Chapter 131: Why?

Why?

Nie Jinxuan just walked away like that, saying nothing. Seeing this, Empress Duan, who had previously been sharp in speech and action, couldn't help but be startled, and only after more than half a moment did she slowly regain her composure.

"This… what's going on? How could this girl…"

Empress Duan felt bewildered, while the Crown Princess Zhen Xiao Lian, who had been keeping her head down, quietly lifted her gaze at this moment, glanced toward the already fast‑walking Nie Jinxuan, and a flash of smile crossed her eyes…

…

At that moment, Nie Jinxuan, having angrily turned and left the Imperial Garden, made her way straight to the Imperial Study. Her expression was calm yet tinged with anger, her mind a bit chaotic, because she finally recalled why the crimson‑red dress she had just seen seemed familiar!

Yes, she remembered everything!

Although it was only a fleeting glance, what made Nie Jinxuan instantly know the other was a woman was that crimson‑red dress!

And today… ha, so that's it! Yesterday he left the city limping from a leg injury, just to meet Crown Princess Zhen Xiao Lian!

Indeed, no wonder he was so secretive, and when he sensed people nearby, he instantly harbored murderous intent, even considering silencing himself, because the other was the Crown Princess—a woman of noble birth, married to a lord—obviously she could not be seen by outsiders!

Thinking of this, Nie Jinxuan couldn't help but tug at her lip in self‑mockery, and she quickened her steps, racing straight for the Imperial Study…

The Imperial Study was silent as a tomb.

Seated behind the Dragon Desk, Emperor Shuncheng quietly watched Yin Fengzhan before him, his expression so deep that no hint of joy or anger could be read. At this moment, only Emperor Shuncheng, Yin Fengzhan, and Gao Caiyong were in the Imperial Study. Thus, observing the scene, even Gao Caiyong couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.

No one spoke; after a while, Emperor Shuncheng finally twitched his brows slightly and whispered,

"So, the murderer hasn't been identified yet?"

"Yes!"

The concise reply rang out; after speaking, Yin Fengzhan looked up at Emperor Shuncheng and spoke again,

"This case is tangled and complex; the murderer began scheming two years ago, surely hiding some secret motives. It also shows the culprit is cunning and meticulous, far from a merely reckless, bloodthirsty brute. Therefore, to uncover the truth will still require more time."

"Fourth, are you trying to exonerate your Princess Consort?"

"I dare not, I am merely speaking on the matter itself."

"Indeed, speaking plainly. Yet your point has merit; to have plotted two years ago and only act now shows the true killer's motive is far from simple! Moreover, as you just said, the murderer specifically targeted Consort Tong Shupin, suggesting a hidden secret. And your Princess Consort achieving such progress in merely three days truly shows extraordinary ability. Even I must admire…"

Emperor Shuncheng spoke softly, a faint smile line appearing on his otherwise grim face. Yet just as he finished, he paused briefly and shifted his tone,

"But Fourth, you didn't come today merely to report the case to me, did you? Regarding the earlier three‑day agreement, do you have anything else you wish to tell me?"

Emperor Shuncheng's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes fixed tightly on Yin Fengzhan. Upon hearing this, Yin Fengzhan's gaze narrowed, and he whispered,

"Your Father Emperor, it seems the party chosen has never been me."

"Oh? So, Fourth, you disagree with the separation?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

When Nie Jinxuan's wedding day turned into a public embarrassment, causing Yin Fengzhan to fling his sleeves and leave, the scandal swept the whole city. After that, Yin Fengzhan never entered the bridal chamber again, and the people of Eastern Tomb relished mocking Nie Jinxuan! Emperor Shuncheng had heard of this as well. So, when he first heard Nie Jinxuan propose a separation, he was quite surprised!

Because Emperor Shuncheng expected that even if they split, Yin Fengzhan would be the one to speak first. Yet, unexpectedly, it was Nie Jinxuan who spoke up.

Thus, at this moment, Emperor Shuncheng couldn't help but become curious about Yin Fengzhan's thoughts on the separation. When pressed, Yin Fengzhan merely furrowed his brow slightly.

"Your Father Emperor, I…"

Yin Fengzhan whispered, but before he could finish, a clamor erupted outside the Imperial Study, and a fleeting light‑purple figure burst in.

The newcomer was Nie Jinxuan. Seeing this, Emperor Shuncheng's face darkened instantly.

"Fourth's family, what decorum is this? My Imperial Study is not a place you can barge into!"

Emperor Shuncheng scolded softly, his stern tone making everyone shiver. Yet Nie Jinxuan, hearing this, simply lifted her calm gaze at Emperor Shuncheng and said directly,

"Your Majesty, I acknowledge my guilt! But circumstances left me no choice; my heart burned with urgency, leading to this rash act. I beg your forgiveness!"

"Forgiveness?! Ha… Fourth's family, that's a light way to put it!"

A smile not reaching his eyes, Emperor Shuncheng raised an eyebrow and said, while at that moment, Yin Fengzhan, standing beside Nie Jinxuan, immediately interjected,

"Father Emperor, calm your anger; Nie Jinxuan is not rude. She must have urgent matters, which is why she barged in. Please be understanding!"

Storming into the Imperial Study could be a grave or trivial matter; if Emperor Shuncheng were to cling to it, no one could utter a single word. Moreover, Yin Fengzhan had heard the commotion clearly, so now he couldn't help but worry, and after speaking, he glanced covertly at Nie Jinxuan beside him.

Yin Fengzhan was clearly defending Nie Jinxuan. Hearing this, Emperor Shuncheng's brows twitched slightly, and he turned his gaze directly at Nie Jinxuan.

"If so, Fourth's family, tell me what caused such panic that you dared to storm my Imperial Study!"

"Your Majesty, I do have matters, but not panic—rather, impatience!"

"Oh? Impatience?!"

"Yes!"

Staring at Emperor Shuncheng behind the Dragon Desk, Nie Jinxuan said plainly, and without waiting for the emperor to respond, she turned her head to Yin Fengzhan beside her and declared loudly,

"Yin Fengzhan, I wish to separate from you! Now! Immediately! This instant!"

…

Nie Jinxuan's words rang out with force. As soon as she finished, the vast Imperial Study fell silent.

No one spoke; even the air seemed to solidify at that moment! Yet Yin Fengzhan instantly widened his deep, cold eyes, staring unblinking at Nie Jinxuan.

At this point, under Yin Fengzhan's stare, Nie Jinxuan felt no fear at all. She kept her gaze on him, and after a while, turned her head again toward Emperor Shuncheng.

"Your Majesty, this is the matter I am impatient about! It also serves as the final answer to the three‑day agreement you set, Your Majesty!"

Nie Jinxuan spoke clearly, her calm, beautiful face showing an indescribable resolve. At that moment, only after hearing her words did the stunned Emperor Shuncheng snap back to awareness, then he frowned at Yin Fengzhan before returning his gaze to Nie Jinxuan.

"Fourth's family… uh, have you truly thought this through?"

"Yes!"

Without hesitation she answered, and seeing Nie Jinxuan's determination, Emperor Shuncheng turned his gaze again to Yin Fengzhan, but before the emperor could speak, Nie Jinxuan said,

"Your Majesty, you previously stated that the three‑day agreement leaves the decision to separate up to me, and once the choice is clear, Prince Chen shall have no say!"

"Uh…"

Seeming to anticipate Emperor Shuncheng's question to Yin Fengzhan, Nie Jinxuan spoke first. Hearing this, the emperor was left speechless. Seeing this, Nie Jinxuan pursed her lips.

So, now Nie Jinxuan has already told the Emperor the final answer, so if the Emperor has no other business, Nie Jinxuan will first take her leave!

Alright!

Thank you, Emperor!

Respectfully bowing to Emperor Shuncheng, then Nie Jinxuan directly turned and left…… even from beginning to end, she did not glance at Yin Fengzhan once.

……

Nie Jinxuan strode out of the Imperial Study without a hint of hesitation. But just as she stepped out of the hall door outside the Imperial Study, she was suddenly seized by someone.

Nie Jinxuan, make this Prince stop!

A low growl sounded in her ear, and then Nie Jinxuan was violently pulled sideways by a force. Upon hearing those words, Nie Jinxuan merely raised her eyebrows with a calm expression, then spoke without fear.

May I ask what business Prince Chen has?

Nie Jinxuan, stop quibbling with this Prince; explain clearly what just happened!

Prince Chen, Nie Jinxuan has already explained it very clearly!

Still speaking with an unmoving expression, after saying that, Nie Jinxuan shoved him away.

So, if Prince Chen has nothing else, Nie Jinxuan will take her leave first!

Having said that, Nie Jinxuan turned to leave again, but was once again grabbed by Yin Fengzhan.

Nie Jinxuan!

Those three words were practically squeezed out from between his teeth; at this moment, Yin Fengzhan's ferocious complexion instinctively sent a chill down one's spine. But then, Nie Jinxuan directly turned her head and roared.

Yin Fengzhan, enough! Let go!

Let go? Fine, explain it clearly to me!

I've said it clearly enough!

Lying!

Again he shouted loudly; after his words fell, Yin Fengzhan took a big step forward and directly approached Nie Jinxuan, but before Yin Fengzhan could speak again, all that was heard was Nie Jinxuan suddenly shouting angrily.

Yin Fengzhan, do you really insist on me spelling it out clearly?! What have you done yourself, do I really have to spell it all out?!

At this moment, Nie Jinxuan was angry to the point of near collapse. As she spoke, her mind involuntarily recalled the lotus-like face of Zhen Xiao Lian she had seen in the Imperial Garden, and the scene from yesterday evening outside the city where she herself had been choked by the murderous intent flashing in Yin Fengzhan's eyes; a clear tear instantly rolled down her cheek.

That tear was crystal clear and limpid. But at this moment, seeing this, Yin Fengzhan was momentarily stunned; and in that instant, Nie Jinxuan seized the opportunity to shove her away and then turned and left……