Chapter 109 It’s Me

Chapter 109: It Was Me

Qiu Heng walked over and knelt beside Lin Chengfeng, lifting her gaze to the furious Emperor Jingping. "Your Majesty, the wooden doll was given to Captain Lin by me."

"By you?" The Emperor's eyes flickered, his tone momentarily unreadable.

Qiu Heng declared clearly. "Yes, precisely by this humble subject."

"Ridiculous." Honored Consort Yu took a step toward Qiu Heng. "Sixth Miss Qiu, even if you wish to exonerate Beauty Qiu, do not take others for fools. As far as this consort understands, you have only recently arrived in the capital and had never met Lin Chengfeng before the autumn hunt, correct?"

The kneeling girl's back was ramrod straight, showing no fear before the Emperor's favorite consort. "It is true that I had not met Captain Lin before. But on the first day of the hunt, I personally witnessed Captain Lin securing second place... and was captivated at first sight."

Upon hearing this, many shook their heads.

For a young girl to publicly declare being captivated at first sight by a man—how the world has declined, how the world has declined!

"Captivated at first sight?" Honored Consort Yu pointed a slender finger toward Xue Han. "This consort was also present that day and recall that the top scorer was Imperial City Commissioner Xue Han. In terms of age, Xue Han is more suitable for Sixth Miss Qiu. In terms of ability, the first-place winner is superior to the second. It is difficult for this consort to believe that Sixth Miss Qiu would disregard the better option."

"The better option?" Qiu Heng's gaze briefly met Xue Han's before she looked away. "There is always someone better, mountains beyond mountains. The world will forever see more outstanding individuals emerge, but the one who truly catches one's eye may be only one. At least, that is how it is for this subject."

Xue Han lowered his eyes, clenching his fists tightly.

Honored Consort Yu sneered. "Such a glib tongue!"

"This subject merely speaks the truth. One must bear responsibility for one's own actions and not implicate others." Qiu Heng looked calmly at Honored Consort Yu. "If Your Highness does not believe me, perhaps take a closer look at that wooden doll. If the doll truly depicted my elder sister, why would it be styled with the hair of an unmarried maiden?"

Honored Consort Yu's expression changed.

Emperor Jingping immediately glanced at the doll and nodded involuntarily. "Indeed, that is the case."

Qiu Heng placed her hands together and pressed her forehead to the ground. "Beauty Qiu and I are sisters from the same family, our appearances are similar, which led to Your Highness's misunderstanding. I beg Your Majesty to judge wisely."

Emperor Jingping's expression softened slightly. "Qiu Heng, lift your head."

Qiu Heng raised her head slightly.

"Remove the cloth from Beauty Qiu's mouth."

A palace attendant immediately went over and removed the cloth gagging Beauty Qiu.

Beauty Qiu gasped for air, tears streaming down her face.

Emperor Jingping looked at the two sisters, then at the wooden doll, and laughed. "It truly was a misunderstanding by my beloved consort. This wooden doll is indeed of Sixth Miss Qiu."

"Your Majesty—" Honored Consort Yu was unwilling, but seeing the Emperor's reaction, she let it go.

Indeed, before so many people, as long as His Majesty had a way to save face, why would he admit to being cuckolded?

That wretch Beauty Qiu got off cheaply.

Having reasoned it through, Honored Consort Yu did not dwell on it. She raised a hand to smooth a stray lock of hair and chuckled lightly. "It seems this consort was mistaken. Since Sixth Miss Qiu and Lin Chengfeng are in love with each other, why not let Your Majesty play the matchmaker?"

Emperor Jingping was taken aback for a moment, but seeing Honored Consort Yu's radiant smile, he looked at the kneeling pair. "Qiu Heng, are you truly captivated by Lin Chengfeng at first sight?"

Qiu Heng lowered her gaze, staring intently at the ground. Her clenched fingers dug deep marks into her palms, yet her voice remained steady and calm. "Yes, this subject admires Captain Lin."

Xue Han closed his eyes, his breathing becoming rapid.

Emperor Jingping then asked Lin Chengfeng, "Lin Chengfeng, what are your feelings toward Qiu Heng?"

Lin Chengfeng's eyes were bloodshot. He gritted his teeth, remaining silent for a moment.

"Hmm?" Emperor Jingping frowned.

"Captain Lin." Qiu Heng called out softly.

Lin Chengfeng shuddered all over, looking toward the young girl who had called his name softly.

Her bright eyes held a hidden plea, making him feel utterly ashamed, wishing he could draw his blade and end his life.

She was still so young. His words would ruin her entire life.

But he could not deny it.

If he denied it, it would mean he had an illicit affair with He'er.

An affair with a consort of the harem would not only destroy him but also his family and He'er.

It was his fault. His momentary indulgence had led to this consequence, and now he could not even seek death.

"This lowly officer—" Lin Chengfeng began, the words excruciatingly difficult yet unavoidable, "this lowly officer also admires... Sixth Miss Qiu."

"Good. Qiu Heng, Lin Chengfeng, since the two of you are mutually enamored, then We shall—"

"Your Majesty!" A voice suddenly rang out.

Xue Quan sharply turned his head, watching helplessly as Xue Han strode forward.

"Han'er!" He called out in shock, but the young man did not look back.

Emperor Jingping was very surprised to see Xue Han step forward from the crowd. "Xue Han, what is the matter?"

Xue Han knelt down beside Qiu Heng. "This humble official has long admired Sixth Miss Qiu. I beg Your Majesty to grant this humble official an opportunity to win Sixth Miss Qiu's favor."

Qiu Heng was stunned. "Xue Han—"

Overriding her voice was Xue Quan's: "Xue Han, what nonsense are you spouting before His Majesty!"

"Your son dares not speak falsely before the Emperor."

Xue Quan choked back his words, suppressing his anger and falling silent.

"You also admire Sixth Miss Qiu?" Emperor Jingping was astonished and couldn't help but look at the kneeling young girl.

He saw her dark hair, fair skin, and a calm demeanor—not like a delicate flower, but more like a green pine.

He had to admit, this girl was somewhat special.

Emperor Jingping stroked his beard, his tone hesitant. "Xue Han, although you admire Sixth Miss Qiu, Sixth Miss Qiu and Lin Chengfeng are in love with each other."

Xue Han looked steadily at Qiu Heng. "Everyone can be momentarily dazzled by distracting sights. That is why I beg Your Majesty to grant this humble official some time, and also give Sixth Miss Qiu some time to calm down and reflect."

"Is that so—" Emperor Jingping pondered.

Cui Er stood beside his father. He had been shocked upon hearing Qiu Heng say she admired Lin Chengfeng, and Xue Han's words shocked him even more.

Can one just step forward and snatch someone away even when they are in love with each other?

If that's the case, then he could do it too.

The thought flashed through his mind, and on a hot-headed impulse, Cui Er rushed forward: "Your Majesty, I'm also in love with Sixth Miss Qiu!"

Emperor Jingping nearly choked on his own saliva: "Ahem! You—"

Cui Er's father, Deputy Commander Cui, hurriedly stepped forward to apologize: "My foolish son has acted recklessly and disturbed Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."

"So this is Deputy Commander Cui's son." Emperor Jingping looked at Cui Er with a strange expression. "You too? You have feelings for Sixth Miss Qiu?"

Cui Er announced loudly: "Yes, I also have feelings for Sixth Miss Qiu."

"You little beast, what nonsense are you spouting!" Deputy Commander Cui was furious.

Just moments ago, he had been watching the drama unfold—how had it come to this in the blink of an eye?

The ministers, who had been keeping their heads down ever since Beauty Qiu and Lin Chengfeng were brought in by Honored Consort Yu, could no longer hold back and began whispering to each other.

Emperor Jingping looked at the row of kneeling figures, took a moment to compose himself, and scanned the crowd. "Does anyone else have something to say?"

The crowd fell silent.

Amid the quiet, Ling Yun stepped forward.

Emperor Jingping's eyes widened in shock: "Yun'er, you—"

Could it be that he also had feelings for Sixth Miss Qiu!

Ling Yun bowed deeply to Emperor Jingping: "Your Majesty, A Heng is like a sister to me. Since no elders from Earl Yongqing's household are present today, Prince Kang's household must take responsibility for A Heng. Whatever intentions these three may have are irrelevant."