The Third Prince lowered his head, the disheveled strands of hair falling messily on either side of his face. His lips were tightly pressed together, and he remained silent.
At that moment, his mind was buzzing like a swarm of bees, chaotic and overwhelming. He couldn't comprehend how everything had spiraled so drastically overnight.
Just last night, he had been discussing plans to deal with Yun Qingyu under the flickering candlelight with the Princess. The glint of conspiracy had sparkled in their eyes, and that scene felt as vivid as if it had just happened.
They had lain together on the bed, drifting off to sleep peacefully, everything seeming perfectly normal.
However, when the morning sun poured into the room, a nightmare descended. He woke to find the Princess had vanished without a trace, replaced by the absurd sight of himself tangled up with the Guard Captain.
The image was unbearable; their clothes were disheveled, limbs intertwined, like a sharp knife stabbing straight into his eyes.
In an instant, rage erupted from within him like a surging volcano, clouding his mind completely.
His reason vanished in that moment; he had no time to ponder how bizarre this situation was or what consequences might follow.
He drew his sword from his waist with a sudden motion. The blade gleamed coldly in the sunlight as he charged forward with all his fury, striking at the two on the bed without hesitation.
Blood sprayed forth like a fountain, splattering across his face and body, the warm liquid causing him to momentarily lose himself in confusion.
He stood there in a daze, eyes vacant. After what felt like an eternity, he slowly began to awaken from this nightmare, clarity creeping back into his gaze, only to be replaced by profound fear.
He realized he had committed a grave mistake and hurriedly ordered someone to summon the Imperial Physician. He paced back and forth in the room, his steps frantic and hurried, muttering repeatedly to himself, "She must be saved; she must be saved..."
However, when the Imperial Physician arrived, he merely glanced at the scene and shook his head.
The Princess Consort had been pierced through the heart by a sword, her lifeline severed, breath gone, like a beautiful flower wilting in an instant—everything was beyond saving.
The Third Prince seemed drained of all strength, collapsing to the ground, his gaze blankly fixed on the Princess Consort's lifeless body, his face filled with despair.
Meanwhile, Yun Qingyu had efficiently handled the tasks assigned by the Emperor. She stood outside the Imperial Study, quietly waiting for Chen Gonggong to report back before she entered to give her account.
Inside the study, the Emperor's furious roar echoed. She frowned slightly and turned to Xin Yao, a confident smile gracing her lips. That smile was like a flower blooming in spring—beautiful and captivating. "With someone as clever and capable as you, Xin Yao, helping me, my great undertaking should be completed ahead of schedule."
Xin Yao nodded slightly, her eyes equally filled with determination.
At that moment, Chen Gonggong emerged with a beaming smile, his wrinkles gathering together as he respectfully said, "Princess Consort, His Majesty requests your presence."
Yun Qingyu nodded slightly and stepped forward with a light and confident stride across the threshold of the Imperial Study. She did not glance at the kneeling Third Prince beside her but walked straight to the Dragon Table.
With both hands respectfully holding the neatly organized accounts and lists, she presented them to the Emperor and calmly said, "Father, all finances have been accounted for. Here is the list of the Minister of Revenue and all officials involved with the Ministry of Revenue. I have organized everything; it is all here." Her voice was clear and melodious, each word articulated with undeniable confidence.
The Emperor looked at Yun Qingyu with appreciation in his eyes. He thought to himself: "My son is such a disappointment, but this daughter handles matters so efficiently; she truly puts my mind at ease."
At that moment, the Emperor finally smiled broadly, his expression like sunlight breaking through dark clouds—warm and bright.
He reached out to take the accounts and lists, casually flipping through them with admiration in his gaze. "Qingyu, you have done an excellent job with this matter; I hardly know how to reward you. By the way, with the position of Minister of Revenue vacant, do you have any suitable candidates to recommend?"
Yun Qingyu slightly bowed, her expression calm as she replied, "Father, you have already rewarded Son before; this is merely an additional reward."
The Emperor chuckled softly and nodded, saying, "Yes, I have indeed rewarded you in advance. I made an exception by granting you the title and privileges of Eldest Princess, and even the Hidden Pavilion is temporarily under your control. You are simply fulfilling your promise."
As he spoke, he gently stroked the account book, feeling increasingly satisfied with Yun Qingyu.
Although the incident involving the Third Prince had dampened his previously joyful mood, overall, the downfall of the Ministry of Revenue Minister's Residence felt like breaking through a dark barrier. The atmosphere in Western Qi would surely improve from now on, and he found himself looking forward to the future with renewed hope.
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