"What do you mean?" Xie Ruotong clearly did not understand.

"Put it this way, among us, Bai Mowan hates Xie Ruiyao the most. Even though Xie Ruiyao was involved in killing your grandmother, your hatred doesn’t compare!" Ye Qichi stated bluntly.

"But, they don’t have much to do with each other, right?"

"That’s because you don’t know the whole story. Of course, there are many things I can’t explain to you. In short, I understand Bai Mowan’s hatred and her revenge against Xie Ruiyao. It’s just that..." Ye Qichi hesitated as if she wanted to say more.

Xie Ruotong looked at her.

Ye Qichi was just thinking, when she first read the story, she felt that the author described Bai Mowan’s cruel revenge in too vivid and intensive a manner, making it somewhat incomprehensible for her when she was simply killing time watching fluffy feel-good dramas. She felt that as the female protagonist, Bai Mowan shouldn’t be so brutal; her values were somewhat off. However, there was no helping it, as the readers liked this kind of deeply satisfying plot, and the author was likely catering to the readers’ preferences.

As such, Bai Mowan indeed couldn’t be considered a purely positive protagonist. She had her ruthlessness and would go to any lengths for revenge, even if it meant concealing her own kindness.

Therefore, the advice given to her by Xie Ruotong was not wrong.

One should indeed be somewhat cautious around Bai Mowan.

After all, in terms of character portrayal, Bai Mowan is not all goodness.

The same can be said for the male lead, Xiao Jinxing.

Those Mary Sue storylines are long out of favor.

So, be wary of both!

Ye Qichi changed the subject, "By the way, have you met Song Yanqing?"

"Mhm." Xie Ruotong confirmed with a hum.

"Does he know the whereabouts of Prince Chuo?"

"He didn’t say, I have now taken him into custody first, waiting for Prince Chen’s decision."

Ye Qichi scrutinized Xie Ruotong, "You’re not thinking of taking revenge first?"

"I don’t want to delay Prince Chen’s important matters."

"I suddenly feel..." Ye Qichi smiled, "you have the bearing suitable for, undertaking great tasks."

Xie Ruotong shook her head.

She had never thought about doing something significant.

She just didn’t want to cause trouble for anyone.

So, she would rather keep her emotions hidden.

"Xie Ruotong."

Behind Ye Qichi and Xie Ruotong, a cold male voice rang out.

The two turned around.

Xie Ruotong knelt down, "Prince."

"Rise." Xiao Jinxing’s attitude was relatively gentle.

Ye Qichi, however, did not salute Xiao Jinxing.

She didn’t give him a second glance either.

"The Imperial Palace does not need your protection for the time being. I now order you to interrogate Song Yanqing immediately, you are wholly responsible for the investigation to find Xiao Jinsen’s whereabouts." Xiao Jinxing commanded.

Xie Ruotong did not immediately accept the order.

Instead, she looked towards Ye Qichi.

She always felt like there should be someone of her own by Ye Qichi’s side.

Here, the Prince would not become the Princess’s support.

Instead, he would become, Bai Mowan’s sanctuary.

"Go ahead." Ye Qichi did not seem to mind.

Having held back for so long, Xie Ruotong should also, vent her emotions.

People can’t keep things bottled up forever.

Hold them in too long, and it’s easy for things to go wrong.

"Yes." Xie Ruotong accepted the order.

Xiao Jinxing did not show any odd reaction because Xie Ruotong followed Ye Qichi’s arrangement.

"Your subordinate takes leave." Xie Ruotong saluted.

Then she left the Imperial Palace.

Ye Qichi simply watched Xie Ruotong’s retreating figure.

She turned her head to look at Xiao Jinxing.

"Not accompanying Bai Mowan?" Ye Qichi asked.

"The Prince just wanted to take a walk." Xiao Jinxing replied coldly.

"Then take your time walking." Ye Qichi was ready to walk past him.

"Ye Qichi."

Ye Qichi paused in her steps.

"Don’t be impulsive." Xiao Jinxing reminded her, seemingly with good intentions.

Ye Qichi raised her gaze to look at Xiao Jinxing.

Xiao Jinxing was slightly put off by Ye Qichi’s stare.

He said, "The Prince means well."

I always feel that Ye Qichi’s eyes carry thorns.

"Your kindness would be better spent on Bai Mowan," Ye Qichi said coldly, "She needs your care and love more."

Ye Qichi wasn’t being sarcastic.

It’s just that Xiao Jinxing treats Bai Mowan better.

Which is more beneficial for her.

She really doesn’t want to conspire or scheme against Bai Mowan.

Having said that.

Ye Qichi didn’t wait for Xiao Jinxing to speak again, and directly walked into the main hall.

As soon as she entered.

She saw a little eunuch hurrying out, who on seeing Ye Qichi, said in a rushed manner, "Princess, His Majesty has awakened."

Ye Qichi rushed in at a run.

"Prince?" the little eunuch called after the Princess.

And saw Xiao Jinxing also striding in.

Ye Qichi approached Xiao Zhanping, took his wrist directly, and felt his pulse.

The pulse was basically normal.

"Father Emperor," Ye Qichi called him.

Xiao Zhanping moved his eyelids.

As if just remembering what had happened.

He remembered that he had clearly died.

Poisoned and killed by Zhao Mengyu.

How could he still open his eyes?

How could he still be alive?!

Xiao Zhanping was obviously agitated.

Ye Qichi hastily explained, "Father Emperor, the poison in you was too severe, it was not easy to clear it from your body, please do not get agitated."

"You saved me?" Xiao Zhanping asked, struggling.

"Yes, but Father Emperor is still very weak," Ye Qichi nodded.

Xiao Zhanping also nodded.

He turned his gaze to Xiao Jinxing.

Xiao Jinxing, meeting Xiao Zhanping’s gaze, quickly knelt down, "Your son has come late to rescue you, please punish me, Father Emperor."

Xiao Zhanping shook his head.

At this moment, seeing Xiao Jinxing was truly like seeing hope itself.

He extended his hand.

Everyone was perplexed.

Xiao Zhanping strenuously reached out to Xiao Jinxing.

After a long while, Xiao Jinxing finally reacted and grabbed Xiao Zhanping’s hand.

Xiao Zhanping pulled Xiao Jinxing’s hand tightly.

Although still weak, one could clearly feel his strength.

Xiao Jinxing pressed his lips together.

Ever since his mother was sentenced to death when he was a child, he had never been treated by his father emperor in such a manner.

In his heart, there were slight ripples.

But his face absolutely showed no other expressions, "Father Emperor, you should focus on recuperating. I will take care of the treasonous matter concerning Second Brother, you need not worry."

The moment Xiao Jinsen was mentioned.

Xiao Zhanping’s complexion changed abruptly.

He moved his body.

Clearly intending to rise.

Xiao Jinxing glanced at Ye Qichi. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Ye Qichi nodded.

Only then did Xiao Jinxing personally move forward, helped Xiao Zhanping up from the dragon bed, stuffed a soft cushion behind him, and Xiao Zhanping managed to sit up.

Once seated, he naturally spoke with more ease.

He asked, "Where is Xiao Jinsen?"

"By the time your son arrived, Second Brother had already vanished, and I have sent people to track down his whereabouts. There’s no news yet," Xiao Jinxing replied with utmost respect.

"Such a rebellious son, I must teach him a lesson he deserves!" Xiao Zhanping said furiously, and because of the excitement,

he coughed several times.

"Father Emperor, calm your anger. Your well-being is of utmost importance," Xiao Jinxing hurriedly soothed.

"What about Zhao Mengyu? Did she escape with Xiao Jinsen?" Xiao Zhanping calmed down somewhat, then asked fiercely.

"Replying to Father Emperor, Xiao Jinsen abandoned the Imperial Concubine and fled by himself, the Imperial Concubine is still outside the main hall."