The Dramatic Crown Princess Wants to Poison Me!

Chapter 582 - 581: Who Asked for It

Gan Jinming was originally very stubborn and refused to admit he had a master. He insisted that he and his sister came to the Capital City to seek refuge with their aunt because their father failed in business, and on the first day they arrived, they met Zhan Baoqing.

That’s how he deceived Hua Yuanming and Gu Hongxin.

Upon hearing this story, he was stunned.

Who was this woman? She seemed like a shadow beside him, as if he had no secrets in front of her.

She knew it was he who killed Zhan Baoqing,

and suddenly all the small details he had previously ignored came back to him. He also knew about that estate in the West Suburb, because he had been there while working for his master.

Xia Wenjin did not only tell this story but also shared all the information she had gathered with him. Only then did Gan Jinming realize, where did "refuge" or "parental rebirth" come from? It was all a scheme. People like him were countless around the master, just to be used at a critical moment.

If the master was merely using him, even if it meant sending him to his death, he wouldn’t have any complaints. However, the master used a bet to kill his sister.

It turned out that in the master’s eyes, they were worth less than dogs, their lives as insignificant as grass, to be trampled on at will.

Instead, Hua Yuanming and Gu Hongxin, these two strangers, were the truly righteous ones who stood up for fairness and justice.

But because of the master’s orders, he not only sent these two people to jail but also dragged the people behind them into it.

The person whom he always thought owed him a great favor turned out to be the enemy who killed his sister.

The ones he met by chance were the people who truly helped him.

Something inside Gan Jinming crumbled, he couldn’t bring himself to betray his master, but he could take responsibility for the crimes he committed.

Wen Yuanting looked at the pile of case files and needed to write a detailed report to present to the Emperor.

Just as Wen Yuanting was about to order the criminals to be taken back to jail and prepare to adjourn, suddenly a voice shouted, "Holy Decree!"

Wen Yuanting hurriedly stepped out from behind the desk and knelt with the others to receive the decree.

Xia Wenjin, who hadn’t left yet, also had to kneel at the back of the crowd.

The eunuch delivering the decree unfolded it and read in a sharp voice: "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees... Xia Wanqing of Haotian Village is a person of chivalrous spirit and is unrelated to the death of the Duke of England’s grandson. The Capital Governor is ordered to investigate the truth and not wrongfully accuse righteous people..."

The Emperor’s meaning was that Xia Wanqing was innocent, and the murder charge should not be placed on him?

Wen Yuanting secretly wiped the cold sweat from his brow, fortunate that Gan Jinming overturned his previous false accusations, otherwise, wouldn’t he have to find a way to prove Xia Wanqing’s innocence?

Who was it that managed to plead with the Emperor? With this Holy Decree, it was like a royal pardon for Xia Wanqing.

Xia Wenjin was also puzzled, in theory, her father was just a Jianghu person, so why would this matter alarm the Emperor? Unless someone had pleaded with the Emperor.

Who could it be?

She went through all possible people in her mind, and none seemed to have any connection with the Emperor, though it wasn’t completely impossible. For instance, Huangfu Yuxuan had the opportunity to meet the Emperor. However, Xia Wenjin speculated that Huangfu Yuxuan was likely orchestrating everything behind the scenes, so he couldn’t have possibly asked the Emperor for this Holy Decree.

Nevertheless, she would eventually find out.

This favor, she would repay in the future!

After the eunuch delivered the decree, he glanced at the people dressed in prison clothes and finally fixed his eyes on Xia Wanqing, smiling as he said, "This must be Chief Xia, indeed with a tiger’s back and bear’s waist, impressively gallant!"

Xia Wanqing clasped his fists and said, "Thank you for the praise!"

Noticing his demeanor of neither arrogance nor humility, seemingly unaffected by the sudden imprisonment or distressed by wrongful accusations, appearing full of gallantry, the eunuch nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze then fell on Xia Wenjin, smiling as he said, "This must be Miss Xia!"

A strange feeling rose in Xia Wenjin’s heart, she had a suspicion but wasn’t sure if it was right. Promptly, she clasped her fists in a Jianghu salute and said, "Respectful greetings, sir!"

The eunuch returned the salute and said, "Oh my, miss, that’s too much! You sounded the Injustice Bell for your father, your filial piety moved the Holy Emperor, and he specially ordered me to deliver this decree. It’s an honor to meet you!"

The strange feeling in Xia Wenjin’s heart intensified, knowing that eunuchs in the palace were extremely perceptive or they wouldn’t survive, but why was he so courteous and with a hint of flattery?

After exchanging pleasantries with Wen Yuanting, the eunuch returned to the palace.

Wen Yuanting was about to adjourn and dismiss everyone when the crowd outside suddenly parted, clearing a path for a handsome young gentleman with a jade-like face to stroll in gracefully.

He wore brocade clothes of elegant and dignified appearance, attracting the attention of everyone. Wen Yuanting was somewhat surprised, why was he here?

Xia Wenjin frowned slightly.

Xia Wanqing, however, smiled.

Wen Yuanting said, "Young Master Xuan, is there anything you wish to instruct?"

Huangfu Yuxuan said with suave charm, "The trial and judgment of criminal cases is no small matter, how could I have any instructions? I’m here to inquire about the result; this is Uncle Xia, my elder! This is Uncle Hua, and this here is Uncle Gu!"

He earnestly added, "They are righteous and just individuals, they would never harm the innocent or kill without cause. They are wrongfully accused, and as a junior, my heart aches! I am sure, sir, with your fair judgment, the truth is clear!"

Hearing him use the word ’elder,’ Wen Yuanting was surprised.

He was a bit puzzled, since Chief Xia was an elder to Young Master Xuan, why hadn’t he acted earlier? Why let Miss Xia, a young woman, sound the Injustice Bell? Could it be that he was the one who secured the Holy Decree?

Not only he thought this, but also Xia Wanqing, Hua Yuanming, and Gu Hongxin were thinking the same.

Especially Hua Yuanming and Gu Hongxin were filled with gratitude towards Huangfu Yuxuan.

Securing such a Holy Decree meant that Brother was fine. This relieved the guilt in their hearts, and since Brother was fine, their grievances would likely be cleared soon too.

Wen Yuanting smiled and said, "Second Young Master, your timing is perfect, the interrogation just concluded!"

Huangfu Yuxuan asked, "What is the outcome?"

Wen Yuanting replied, "As per protocol, we will submit a report to the Emperor."

Huangfu Yuxuan wasn’t bothered, and with a hearty laugh, he said, "It was improper of me to ask, I should be punished! Now that matters here are settled, except for those involved in the case, can others leave?"

Wen Yuanting said, "Please go ahead, Young Master Xuan!"

Huangfu Yuxuan turned to Xia Wanqing and said, "Uncle Xia, you will have to endure this for a while longer, but it should be fine soon. Do not worry, I am here for everything!"

Xia Wanqing nodded, feeling very gratified.

Huangfu Yuxuan then walked over to Xia Wenjin, his face adorned with a warm smile like a gentle breeze, saying, "Miss Xia, I have come specially to pick you up!"