Little Swallow held Hongli's hand tightly as they entered the palace.

Little Swallow asked with a worried expression, "Your Majesty, who exactly is behind the Xuan Ying Sect? Will they stir up trouble again?"

Hongli's expression was solemn: "I don't know either, but I will not sit idly by and wait for my death. The evidence that Lin Yuxuan found is crucial. I must deal with Minister Li's matter first and see if I can pry some secrets out of him."

In the imperial court, Hongli glared at Minister Li, who had been escorted there: "Minister Li, you colluded with the Xuan Ying Sect to plot a rebellion. The evidence is irrefutable. What else do you have to say?"

Minister Li knelt down with a thud: "Your Majesty, I am innocent! I was coerced by the Xuan Ying Sect, and I did not intend to rebel."

Hongli snorted coldly: "Coercion? Then how do you explain these letters and account details?"

Minister Li's forehead was covered in sweat: "This...this is someone framing me, Your Majesty, please investigate!"

At this moment, Lin Yuxuan stepped forward and said, "Minister Li, all the servants in your household have confessed, how dare you still try to deny it!"

Minister Li's expression changed, but he still tried to remain calm.

Hongzhou also spoke up, saying, "Minister Li, as a high-ranking official of the court, you have committed such a treasonous act, which is truly despicable!"

Minister Li turned to Hongzhou and said, "Fifth Prince, you must not listen to the slander of petty people."

Hongli waved his hand impatiently: "Throw Minister Li into prison and I will interrogate him carefully. There must be something hidden behind this matter, and I will find out the truth."

After the court session, Hongli and Xiaoyanzi went to the Imperial Garden.

Little Swallow said softly, "Your Majesty, I have a feeling that this matter is not so simple. The mysterious flute music and the sudden retreat of the Xuan Ying Gate are both strange."

Hongli nodded: "I have the same doubts. I suspect that there is a force secretly controlling the Xuan Ying Sect, and their purpose is probably more than just rebellion."

Meanwhile, in the inner palace, Niohuru Zhixi was filled with mixed emotions upon learning that Hongli had returned safely.

Zhixi complained to Rong Mama, "Mama, this Xiaoyanzi is really lucky. She always manages to escape danger. Hongli's affection for her hasn't diminished at all. What should we do?"

Rong Momo said fiercely, "Your Highness, we can't just sit here and wait to die. The secret of the murals in the Shadow Pavilion might become our leverage."

Zhixi's eyes lit up: "Granny, what do you mean?"

Rong Momo leaned closer to Zhixi and whispered, "Your Majesty, if we can find out the connection between the secret of the mural and Xiao Yanzi, it might make the Emperor distrust her."

Zhixi hesitated and said, "But we know very little about the secrets of this mural, and that Little Swallow is not easy to deal with."

Rong Momo said, "Your Highness, why don't we start with Lin Xiaoyan's family? Maybe we can find some clues."

On the other side, Hongzhou returned to the mansion, where Dilire Yao greeted him.

Dilireyao asked with concern, "Your Highness, was your trip to Xuan Ying Sect successful? Were you injured?"

Hongzhou forced a smile: "I am fine, it's just that the forces behind the Xuan Ying Sect are too cunning, and we were unable to wipe them out."

Dilire Yao comforted her, "Your Highness, do not be discouraged. There will be opportunities in the future."

Hongzhou looked at Dili Leyao, feeling a pang of guilt: "Leyao, I'm sorry. I had someone else in my heart, and you suffered because of that."

Dili Leyao held Hongzhou's hand: "Your Highness, let's not talk about the past anymore. Now that we are husband and wife, I only hope to live a good life with you."

At the Prime Minister's residence, Lin Yuxuan told his family about his experiences at Minister Li's residence.

Lord Lin frowned and said, "The power struggles in the court are becoming increasingly treacherous. Yu Xuan, you have rendered a great service this time, but you must also be careful of being retaliated against."

Lin Yuhang also said, "Brother, you've been working hard these past few days. Take a good rest. The Emperor will decide on the follow-up matters."

Lin Yuxuan nodded: "Big brother, I know. I'm just worried that the Xuan Ying Sect might have some other schemes or tricks up its sleeve."

Xiao Tao, who was listening nearby, couldn't help but say, "Young Master, I don't know if Miss is safe in the palace. There's so much infighting and power struggles in this palace."

Ah Zhu chimed in, "Yes, I hope Miss will be safe and sound."

Where exactly is the mysterious mastermind hiding? Will Minister Li reveal the truth? And will Xiao Yanzi be able to deal with the intrigues and schemes in the harem? The political landscape of the palace and the martial world remains unpredictable, and everyone continues to move forward amidst this turbulent situation. This chapter concludes here; stay tuned for the next chapter.

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