She's skilled in medicine, martial arts, and even understands animal language—the abandoned dau

“Duke Xingguo, it was clearly you who sent a message to the Five Elements Temple that day, asking me to go down the mountain to help you refine elixirs to poison the Emperor. I refused, and that's why you imprisoned me.”

When Master Wuyang saw that Duke Xingguo was blatantly lying, he could no longer tolerate it and spoke up to rebuke him.

Duke Xingguo glared fiercely at Taoist Wuyang, gritting his teeth and cursing, "You evil Taoist, don't you dare spout such nonsense!"

Then he cried to the emperor, "Your Majesty, this sorcerer is clearly lying. I implore you to thoroughly investigate this matter and clear my name. If I truly harbored treasonous intentions, I am willing to suffer the punishment of being torn to pieces!"

The emperor's face grew increasingly gloomy as he paced back and forth in the hall, weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

The Duke of Xingguo wields considerable power in the court. Without solid evidence, taking action against him lightly could cause turmoil in the court.

Furthermore, there are many doubts surrounding Chu Zhiyi and others' testimony regarding the Duke of Xingguo.

Logically speaking, given how well-hidden the place where the Duke of Xingguo imprisoned Daoist Wuyang and Li Nuo, how did Chu Zhiyi and Ding Man know about it? Was their appearance with Daoist Wuyang and the others also premeditated?

For a moment, the emperor was at a loss as to whom to trust.

After a long while, the Emperor stopped and slowly said, "I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly. Duke Xingguo, you may go back now."

The Duke of Xingguo breathed a sigh of relief, but on the surface he still looked fearful and said, "This old minister obeys the decree. This old minister awaits Your Majesty to investigate the truth and restore justice to this old minister." After saying that, he glared fiercely at the Taoist priest Wuyang before leaving.

As soon as the Duke of Xingguo stepped out of the Qianqing Palace, he saw Chu Zhiyi and Shen Man standing to the side waiting.

His gaze swept over the two men, carrying a hint of barely perceptible malice, but he quickly regained his composure, exchanged a few pleasantries with them, and then left.

Chu Zhiyi and Shen Man hurriedly entered the Imperial Study. Upon seeing the Emperor, they knelt down and paid their respects. Chu Zhiyi then recounted the details of Cao Yong's death and their suspicions about the Duke of Xingguo and the Empress.

Upon hearing this, the Emperor's face turned extremely grim. After a long silence, he finally spoke: "This matter is of utmost importance. Without solid evidence, one must not jump to conclusions. The Duke of Xingguo is a high-ranking official, and the Empress has always been dignified and virtuous..."

Seeing that the Emperor's attitude had indeed changed, Chu Zhiyi became anxious and couldn't help but say, "Father, that fake Taoist priest was murdered. It's clear that someone wanted to silence him. And who else could act so recklessly in the palace besides the Empress?"

The Emperor frowned. "Alright, I will send someone to investigate this matter secretly. You may all leave now."

Chu Zhiyi wanted to say something more, but the Emperor waved him away, so he had no choice but to leave the palace with Shen Man and the Taoist priest Wuyang.

The three arrived at the palace gate, and Chu Zhiyi asked Daoist Wuyang, "Daoist, what are your plans next?"

"My tribulation on this journey down the mountain is over, and it's time for me to return to the Five Elements Temple. I survived this ordeal thanks to the two of you. If you ever need any help in the future, just come to the Five Elements Temple to find me!"

Chu Zhiyi clasped his hands in thanks: "Thank you very much, Daoist Master. I will definitely come to bother you if needed in the future. Your legs have not yet fully healed, so I will send someone to drive you back!"

Master Wuyang nodded, "In that case, thank you very much, Your Highness!"

However, just as Daoist Wuyang was about to board the carriage, he suddenly turned around, looked at Chu Zhiyi and Shen Man with a solemn expression, and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, Ding girl, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should say it."

Chu Zhiyi and Shen Man exchanged a glance, both seeing doubt in each other's eyes. Chu Zhiyi quickly said, "Please speak freely, Daoist Master."

Master Wuyang raised his head slightly, gazing into the distance as if trying to discern the secrets of heaven, and slowly said, "I have cultivated for many years and have some understanding of destiny. This time, I have gone through many hardships on my way down the mountain, but it has also allowed me to glimpse a trace of the fate of the Crimson Flame Kingdom."

"Your Highness, you care deeply for the world. If you wish for the Crimson Flame to prosper for eternity and for the people to live in peace and prosperity, you must forge a happy marriage with Miss Ding as soon as possible. Only by working together can you defeat all evil!"

Upon hearing this, Chu Zhiyi was first taken aback, then a blush appeared on his face, and he involuntarily turned his gaze to Shen Man.

He had long admired Shen Man, but unfortunately, Shen Man had never accepted him.

Upon hearing Master Wuyang's words, Shen Man's eyes widened, and her cheeks instantly turned burning hot.

She didn't know if this was truly the marriage prediction made by Master Wuyang, or if Chu Zhiyi had secretly asked him for help and asked him to say it that way.

"Taoist Master, what... what are you talking about?" Shen Man stammered.

Master Wuyang stroked his beard, his expression serious: "Your Highness and you two, one with the world in your heart and the other with extraordinary intelligence, are compatible in destiny and complement each other."

If you join hands, you will surely bring good fortune to Chiyan and protect the nation's peace and prosperity. This is the will of Heaven and a blessing for Chiyan.

Chu Zhiyi was thrilled, but he tried hard to suppress his joy. He looked at Shen Man nervously, afraid that she would refuse him again.

Shen Man lowered her eyes, her mind in turmoil. The words of Daoist Wuyang were like a boulder thrown into a lake, creating ripples in her heart.

She secretly looked up at Chu Zhiyi, only to meet his burning gaze, before hurriedly looking away.

"Taoist Master, this matter is too sudden, I..." Shen Man bit her lower lip, her voice soft but tinged with hesitation.

Chu Zhiyi's heart sank, and the smile on his face faded. He hurriedly said, "Man'er, my feelings for you have never changed. You don't have to answer me immediately, but I hope you can seriously consider what the Daoist said."

Master Wuyang nodded slightly, his eyes filled with anticipation: "Your Highness, Ding girl, this marriage is ordained by Heaven, you must not let it slip away easily. I will return to my temple first and await your good news."

After saying that, he boarded the carriage and slowly drove away.

Chu Zhiyi and Shen Man stood at the palace gate, gazing in the direction the carriage had disappeared, remaining silent for a long time.

A gentle breeze blew by, ruffling Shen Man's hair. Chu Zhiyi subconsciously raised his hand, wanting to tuck the hair behind her ear, but then stopped in mid-air.

Shen Man noticed his actions, her cheeks turned even redder, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward for a moment.

"Man'er, it's getting late, let me take you home." Chu Zhiyi broke the silence, his voice carrying an undisguised tenderness.

Shen Man nodded gently, and the two walked side by side on the street, their steps slow, as if they were enjoying this rare time alone.

Neither of them mentioned Master Wuyang's words again on the way, but they were both pondering them repeatedly in their hearts.

Back in the courtyard, Shen Man sat alone in the pavilion, Chu Zhiyi's image constantly appearing in her mind. Recalling every little thing since she met him, a strange feeling arose in her heart.

However, at that moment, Su Yao rushed in from outside. Upon seeing Shen Man, she quickly stepped forward and said with delight, "Miss, where have you been these past few days? I couldn't find you anywhere, and I was so worried!"

Yesterday, a man came looking for you, saying he was a servant of Master Kong in Qiufeng Town. He said that his master had been arrested by the government and asked you to find a way to save him…