The Reborn Princess Has Turned Evil

Seeing everyone looking at him, Qi Zhi's heart pounded. He stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Your Majesty, this is utter nonsense. How can you conclude that this case is related to my Qi Kingdom based on just a single blade of grass? This is absolutely absurd!"

Yelü Yuanxiu sneered, "Nonsense! This herb has a unique toxicity and only grows in the Qi Kingdom. What other excuses do you have?"

Qi Zhi remained calm and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, this must be a frame-up. I admire your country and came here to learn from you. Moreover, I have never met Consort Li before, so what grudge could I have?"

"Moreover, as Crown Prince Yelü said, the Green Pearl Grass only grows in the Qi Kingdom, so why should I deliberately leave myself vulnerable?"

For a moment, everyone fell silent, feeling that what Qi Zhi said seemed to make some sense, and Emperor Jing also had a somber expression.

Seeing that Qi Zhi had finally failed, Yelü Yuanxiu was not about to let him off the hook. He continued, "Sometimes, the most dangerous method may be the safest method."

This is implying that Qi Zhi is the murderer.

A fire rose in Qi Zhi's heart. He turned to Yelü Yuanxiu, bowed, and said, "Brother Yelü, I know you have always held a grudge against me. You can do whatever you want to me in private. If I have offended you in any way, I apologize to you here."

"But today's matter is of great importance. I urge Brother Yelü not to let personal feelings affect public affairs and implicate the innocent."

Upon hearing this, everyone recalled Yelü Yuanxiu's usual carefree and irresponsible demeanor, and for a moment, they began to find Qi Zhi's words somewhat credible.

But Jing Anle knew in her heart that Qi Zhi was far too cunning.

Yelü Yuanxiu's face almost twitched. How could he tolerate such a fiery temper? He immediately said, "It's true that you're annoying, but what I said is also true. I've known hundreds of poisons since I was a child. Why would I fabricate something to deceive you?"

Qi Zhi's lips curled into a barely perceptible sneer, and he said, "Brother Yelü keeps saying that I am the murderer, but do you have any solid evidence? If you convict me based on just a blade of grass, it is really hard to convince the public."

Yelü Yuanxiu was momentarily speechless and was about to retort when Jing Anle suddenly spoke up, "Father, both Crown Princes have their reasons. Anle believes that both Crown Princes are upright people. However, the fact that Consort Li was poisoned is absolutely true, and the Green Pearl Grass did indeed come from Qi Kingdom. We must thoroughly investigate and clear their names."

The Empress Dowager was getting impatient. Qi Zhi was Jing Rou's fiancé. If something happened to him, what would happen to the pregnant Jing Rou? If Jing Rou couldn't marry into the Qi Kingdom, it would inevitably affect Prince Qing's grand plan. No, she couldn't let that happen.

"Your Majesty," the Empress Dowager began slowly.

"Does Your Majesty have anything to say?" Emperor Jing turned to ask the Empress Dowager.

"I know that Consort Li was wronged by poisoning, but this poison is really hard to detect. Even the imperial physicians cannot identify it, so how can you say that it is related to Crown Prince Qi?"

"This is an attempt to distance herself!" Jing Anle thought sarcastically. "This old hag is quite good at siding with outsiders." She glanced at Prince Qing out of the corner of her eye. Qi Zhi was going to be his son-in-law, but he kept his eyes lowered and didn't say a word. Yet the Empress Dowager was there to defend him. "Hmph, the Empress Dowager really thinks of everything for him."

Although Emperor Jing no longer harbored any illusions about the Empress Dowager, hearing him so protective of Prince Qing's family, his heart instantly turned to ice. He concealed his emotions and turned to ask Prince Qing, "Brother Qing, what do you think?"

Prince Qing slowly raised his head, his gaze calm. "Your Majesty, although I believe in Qi Zhi's character, this matter is of great importance, concerning the friendship between our two countries and the safety of Consort Li. I urge Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly, clear Crown Prince Qi's name, and give Consort Li and the court an explanation."

Emperor Jing nodded slightly, appreciating Prince Qing's words. "In that case, I will certainly order a thorough investigation."

Qi Zhi was secretly delighted, but on the surface he put on a wronged yet determined look, "Your Majesty is wise. I am willing to cooperate with the investigation and hope that the truth will come to light as soon as possible."

At this moment, Yelü Yuanxiu sneered softly, "I hope you are truly innocent." His tone was full of sarcasm and contempt.

"Good!" Emperor Jing shouted. "I was worried that this matter would affect the friendship between our two countries. Now that Brother Qing and Crown Prince Qi have spoken, it will be easy. To avoid suspicion from others and to clear Crown Prince Qi's name."

"Li Miao!" Emperor Jing shouted.

"Send someone to investigate Prince Qi's residence!" After saying that, he smiled at Qi Zhi, "Prince Qi won't mind, will he?"

The emperor's anger terrifies everyone, but his smile is not necessarily a good omen. Emperor Jing had a smile on his lips, but his eyes were filled with frost.

For a moment, Qi Zhi felt inexplicably uneasy, but it was only for a moment. He immediately smiled calmly and said, "I will do whatever Your Majesty says."

At this moment, Xiao Heng suddenly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, please also search our rooms to ensure fairness."

As soon as he finished speaking, apart from Yelü Yuanxiu, the other foreign princes all stepped forward, clasped their hands, and said in unison, "Please search them all, Your Majesty!"

Yelü Yuanxiu pursed his lips and added helplessly, "Please search them all, Your Majesty."

Emperor Jing was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Since you all are so righteous, I will naturally grant your request."

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Miao led his men to search the residences of the princes of various countries.