The whole family was brutally murdered? The ruthless heiress's eldest daughter went berserk aft

These words caused an uproar in the courtroom. Murong Xuewei clenched her fists, her heart burning with rage. She knew this was utter slander!

The Left Chancellor gestured for silence and continued, "Do you have any evidence?"

Zhou Xiong nodded: "Yes. I personally witnessed General Gu and Zhao Lie meeting in secret, after which Zhao Lie went to the residence of the Qu Kingdom envoy. Not long after, the Qu Kingdom envoy was poisoned."

Prime Minister Wen then asked, "Do you know why Gu Ye did this?"

Zhou Xiong hesitated for a moment, then said, "I've heard..." His gaze swept between Murong Xuewei and Gu Ye, "...that it's because General Gu is jealous of the Sixth Prince Nangong."

The courtroom erupted in uproar once again. Murong Xuewei felt dizzy; she hadn't expected that the rumor, which had already been cleared up, would be brought up again.

Zhou Xiong continued, "I know that Madam Murong and the Sixth Prince Nangong have a long-standing affair. General Gu is seeking revenge and wants to use this opportunity to eliminate the Sixth Prince Nangong and cause the peace talks to fail."

Murong Xuewei could no longer contain herself and stood up to argue. But Murong Yuxuan pulled her back in time, whispering, "Xuewei, calm down, don't fall for it! Now is not the time to talk."

Gu Ye listened to Zhou Xiong's words without any change in expression. He said calmly, "My lord, I would like to ask Zhou Xiong a few questions. Is that alright?"

After a moment's thought, Wen Zuoxiang nodded and said, "Whatever."

Gu Ye turned to Zhou Xiong and asked, "You said you personally witnessed my secret meeting with Zhao Lie. When and where did that happen?"

Zhou Xiong replied, "Just the night before last, in the backyard of the General's Mansion."

Gu Ye then asked, "Then why were you in the backyard of the General's Mansion?"

Zhou Xiong was momentarily speechless, stammering, "I...I was on patrol under orders..."

Gu Ye sneered, "Patrol? What qualifications do you, an ordinary soldier, have to patrol the General's Mansion? Besides, the General's Mansion is always heavily guarded. How did you get in?"

Zhou Xiong was sweating profusely and speechless.

Gu Ye pressed his advantage: "Furthermore, you said Zhao Lie went to the residence of the Qu Kingdom envoy. How did you know that? Did you follow Zhao Lie?"

Zhou Xiong stammered, "I...I..."

Gu Ye said coldly, "Zhou Xiong, do you know the consequences of perjury?"

Zhou Xiong's face turned deathly pale, his legs went weak, and he knelt on the ground: "I...I wronged General Gu...Someone instructed me to say that..."

An uproar erupted in the courtroom. The Left Chancellor, his face grim, shouted sternly, "Who ordered you to do this? Speak immediately!"

Before Zhou Xiong could speak, a sharp female voice suddenly rang out: "Shut up!"

Everyone turned to look at the source of the voice and saw Xiao Wanning stand up, her face ashen. She said coldly, "Gu Ye's few words were enough to make your testimony change so drastically; it seems someone bribed you behind the scenes!"

After saying that, he gave Gu Ye a meaningful look.

The Left Chancellor looked at the Emperor with a troubled expression. The Emperor frowned slightly and waved his hand: "Since there are doubts about the testimony, let's adjourn the court and reschedule for another day."

And so, the first joint trial ended inconclusively. Gu Ye was taken back to his cell, while Murong Xuewei, supported by Murong Yuxuan, left the Dali Temple.

Back at the General's Mansion, Murong Xuewei finally collapsed onto the bed, unable to hold on any longer. Murong Yuxuan said with concern, "Xuewei, are you alright? Don't push yourself too hard."

Murong Xuewei shook her head: "It's alright. Brother Yuxuan, I have a feeling there's something fishy about today's trial. Zhou Xiong's attitude changed too quickly, and Xiao Wanning's reaction..."

Murong Yuxuan pondered for a moment, then said, "You're right. There's definitely something fishy going on here. I'll continue investigating."

Murong Xuewei nodded, then suddenly remembered something: "Oh right, Gu Ye, he..."

Murong Yuxuan comforted him, "Don't worry, General Gu will be alright. Today's trial has preliminarily cleared him of suspicion. As long as we find the real mastermind, we can restore General Gu's innocence."

Murong Xuewei forced a smile: "I hope so."

After seeing Murong Yuxuan off, Murong Xuewei lay alone on the bed, reflecting on everything that had happened that day.

Murong Xuewei knew that she had to find out the truth as soon as possible, not only for Gu Ye, but also for the child in her womb.

The autumn night was growing chilly. Inside the palace, a solitary lamp flickered in Xiao Yi's bedchamber, illuminating his ever-changing expression.

"My beloved consort, what do you think I should do about Gu Ye's case?" Xiao Yi asked casually, but his eyes gleamed with a cunning light.

Empress Ning Huaiyu knelt to one side and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty is wise; your humble servant dares not speak presumptuously."

Xiao Yi snorted coldly: "You certainly know how to make excuses. Fine, I've already thought of a good idea."

Ning Huaiyu's heart tightened, and she cautiously asked, "What are Your Majesty's brilliant ideas?"

Xiao Yi revealed a meaningful smile: "I intend to summon Murong Xuewei to discuss this matter. After all, she is Gu Ye's wife, and I imagine she is most concerned about this case."

Ning Huaiyu's heart was filled with alarm bells, but his face remained calm: "Your Majesty is wise. However, is this action somewhat inappropriate? After all, Murong Xuewei is merely a woman; I'm afraid she cannot make accurate judgments on matters of state."

Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively: "It's alright. I have my own plans. Go and make the arrangements. Send someone to invite Murong Xuewei to the palace first thing tomorrow morning."

Knowing that she couldn't change Xiao Yi's decision, Ning Huaiyu had no choice but to comply and leave.

After leaving the palace, a glint of malice flashed in her eyes. This Murong Xuewei dared to covet her position; it seemed it was time to eliminate this thorn in her side.

The next morning, inside the General's Mansion.

Murong Xuewei had just finished her breakfast when Liuli rushed in: "Madam, someone from the palace has come, saying the Emperor wishes to see you."

Murong Xuewei was startled, but remained outwardly calm: "Do you know why?"

Liuli shook her head: "This servant doesn't know. They only said they wanted to discuss General Gu's case with Madam."

Murong Xuewei pondered for a moment, about to speak, when Murong Yuxuan rushed over: "Xuewei, you absolutely mustn't go!"

"Why?" Murong Xuewei looked at Murong Yuxuan in confusion.

Murong Yuxuan lowered his voice: "Xuewei, I just received news that the Emperor's actions have ulterior motives. He probably wants to..." He hesitated, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes.

Murong Xuewei immediately understood Murong Yuxuan's meaning, and a chill ran down her spine. But she quickly regained her composure: "I understand. But this is a chance to save Gu Ye, and I can't miss it."

Murong Yuxuan said anxiously, "But Xuewei, your current condition..."

Murong Xuewei gently stroked her lower abdomen, a resolute glint in her eyes: "I know. But for Gu Ye, I'm willing to take the risk. Brother Yuxuan, please make arrangements for me; I need to sneak into the palace."

Seeing that his persuasion was ineffective, Murong Yuxuan could only sigh, "Alright. But you must be careful. I will meet you outside the palace."

Murong Xuewei nodded and began preparing for her entry into the palace.

A moment later, Murong Xuewei changed into a simple and elegant outfit and, accompanied by Liuli, quietly arrived at the back gate of the palace. The eunuch guarding the gate had already been instructed and immediately let Murong Xuewei pass upon seeing her.

After entering the palace, Murong Xuewei followed the eunuch who was leading the way, and after many twists and turns, she arrived at a secluded palace.

In the stillness of the night, Murong Xuewei gently stroked her lower abdomen, murmuring to herself, "My child, I'm sorry, I've made you suffer. But I promise you, I will rescue your father and I won't let you become a child without a father."