Chapter 53: Coercing the Prince

She took out the wooden token and showed it to Qingqing, saying, "Miss Qingqing, I don't have much time."

Qingqing's expression changed instantly when she saw the token.

She sprang to her feet, her voice lowered, "Who are you?! How do you have the Prince's token?!"

This token was something Zhan Lianjing never let anyone touch. Who was this person, and how could Zhan Lianjing have sent her?

Qingqing had never seen her before, so naturally she was suspicious.

Le Qianxue said, "Le Qianxue, Miss Qingqing, the Prince only asked me to deliver this message. He's in the Heavenly Prison now; you should know what to do."

Qingqing stared at her, her face darkening again, a hint of shock in her eyes, but then she clenched her fists.

No wonder she thought Le Qianxue looked a little feminine at first—she was indeed a woman!

But now, Qingqing felt a surge of sadness and anger. "Ha! The Prince actually sent you to deliver his message? Who do you think you are?"

Le Qianxue frowned, feeling a bit aggrieved. She had risked much for Zhan Lianjing, yet now was being treated like this; she was certainly displeased.

Still, she kept her composure, saying, "Miss, I am a person, not a thing. I've delivered the message; whether you act on it or not is your Prince's fate, not mine."

She had done her part. If Qingqing chose not to listen, it was no concern of hers.

Seeing Le Qianxue stand to leave, Qingqing grew anxious. "Hand over the token!"

Le Qianxue, of course, refused. After all, Zhan Lianjing hadn't said to give it to Qingqing, and if she lost it, he would surely hold her accountable.

Le Qianxue said, "The Prince never said to give it to you, so why are you so insistent?"

Qingqing's hand paused slightly; she gazed at Le Qianxue with a fierceness that contrasted sharply with her earlier gentleness.

She snorted, "How dare you hold the Prince's possession!"

Moreover, the token held great power. If Le Qianxue used it for anything that harmed Zhan Lianjing, there would be trouble.

So Qingqing was determined to get it back.

Le Qianxue frowned, "It's just a token. Rest assured, I'll return it to your Prince in due time."

Qingqing didn't believe her, and was even a little jealous.

She stared at Le Qianxue, "The Prince would never give you this token..."

Even now, Qingqing was still unconvinced.

Le Qianxue sighed, "Your Prince is locked in the Heavenly Prison; only I could get in to see him. If you have another way, go see him yourself! I asked if there was any code or signal, but he just said that rumors have circulated about us before, and you would believe the token. Yet you doubt at every turn—I don’t know what kind of people the Prince keeps in his employ!"

Le Qianxue was troubled enough already, now Qingqing was making things harder for her.

Others might trouble her, but she wouldn't let herself be too aggrieved.

Qingqing's expression eased as she calmed herself. "It seems you and the Prince are quite close."

Le Qianxue immediately understood—there was a hint of jealousy in her tone!

She couldn't help but laugh. "Now I see. You've thought all along that there was something between me and the Prince, but I'm only helping him. There's nothing between us at all."

Qingqing blushed, embarrassed that Le Qianxue had seen through her. She realized she had indeed been far too anxious.

---

She lowered her head and gave Le Qianxue a respectful bow. "Miss Le, forgive me. I nearly ruined everything."

Le Qianxue waved her hand, "It's nothing. Women should guard their men, after all."

She walked to the window, noting that time was running short; she could not linger in the Red Pavilion any longer.

Qingqing asked, "Miss Le, the Prince only sent such a brief message?"

Le Qianxue nodded, "That was all he said. You know what to do. I won't stay any longer."

Qingqing was stunned as Le Qianxue climbed out the window. "Wait! The door is over there!"

Le Qianxue's figure disappeared, her voice trailing behind, "I can't leave through the door!"

Qingqing was puzzled—what did that mean? Hadn't Le Qianxue entered through the door?

Just then, the madam barged in, shoving people aside. "You little rascal! Trying to fool me with fake banknotes! Where are you?!"

Qingqing's face stiffened; now she understood why Le Qianxue couldn't leave by the door.

She wasn't sure whether to laugh or not—Le Qianxue was quite interesting.

Rumor had been circulating about Zhan Lianjing and Le Qianxue, and Qingqing had been jealous, but seeing Le Qianxue’s cleverness, perhaps Zhan Lianjing intended to keep her close for her abilities, just as he did with Qingqing. They were both working for him.

With that realization, Qingqing felt no more jealousy.

She relaxed. It was impossible—after what Zhan Lianjing had been through eight years ago, he would never become entangled with another woman.

Thinking of this, Qingqing felt even more at ease, her mood lightening.

After leaving the Red Pavilion, Le Qianxue completed all the tasks assigned by Zhan Lianjing, then returned to the General’s residence.

The day had been fraught with anxiety; now she was utterly exhausted.

Returning to Qingyu Courtyard, she learned that Le Yongcheng had come home that evening.

"Your father is back. It seems the matter with Zhan Lianjing is to be discussed and resolved," Yin Susu said. "My scouts report that the Emperor intends to execute Zhan Lianjing, but it’s not easy to kill a prince with such overwhelming power, so there must be deliberation in court."

Le Qianxue agreed, "That’s right. The Emperor may have evidence, but he needs support from the ministers, otherwise it will shake the foundations of the court. The Yang family will certainly give their full support—they finally have a chance to eliminate a thorn in their side."

"Indeed. Qianxue, did you see Zhan Lianjing today? Does he have a way to escape?"

"His methods could help him escape, but it will take some time," Le Qianxue replied, then went to bathe and rest. She had done all she could; the rest was out of her hands.

Yin Susu clapped her hands, excitement in her voice, "If Zhan Lianjing comes through safely, you’ll be the hero, Qianxue. You’ve gained his trust, and that will help you uncover even more."

Le Qianxue’s voice drifted from the bath, "Perhaps. I mean him no harm, so there’s nothing to worry about."

She reassured herself. At this point, she had no other way.

Master Wen Zhi refused to speak, and was nowhere to be found; now, only Zhan Lianjing was left to approach.

It was a little unethical, but only she and Yin Susu knew about it, and it wouldn’t harm Zhan Lianjing’s interests.

Still, she felt uneasy at heart.

She sighed, resolved to let the matter go and ease her mind.

---

The next day, at court.

Only the most important ministers were present.

Even the princes were all in attendance, a rare occurrence. Yu Zhiyang, who seldom appeared, had gotten up early, yawning continuously.

The atmosphere in court was unusually heavy, as many knew Zhan Lianjing had been imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison.

Some were unclear about the reason, but Prime Minister Yang, knowing the truth, was feeling smug.

Zhan Lianjing had always opposed him. Now, at last, fate had intervened—how could Zhan Lianjing possibly recover this time?

Fu Xiao, as the Left Prime Minister, was the first to speak, "Your Majesty, there is something suspicious about Prince Zhan's situation; the truth must be thoroughly investigated."

The Emperor had promoted Fu Xiao to hear his support, not opposition.

He frowned, "Left Prime Minister, the evidence is conclusive. Prince Zhan must be dealt with. The only question is how!"

The ministers discussed among themselves, finally understanding what had happened.

Le Yongcheng was furious. He stepped forward, "Your Majesty, this concerns the royal reputation. Prince Zhan should be executed! However, he has served Tianlong well. Perhaps he should be stripped of his title and exiled to the frontier."

If Le Qianxue were present, she would surely scold Le Yongcheng.

The Emperor finally heard a suggestion to his liking. He chuckled, "General Le speaks well. What do the ministers think?"

He waited for their agreement; once obtained, he would be at ease.

Prime Minister Yang quickly agreed, "Your Majesty, this is excellent. Please issue the decree immediately to punish Zhan Lianjing!"

The Emperor nodded, about to give the order.

"Your Majesty!" Outside, Lord Mu hurried in, late to court, irritating the Emperor.

Lord Mu wore his ceremonial robes; he was elderly and walked with difficulty.

Behind him, attendants escorted a palace maid onto the hall for reasons unknown.

Lord Mu saluted, panting, "Your Majesty, I have found a witness. I fear Prince Zhan may have been wronged, so I ask Your Majesty to investigate once more!"

His words caused an uproar in court!

Prime Minister Yang glared at Lord Mu, "What is the meaning of this? The matter is settled—why bring in a witness now?"

He did not believe it, nor did the Emperor.

Everyone was puzzled. The Mu and Zhuang royal households had always been at odds with Zhan’s house; why would they now help find a witness for Zhan Lianjing? It was quite extraordinary.

Yet Lord Zhuang spoke up for Lord Mu, "This matter is far-reaching. Should it not be thoroughly investigated? Prince Zhan enjoys high public esteem—if he is wrongly punished, the people will surely object!"

The Emperor grew silent; the two royal houses made sense, but he had already decided to punish Zhan Lianjing. Now, with this disruption, his mood was soured.