Yun Qian Yue’s lips curled into a slight smile. What does it mean by “stealing the chicken but losing the rice”? The Crown Prince’s concubine is the answer!

“Yes! The Crown Prince’s concubine is truly formidable! As I recall, there is no one in Tian Sheng who has such abilities—without leaving their home, they can spy on every move of others. When I return to the court, I will surely report to the Emperor that the Crown Prince’s concubine is such a great talent. She must contribute to the governance of our Tian Sheng dynasty,” Old Lord Yun said with a softer expression, laughing in agreement with Ye Qing Ran’s words.

Hearing this, Ye Tian Qing’s expression darkened, his gaze fixed on the Crown Prince’s concubine with an intense glare.

The Crown Prince’s concubine suddenly pushed away Concubine Feng, who was leaning on her shoulder, and with a “thud,” knelt in front of the Crown Prince. Her face turned pale, and she repeatedly begged, “I am at fault, I am truly foolish. I was merely speculating out of ignorance because I saw the Young Prince and Yue Meimei getting along well. It was truly unwise of me. Crown Prince, please forgive me!”

“Oh! So it was nonsense!” Ye Qing Ran suddenly seemed to realize, turning to Ye Tian Qing with a smile. “I thought the Crown Prince was wise and intelligent, marrying a strategist who would bring great insight to the court, but it turns out she is merely a woman who blindly guesses, speaking without any sense, completely ignorant, and with no grace whatsoever.”

Yun Qian Yue’s lips twitched slightly, thinking that when it comes to sharp tongues, this fellow might be the best at it.

Ye Tian Qing’s face grew colder. He had always been uneasy about Yun Qian Yue’s relationship with Ye Qing Ran and Rong Jing’s protection of her. Now, the concubine’s words, although derogatory to Yun Qian Yue, were also slapping him in the face. Seeing the Crown Prince’s concubine trembling on the ground begging for mercy, his mind recalled how Yun Qian Yue had remained calm and unflinching when faced with hidden guards and swords, her expression unchanged as she was taken to the Ministry of Justice prison. This woman was nothing like the weak-willed concubine in front of him. His frustration grew even more.

“Crown Prince, please spare me! I deserve to die! I only made a rash guess, I was ignorant, I…” The Crown Prince’s concubine had not heard Ye Tian Qing’s words but could feel his overwhelming anger and low pressure. She was so frightened that she could no longer speak clearly.

“Go back to your manor and reflect. Without my orders, do not leave your courtyard. No one is allowed to visit you,” Ye Tian Qing ordered coldly, suppressing his anger since they were in the Yun residence.

“Yes, I will return to the manor and reflect!” The Crown Prince’s concubine immediately stood up, not daring to linger for another moment. She hurried out of Old Lord Yun’s room, fearing that if she stayed too long, Yun Qian Yue and Ye Qing Ran might say something even more lethal. She would not only be reflecting, but could even be kicked out of the Crown Prince’s manor or punished by the Emperor. Forgetting her original intention, she wished only to leave Yun’s residence as quickly as possible.

Concubine Feng, seeing the Crown Prince’s concubine being forced to return to the Crown Prince’s manor for reflection after just a few words from Yun Qian Yue and Ye Qing Ran, felt a surge of anger, but there was nothing she could do. After all, the two had accused her of crimes far greater than what Yun Qian Yue was guilty of. Grinding her teeth, she vowed that she would not let Yun Qian Yue off lightly.

“Indeed, after returning, she fainted,” Concubine Feng suddenly spoke, adding, “I have asked the other girls who went with her, and they said the same thing as I did. Today, I wanted to ask Yun Qian Yue what happened, but this girl refused to speak properly. I wanted to bring her here to Father King, but she actually threw me into the lake.” Concubine Feng continued to cry, her voice trembling. “Father King, when you returned, you saw me being rescued from the lake. If the servants were a little slower, I would never have seen you again.”

Lord Yun looked at Yun Qian Yue.

Yun Qian Yue’s expression remained indifferent. “As for what happened, there were so many people outside, and since they came to Grandpa’s courtyard, they can’t leave without answering some questions. We are all here. Father King can go out and ask, and it will all be clear. I believe that justice will prevail. Not everyone in Yun’s manor is a sycophant. Someone will tell the truth.”

“Very well! Since all three of you are involved, you will stay here while I go out and ask,” Lord Yun said, standing up.

“Wait, since the Crown Prince and I have nothing to do, and we have come at the right time, why not go with Uncle Wang to bear witness? That way, we can ensure that the truth comes out and that the person who was wronged gets the justice they deserve. I can’t stand seeing anyone being wronged.” Ye Qing Ran suddenly stood up. Although he hadn’t been in the capital for seven years, he knew the city’s affairs well. It was clear that Concubine Feng had great power, and he didn’t understand why Yun Qian Yue was so confident someone would speak up for her. Naturally, he wanted to see for himself and make sure she wouldn’t be wronged.