Chapter 42
Given the Emperor’s level of concern, no one had expected His Majesty to hold Li Tianyou in such high regard!
Li Tianyou also heard the news, and a flicker of hope reignited in his heart. As long as they knew where his daughter was, there was still a chance to save her!
"Your Majesty…" Li Tianyou fell to his knees with a thud. "I beg Your Majesty to save my daughter!"
"Rest assured, Vice Minister Li," Zhu Jingchen’s tone was resolute. "This emperor will never allow Zhiwei to suffer the slightest injustice. If Leng Qi dares harm even a hair on her head, I will have the entire Leng family buried with her!"
His icy words echoed through the grand hall, carrying an unmistakable and chilling intent.
All the ministers held their breaths, realizing that the tides in the capital were truly about to shift.
The Leng family, with its deep-rooted influence, might very well be uprooted today.
And the spark that ignited this upheaval? A kidnapped woman—merely the daughter of a merchant. No, not anymore, for her father had since been promoted.
In a small courtyard adjacent to the Leng residence…
Leng Qi listened as the clamor from the neighboring estate grew louder instead of fading. The unmistakable clatter of armor and weapons drew nearer, and his heart sank like a stone.
"Something’s wrong… this isn’t right…" Leng Qi’s face turned ashen, cold sweat beading on his forehead.
If this were just an ordinary political storm, the Imperial Guards searching the Leng estate would have been the limit. There was no reason for such a massive commotion, nor for it to drag on this long.
This scale… it felt more like… a purge.
The thought sent a paralyzing fear through him.
"Young Master! Young Master!" Another lookout servant stumbled in, his face drained of color. "Outside… outside, there are soldiers everywhere! They’ve surrounded… even this courtyard! Prince An himself is leading them!"
Boom—!
Leng Qi’s mind went blank, as if something had exploded inside his skull.
Surrounded this courtyard?
They came specifically for this place?
How did they know about it?
His gaze snapped toward Li Zhiwei, who was huddled in the corner. His eyes widened in horrified disbelief.
Could it be… everything she said… was true?
Was she truly the Princess Consort of An?
There was no other explanation. Nothing else would drive Prince An to such extremes—not only having the Emperor arrest his father but also sending troops to besiege his hidden refuge!
"You… you’re really the Princess Consort of An?" Leng Qi’s voice was hoarse, laced with a fear he hadn’t even realized was there.
Though terrified, Li Zhiwei saw his panic and felt a surge of hope and courage. She forced herself to stand, feigning arrogance. "Now you’re scared? It’s too late! I warned you!"
"You wretched woman! You’ve ruined me!" Terror twisted into blind rage. Leng Qi’s eyes burned red as he lunged at her, his mind screaming one thought—take her hostage! Or he was dead!
"Ah!" Li Zhiwei shrieked, thrusting the hairpin she’d been clutching tightly straight at him!
Leng Qi hadn’t expected her to fight back. Caught off guard, the pin slashed his arm, drawing blood. The pain made him stagger.
"Young Master!" Chuntao screamed in fright.
BANG!
The courtyard gate burst open with a deafening crash!
"By imperial decree, apprehend the criminal! All of you, stand down!" Xu Heming charged in at the forefront, holding the Emperor’s edict aloft as a swarm of Imperial Guards flooded the small courtyard, sealing every exit.
Xu Heming’s sharp eyes swept the scene, instantly locking onto Li Zhiwei—her clothes disheveled, her face pale, clutching a bloodied golden hairpin—and Leng Qi, wild-eyed and bleeding before her.
"Zhiwei!" Xu Heming’s heart clenched. He rushed forward, pulling her into a protective embrace. "I’m late. You’ve suffered."
His actions left no doubt about Li Zhiwei’s identity—and shattered Leng Qi and Chuntao’s last shred of hope.
Leng Qi’s face turned deathly pale. His legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground.
Chuntao fainted on the spot.
"Prince An…" Li Zhiwei’s tense nerves finally relaxed at the sight of a familiar face. The overwhelming relief of survival made her sway, nearly falling before the hairpin clattered to the ground.
Xu Heming steadied her, ordering his female guards to support her while barking, "Seize them! They’ll face judgment once the Emperor is informed!"
"Yes, sir!" The Imperial Guards roared in unison, hauling the dazed Leng Qi up like a ragdoll while others swiftly restrained every servant in the courtyard.
"Zhiwei, are you hurt?" Xu Heming asked urgently, his heart still racing.
If anything had happened to her, he couldn’t imagine how Li Tianyou would react—or how the Emperor would explain it.
"I… I’m fine." Li Zhiwei shook her head, her voice trembling but steadying. "Thank you, Your Highness, for saving me."
"That’s all that matters." Xu Heming exhaled in relief. "Your father is waiting at the palace. Let me escort you home first, alright?"
Li Zhiwei paused. She hadn’t planned to return to Prince An’s estate yet, but remembering that the Emperor and her father were awaiting news, she nodded.
The palace, the Golden Hall.
News of Leng Qi’s capture arrived swiftly.
"Your Majesty, Prince An has found Miss Li in the courtyard next to the Leng residence. She is unharmed, though shaken. The criminal Leng Qi has been imprisoned, awaiting Your Majesty’s judgment!" a guard announced loudly.
"Good! Excellent! As long as Miss Li is safe!" Zhu Jingchen finally relaxed, the tension in his expression easing.
After all, he’d only just accepted her dowry. If she’d been harmed immediately after, it would’ve been a slap to his own face.
"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you for your mercy!" Li Tianyou wept with joy, kowtowing repeatedly, the weight on his heart finally lifting.
The ministers exchanged silent glances, now fully aware of how much Vice Minister Li and his daughter meant to the Emperor—far more than they’d realized.
"Vice Minister Li, you may leave the palace at once. I’m sure Miss Li needs you now. Eunuch Liu will show you to your new residence later," Zhu Jingchen said, knowing Li Tianyou was desperate to see his daughter.
Besides, certain matters would be easier to handle without him present.
"Yes! This humble official obeys! I take my leave!" Li Tianyou couldn’t wait another second, bowing hastily before rushing out.
Zhu Jingchen’s gaze swept over the cowering officials, his voice icy once more.
"Leng Chaozong failed as a father, allowing his son to commit atrocities—abducting a woman right at the palace gates! Such lawless arrogance cannot be tolerated. Once confirmed, the punishment will be severe and unrelenting!"
