Emperor Jing listened calmly to Bai Su’s testimony, his expression not very pleasant. For the Royal Sister to act this way is somewhat excessive. "How do I know if what you say is true? Perhaps you have a grudge against the Grand Princess, and are deliberately acting this way to frame her?" Emperor Jing said with a stern face. Bai Su frowned, "Your Majesty, I was taught by my elders from a young age never to lie." Even Meng Yao frowned, seeing Emperor Jing’s stance as if he wanted to protect the Grand Princess. Of course, she had learned from Zhao Ting that the Emperor had a good relationship with the Grand Princess, so it was understandable he would want to protect her. "It was the people around the Grand Princess who contacted me, and I can identify them. Moreover, I have a way to make them confess," Bai Su said. Emperor Jing looked meaningfully at Meng Yao, "Madam Zhao, what do you mean by this?" "My daughter is still young, and she was terribly frightened this time. As a mother, my heart aches. I think it’s still necessary to get to the bottom of this. That way, it’s good for everyone. She claims she was instigated by people around the Grand Princess, and if it’s not clarified, wouldn’t that confirm the Grand Princess’s guilt? Given the Grand Princess’s status, how could she be bothered by us commoners?" Meng Yao said. In saying this, she was also giving Emperor Jing a way out. The method of handling it was also clearly stated. If His Majesty wishes to protect the Grand Princess, he can! But he must not avoid any consequences. Emperor Jing gave Meng Yao a deep look, no, the Royal Sister is someone who takes things to heart. You are someone Zhao Ting likes, and your daughter showed disrespect to Bao Ping; any excuse would be enough for the Royal Sister to target you. But could a dignified Royal Princess possibly cause such a scandal? Certainly not. "Who around the Grand Princess are you referring to?" Emperor Jing asked. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚•𝙣𝙚𝙩 "Qingxiang," Bai Su said. Emperor Jing glanced at Shuangxi, who understood and bowed before withdrawing. Shuangxi knew that Qingxiang was a highly valued person around the Grand Princess, and now, that person was likely in trouble. He understood His Majesty’s intention that this matter should end with Qingxiang. This could both provide an explanation to General Zhao’s wife and maintain the Grand Princess’s dignity. However, this wife of General Zhao is no ordinary person. At least, she doesn’t seem like an unrefined country woman. Qingxiang was quickly brought before Emperor Jing. "You didn’t alert the Royal Sister, did you?" "Your Majesty, the Grand Princess is still in the palace," Shuangxi said. Oh, right, the Royal Sister hasn’t left yet. When Qingxiang saw Bai Su, she panicked a little inside. "Qingxiang, do you know this person?" Emperor Jing pointed at Bai Su and asked. Qingxiang hesitated for a moment, then nodded. Since His Majesty had summoned her, he must know something, so there was no use denying it. "Yes, your servant knows her," Qingxiang said. "So, the act of putting a curse to frame the Hundred Herbs Hall and Zhao Xiaohua, is it true?" Emperor Jing asked again, "Was it on the Grand Princess’s orders?" The last sentence was weighed heavily by Emperor Jing. Having been with the Grand Princess for many years, Qingxiang understood Emperor Jing’s meaning immediately. She had indeed followed the Grand Princess’s order, but the Emperor wanted her to exonerate the Grand Princess. It was only then that Qingxiang glanced at Meng Yao. Indeed, this woman was not just a Palace Maid; a Palace Maid wouldn’t possess such a poised demeanor. So, is this the woman Zhao General fancies? Did General Zhao bring this matter to the Emperor’s attention, or was it this woman? If it was General Zhao, it showed how much he cared for this woman and her child. The Grand Princess’s intentions would surely fall through. If it was this woman, then she is formidable. The Grand Princess has always held this woman in low regard; if they confront each other in the future, the Grand Princess might suffer. In an instant, many thoughts swirled in Qingxiang’s mind. Finally, she spoke calmly— "I took it upon myself to vent the frustrations of his Highness and Commandery Princess Bao Ping, using his Highness’s name to employ Bai Su. The Grand Princess knew nothing of this," Qingxiang said. Emperor Jing felt a sense of relief; with Qingxiang’s cooperation, the matter could be resolved easily. "If offending Commandery Princess Bao Ping involves my daughter not reselling the fragrance hairpin, that might barely count. But what of the Grand Princess? To my knowledge, the Grand Princess once wanted to bestow a name upon my daughter, who refused it. Is that offense enough?" Meng Yao questioned as she looked at Qingxiang. If it was because of the name-giving issue, it would indicate the Grand Princess was narrow-minded. Such a reputation must not fall upon the Grand Princess. "His Highness is certainly not a petty person!" Qingxiang said, "The reason His Highness... is because, because..." Qingxiang struggled to speak. "Because of what, say it quickly!" Emperor Jing impatiently urged. "Your Majesty, you know it’s because of her feelings for General Zhao. It’s not comfortable knowing certain things; she complained a bit. I’ve served his Highness since childhood and couldn’t bear to see her suffer, so I acted on my own..." Qingxiang said. This was said because Emperor Jing knew the Grand Princess’s feelings. Plus, a woman liking a man is very normal. Feeling a little jealous is common too. Besides, she just complained a bit. Everything else was done by her. Of course, the main purpose of saying this was to stir things up for this woman. Isn’t she General Zhao’s beloved one? A man like General Zhao must also interest this woman. She deliberately mentioned the Grand Princess’s affection for General Zhao to this woman, ensuring it planted a seed in this woman’s mind. From now on, anything would make her overthink. Qingxiang’s subtle expression was entirely observed by Meng Yao. This person is certainly loyal to the Grand Princess. If she were wholly devoted to Zhao Ting, hearing this wouldn’t make her envious? "The Grand Princess likes Zhao Ting?" Meng Yao feigned surprise. Zhao Ting sneakily glanced at her. "Our Highness has always been straightforward; she never hides her likes or dislikes," Qingxiang said. No need to hide anything; as the most noble Grand Princess of Zhou Country, if she can’t act as she pleases, who can? "Your Majesty, I wish to ask you for a favor," Meng Yao began. "To me, Zhao Ting is a man who died five years ago. For these five years, I’ve struggled hard to raise the children; the hardships, even if I don’t speak of them, Your Majesty can imagine," Meng Yao’s tone carried some sadness, "In the first two years, I always thought of Zhao Ting, but gradually, I stopped thinking about him. Thus, this time, even though Zhao Ting found me, I never planned to be with him again." Emperor Jing was somewhat shocked. A country woman, already having children with Zhao Ting, yet she said she had no intention to stay with him! Zhao Ting was also very shocked. After all, A Yao had never been this definitive about the matter before.