From cannon fodder villain to beloved heroine

The banquet was a scene of clinking glasses, singing and dancing, and a peaceful atmosphere prevailed, but undercurrents were surging beneath the surface.

Seeing Yan Ruyu and Consort Li chatting happily, Prime Minister Wei's lips curled into a sinister smile.

The real show is just beginning.

The next morning at court, Prime Minister Wei, dressed in court robes, looked solemn, but clutched a secret letter tightly in his hand.

He stepped forward, his voice booming: "Your Majesty, I have something to report! I have recently discovered that Lord Yang is secretly colluding with the Yan family, plotting a rebellion!"

These words immediately caused an uproar in the court, like a bucket of cold water being poured into boiling oil, instantly causing chaos.

Lord Yang's face turned ashen, his eyes wide with rage: "Prime Minister Wei, you're spouting nonsense!" Yan Ruyu narrowed his eyes slightly, sneering inwardly. This old fox had finally lost his temper and was about to unleash his ultimate move.

She observed the reactions of the officials around her without making a sound; some were shocked, some were puzzled, and some were gloating.

"Your Majesty, I have evidence!" Prime Minister Wei calmly presented a secret letter. "This is evidence of Lord Yang's collusion with the Yan family!" The emperor took the letter, read it carefully, and his face grew increasingly gloomy.

"Lord Yang, do you recognize this letter?" The emperor's voice was deep and authoritative, like the calm before a storm.

Lord Yang glanced at the secret letter, his face growing even uglier. It was clearly a forgery!

He was about to speak in his defense when Yan Ruyu stepped forward first. "Prime Minister Wei, you keep saying that I colluded with Lord Yang to rebel, but do you have any solid evidence?" Her tone was calm, but it carried an undeniable authority, like a guardian deity standing proudly.

Prime Minister Wei was taken aback by her sudden question, then sneered, "The evidence is conclusive, and you have no way to deny it!"

"Oh? Is that so?" Yan Ruyu's lips curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile. "Then does Prime Minister Wei dare to confront me in court and let everyone see who is lying?"

Prime Minister Wei's expression changed, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. "What is there to be afraid of! I have nothing to fear!"

"Very well!" Yan Ruyu said loudly, "Then please, Your Majesty, uphold justice!"

The atmosphere in the imperial court was tense, with officials holding their breath, afraid of missing any detail.

A war without gunfire is about to begin...

Yan Ruyu slowly took something out of her sleeve. "Prime Minister Wei, do you recognize this?"

Prime Minister Wei's face was as gloomy as the clouds before a storm, while Yan Ruyu remained calm and composed, like a victor about to take the stage.

She slowly took out a jade pendant from her sleeve. The pendant was carved with auspicious clouds and dragon patterns and emitted a faint light.

"Prime Minister Wei, do you recognize this?" Yan Ruyu's voice was clear and firm, as if every word struck Prime Minister Wei's heart heavily.

Her gaze swept over the crowd in the court, her eyes gleaming with wisdom, as if she knew everything.

Prime Minister Wei's face instantly turned ashen. He stared intently at the jade pendant, his eyes flashing with despair and anger.

His hands trembled involuntarily, and sweat slid down his forehead, dripping onto his court robes and leaving stains.

"This...this is..." Prime Minister Wei's words came to an abrupt halt. He knew that lies could no longer conceal the truth.

This jade pendant is not only evidence of his conspiracy with Consort Li, but also irrefutable proof of his intention to overthrow the court.

The court was silent, all the officials' eyes were on Yan Ruyu and Prime Minister Wei.

Some were surprised, some admired, and most breathed a sigh of relief.

Lord Yang finally proved his innocence. Although his expression remained serious, there was a hint of gratitude in his eyes.

Just then, the side door of the main hall suddenly opened, and Xu Yanxuan strode into the court. His eyes were firm, and he looked at Yan Ruyu with deep affection.

He walked to her side, gently took her hand, and said in a voice only she could hear, "Ruyu, no matter what happens, I will always be by your side."

Yan Ruyu felt a warmth in her heart. She raised her head slightly and met Xu Yanxuan's eyes. The two stood side by side, like an invincible pair of warriors, ready to face any challenge.

"Prime Minister Wei," Yan Ruyu's voice rang out again, piercing the silence of the court, "your conspiracy has been exposed, and the truth is now known to the world. What else do you have to say?"

Prime Minister Wei's face completely collapsed, and he slumped to the ground, his eyes filled with despair.

The officials in the court all lowered their heads, not daring to meet Yan Ruyu's gaze.

Her radiance was as dazzling as the sun, and no one could stop it.

Just then, the emperor's deep and authoritative voice rang out: "Prime Minister Wei, do you have anything to say in your defense?"

Prime Minister Wei looked up, a final struggle flashing in his eyes, but he ultimately lowered his head and said in a low voice, "No more, Your Majesty..."

The atmosphere inside the main hall was extremely tense.

Yan Ruyu and Xu Yanxuan stood side by side, as if they could already see the bright future ahead.

Soon, the emperor's verdict will be announced, and all of this is just the beginning of their new life.

 The treacherous minister met his end, but was bestowed with glory.

Inside the main hall, the emperor's majestic voice resounded like thunder, sending a chill down the spines of everyone in the court.

"Prime Minister Wei, the evidence of your crimes is irrefutable. You have deceived the emperor, plotted rebellion and usurped power. Your crimes are unforgivable! From this day forward, you are stripped of all your official positions, your property is confiscated, and your entire family is exiled to the frontier without any leniency! Consort Li, you colluded with traitors and bewitched people. You are banished to the Cold Palace and will never be released again!" The emperor's voice was deep and majestic, as if descending from the heavens, leaving no room for doubt.

Prime Minister Wei's face completely collapsed, his legs went weak, and he knelt on the ground.

His hands trembled, sweat poured down his forehead, and a trickle of blood escaped from the corner of his mouth.

He raised his head and looked at Yan Ruyu in despair. However, the officials around him no longer sympathized with him and lowered their heads, not daring to meet his gaze.

"Guards, take Prime Minister Wei and his cronies to prison!" The emperor's voice rang out again, and two guards quickly stepped forward and dragged Prime Minister Wei away.

The Prime Minister's roar echoed in the hall, yet it sounded so powerless and tragic.

Yan Ruyu stood still, her expression calm, as if this was just a small step in her plan.

Her eyes gleamed with wisdom, and a slight smile played on her lips.

Xu Yanxuan held her hand tightly, his eyes filled with pride and love.

The two stood side by side, like an invincible pair of warriors, ready to face even greater challenges.

"Lord Yan, you not only exposed the treacherous minister's conspiracy, but also saved the court from crisis. Your merits are truly outstanding. From this day forward, you are granted the title of 'Protective Marquis,' enjoying the treatment of a first-rank official. You may participate in palace affairs at any time." The emperor's commendation fell like spring rain. Although Yan Ruyu's face remained calm, her eyes shone with pride.

The surrounding officials cast envious and awe-inspiring glances at him.

Those treacherous officials who had once colluded with Wei Cheng all lowered their heads, their eyes filled with jealousy and resentment.

Lord Yang stepped forward and bowed deeply to Yan Ruyu: "Thank you, Lady Marquis, for ridding the country of this scourge. I, Lord Yang, am deeply grateful."

Yan Ruyu smiled slightly: "The hearts of the loyal and virtuous should be protected together. Lord Yang is too kind."

Outside the banquet hall, Xiao Shunzi quietly stepped forward and whispered, "Your Majesty, His Majesty has high hopes for you, but there are still many undercurrents in the court. You must be careful."

Yan Ruyu nodded slightly, a cold smile appearing on her lips: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Outside the main hall, the autumn wind caressed the face, and the palace buildings appeared magnificent yet somber in the setting sun.

Xu Yanxuan held Yan Ruyu's hand tightly. The two looked at each other. Although Prime Minister Wei had been punished, undercurrents were still surging behind the tranquility of the palace, and new challenges were quietly approaching.

The two exchanged a smile, seemingly ready to face any challenges ahead.

However, a deep chime from afar broke the brief silence.