Chapter 54: Composed Wisdom in Crisis

This street was filled with people.

Some, having heard news from unknown sources, believed that Princess Ning’an was aiding the tyrants and wanted to crush her.

Others were merely there to watch, eager to vent their recent frustrations.

And then there were those hidden in the shadows, deliberately shifting the blame onto Yan Ziqi, hoping to see him removed from his position.

Ideally, he would end up as despised by the public as Princess Ning’an.

Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it.

Even the emperor cannot disregard the people.

One may be ignored, but what about a thousand, ten thousand, or even millions?

Those fanning the flames behind the scenes wanted to exploit the ignorance of the crowd gathered here to push Yan Ziqi out of the border.

He must have threatened the Tong family’s position.

Li Ning’an even suspected that this might have been orchestrated by the Tong family.

Wen Di, worried about being caught in the crossfire, hid behind the door, peeking through a crack.

Upon hearing Princess Ning’an’s words, the Jinwu Guards realized the situation and quickly apprehended the young man.

“It was Inspector Ji himself who confirmed it—thanks to Princess Ning’an, the Jing Prince became negligent in his defenses, leading to evidence being seized.”

“To twist the truth and wrongfully accuse Princess Ning’an is a crime that cannot be pardoned. A few lashes would be too lenient for you.”

Regarding the baby case, Emperor Mingde had not allowed the Dali Temple to publicize it, placing the blame squarely on that major’s shoulders.

The Jinwu Guards were unaware of this, leaving them unable to explain.

They didn’t even know why the crowd had gathered with the intent to kill Princess Ning’an.

Inspector Ji was fine now; he only needed to rest for two months.

The woman, seeing the fierce demeanor of Princess Ning’an, took a few steps back in fear but then moved forward again, thinking of her child.

“Princess Ning’an, do you know that the Jing Prince is the real mastermind behind the rouge shop? It’s because of him that my son was captured.”

“He was only six months old, just learning to roll over.”

Li Ning’an did not respond but instead asked, “Who told you this?”

The Dali Temple, having received orders from the emperor, would certainly keep this matter confidential.

The jailer likely wanted money, which is why he let this information slip.

Could it have been the couple who disclosed it?

But if such matters were widely circulated, the officials at the Dali Temple wouldn’t end up well either.

After all, they were friends; surely they wouldn’t want to drag each other to prison.

The woman was also afraid of the whip striking her, so she replied casually, “I don’t remember who told me, but everyone knows.”

The infants who had died in recent months could be identified, and the Dali Temple had asked the families of the missing children to come and identify the bodies.

Everyone gathered here had come from the Dali Temple.

The young man wanted to say more but was silenced by the Jinwu Guards.

Li Ning’an thought that Lord Qiu, known for his swift justice, should let the Jinwu Guards take him to the Dali Temple.

“Tell Lord Qiu everything he said.”

Li Ning’an wasn’t sure why Yan Ziqi hadn’t gone to rescue General Tong, but she trusted him.

He certainly wasn’t the kind of person who would prioritize seizing power over human life.

As for the real answers, they would have to wait for Yan Ziqi’s return to clarify everything.

Since some citizens already knew the truth, Li Ning’an could no longer keep it hidden; otherwise, they would begin to doubt the emperor.

Once that seed of doubt was planted, people would start to wonder what else the emperor might be hiding.

The collapse of trust in a ruler is not a trivial matter.

Wen Di observed how Li Ning’an spoke clearly and gently to the people.

This was no longer the mischievous Li Ning’an from the Imperial Academy.

She was willing to risk her life to protect Yan Ziqi’s reputation, which undoubtedly showed her affection for him.

Wen Di nudged the steward, “Is there a back door?”

The steward, touched by the situation, nodded in response to Wen Di’s question. “I’ll have someone take you to the back door.”

Princess Ning’an was truly admirable; she was unyielding for the sake of the young master.

He had thought she would use the whip to strike the people outside.

He needed to write a letter to the young master.

Li Ning’an only mentioned that this matter involved various provinces and counties, and it was serious enough that they needed to see who was involved and whether anyone had been overlooked.

It couldn’t just be about convicting the Jing Prince; everyone involved in this case must be held accountable.

The people were deeply moved.

His Majesty and Princess Ning’an were truly thinking of them.

The Jinwu Guards finally understood that the Jing Prince was indeed worse than an animal.

His Majesty truly cared for his people.

Once Princess Ning’an finished, the Jinwu Guards didn’t need to intervene; the crowd dispersed on their own.

Li Ning’an didn’t have time to ask the steward about Leng Shuang; she needed to report to the emperor.

The steward came out to see her off as she climbed into her carriage, and she lifted the curtain. “Make sure to write a letter to Yan Ziqi.”

This was such an important matter that it would seem more genuine coming from the steward.

She didn’t want Yan Ziqi to think she was trying to fool him.

Back in the palace, Li Ning’an pondered whether she should sneak up on Li Ning and give him a beating.

This incident was likely closely tied to the Tong family.

However, she soon abandoned the idea of violence.

The palace was heavily guarded, and she didn’t want to get caught.

Li Ning’an headed to Qian Kun Palace, where Fu Xi greeted her, saying, “Your Highness, the emperor is meeting with several important ministers in Xuan Zheng Hall.”

“Oh, he’s not here.”

“Then you should go… No, I’ll just wait in the side hall.”

Fu Xi hurried to arrange tea and snacks for Princess Ning’an and personally informed the emperor in Xuan Zheng Hall.

Yan Su speculated that there must be important matters at hand.

Otherwise, Princess Ning’an wouldn’t be waiting in the side hall of Qian Kun Palace instead of going directly to Chang Le Palace.

He glanced around before whispering something to the emperor.

Before Emperor Mingde could respond, he already knew.

“This child, surprisingly…”

Even more outstanding than his own sons.

Calm under pressure, responding promptly.

Emperor Mingde thought they could handle the remaining matters, so he dismissed the ministers.

He kept Wen Taishi behind to commend Ning’an.

When Wen Taishi returned home, he learned that Wen Di had skipped out on his duties to go fooling around.

He wished he could just beat that ungrateful son.

Meanwhile, Emperor Mingde returned to Qian Kun Palace with a smile, finding Li Ning’an across from him, both engaged in a game of chess.

Emperor Mingde said to Ning’an, “There’s a fruit mountain in the south of the city; how about I give it to you? Yan Su, go fetch the deed.”

Li Ning’an quickly got up. “I’ve already received plenty of good things.”

“If your father is happy and wants to reward you, why not come with me to the hot springs?”

It was getting colder outside, and a soak in the hot springs would be quite comforting.

Emperor Mingde couldn’t just enjoy it himself.

“Then let’s inform the empress. We’ll go to that large one in the suburbs, and take along royal relatives and officials of the fifth rank and above.”

The Second Prince of Beiyue would soon arrive in the capital; it would be nice for everyone to relax for a couple of days before facing the enemy together.

In the harem, aside from the empress and Concubine Tong Xian, and those with children, Emperor Mingde also invited a favored little palace maid to join.

On the first of November, under the escort of the Jinwu Guards and the Imperial Army, Emperor Mingde began his journey to the hot springs.

Li Ning’an could travel in a separate carriage. She called for Li Ningzhao, who was busy reading a book even on the carriage.

Li Ning’an snatched the book away.

“Just relax for a day; nothing will happen.”

Li Ningzhao nodded, obedient to her sister’s words.

Li Ning’an contemplated how to arrange for the old Taoist to check on the emperor, and what kind of poison he might need.

Meanwhile, at the northwest border, Yan Ziqi had received news from the capital.

Fortunately, Li Ning’an was safe and sound.

Ling Jibai had already arrived at the military camp and met with Yan Ziqi.

He was currently in Yan Ziqi’s tent, having already delivered the letters from Princess Ning’an.

He had heard along the way about Princess Ning’an injuring Inspector Ji.

Now, alongside Yan Ziqi, he knew that Princess Ning’an was unharmed.

“This princess is truly bold.”

She even dared to use the young master’s personal seal to send messages to the border.

Yan Ziqi felt quite helpless.

Everything Ling Jibai brought back needed to be inspected; the soldiers at the border all knew that Li Ning’an admired him.

Some were even willing to be his concubine without seeking recognition.

What profound love that was.

Yan Ziqi felt a strange sense of unease.

She must have ulterior motives.

Once they returned to the capital, he would need to probe into it.

At the same time, Emperor Mingde’s decree arrived.

Yan Ziqi was tasked with selecting people to escort the Second Prince of Beiyue into the capital.