The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan

Li Xianyun said, "Mother, with both the testimonies and the evidence present, a simple inquiry would reveal the truth. Please, Mother, order an investigation to clear your son's name."

Upon hearing this, Guli's face changed color.

How could she investigate an event that implicated her and the Ninth Prince in embezzling public funds?

Who would foolishly lift a rock only to drop it on their own foot?

Guli said coldly, "Someone come, drag this insolent and lying wretch out and feed her to the dogs!"

Aman, who desperately wanted to beg for mercy, had her mouth stuffed by a Palace Attendant and couldn't utter a word. Dragged away, she could only make muffled "mmph mmph" noises.

Li Xianyun had witnessed such scenes in Houtang; those Palace Attendants were quite skilled in silencing people with countless methods at their disposal.

Guli looked at Li Xianyun, a benevolent smile on her lips, and said, "Prince Consort, today you defended the reputation of this Palace, which moves me deeply. Rong Ge, go fetch the Hetian Jade Jewelry that was a tribute from the Western Regions."

Rong Ge hurriedly said, "Grand Imperial Consort, that's your favorite jewelry, and you're sparing in wearing it."

Guli, displeased, said, "When I tell you to fetch, you fetch."

Reluctantly, Rong Ge went to get a very exquisite jewelry box from the inner chamber and brought it to Li Xianyun, opening it with evident reluctance.

Youlan and Zhuo Ma merely glanced at it and held their breath.

Inside the jewelry box was a set of Hetian Jade Jewelry, including bracelets, rings, a necklace, and a hairpin, all emerald green and exceptionally beautiful with their clear and bright luster.

Li Xianyun bowed to Guli and said, "Thank you for your generous affection, Mother."

Hearing this, Youlan closed the jewelry box's lid and took it, pleased to see the frustration on Rong Ge's face.

Leaning lazily against the armrest of her chair, Guli declared, "This Palace is tired; you may all withdraw."

Youlan started, "The accounts..."

Li Xianyun glanced at Youlan, silencing her, then bowed to Guli and said, "Your son takes his leave."

After they left the palace, Zhuo Ma said in disbelief, "Prince Consort, the Grand Imperial Consort actually gave you such valuable jewelry; why?"

"Guilty conscience," replied Li Xianyun.

Youlan inquired, "Master, how did you know that the Chief of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was corrupt?"

Li Xianyun smiled and said, "An official like the Chief of the Ministry of Internal Affairs who handles such lucrative affairs hardly stands up to scrutiny. That Aman was sharp-tongued and duplicitous at a glance; clearly not someone who performs his duties loyally."

"So that's why you had us review his ledger?" Youlan said with a smile. "But how did you know where the actual ledger was hidden?"

Li Xianyun answered with a smile, "Houses that live in opulence always have secret compartments at home; such is more common in the Palace. Aman's desk was large, but the drawers were small—it was clear there were hidden compartments."

"But how did you find such a well-concealed secret compartment switch?" asked Zhuo Ma.

"With enough experience handling equipment, you'll naturally learn how to find it," said Li Xianyun with a smile.

Zhuo Ma said earnestly, "I see."

Her admiration for Li Xianyun increased yet again.

After Li Xianyun left, Guli flew into a great rage, sweeping all the teacups and utensils from the table onto the floor, her chest heaving in fury.

Rong Ge quickly instructed the maids to clean up the broken teacups, saying, "My lady, please calm your anger."

Guli said ruthlessly, "This wretch, I really misjudged her, raising a white-eyed wolf! She's grown so bold; she even dares to put me and Qiqi in the same boat."

Rong Ge inquired, "My lady, how shall we deal with Aman?"

"Just as I said, feed her to the dogs!"

Rong Ge answered, "Yes!"

As Rong Ge turned to leave, Guli said, "Wait."

Rong Ge ceased her movements immediately.

"Have someone reliable find out before she dies whether anyone else knows the contents of the ledger," Guli instructed.

Rong Ge replied, "Yes."

Guli had a brazier brought in and threw the two account books into it, where they were immediately engulfed by flames.

When Rong Ge returned, she saw the account books had turned to ashes, emitting a white smoke.

Approaching her master, Rong Ge said, "My lady, the orders have been carried out."

Guli, watching the brazier, said, "That woman is my nemesis; as long as she's around, I can't be well. Now that she holds evidence against me, I can't do anything to her."

Rong Ge said, "Grand Imperial Consort, you needn't worry. I visited Khan's chamber today and found that the Prince Consort and Khan sleep separately; their relationship isn't as good as it seems."

Guli looked at Rong Ge in surprise.

Rong Ge nodded and affirmed, "It's absolutely true."

Guli said, "If Khan does not interfere, then it will be easy to manage."

Li Xianyun returned to Khan Palace, where the maids had, according to her instructions, prepared the gauze windows and tilled the western fields anew.

Indeed, the attendants of Khan Palace were adept at their tasks.

Li Xianyun allowed everyone to rest and went to the kitchen to prepare iced porridge to relieve them from the heat.

Meanwhile, seizing an opportunity when Zhuo Ma wasn't present, Youlan said, "Master, it's a pity we didn't bring back the ledger. We could have used it to blackmail the Grand Imperial Consort."

Li Xianyun said, "I've memorized the gist of what was in the ledger; I'll write it down when I have the time."

Her memory was excellent, but the ledger contents were too vast to remember everything in such a short period.

Thus, Li Xianyun made a choice to remember only the significant amounts and the hands they passed through, sufficient to hold sway over the Grand Imperial Consort.

Youlan looked at her master in amazement.

Li Xianyun smiled and said, "Don't just stand there—help out. Wash the grapes, peel them, and remove the seeds."

"Yes!" said Youlan, smiling.