilled. If they could be recruited, perhaps they could become your assistants.”

The Xiao Anyu before her was, after all, only sixteen.

“Let’s not talk about this. Let’s talk about other things. We will listen to you slowly.” She smiled gently, her eyes tender.

As if any mistake she made could be completely forgiven.

Anyu watched, momentarily lost in thought.

Even killing people she considered useful could be brushed aside like this? Where exactly was Her Majesty’s bottom line for her?

She couldn’t deny this was a lie and a test, and the result was far more shocking than she had imagined.

Your Majesty…

This tolerance made Anyu happy, yet even more frightened.

She even… couldn’t wait to throw out those few questions that troubled her.

But she was afraid that after asking…

For some reason, she had a gut feeling that if she asked, something between her and Her Majesty would change, and then… things would never be the same again.

“Anyu?”

“Hm!” Anyu suppressed the distracting thoughts in her heart, blinking her eyes and asking: “What does Your Majesty want to hear?”

“What We want to hear? Then let’s talk about the assassination attempt. Fortunately, both you and Zhou Ning are alright.”

“Alright. Actually, it was nothing much. Those death warriors weren’t strong enough; they were no match for me and Sister Zhou Ning at all…”

As the two chatted, the sky gradually darkened.

Meanwhile, news of Anyu’s return to the capital also reached the ears of the two Xu brothers.

“Xu Shengwen, they’ve all returned, not a single one dead!” Xu Shengming came to his younger brother’s courtyard, cursing furiously, “What kind of people did you hire!”

Xu Shengwen’s hand holding the brush paused, adding an abrupt stroke to the painting.

Xie Anyu was fine, she came back again…

Thinking of this, a nameless fire also rose in Xu Shengwen’s heart.

How is she still alive, how did she come back again!

Why didn’t she die outside!

At this thought, Xu Shengwen’s eyes also turned cold, “I told you early on, it wasn’t certain to succeed. If Big Brother had a way, why rely on me?”

His cold gaze fixed on Xu Shengming.

Xu Shengming immediately weakened, “I… Big Brother didn’t mean to blame you, but little brother, if these two, Xie and Zhou, aren’t eliminated, not only will the fire in Big Brother’s heart not subside, but it will also bring nothing but harm to our Xu family.”

Xu Shengming was quite intimidated by his younger brother. He didn’t know what was wrong with Xu Shengwen; ever since returning from the palace, he had become gloomier day by day. If not for this assassination matter, he wouldn’t be willing to come to his courtyard!

Xu Shengwen only asked: “They’ve returned to the palace, have they seen Her Majesty?”

Xu Shengming nodded, “Her Majesty is holding a celebratory banquet for them. Father just left for the palace. What should we do? Those death warriors won’t expose us, will they?”

Xu Shengwen: “Why do you think death warriors are called death warriors?”

Only then did Xu Shengming let out a long sigh of relief, “That’s good then.”

“Anything else?” Xu Shengwen asked the guest to leave with a sullen face.

Xu Shengming shrugged, “Nothing else.”

After all, what was he worried about? The one who sent assassins was Xu Shengwen, not him. If Xu Shengwen wasn’t worried, then it should be fine.

Thinking this, Xu Shengming waved his hand, “Then I’m leaving.”

Xu Shengming strode out.

After his figure disappeared from the courtyard, Xu Shengwen fiercely/abruptly swept everything off the table with a wave of his hand!

Failed!

Xie Anyu came back alive again!

Xu Shengwen covered his face, hiding all his ferocity in his palms.

But just then, his elder brother’s shouts suddenly came from outside the room—

“What are you doing! How dare you come to my Xu residence to arrest people!”

“Let go of me!”

“Quickly let go of me!”

Xu Shengwen’s heart tightened. He pushed open the door and walked out.

At this time, many government runners had already flooded into his courtyard. Two of them each held one of Xu Shengming’s arms, pressing Xu Shengming before them.

And the Xu family guards formed a circle outside, yet none dared to make a move.

The reason was simple: the leading government runner held an arrest warrant stamped with the jade seal.

“By order of Her Majesty to apprehend the two young masters of the Xu residence. This is the arrest warrant,” the head runner said coldly.

Xu Shengwen stood on the steps and asked: “On what grounds are you arresting us?”

“Doesn’t the young master know the reason? Young Master Xu, assassinating an imperial envoy is quite audacious.”

Xu Shengwen’s eyes darkened.

But Xu Shengming panicked upon hearing this, “What assassination of an imperial envoy! We don’t understand!”

The head runner beckoned, and someone immediately stepped forward, “Take them away directly!”

The sun set and the moon rose. When the bright white moonlight hung high, the celebratory banquet began.

Wearing the armor bestowed by Her Majesty, Anyu sat woodenly beside Zhou Ning. Clearly, this time she came as a ‘meritorious official’.

And Zhou Ning sat beside Anyu, wearing similar armor.

The two were like shining golden dolls; merely sitting there, they attracted everyone’s attention.

Everyone secretly guessed what rewards Her Majesty would bestow upon these two great meritorious officials.

Zhou Ning could still be promoted, but Xie Anyu was Consort Wan. How could she be promoted further?

Promoted to Empress?

Someone thought this and was simultaneously startled by their own idea.

But if Xie Anyu became Empress, the Xie family would occupy half the sky of the Da Yue Empire.

Just then, Xie Yunyu entered the hall.

Following him was Li Mingxin. Both were favored individuals before Her Majesty. Because Her Majesty hadn’t arrived yet, the officials’ discussions grew quieter as the two entered the hall.

“I heard Her Majesty sent your second older brother to guard the northern lands and even granted him the title General Zhenbei.” Zhou Ning took a sip of water and looked at Anyu, “Your eldest brother, this Vice Minister, is now treated with deference even by those Ministers.”

Hearing this after returning to the capital, Zhou Ning was also taken aback. Her Majesty supporting the Xie family so ostentatiously, was it to elevate or to eliminate?

“Her Majesty’s intention…” Zhou Ning asked cryptically.

Xie Anyu said sincerely: “Sister Zhou Ning, I don’t know.”

Zhou Ning: “…”

Alright then.

While the two were talking, Xie Yunyu had already walked over.

“Big Brother,” Anyu called out.

Zhou Ning also stood up, “Official Xie.”

Zhou Ning was familiar with Second Brother Xie, so naturally, her relationship with Big Brother wasn’t bad either. Just due to the formal occasion, she could only address him as Official Xie.

“Official Zhou.”

Xie Yunyu nodded and looked at Anyu, “I heard you were injured.”

“Minor injury.” Anyu paused for a moment, looked at her arm, then asked in surprise: “How did Big Brother know I was injured?”

Did the news spread that fast? Or… did Big Brother already have spies in the palace?

Xie Yunyu noticed his sister’s gaze becoming suspicious and cleared his throat lightly: “Just paid more attention. You are an imperial consort; after not seeing you for several months, the family naturally worries.”

Xie Yunyu thought, spies in the palace certainly existed, but they could only know Anyu’s situation if Her Majesty was willing to reveal it.

“Oh.” Anyu smiled; she had misunderstood.

“Big Brother, this official is…” Anyu turned her head and saw Li Mingxin in court attire behind Xie Yunyu.

“This is Official Li Mingxin. The first imperial envoy Her Majesty sent for disaster relief in the north. Currently holds the position of Vice Minister of Works.”

Li Mingxin had been quiet all along. Seeing Anyu mention her, she stepped forward and cupped her hands: “This humble servant greets Her Ladyship Consort Wan, Official Zhou.”

Anyu nodded politely.

Vice Minister of Works… Her Majesty had said that after suppressing the bandits, roads needed to be built to connect the north and south. Sending Li Mingxin to the Ministry of Works at this time made her intentions quite clear.

This Official Li was also Her Majesty’s confidante.

Zhou Ning also nodded: “Official Li, I’ve long heard of your name.”

When Xie Yunliang went north for disaster relief, he had written letters to her, mentioning this Official Li. Although Xie Yunliang’s brain wasn’t as sharp as his limbs, he rarely admired anyone.

This Official Li was one of them.

And that she could be valued by Her Majesty as the vanguard official for northern disaster relief naturally meant she was extraordinary.

Seeing her now, Zhou Ning was rather surprised.

This Li Mingxin looked gentle and frail, her face also prettier than imagined. If not for the court attire, one might mistake her for a young lady from a scholarly family.

Quite a contrast.

Li Mingxin paused, then replied: “This humble servant should be the one saying that. When providing disaster relief in the north alongside Little General Xie, I had already heard about Official Zhou from Official Xie. Truly worthy of being Da Yue’s martial arts champion, leaving me deeply impressed.”

Zhou Ning: ?

“What did he say about me?” Zhou Ning frowned.

Li Mingxin said earnestly: “It was praise.”

“In short, Official Zhou, please provide guidance in the future.”

Zhou Ning nodded, “Official Li likewise.”

Just then, a loud announcement suddenly came from outside—

“Her Majesty arrives.”

All the officials returned to their positions, bowing in greeting: “Paying respects to Your Majesty…”

Anyu secretly lifted her head, wanting to steal a glance at the infinitely brilliant person, but that one glance startled her into immediately lowering her head again.

Those eyes held none of the gentle smile she usually saw.

Indifference, disdain; those were the eyes belonging only to a ruler.

Entirely different from what she had seen.

But strangely, Anyu could hear her own heart pounding.

So this was how she looked when facing the officials in court.

“All ministers may rise. Today is the celebratory banquet We are holding for the two meritorious officials. Ministers need not be constrained,” Xie Wan walked towards the highest seat and announced—

“Let the banquet begin.”

With one command, the atmosphere instantly became joyful.

The prepared song and dance performances were quickly presented. The attendants serving dishes formed a line, serving dishes one by one.

As if truly celebrating their achievements.

“In this bandit suppression, both imperial envoys made great contributions. Minister Zhou, are there any rewards you desire?” Xie Wan asked first.

Zhou Ning stood up to reply: “This servant dares not ask for rewards. Eating the sovereign’s salary, bearing the sovereign’s worries, these are all within this servant’s duty.”

Xie Wan: “Well said. However, rewards must still be given. We said that if you return triumphantly, We will surely reward you heavily. Coincidentally, Our Imperial Guard Camp lacks a Deputy Commander. You must not disappoint Us.”

As soon as these words came out, everyone seated was shocked.

Deputy Commander, this Zhou Ning was directly promoted three ranks! Previously just a minor sixth-rank capital official, after this bandit suppression trip, she transformed into a third-rank commander!

Zhou Ning was also stunned for a moment, then quickly reacted: “Thank you, Your Majesty! This humble servant will definitely live up to expectations!”

After rewarding Zhou Ning, came the moment everyone anticipated the most—

This Consort Wan, how did Her Majesty plan to reward her?

Unfortunately, Xie Wan had no intention of satisfying anyone’s curiosity. She just chuckled, “As for Consort Wan… We haven’t decided yet. Allow Us to think about it first.”

Those who had prepared drafts advising ‘Your Majesty, the matter of appointing an Empress cannot be rash’ had to keep their drafts rotting in their stomachs.

Given Her Majesty’s affection for Consort Wan, she surprisingly didn’t appoint her Empress nor give her a reward…

But this reserved reward made people even more uneasy.

Anyu showed no dissatisfaction, remaining seated quietly.

The Xie family members also remained silent.

“We have always been clear about rewards and punishments. Since those deserving rewards have been rewarded, let’s talk about something else,” Xie Wan’s tone suddenly dropped.

In that instant, the music and dance in the middle of the hall abruptly stopped.

The atmosphere instantly quieted, making one feel extremely unsettled.

Talk… talk about what else? Isn’t the celebratory banquet to celebrate the success of these two in suppressing bandits?

“Some days ago, news reached the capital that someone sent assassins intending to assassinate the two imperial envoys, Zhou and Xie. We said then that We would definitely find the mastermind,” Xie Wan scanned the officials, “Now, We have already identified this mastermind.”

Identified?

Xu Ping was the first to look up.

Those assassins struck in Lingbei, far from the capital. Over the past half month, he had also sent people to investigate, but the military kept information about the assassins that night very tight; even he hadn’t obtained any definite news.

Her Majesty had already found out?

“This mastermind… heh, We were also very surprised when We found out. Compared to ministers, if you knew who those people were, you would surely be as astonished as Us.”

What did Her Majesty mean by this…

Could it be that they all knew this mastermind? The court officials exchanged glances.

Hearing this, Xu Ping unexpectedly remained silent. He frowned, feeling something was amiss.

The last time he felt like this was when Minister Qian fell.

Xu Ping looked at the Minister of Rites beside him, as well as several other colleagues. Seeing no change in their expressions, his heart should have been steady, but for some reason, he felt even more uneasy.

Xie Wan’s gaze swept over the silent hall. She gave a cold laugh and slapped the table: “Order, bring that mastermind before Us!”

“By Her Majesty’s order— bring the mastermind to the hall!!”

The shout pierced through the Golden Throne Hall.

Soon, several guards brought people onto the hall floor under escort.

Xu Ping had been waiting with his head bowed, but suddenly heard the Minister of Rites call him: “Pri-, Prime Minister…”

That voice sounded as if the sky was falling.

Xu Ping’s heart skipped a beat. He followed the gazes of the court officials.

Two masterminds were brought forward.

Their faces were very familiar; they were none other than his two sons!

Xu Ping’s legs gave way, and he staggered half a step back.

Why were Shengming and Shengwen there?

The hall fell deathly silent.

No one had expected that the masterminds apprehended by Her Majesty would actually be Prime Minister Xu’s two sons! What crime was assassinating an imperial envoy? To put it seriously, it was treason, a capital offense punishable by extermination of nine clans!

“Your Majesty, this commoner is wrongly accused!” Xu Shengming saw the assembled civil and military officials and hurriedly shouted.

Xu Shengwen, however, kept his head lowered, silent.

“Prime Minister Xu, what do you say?” Xie Wan looked at Xu Ping.

Xu Ping, pale-faced, stepped forward and knelt with a thud, “Your Majesty, why would my sons assassinate the imperial envoys! The entire Xu family absolutely supports Your Majesty’s bandit suppression efforts! This heavy accusation of assassinating envoys and treason, the Xu family dares not bear it!”

“We deeply agree. Prime Minister Xu is a pillar of Da Yue. No matter how his two sons were taught, it’s impossible they were taught to deceive the sovereign and assassinate imperial envoys,” Xie Wan said with a half-smile.

Xu Ping touched his forehead to the ground, “Your Majesty… this old servant dares not plead, only begs Your Majesty for a clear investigation!”

Xie Wan smiled, “Actually, We are also curious why the two young masters of the Xu family would send people to assassinate Our two imperial envoys. Therefore, We did not execute them on the spot but brought them to the hall. We also want to hear what the two young masters have to say.”

Xu Ping raised his voice and angrily yelled at his two sons: “Her Majesty is asking you, why don’t you speak!”

Xu Shengming was frantic, seeking help from his father with his eyes, but he completely couldn’t understand the meaning in his father’s eyes. He stammered, “Father, Your Majesty… I-, it wasn’t me, I didn’t send assassins to kill them…”

Xie Wan lightly tapped the armrest of her chair with her finger, “Those assassins have all confessed. Eldest Young Master Xu still denies it?”

Confessed?

Xu Shengming abruptly looked at his younger brother, his body starting to tremble. Weren’t they supposed to be death warriors? How could they confess?

At this moment, Xu Shengwen spoke first: “Your Majesty, it’s also possible someone else framed my brother and me. My father has served in court for many years and made countless enemies. If based solely on the assassins’ words, you want to convict my brother and me of treason, then this commoner has nothing more to say.”

“Second Young Master Xu means you did not send people to assassinate the imperial envoys.” Xie Wan narrowed her eyes, furious, “Which family holds a grudge against your Xu family? Name that enemy, and We will interrogate them personally!”

Xu Shengwen said calmly: “This commoner does not know, but this crime, this commoner does not admit.”

Seeing this, Xu Ping felt slightly relieved. This second son was always smarter than the eldest.

If they admitted the crime, the Xu family would be finished.

Xie Wan glanced at him, then called out Xu Shengming: “Xu Shengming, what about you, do you admit it or not?”

Xu Shengming trembled, “This commoner also does not admit.”

“Does Prime Minister Xu also think We have wronged them?”

Xu Ping pressed his forehead to the ground, “This old servant wouldn’t dare, but this old servant only has these two sons. I beg Your Majesty for a thorough investigation!”

The Minister of Rites also stepped forward at this time, saying: “Your Majesty, this servant also feels this matter cannot rely solely on the assassins’ words. Prime Minister Xu only has these two sons; if both are sentenced to death, the Prime Minister’s line will… In that case, who benefits the most? Even if the Xu family had treasonous intentions, they wouldn’t do something like digging their own grave.”

Hearing this, Xie Wan smiled, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes, “We understand the Minister of Rites’ meaning. We have always valued civil officials. If Prime Minister Xu is brought down, the military officials’ faction can dominate? You mean, the military officials’ faction benefits the most? Are you targeting Great General Xie or Old General Ye with these words?”

Xie Yunyu interjected at this point, clarifying: “Does the Minister of Rites mean that Consort Wan and Official Zhou went out to suppress bandits and staged an assassination drama to frame the two young masters of the Xu family?”

As his words fell, the officials looked towards the Minister of Rites.

Whether Her Majesty valued civil or promoted military was something everyone knew tacitly, but bringing it out into the open wasn’t proper.

Was this Minister of Rites trying to completely offend the Xie, Ye, Zhou families, and all military officials?

The Minister of Rites felt everyone’s gaze, especially the sharp glares from several generals. The Minister of Rites trembled and quickly knelt down too: “Your Majesty, this servant misspoke! That wasn’t my meaning!”

But with the Minister of Rites’ interruption in the hall, people became somewhat confused.

So, were the two young masters of the Xu family the masterminds behind the assassination of the imperial envoys or not?

On Her Majesty’s side, it seemed there wasn’t much evidence. And the two young masters of the Xu family also vehemently denied it…

The situation seemed to have reached a stalemate.

Anyu also frowned. She didn’t know how Her Majesty traced it back to the Xu family. From a standpoint perspective, the possibility of the Xu family sending assassins after her and Zhou Ning was extremely high.

But as a party involved, she also knew that the assassins that day were all death warriors who committed suicide immediately after failing to assassinate her and Zhou Ning.

Logically speaking, if the Xu family didn’t admit to this assassination case, there would be no proof.

Great General Xie also frowned.

Her Majesty wanted to deal with the Xu family, but trying to use this assassination incident was likely really stretching it.

“It seems all of you feel We have wronged the two young masters of the Xu family.” Xie Wan sat on the high seat, looking down at the crowd in the hall. Suddenly, she laughed, “What, in your hearts, ministers, am I an incompetent emperor who would convict the Xu family’s young masters based on hearsay?”

“We dare not!!” the officials shouted in unison, also entertaining a guess in their hearts, could Her Majesty’s words mean…

Xu Ping’s heart tightened.

Xu Shengwen even directly raised his head. What did she mean by that? Did she have another move?

Xie Wan lifted her eyelids, “Where is the Censorate Chief?”

From among the officials, the Censorate Chief quietly appeared, “This servant is here.”

“They want evidence, then read it to them.”

“Yes.”

The Censorate Chief suddenly pulled out a booklet from his sleeve and read from it: “Four months ago, the two imperial envoys, Officials Xie and Zhou, led troops on an expedition to Lingbei. The next morning, the second young master of the Xu residence went to a teahouse named ‘Shun’an’ for a short while, entering the Tianzi Room Number Two private room with its shopkeeper for half an hour.”

“Five days later, the second young master of the Xu residence went to the same teahouse again, meeting with the shopkeeper for half an hour… Over the course of four months, he visited the teahouse a total of five times.”

Officials: ?

Huh? What does this prove?

Everyone didn’t understand, but Xu Shengwen’s face suddenly turned deathly pale. Even Prime Minister Xu’s pupils constricted.

“Shun’an Teahouse, We had people investigate. It secretly takes on some illicit jobs. They’ve done quite a few things like murder and arson,” Xie Wan asked with a smile, “Second Young Master Xu, did you go to Shun’an Teahouse for tea, or to hire assassins?”

“No… it can’t really be called hiring assassins.” Xie Wan narrowed her eyes, “After all, to this Shun’an Teahouse, you are the master. We didn’t know until We investigated, and We were quite shocked. This Shun’an Teahouse actually belongs to the Xu family. Prime Minister Xu, can you tell Us, why are you privately raising assassins and death warriors in the capital?”

Xu Shengwen remained silent, his face pale.

Xu Ping, however, could no longer maintain his composure. He knelt down with a thud, just about to speak, but was stopped by Xie Wan raising her hand, “Censorate Chief, continue!”

Prime Minister Xu’s face turned ashen.

It’s over, completely over.

And the Chief quickly said: “About half a month later, Shun’an Teahouse dispatched ten assassins towards Lingbei. Upon investigation, the descriptions of these assassins match those who tried to assassinate Officials Xie and Zhou.”

He sighed, “After investigation by the Censorate Office, the assassins who murdered the two imperial envoys were indeed acting on the orders of the second young master of the Xu residence. The mastermind behind this assassination case is indeed the second young master of the Xu family.”

Everyone gasped.

Listening, Anyu became confused. The mastermind wasn’t Prime Minister Xu, but Xu Shengwen? Did Xu Shengwen hate her that much?

“Your Majesty, this servant was also the victim of assassination. But this servant believes there is no personal enmity between myself and Second Young Master Xu,” Zhou Ning said gravely.

Xie Wan glanced at the trembling Xu Shengming on the hall floor, “Then we must ask Eldest Young Master Xu.”

As soon as she said this, the court officials paused. As far as they knew, the friction between this Eldest Young Master Xu and Official Zhou seemed only to stem from the martial arts tournament, right?

Just because Official Zhou kicked him off the stage, he held a grudge and hired assassins?

Everyone looked at Xu Shengming, but Xu Shengming had already fainted from fright.

Looking again at the pale-faced Xu Shengwen on the hall floor, Xie Wan questioned sternly: “We have already sent people to capture everyone from Shun’an Teahouse. With witnesses and evidence present, Xu Shengwen, what else do you have to say?” Xie Wan questioned sternly.

Actually, she also didn’t understand why Xu Shengwen would send people to assassinate Xiao Anyu.

In her original plan, Xu Shengming should have been the one to stick his neck out. Xu Shengming was brainless, supposedly the biggest breakthrough point for the Xu family.

But she never expected Xu Shengwen would…

“This commoner has nothing to say.” Xu Shengwen suddenly laughed: “Before dying, this commoner only has one question: did Your Majesty send people to follow me?”

There was a hint of madness in his laugh.

Xie Wan subconsciously recoiled, saying coldly: “So what if I did?”

Her frank admission made Xu Shengwen laugh out loud, his even crazier gaze falling on Anyu’s face beside him: “See? Her Majesty’s gaze isn’t solely focused on you either!”

She sent people to follow him?

He thought he couldn’t catch her eye, yet she sent people to follow him?

What about the paintings in his room? Those paintings full of phoenixes and her likeness, did she know about them too? Yes, she must know everything!

Xie Anyu’s expression darkened.

Xu Shengwen seemed happy; he confessed on the spot, “Yes, it was this commoner who sent assassins to kill Xie Wan. No reason, just that this commoner dislikes her stealing all of Her Majesty’s attention, that’s all.”

Officials: ?!

Xie Wan, however, was not satisfied with this answer, narrowing her eyes: “Even if you say this, it cannot clear the Xu family of suspicion. Attendants, arrest the Xu father and sons!”

With one command, guards immediately rushed in, restraining the three members of the Xu family.

“Xu Shengwen sent assassins to murder imperial envoys; the death penalty is unavoidable! Prime Minister Xu failed to discipline his son and privately raised assassins; dismissed from office and investigated! Xu Shengming…” Xie Wan waved her hand, “Take him down for interrogation. If he’s an accomplice, execute him along with the others.”

Xu Ping collapsed to the ground.

He never thought that one day he would fall because of his own sons.

Before being dragged away, Xu Ping looked at the Empress on the high seat. He suddenly understood.

He had lost to Her Majesty after all.

Even though he had sat in the Prime Minister’s seat for years, Her Majesty had never truly trusted him.

Before, it was all just biding her time.

He, Xu Ping, had actually lost to this emperor in her early twenties.

Truly unwilling!

“Also…” Xie Wan looked at Xu Shengwen, who was captured yet still smiling, “We don’t care what crazy things you thought up yourself, but Our gaze has never lingered on you. Even without Consort Wan, it would be the same.”

Xu Shengwen stiffened all over, his expression ferocious, “You lie! You clearly sent people to follow me!”

Xie Wan looked at him faintly, “That was only because We feared you would harm Consort Wan.”

Xu Shengwen couldn’t believe it, standing stunned on the spot.

Xie Wan waved her hand, and Xu Shengwen was dragged away.

He stared wide-eyed at that bright yellow figure, unblinking, seemingly unable to believe until death that he couldn’t even win a sliver of her attention.

Watching Xu Shengwen being dragged away, Xie Wan only felt a sense of irony.

In her past life, Emperor Ruiming treated him crazily well, yet Xu Shengwen only had eyes for power. Even after becoming the most powerful favored consort, he remained unsatisfied, ultimately leading to chaos caused by imperial relatives interfering in politics.

In this life, Xu Shengwen actually became obsessed with her, this Emperor Ruiming.

Truly ridiculous.

But what Xie Wan found most ridiculous was that the reason Xu Shengwen went mad and sent assassins was actually jealousy of Anyu?

Her feelings towards Anyu were merely…

Xie Wan turned her head, her gaze coincidentally meeting Anyu’s.

Their eyes met.

Within those familiar eyes was undisguised, unspeakable worship, admiration, and…

And upon realizing their eyes met, Anyu’s gaze subconsciously darted away, like a startled deer whose secret was discovered, her large eyes flusteredly looking away.

Suddenly realizing something, Anyu looked back again, then gave her a big smile.

Xie Wan froze on the spot.

The shock rendered her unable to move, even her fingertips trembled slightly.

It wasn’t that she didn’t understand that kind of gaze; others’ admiration was not unfamiliar to her.