Chapter 175: The Exile Plan Proceeds Smoothly

The Emperor briefly informed the court officials of the punishment for the Qi family.

“I believe the Prince of Chen’s manor harbored no treasonous intentions. However, the hidden weapons have indeed been uncovered. I cannot ignore the law of the land and pretend nothing has happened.

Within three days, if no evidence can be found proving the Prince of Chen was framed, the Qi family will be exiled to Tianshan Commandery in the northwest and shall never again enter the capital.”

With that, he turned to Eunuch De and instructed:

“Confiscate their property, but don’t search the Qi family members themselves. This is the last bit of dignity I can offer them.”

Eunuch De didn’t know what Ye Chutang had said to the Emperor that led to such a dramatic change in attitude, but he wasn’t about to contradict the Emperor in front of everyone.

“Your servant obeys!”

The Emperor then turned to the commander of the Imperial Guards. “Don’t touch the gold and silver in the residence for now. Wait for the decree three days from now.”

“At your command.”

“Watch the Qi family closely. If anything goes wrong, bring me your head.”

The commander immediately knelt on one knee. “Your subject will not let Your Majesty down!”

“As for the servants of the Prince of Chen’s manor, release those who pass the investigation.”

Having said his piece, the Emperor departed the manor surrounded by the Imperial Guards.

The officials and their families who had come for the wedding banquet also left in succession.

Ye Chutang walked into the main hall and made her way to Qi Yanzhou, blinking at him to indicate the plan had gone smoothly.

Looking at the tables full of food, she said, “Let’s not mope around—eat up while you can. Once we’re exiled, we might never get to taste such delicacies again.”

The Old Prince and the Dowager Princess were the first to take a seat nearby.

“Come sit and eat. We’ll need our strength to figure out how to clear the Prince of Chen’s name.”

They’d been running around all morning and were truly famished.

Concubine Su grumpily kicked a stool.

“I’m already full from anger—who can eat at a time like this!”

As she spoke, she glared at Qi Yanzhou with obvious resentment, furious that he had volunteered for exile.

There were only three thousand hidden weapons—at worst, the Emperor might have confined the Qi family to house arrest. Staying in the capital was far better than being sent to the wilds!

The Old Prince slammed the table with his palm. “Shut up! Eat if you want to, or don’t!”

Su shut up, sulkily taking a seat. She didn’t touch her chopsticks.

Her daughter, Qi Jingyao, sat beside her and tugged at her sleeve.
“Mother, we still have three days. Don’t worry yet.”

Su was well aware the Emperor wouldn’t let the Qi family go. Even if proof surfaced that the Prince of Chen had been framed, the Emperor wouldn’t acknowledge it. Exile was already set in stone.

But she couldn’t say that out loud. She just nodded gloomily.

Concubine Xu and her son Qi He’an sat down. So did Concubine Gao and her son Qi Yun’an.

Qi Yanzhou turned to Ye Chutang, his brows sharp and cold.

“What did you say to the Emperor? Is this disaster on the Qi family your doing?”

He said it loud enough for the Imperial Guards at the door to hear.

Ye Chutang snorted, annoyed.

“If it were me, I wouldn’t have planted those letters. I’d have exposed the ones showing Ye Jingchuan colluded with the prince. And that witchcraft doll? It wouldn’t be made from imperial dragon robe fabric—just ordinary cloth that makes it impossible to deny.”

Seeing the tension between them, the Dowager Princess quickly stepped in to mediate.

“Zhou’er, Tang’er is willing to share your hardship. You shouldn’t doubt her.”

She stood and pulled Ye Chutang to sit beside her.

“Tang’er, don’t blame Zhou’er. The Qi family suffered such a calamity on your wedding day—it’s understandable he’s upset.”

“Mother—”

Chuyu Zhu quickly corrected her.

“Tang’er, the Qi family has been stripped of its title and become commoners now. Let’s use the proper address for a normal family from now on.”

“Yes, Mother. Thank you for believing in me. I understand Ah Zhou’s doubts. After all, it all started when two dowry maids from the Ministry of Rites accused the manor of possessing letters of treason. It must be related to Ye Jingchuan. But he was just a pawn.”

Chuyu Zhu nodded in approval.

Just as she was about to speak, Concubine Su coldly snorted, “You’re Ye Jingchuan’s daughter. I don’t believe you didn’t know anything!”

Ye Chutang took out her severance letter.

“I’ve already cut ties with Ye Jingchuan. If I had known about his plan, I would’ve made sure it never succeeded.”

“You—”

Chuyu Zhu cut her off sharply. “Enough. I believe Tang’er.”

Then she looked at Qi Yanzhou. “Zhou’er, eat.”

Though the food had gone cold, it was still delicacies and tasted good.

The ten members of the Qi family ate in silence.

Ye Chutang had already eaten in the wedding chamber and wasn’t hungry. She only picked at her food for appearance’s sake.

She’d woken too early and was now terribly sleepy.

Seeing this, Qi Yanzhou called over the Imperial Guards.

“Please bring a few blankets from the wedding chamber to the east wing hall.”

The Emperor had restricted the Qi family’s movement to the front courtyard: the two side halls and the main hall.

The main hall was filled with banquet tables and not suitable for sleeping. Only the two side halls could be used. Qi Yanzhou planned to separate men and women for convenience.

Since the Qi family hadn’t been officially convicted yet, asking the guards for a small favor was fine.

The guards didn’t respond right away and went to ask Eunuch De.

Eunuch De glanced at the hall and said, “In terms of food and lodging, try to meet their needs.”

If the Emperor wanted to put on a show, they had to make it convincing!

Soon, the guards brought over all the blankets from the wedding chamber to the east side hall.

That side hall had an outer room and an inner room—the former for chatting over tea, the latter for resting, equipped with a chaise lounge.

Qi Yanzhou laid out the chaise lounge and moved in several ice basins to cool the room down so Ye Chutang could rest.

Ye Chutang, utterly exhausted, fell asleep immediately.

Qi Yanzhou closed the door and returned to the main hall to discuss their next steps with the Qi family.

---

All of the capital was buzzing with the news that the Prince of Chen had hidden weapons and been stripped of his title.

But Qi Yanzhou had a high reputation among the people—no one believed he would commit treason.

In private, people whispered that the Emperor had framed the Qi family because he couldn’t stand a subordinate outshining him.

Just when public resentment toward the Emperor was peaking, news spread that the framing was the work of the “Ghost Thieves.”

The Emperor even issued a public notice, calling for information to clear the Prince of Chen’s name.

Just like that, he salvaged his reputation.

Meanwhile, at the Song residence—

The Song family patriarch, Song Mingyu, rushed to Huating Academy after hearing the news and found Song Zhiyan.

“Zhiyan, what do you make of this affair with the Prince of Chen?”

Song Zhiyan already knew the full details of the Qi family’s situation.

He also knew the whole scheme was orchestrated by Qi Yanzhou and Ye Chutang, with the Emperor as nothing more than a pawn.

“Father, the Prince—”

He quickly corrected himself. “Qi Yanzhou is exceptionally shrewd. The Emperor cannot outmaneuver him.”

Song Mingyu understood immediately. “A scheme within a scheme.”

He frowned deeply.

“But why take such a step? Staying in the capital would’ve kept the Emperor cautious—he’d have had more time to plan.”

Song Zhiyan could understand Qi Yanzhou’s reasoning.

“Father, one can’t be a thief for a thousand days, nor guard against one for a thousand days. The Emperor’s intent to eliminate the Qi family can no longer be concealed. Staying in the capital is no longer safe.”

Besides, many things could only be done once they left the capital.

Song Mingyu sighed softly. “Still, exile seems extreme.”

“Qi Yanzhou must have his reasons. Tianshan Commandery is a relatively prosperous place in the northwest. They won’t suffer too much.”

He couldn’t help admiring Ye Chutang’s skillful maneuvering.

Even when the Qi family was in a disadvantaged position, she preserved their dignity and secured exile to Tianshan rather than some remote wasteland. That was no small feat.

“But they’ll still have to survive the journey.”

Song Mingyu wasn’t being pessimistic—exile wasn’t necessarily safer than staying in the capital.

“If Qi Yanzhou could survive the south, he’ll reach Tianshan safely.”

Song Zhiyan’s brow furrowed slightly. “My only concern now is that he doesn’t harbor imperial ambitions.”

In the whole Beichen Kingdom, only Qi Yanzhou had the capability to overthrow tyranny and become a wise ruler.

Song Mingyu sipped his tea.

“Qi Yanzhou has the people in his heart. If the time comes, he’ll rise up.”

Just then, a small figure burst through the tightly closed doors.

Liu Junzhi, eyes red from crying, ran in and looked at Song Zhiyan.

“Dean Song, my sister won’t be in trouble, right?”

He had known his sister was leaving, but never imagined it would be due to exile.

Song Jingning, who had followed, quickly reassured him.

“Don’t worry. Your sister is clever—she’ll get through this.”

He, too, had been shocked at the sudden incident, but once he remembered the courage and strategy of both Qi Yanzhou and Ye Chutang, he relaxed.

Junzhi blinked his teary eyes. “She’s not really going to be exiled, is she?”

Song Jingning shook his head. “She chose it herself.”

“Exile is so hard and exhausting. Why would she choose that path?”

Just thinking of his sister suffering under escort made his heart ache.

“She must have her reasons.”

Junzhi bit his lip and cautiously asked, “I heard we can say goodbye at the pavilion outside the city. Can I go?”

He still had some banknotes—he wanted to give them all to his sister!

Song Jingning also wanted to see Ye Chutang once more.

He was about to agree when Song Mingyu said, “Jingning, take Junzhi to send her off.”

Song Jingning was puzzled.

“Why me? Wouldn’t Big Brother be more suitable?”

“Your brother is unwell. We don’t know if he’ll recover in time. Just go in his place.”

Originally, Song Mingyu had planned to reveal Song Jingning’s background to him after Ye Chutang’s wedding, allowing him to choose between staying with the Song family or returning to the Ye family.

But now that Ye Chutang was involved in this case, and the evidence of Ye Jingchuan colluding with the prince was solid, he had to keep Song Jingning’s identity secret for now.

Still, he already had plans for this adopted child.

Seeing Song Zhiyan looking unwell, Song Jingning nodded. “Alright, I’ll go.”

Then he got ready to take Junzhi back to the academy.

Song Mingyu called after him. “Jingning, I have something to discuss with you.”

Junzhi politely excused himself and walked out on his own.

Song Jingning gave Song Mingyu a wary look. “Father, don’t tell me you want me to go on another matchmaking visit?”

Every single day—he really was his biological father.

Song Mingyu rolled his eyes. “This is serious business.”

“So matchmaking isn’t serious?”

“Hmph. Say what you like—either way, you’re not escaping it.”

Song Jingning let out a long sigh. “Alright, alright…”

“Alright. Where does Father want me to go? And what for?”

“Tianshan Commandery. To open an academy.”

Song Jingning’s brows furrowed slightly. “Isn’t Tianshan Commandery the place His Majesty designated as the place of exile for the Qi family?”

It all circled back to Ye Chutang again. Suspicious!

“Yes. I want you to go to Tianshan Commandery because of Qi Yanzhou… and also Ye Chutang.”

Song Mingyu admitted frankly, “Both.”

Song Jingning sat down at the round table and poured himself a cup of tea.

“Please, go on, Father.”

“Jingning, whenever our country is on the brink of collapse, the Song family always selects a worthy sovereign to support. Qi Yanzhou is the one we’ve chosen this time. You’re to go to Tianshan Commandery and assist him behind the scenes.”

“If force can bring peace, literature can stabilize the realm. You’ll establish an academy there, invite Ye Chutang to be a female instructor—or help her set up a women’s branch. Let her fame spread across the world and gather talented people.”

Song Mingyu knew well that with Ye Chutang’s intelligence, it wouldn’t take long before she realized Jingning was her twin brother. Sending Jingning to Tianshan also fulfilled the sibling bond between the two.

Among the five Song brothers, only Jingning hadn’t married. He was the most suitable to go to the northwest, so he agreed.

“Father, I don’t need to wait a month. I’m ready to leave now.”

Song Mingyu chuckled and knocked him lightly on the head.

“I said a month of matchmaking—don’t try to escape.”

He didn’t truly want to force Jingning into blind dates. He just wanted him to stay home a bit longer.

Once he left, who knew when they’d see each other again?

Song Jingning caught the reluctance in his father’s eyes and understood his true intent.

“Father, the Qi family’s journey is on foot. It’ll take at least half a month to reach Tianshan. I’d rather stay home a few more days before heading out.”

“Fine, your mother can schedule a few more matchmaking appointments for you.”

Hearing the teasing, Song Jingning smiled and replied, “No problem. Looking around doesn’t cost me a thing.”

“Enough nonsense—go study the math books Miss Ye left behind.”

---

Prince Chen’s Residence

When Ye Chutang woke up, the sky had already darkened.

As soon as she sat up, Concubine Su muttered with annoyance, “Jinx!”

Ye Chutang stared mockingly at her, full of resentment, then walked up and slapped her across the face.

Concubine Su clutched her face, wide-eyed in disbelief.

“A newlywed in the Qi family actually dares to strike an elder!”

Saying that, she raised her hand toward Ye Chutang’s face.

Smack!

Their hands clashed in mid-air. Ye Chutang shook out her hand casually.

“Haven’t clapped hands in a while—kind of missed it.”

Concubine Su stared at her limp, dangling right hand, and finally let out a shrill scream of pain.

“Ah! My hand!”

The scream drew both the Qi family members and the Imperial Guards.

“What’s going on?”

Ye Chutang grabbed Concubine Su’s wrist with one hand, her injured hand with the other.

With a crisp crack, the dislocated hand was reset.

She pinched her wrist just hard enough to be painful and warned coldly, “Behave yourself. Don’t provoke me again. Next time, I won’t break your hand—it’ll be your neck.”

Feeling the pain from her wrist and staring into Ye Chutang’s murderous gaze, Concubine Su nodded in terror.

“U-Understood…”

Ye Chutang flung her hand away.

“And another thing—you’re just a concubine. You don’t have the status to call yourself my elder.”

Concubine Su didn’t dare argue a word.

“I was wrong, madam…”

Ye Chutang withdrew the mocking look in her eyes and turned to the Imperial Guards.

“She’s just a concubine in the Qi family and doesn’t understand the rules. Sorry to have embarrassed you, Officer.”

The guards had no intention of meddling in the Qi family’s internal affairs, but still gave a reminder:

“Madam Qi, until the imperial decree arrives, don’t cause any deaths.”

“I understand. I won’t trouble the authorities.”

The guard gave Concubine Su a stern warning. “Don’t stir up more trouble, or you’ll suffer for it!”

With that, he left the eastern wing hall.

Old Master Qi looked coldly at Concubine Su. “If you show any more disrespect to Tang’er, I’ll give you a divorce letter!”

Back when the incident with Prince Chen’s residence happened, Concubine Su had wanted to leave with a divorce letter.

But she belonged to the Emperor.

As long as the Emperor didn’t permit her to leave the Qi family, she wouldn’t dare go.

So she immediately crawled over to Old Master Qi’s feet, weeping pitifully.

“Master, the Qi family suffered such a tragedy. I was overwhelmed with anger and sadness—that’s why I offended the young madam. I was wrong. Please don’t send me away!”

Old Master Qi helped her up.

“If you know your mistake, then go apologize to Tang’er.”

Concubine Su bowed and apologized—on the surface respectful, but clearly reluctant.

“Young madam, I’ve offended you. Please forgive me.”

“A mistake like this—don’t make it again. Otherwise, the first person to die on the exile journey… will be you.”

Qi Yanzhou seized the chance to act, scolding Ye Chutang.

“The Qi family’s affairs aren’t yours to control—yet.”

Ye Chutang walked up to him with a bright smile, looping her arm around his.

“Then when will it be? Our wedding night? Or when I bear your child?”

She teased the muscular arm of his, watching the tips of his ears turn red, her smile growing even more radiant.

Toying with such a straight-laced man was way too fun.

Qi Yanzhou looked stern on the surface, but lowered his gaze slightly to hide the helplessness and affection in his eyes.

“When you’ve proven that you mean no harm to the Qi family—you can be the one in charge.”

Ye Chutang let go of his arm. “Alright. I’ll wait.”

Then she rubbed her flat belly.

“It’s getting late. When’s dinner?”

Qi Yanzhou answered, “The kitchen’s already working on it. It’ll be ready soon. Let’s wait in the main hall.”

Ye Chutang walked out of the side hall.

In the courtyard, only the confiscated treasures from Prince Chen’s residence remained. All the tables, chairs, and food were gone.

The courtyard—and the rooftops—were filled with Imperial Guards.

On one hand, the imperial guards were there to monitor the Qi family, and on the other, to protect the confiscated property.

The main hall had also been restored to its original state.

Qi Yanzhou updated Ye Chutang on the current situation of Prince Chen’s Manor.

The servants who hadn’t signed away their freedom to the manor had already packed up and left on their own.

As for those who had signed indenture contracts, arrangements would have to wait for the emperor’s decree.

The leftovers from the wedding feast had already been eaten by the imperial guards.

For the next three days, the remaining servants of the manor were tasked with preparing meals for both the Qi family and the guards.

It didn’t take long before food was brought to the table.

Five dishes and one soup—unimpressive in appearance, clearly the kind of food made in bulk in a big pot.

Other than Ye Chutang and Qi Yanzhou, the rest of the family, who had never known hardship, were visibly disdainful.

But Old Master Qi and the Old Madam still picked up their chopsticks.

“Come, sit and eat. Ordinary households don’t even get this many dishes.”

The whole family sat around the table.

The illegitimate son Qi He’an was a frail scholar, pampered since childhood. He picked up his chopsticks but quickly set them down.

“Father, this food is simply—”

Just as he was about to say the word “unpalatable,” Qi Yanzhou shot him a cold glare.

“If the imperial guards can eat it, why can’t you?”

His words startled Consort Xu, who immediately shoved the chopsticks back into her son’s hand.

“He’er, eat!”

The two concubines and their children didn’t dare offend the guards and promptly picked up their chopsticks, pretending the food was delicious.

There were many mouths and few dishes. By the time the meal was done, there was barely a scrap left.

Ye Chutang, pregnant and lacking any appetite for big-pot food, barely managed two bites.

Seeing this, Qi Yanzhou felt distressed and asked the guards:

“His Majesty stated that during the three-day investigation into the weapons, the Qi family’s food and drink would not be restricted. Does that still hold true?”

The imperial guard frowned but nodded. “Of course it does.”

“I’m still hungry. May I go to the kitchen to make something to eat?”

“His Majesty’s order was that the Qi family must not leave the front courtyard.”

That answer didn’t surprise Qi Yanzhou.

He then asked, “Then can I pay to have food delivered from a restaurant outside?”

The guard didn’t answer immediately and went to ask the commander.

“The commander says it’s allowed.”

Qi Yanzhou removed the jade pendant from his waist and was about to hand it over, but Ye Chutang stopped him.

She pulled a gold hairpin from her hair and pressed it into his hand.

“The jade is too valuable. This is enough.”

Qi Yanzhou handed the jade pendant to Ye Chutang, then passed the gold hairpin to the guard.

“Please take this to the pawnshop and Guangjuxuan. Have the restaurant deliver two good dishes for lunch and dinner over the next three days. The remaining silver is yours.”

The hairpin was clearly worth a lot. After paying for the meals, there would still be a generous amount left.

The guard knew the emperor hadn’t restricted the Qi family’s food, so he agreed readily.

Qi Yanzhou wrote out a meal plan for the three days and handed it to the guard.

The dishes he listed were not only suitable for pregnant women but also helped ease morning sickness.

The guard took the hairpin and the menu and left.

Half an hour later—

A servant from Guangjuxuan arrived with two dishes.

Hot and sour tripe soup and carrot-braised beef.

When the food box was opened, a mouthwatering aroma filled the air.

Aunt Su, who had already eaten her fill, suddenly felt hungry again after catching the scent and sat down by the table.

“These dishes should’ve arrived before dinner. And the portions are too small—barely enough for the whole family.”

Qi Yanzhou looked at her full of disdain and said, “These are for Atang.”

Then he set the dishes down in front of Ye Chutang.

“Atang, eat.”

Aunt Su was furious. “Second Young Master, what do you mean by this? Letting the Young Madam eat alone?”

Qi Yanzhou said calmly, “Atang barely ate anything just now. And these dishes were bought with her gold hairpin. Of course she gets to enjoy them by herself.”

“So all one has to do is complain about the food to get delicacies? I’ve learned something new today!”

Ye Chutang picked up a well-stewed carrot, took a bite, and found the taste quite good.

She corrected Aunt Su, “You’re wrong. If you want to eat well, you have to be willing to spend money. No one said you can’t eat alone—question is, can you afford to?”

Aunt Su had once been favored and had received many fine things from Old Master Qi.

But with the heir’s wedding, concubines and illegitimate children weren’t allowed to dress too extravagantly.

So altogether, Aunt Su didn’t have even five hundred taels on her.

And with exile ahead, she didn’t dare spend anything now.

So she tried to redirect the blame.

“To have good food and not think of your elders—that’s unfilial!”