Chapter 389: Clearing the Su Family’s Name (Part 1)

Chapter 389: Clearing the Su Family's Name (Part 1)

The conflict between Zhu Xian and Yun Lang temporarily ceased due to Prince Yun Ji's intervention. Apart from the previous negotiations involving Prince Yun Ji, there had been no further communication between the two nations. However, due to internal affairs within their respective countries, both sides seemed to tacitly maintain their positions, bringing a brief respite to the border.

This matter was not publicly disclosed, yet it was closely monitored by those in the shadows. Observing that the war between Zhu Xian and Yun Lang had ceased within just a few months, the spies' intentions immediately shifted, and carrier pigeons were dispatched, heading south in the cold winter.

In the equally opulent palace of Dan Liang, within the Dan Liang royal palace, stood a pair of loving spouses, celebrated as a model couple.

The man, devoted solely to his beloved wife, had only one wife in his lifetime and two sons. Unfortunately, the younger son passed away shortly after birth, plunging his beloved wife into deep sorrow and frailty. For this reason, the man sought out renowned physicians and never took any concubines over the years.

This loving couple was the envy of countless others, with many women longing for such a devoted husband.

At this moment, the devoted husband personally served food to his beloved queen, his eyes and heart solely focused on her.

The graceful Empress Yun, though already in her thirties, was still doted on by her husband like a sixteen-year-old maiden. Despite her pale complexion, her features were stunning, exuding both tenderness and charm. Every smile and gesture exuded grace, as if a celestial being had descended to earth.

Clad in a pink and white palace gown, her black hair was styled elegantly, adorned with a jade hairpin. The hairpin was intricately carved with blooming peonies, their petals tinged with a natural peach hue, radiating exquisite elegance.

"My lord, since the war between Zhu Xian and Yun Lang has ceased, and Emperor Yun Lang has passed away, it is unexpected that my nephew Xiaoji has ascended to the throne of Yun Lang. Upon his return to the capital, it will likely be time for his coronation. As his aunt and their daughter, I have not fulfilled my filial duties to my parents for many years. It is time for me to return and pay them a visit.

In Zhu Xian, my younger sister Yu'er, heartbroken, left in anger, abandoning Changle and passing away shortly after. Emperor Wei, who deeply loved Yu'er, may follow her in death. Perhaps soon, Zhu Xian will also see a change in its ruler.

As Changle's uncle and aunt, it is time for us to consider the marriage between Changle and Feng'er. As her aunt, I always hope that Changle and Feng'er can maintain a lasting bond and live happily together."

Her soft voice, like a gentle stream, flowed with a soothing rhythm, stirring ripples in the heart.

"My beloved, you speak wisely. However, it is not urgent at the moment. Your health is frail, and I cannot bear to see you travel long distances. Let us wait a little longer. When Prince Yun Ji officially ascends the throne, I will arrange for you to return home to visit your family.

As for Zhu Xian, after Emperor Wei accompanies my sister to her burial and the seventh-day mourning period passes, we will discuss the marriage between our son and Changle with Prince Yi. This way, Changle will not learn of her parents' sorrow too early, sparing our son from grief as well."

With that, he personally fed another dish to Empress Yun. The Dan Liang emperor's eyes were filled with tenderness. Though past middle age, he remained graceful, especially with his slender phoenix eyes, which exuded a captivating charm with every glance.

Such a man, with his striking beauty, paired with the graceful Empress Yun, truly made for an exceptional couple.

The youthful ruthlessness he once displayed when shooting Qin Rao had long since been tempered into restraint after years of ruling.

"However, my beloved, I never expected that your cousin's reign would last only a brief year. He was at the peak of his prime, truly a pity."

This remark seemed to carry a deeper meaning.

The loving couple enjoyed a pleasant lunch together, but their contentment vanished the moment the dishes were cleared.

A letter from Zhu Xian had arrived.

The letter mentioned the discovery of Xiao Mubai's whereabouts.

The head of the Xiao family was indeed still alive.

However, this was not the true reason for their drastic change in expression. What truly shocked them was the mention of another person in the letter—a woman.

Huan Niang.

Outside the courtyard where the Xiao family head was recovering from his injuries, another group of people had been spotted, among whom was a figure who seemed like an old acquaintance.

"She was supposed to have died long ago, how could she still be alive? She is with Xiao Mubai, so all these years, the one opposing us... could it be that she didn't die, she is still alive, and she has been seeking revenge on us all this time."

The ethereal aura of the delicate Empress Yun disappeared in an instant. She grabbed the arm of the Dan Liang Emperor, her face filled with terror, distorting her stunning beauty, making it seem out of place, even jarring.

"This is utterly impossible."

The Dan Liang Emperor shook his head vehemently, his usual composure gone.

"Back then, I personally witnessed that vile woman take her own life, and the fire in the Eastern Palace of Great Qin turned her to ashes. How could she possibly be alive..."

"What about her maid? I personally threw her into a snake pit, how could she still be alive?"

Empress Yun spoke urgently again.

"Stay calm."

The Dan Liang Emperor gripped Empress Yun's wrist tightly, his strength far from the gentle husband he was moments ago.

"That vile woman must be dead, she couldn't possibly still be alive. If she were alive, Yun Lang wouldn't have remained so peaceful all these years. She is definitely dead, and if there is someone alive..."

His once tender phoenix eyes now filled with a dark, ominous aura, distorting his handsome features.

"It must be that bastard..."

He slammed his fist on the imperial table, producing a loud bang.

"Back then, I searched the entire Great Qin's hostage palace but couldn't find him. I thought that bastard must have died in the fire..."

"That vile woman must have sent him away early, it must have been her maid who took him."

Empress Yun's voice also became dark and ominous.

Immediately, she called out:

"Someone..."

The superficial peace within the Dan Liang royal palace was shattered by a single letter, possibly from an old acquaintance. Once again, the Dan Liang royal family was stirred, and the vigilance that had relaxed after the fall of the Xiao family returned. At this moment, a crisis loomed.

Meanwhile, in Yun Lang...

The new emperor of Yun Lang personally arrived at the border city, halting the war between the two nations amidst Yun Lang's weakened state. The flames of war did not reignite, the border city was not breached, and the iron cavalry of Zhu Xian did not enter Yun Lang, ensuring the safety of the people in the border city.

This news reached the court in Langjing, and the ministers praised the virtue of the new emperor.

Amidst this joy, the Imperial Dragon Drum in Yun Palace was struck again.

Boom... Boom... Boom...

The thunderous sound of the drum reverberated throughout Yun Palace.

The servants of the Su family, who had been exiled to a harsh land, suddenly appeared in Langjing, led by Su Dan and Su Can.

Su Can alone entered Yun Palace and struck the Imperial Dragon Drum directly.

Su Dan led a group of Su family servants, holding a blood-stained petition, to the gates of Yun Palace to plead for justice for the Su family.

The Su family, known for their integrity and loyalty, had always been loyal to Emperor Yu. The Old General Su was especially loyal to Emperor Yu. The Crown Prince and Prime Minister Yao, knowing they could not win over the Old General, conspired against the Su family. They first tried to harm the young lady through Concubine Shu's unborn child, but failed. Then, they used the Three Kingdoms' exchange as a scheme to harm her again, but failed once more.

Finally, they resorted to using Empress Yao's Lian Pavilion as a pretext to falsely accuse the Su family, and secretly colluded with Empress Rong of Zhu Xian to frame the Su family.

Now, Empress Rong's actions have been discovered by Emperor Wei of Zhu Xian, and she has been deposed and confined to the cold palace. The new emperor is urged to bring justice to the Su family, to restore their integrity, and not let the Old General's death be in vain.

First, Empress Yao poisoned Emperor Yu, and now the loyal servants of the Su family have come forward, striking the Imperial Dragon Drum and presenting their petition.

The Su family servants also presented evidence they had secretly gathered, showing that Lian Pavilion had repeatedly provided Empress Yao with gold and silver, and had helped the Crown Prince lure the fourth prince into a trap, leading to his demise.

One after another, incident after incident, including the Crown Prince's marriage to the daughter of the Yin Marquis, was all part of their scheme to bring the Su family under their control...