Chapter 228: Life and Death Are None of My Concern

The Son of Heaven didn't care at all: "Let her go wherever she wants; life and death have nothing to do with Me."

The Chief Eunuch lowered his head.

He knew that last time the Son of Heaven had shown leniency and temporarily released Princess Yunxi from the Heavenly Prison because she was suspected of having a miscarriage, and later, due to the rebel army matter, this had been put aside.

Now His Majesty has even less inclination to deal with it.

In His Majesty's heart, Princess Yunxi is already equivalent to a discarded pawn.

She brought it upon herself!

He felt a myriad of emotions.

Who would have thought that a woman who appeared gentle and kind could be so vicious in private?

His Majesty not executing her immediately is out of consideration for father‑daughter affection.

If it weren't for her meddling, His Majesty and Princess Yuanzhi would not have ended up like this.

He also looked up at the distant sky and sighed.

I only hope Princess Yuanzhi can rein in her horse at the precipice and make amends.

At this moment, Mu Yuanzhi was holed up in her room continuing her research; outside, in the army camp, Qi Shihuai was intensively training the surrendered troops, Gu Rongjin was also busy, and after leaving the Cloud Mirror Pavilion there had been no word.

Everything was proceeding in full swing, yet Mu Yuanzhi's mood gradually calmed; all affairs were orderly, unfolding as they had hoped, so they only needed to do their best and leave the rest to fate.

"Senior Sister!" Qilin burst in, seeing Mu Yuanzhi buried in her research, hesitating whether to go out.

"What's wrong?" Mu Yuanzhi stopped what she was busy with, stretched, and took a moment to rest.

Qilin then sensibly poured tea for his senior sister and said, "I just got the news that Pei Yunxi has fled the capital! She must be coming to find Xiao Yichen!"

Mu Yuanzhi felt she hadn't heard Pei Yunxi's name in ages, and hearing it now left her a bit dazed.

The last time she heard anything about Pei Yunxi was when she left the capital, when it was said that Pei Yunxi might have miscarried, and Xiao Yichen hurried back.

It seems the Son of Heaven really did let Pei Yunxi off, and Mu Yuanzhi smirked to herself.

"Senior Sister, should we tell Xiao Yichen about this to put some psychological pressure on him?" Qilin asked.

"What psychological pressure could he have?" Mu Yuanzhi twirled her brush, "Unless Pei Yunxi's pregnancy is still ongoing."

"I don't know either; the National Teacher hasn't sent any word."

"The National Teacher thinks it's trivial, so he hasn't mentioned it."

"That's right."

"If you like, go tell Xiao Yichen—do you really think he'd rage‑quit prison over Pei Yunxi?" Mu Yuanzhi scoffed.

Qilin shrugged: "Who knows, he doesn't seem very bright."

"Who isn't bright?" Gu Rongjin strode in.

Qilin: "Your love rival!"

"My wife is so popular, I have so many love rivals—who are you talking about?" Gu Rongjin sat down.

"That one in prison." Qilin said, "Pei Yunxi is coming to find him."

Gu Rongjin gave a casual oh, evidently no longer caring much about Xiao Yichen and Pei Yunxi: "I'm here to tell you good news—that Zheng Gui, who brought some troops today to scout, was captured alive by us. What kind of pigheaded opponent is this?"

"Too bad he's just a petty bandit." Mu Yuanzhi said.

"He's still an officer who commands troops; capturing him will dampen the court army's morale and maybe yield some intel." Gu Rongjin, in high spirits, cracked open some melon seeds to nibble.

Mu Yuanzhi: "That's true."

"They're so useless, I can't even find a reason we'd lose." Since Prince Jia's triumphant return, Gu Rongjin has grown arrogant.

They have the capital to be arrogant.

"Little Yuanzhi, don't stay cooped up all day—let's go out for a stroll," the gleeful Gu Rongjin proposed.

Mu Yuanzhi: "Sure."

She also wanted to go out for a walk.

They had just stepped out of the room when they saw Qi Shihuai escorting Xiao Yichen and Pei Shangling over, apparently to go see Prince Jia.

"Ah Zhi!" the two shouted almost in unison.

Mu Yuanzhi saw they were visibly emaciated, their prison uniforms torn, and guessed they had endured much punishment.

She had thought Qi Shihuai meant to win them over to surrender and wouldn't harm them, but it seems Qi Shihuai has his own plans.

One must admit, this scene is quite a sight for sore eyes.

Mu Yuanzhi laughed from the heart.

Her smile stabbed two sensitive hearts.

Pei Shangling thought she would at least show a little concern for him, even furrow her brows a bit, not act as she does now.

Xiao Yichen stared at Mu Yuanzhi without blinking, as if she might vanish in the blink of an eye.

After so long apart, he still missed her dearly.

She seems to be doing well; away from him, she truly is doing well.

"Prince Jia's triumphant return, Zheng Gui's capture—everything seems to be progressing exactly as you planned." Xiao Yichen spoke: "Ah Zhi, do you really think you can stand against the court's million‑strong army?"

The beautiful days she imagined are but a mirage, utterly unrealistic.

Mu Yuanzhi nodded: "Sure, easy as pie."

"Don't be so naive, Ah Zhi! You know what fate awaits rebels since ancient times!" Xiao Yichen shouted, helpless and anxious.

Mu Yuanzhi: "Since ancient times, how have foolish rulers been overthrown? You know that as well."

"He is our Father Emperor!" Pei Shangling could not bear to hear such words.

Mu Yuanzhi corrected again: "That's yours, not mine—you don't need to keep wasting words; save your strength."

"Why not let this prince take you to see the outside world?"

A clear, pure voice rang out.

Pei Shangling and Xiao Yichen looked over at the same time; it was someone they had never met, yet they instantly recognized him—this person was Prince Jia!

According to seniority, Pei Shangling should call him uncle, but in his eyes, this so-called uncle is nothing but a rebel plotting treason!

Prince Jia, however, did not treat this nephew of his as a mere prisoner; instead, he ordered someone to loosen their bonds.

"No way, Your Highness, are you sure?" Gu Rongjin asked, raising an eyebrow.

"They can't escape, with you and Young Master Qilin here, can they?" Prince Jia said.

Gu Rongjin: "Adding 'Qilin' after your name is a bit redundant."

"What are you doing? You're the redundant one!" Qilin snorted.

After a long time without shackles, Xiao Yichen's back should be straight and indeed it was; his expression showed no extra change, while Pei Shangling felt a reckless urge to give his all, but reason still prevailed—he knew he had no chance of winning.

After exchanging a glance with Xiao Yichen, they decided to just see what tricks these rebels would play!

Prince Jia had someone put a coat on them, so going out they wouldn't look out of place; the group, each with their own thoughts, arrived at the city tower.

Ascending the vantage point of Leaving the Prefecture, Xiao Yichen gazed into the distance, his pupils constricting instantly.