Chapter 66

·

·

·

Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Yan An Yu, who originally held a favorable impression of Tan Xintong, was deeply moved upon hearing Yue'er's earnest words. In fact, her earlier statement that she needed to consider it, rather than outright refusing Tan Xintong on the spot, showed she had been hesitant.

Now, with Yue'er's persuasion, her resolve to follow Tan Xintong and flee far away was firmly set. In the end, Yan An Yu agreed to the matter and instructed Yue'er to quickly send word to Tan Xintong.

Not long after, Yue'er received Tan Xintong's reply. The letter read: In two days' time will be the Palace Banquet; when the palace is crowded with people, it will be the perfect opportunity to slip away from the palace. She could disguise herself as an ordinary palace maid, with Yue'er helping her apply exquisite makeup, ensuring it was flawless and no one noticed anything amiss. Just like that, time quickly arrived at the afternoon of the banquet day.

Sunlight filtered through the clouds, gently brushing the flowers and trees of the Imperial Palace. Yan An Yu and Yue'er strolled leisurely through the Imperial Palace.

As they walked, they paid attention to the movements around them, hoping to learn exactly when the banquet would officially begin.

As they walked, they happened to meet a servant hurrying to deliver pastries to the Emperor. The servant saluted her, and she merely smiled and nodded at the servant, signaling him to continue on his way.

After the servant walked away, Yan An Yu paid it no mind.

After a while, seeing the palace maids already busily arranging the banquet venue in an orderly fashion, Yan An Yu felt the time was about right, so she took Yue'er and hurried back to her Qin Gong.

After entering the Qin Gong, the two acted quickly. Yue'er skillfully helped Yan An Yu dress and groom herself, changing her into palace maid clothing. Not long after, the Sixth Princess, originally beautiful and exquisite, was dressed to be less conspicuous.

Once everything was ready, Yan An Yu sat quietly on a chair waiting. Yue'er, meanwhile, volunteered to go out and gather the latest news for her.

Time passed second by second, until the banquet officially began. Yan An Yu held her Princess Waist Token and strode out of the main gate of the Imperial Palace. At the same time, the agile Yue'er used lightness arts to fly out of the Imperial Palace directly.

Not far from the Imperial Palace, an exquisitely decorated carriage was parked. Yue'er landed lightly on the carriage, skillfully took up the reins, and drove the horses at full speed toward Tan Xintong's residence.

Not long after, the carriage stopped steadily and noisily before the gate of Tan Xintong's residence. By then, the coachman and Tan Xintong had already been waiting there for some time.

Seeing Yan An Yu and the others arrive, they hurried forward to greet them. Afterwards, the group boarded the carriage, cracked the whip, and set off, disappearing at the end of the street.

After Yan An Yu recounted everything in detail, time seemed to freeze, and the entire Gongdian fell into deathly silence. Finally, the Emperor slowly spoke: "A princess of a kingdom, actually carrying on a secret affair with someone, and even planning to elope! An Yu, I have doted on you in every way day after day, never expecting you to be so reckless and audacious!"

Although his voice was not loud, the anger contained within made everyone present tremble with fear.

Immediately after, the Emperor shouted loudly: "Someone! Immediately place the Sixth Princess Yan An Yu under house arrest in her Qin Gong. Without my decree, no one is allowed to visit her! Also, add three more Patrol Squads to guard day and night without rest. Not even a fly is allowed to enter this Qin Gong half a step!"

At the Emperor's command, a group of well-trained guards rushed forward like the wind. They respectfully and resolutely carried out the Emperor's orders, and soon brought Yan An Yu back to the Qin Dian.

However, at this moment, Yan An Yu did not feel much fear or resentment in her heart. On the contrary, she secretly thought: It seems Father Emperor still dotes on me after all; he has only given me the punishment of house arrest. Thinking this, she hurriedly knelt and kowtowed to thank him: "Thank you, Father Emperor, for your grace! Your daughter will certainly reflect deeply and never commit the same mistake again."

After speaking, under the escort of the guards, Yan An Yu slowly rose and turned toward the Qin Dian.

Watching Yan An Yu's receding figure disappear from sight, the Emperor then turned to An Wang, who had been standing silently by the side, and asked: "This matter, what exactly is your opinion?" Hearing the Emperor's question, An Wang pondered for a moment before replying: "Reporting to Your Majesty, in my younger brother's opinion, that man claimed both his parents were dead and he had no fixed abode. His identity is most likely suspicious, very possibly forged."

Furthermore, according to this subject's observation, the lightness arts displayed by that maid at the time were extremely superb. From this, it is inferred that this Poisoning Incident is probably closely connected to this woman. After saying these words, An Wang couldn't help but slightly furrow his brows, seeming to find the truth hidden behind this matter quite troublesome.

After hearing An Wang's analysis, the Emperor's originally gloomy expression became even uglier. He irritably scratched his head and muttered to himself: "Could it really be that someone dares to stir up trouble right under my nose..."

For a time, the entire Gongdian was once again shrouded in a solemn atmosphere. After a good while, the Emperor slowly spoke: "Alas, I have spoiled her too much, to the point that she is now so lawless."

Old Seven, this matter is entrusted to you for Investigation. Once there are results, inform me immediately." An Wang hurriedly cupped his fists and replied: "Your younger brother respectfully obeys Elder Brother's will!" Seeing that the Emperor had no further instructions, he saluted and withdrew.

After returning to An Wangfu, An Wang immediately summoned the Anqi and, with a grave expression, instructed: "Quickly investigate whether a person named Tan Xintong exists within Dachang Kingdom. Also, carefully verify that address I gave you, and find out who the true owner of that residence is." The Anqi received the order and departed, moving swiftly like the wind.

In just one morning's time, the Anqi returned to the Wangfu to report to An Wang. The Anqi knelt on one knee, cupped his fists, and said: "Reporting to Wangye, after our subordinates' extensive investigation, no person named Tan Xintong was found in Dachang Kingdom. As for that residence, its owner is indeed as Wangye suspected, using the fake identity 'Tan Xintong'."

According to the authorities, this person purchased this Deed two years ago, but rarely lived there ordinarily, with only a few servants responsible for daily cleaning and upkeep. Furthermore, regarding the person 'Yue'er', there are similarly no relevant records in Dachang Kingdom.

After hearing the Anqi's report, An Wang furrowed his brows and, after pondering for a moment, said: "This matter seems quite troublesome. You continue to investigate deeply, and see if you can find traces of these two in Nan Liang."

I will go to the Imperial Palace shortly to try to obtain portraits of these two, so we can further confirm their identities. Remember, do not startle the snake, and act with caution in everything!" The Anqi responded in unison, then disappeared into the shadows once more, continuing their tracking and investigation of the mysterious figures.

After An Wang finished speaking, he did not rest for a moment but went straight to the Imperial Palace. At this moment, the Emperor was leisurely discussing matters concerning An Yu with the Empress in the Imperial Garden. Their conversation had not yet ended when suddenly Eunuch Sun hurried over to report that An Wang had come to request an audience.

Upon hearing this news, the Emperor's heart stirred, and he secretly thought: Could there already be investigation results so soon? Thinking this, he quickly ordered that An Wang be granted an audience at once...