Ten years have passed in the blink of an eye. The palace remains peaceful, and the shadow of the Shadow Pavilion incident has long since dissipated in the river of time.

That night, the moonlight, as clear as water, shone on the windowpanes of the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Hongli and Xiaoyanzi sat facing each other in their bedroom, the flickering candlelight illuminating their faces.

"Your Majesty, Xiao Jian's appearance today reminded me of many things from my past life," Xiao Yanzi said softly, a hint of emotion in her eyes.

Hongli nodded slightly and held Xiaoyanzi's hand: "My dear consort, I understand how you feel. Although we have lived a peaceful life these past years, those past experiences are still in our hearts."

Little Swallow sighed softly: "Back then, my family was subjected to a literary inquisition. My father, Fang Zhihang, was wrongly accused, and our once happy family was torn apart. I still can't forget the pain and despair of that time."

Hongli embraced Xiaoyanzi: "I know you've endured too much pain in the past. Now that Xiao Jian has found Xiaoyanzi, it's a kind of comfort."

"Yes, seeing Xiao Jian and Xiao Yanzi reunite made me both happy and sad. I was happy that Xiao Jian finally found his sister, but I was sad because I remembered what happened to my father back then. He was clearly wronged, yet he died unjustly." Tears welled up in Xiao Yanzi's eyes.

"My dear consort, the past is the past. Now we have the ability to protect those around us and will not let the tragedy repeat itself," Hongli comforted her.

"Your Majesty, who do you think framed Father back then? Could there be a mastermind behind this who hasn't been caught yet?" Xiao Yanzi raised her head, her eyes full of doubt and worry.

Hongli pondered for a moment: "The events of that year happened a long time ago, and many clues have been lost. But no matter what, we must be careful and not let something similar happen to us again."

"Yes, Your Majesty is right. We must cherish our current life and protect our families," said Xiao Yanzi.

Just then, there was a soft knock on the door. Hongli and Xiaoyanzi exchanged a glance, and Hongli said, "Come in."

The door slowly opened, and Liu Qing entered. He bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, Young Master Xiao Jian requests an audience."

Hongli and Xiaoyanzi were slightly taken aback. Xiaoyanzi said, "What could he want so late at night?"

"Young Master Xiao Jian said he has important matters to discuss with the Emperor and Empress," Liu Qing said.

Hongli and Xiaoyanzi stood up, straightened their clothes, and said, "Let him in."

A moment later, Xiao Jian entered the bedroom. Upon seeing Hongli and Xiao Yanzi, he quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress."

"Xiao Jian, what brings you here so late?" Hongli asked.

Xiao Jian raised his head, a hint of worry in his eyes: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, I have come here to tell you that I suspect that my father's literary inquisition was not as simple as it seemed on the surface, and that there may be a larger conspiracy behind it."

Hongli and Xiaoyanzi exchanged a glance, and Xiaoyanzi asked anxiously, "Xiao Jian, have you discovered something?"

Xiao Jian nodded: "Over the years, I have been secretly investigating what happened back then. Recently, I discovered some clues that seem to point to a mysterious organization. This organization is powerful and deeply hidden. My father was likely framed by them back then."

"A mysterious organization?" Hongli frowned. "Do you know the origins of this organization?"

Xiao Jian shook his head: "It's not clear yet. I only know that this organization has been operating in the shadows and manipulating things. I'm worried that they might still harm us."

Little Swallow's heart tightened: "What should we do?"

Hongli pondered for a moment: "Xiao Jian, continue investigating this organization and report any information to us promptly. At the same time, we must strengthen the palace's defenses and not allow them any opportunity to take advantage."

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Xiao Jian said, “I will do my utmost to find out the truth and avenge my father.”

"Alright, you can go now. If anything happens, come find us anytime," Hongli said.

After bowing, Xiao Jian turned and left the bedroom.

"Your Majesty, it seems this matter is not over yet," Xiao Yanzi said worriedly.

“My dear consort, do not worry. With so many people, we can handle anything. No matter what conspiracy this mysterious organization has, we will not let them succeed,” Hongli said firmly.

On this peaceful night, Xiao Jian's words stirred up new waves. What challenges will they face in the future? And will the true nature of this mysterious organization be revealed? Everything is shrouded in uncertainty…

This chapter concludes here. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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