jdhmnovel Chapter 122 Little Swallow and Hongli in Peril
Chapter 122 Little Swallow and Hongli in Peril
Xiao Yanzi and Hongli studied the painting related to the mural day and night, trying to find the secret of the text hidden in it.
Little Swallow stared intently at the painting, magnifying glass in her hand, muttering, "Your Highness, the lines in this painting are so intricate, where exactly is the key?"
Hongli pondered for a moment before replying, "My dear consort, don't be anxious. Let's take a closer look at the connections between the patterns; there must be some clues there."
Just as the two were engrossed in their conversation, the primary consort of the Fucha clan arrived with some snacks to visit them.
Lady Fucha said gently, "Your Highness, Little Swallow, don't overwork yourselves. Eat something first to replenish your energy."
Little Swallow looked up and smiled gratefully, "Sister Fujin, you are always so thoughtful."
Hongli nodded in thanks, saying, "You're very kind, my lady."
After having some snacks, they continued their study. Suddenly, Little Swallow noticed a slight wear on the edge of the painting, as if someone had tampered with it.
Little Swallow exclaimed, "Your Highness, look here! Has this painting been altered?"
Hongli took a closer look and his expression turned serious: "It seems that the person behind this was prepared in advance and did not want us to discover the secret so easily."
Just then, a commotion arose outside. It turned out that Niohuru Zhixi was leading a group of maids, walking in aggressively.
As soon as Zhixi entered, she pointed at Xiaoyanzi and shouted, "Miss Lin, how dare you! How dare you act so recklessly in the palace? Are you trying to murder the Prince?"
Little Swallow's eyes widened, and she said angrily, "Princess Zhixi, what nonsense are you talking about? I have a heart full of love for the Prince, how could I possibly plot against him?"
Hongli frowned and scolded, "Zhixi, don't talk nonsense! You're not allowed to make accusations without evidence."
Zhixi persisted, "Your Highness, I have witnesses. Someone saw her tamper with the painting, intending to harm you."
Xiao Yanzi hurriedly explained, "Your Highness, I'm looking for the secret of the murals and want to help you find the mastermind behind it all. I absolutely don't want to harm you!"
Upon hearing this, Hongzhou rushed over to offer his advice: "Fourth Brother, Xiaoyanzi wouldn't be that kind of person. There must be some misunderstanding."
Zhixi sneered, "Prince He, don't be fooled by her. This woman is very cunning, and you're still speaking up for her."
Hongli looked at everyone and said calmly, "Let's not make this public for now. I will investigate it myself."
That night, Xiao Yanzi was alone in her room, feeling wronged and worried. Xiao Tao comforted her, saying, "Miss, don't be too sad. The Prince will definitely believe you."
Xiao Yanzi sighed and said, "Xiao Tao, I'm afraid this is a deliberate frame-up to ruin my relationship with the prince and hinder our investigation of the Shadow Pavilion."
Meanwhile, Hongli was in his study, pondering the events of the day. Su Peisheng entered and reported, "Your Highness, this old servant has discovered that the so-called witness is a maidservant of Consort Zhixi, and that maidservant has recently had contact with a mysterious person."
Hongli's eyes turned cold: "It seems that Zhixi is behind this. I want to see what she's up to."
The next day, in front of everyone, Hongli questioned Zhixi: "Zhixi, why did you frame Xiaoyanzi? Do you know that this is a crime of deceiving the emperor?"
When Zhixi realized that her scheme had been exposed, she knelt down in a panic: "Your Highness, I... I just love you too much and didn't want to see her take you away. I was wrong, please forgive me, Your Highness."
Hongli said sternly, "You almost caused a great disaster because of your own selfish desires. I hereby punish you by confining you to your quarters for six months to reflect on your actions."
After dealing with Zhixi's matter, Xiaoyanzi and Hongli continued to investigate the secrets of the painting. Finally, they discovered that when illuminated by special light, the hidden text in the painting became visible.
Little Swallow excitedly read aloud: "The Shadow Pavilion arose from the injustice of the deposed crown prince, the mastermind was hidden in a high position in the court, and the murals served as a pretext to plot to seize the imperial power."
Hongli clenched his fist: "So that's how it is! The mastermind behind this is right here in the imperial court. We must find him as soon as possible."
Just then, an urgent report came from the frontier: General Zhao Hui was fighting a mysterious force and discovered that the enemy possessed weapons and equipment from the palace.
Hongli realized the situation was critical: "It seems that the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy has already involved the security of the border. We must fight on two fronts: find the mastermind in the court on one hand, and support the border on the other."
Xiao Yanzi said firmly, "Your Highness, I am willing to face this with you. Whether it is a conspiracy in the palace or a crisis on the frontier, I will not back down."
Hongzhou also stepped forward to volunteer: "Fourth Brother, I am also willing to go to the frontier to lend General Zhaohui a hand."
Hongli looked at them and nodded, saying, "Good! I will find the mastermind in the court, and you will defend the border against foreign enemies."
In this vortex of court intrigue and martial arts world, Xiao Yanzi and Hongli once again face immense challenges. Can they protect each other and their country amidst the dual attacks of border crises and court intrigues? And who is the mastermind behind the scenes in the court? What kind of conspiracies await them? Everything remains unknown, and the story continues to unfold in thrilling fashion.
This chapter concludes here. Stay tuned for the next chapter.