"We have no clear understanding of her background," An Jing continued. "Before everything is thoroughly clarified, your grandfather and I both hope that you maintain a neutral stance as an observer."
Meng Zhuqing immediately said, "This subordinate has overstepped. I ask for both my lord and madam to administer punishment."
Xiao Changyi simply sat there, silent and expressionless.
But An Jing, seemingly unconcerned, said, "Alright, you may rise. You actually haven’t done anything wrong. My words earlier were merely to prevent your emotions from clouding your judgment."
"However," An Jing added, "On account of your face, if she truly was harmed by Tao Shangran and had no choice but to seek revenge against Tao Shangran, then your grandfather might consider taking her case."
Just as Meng Zhuqing had risen, he heard An Jing say this and immediately knelt down again, expressing his gratitude earnestly and solemnly, "Thank you, my lord! Thank you, madam!"
Although he and his brother appeared to be enslaved by their lord, he had always been clear that even though his lord always ordered him and his brother around, he had never truly treated them as slaves.
An Jing thought for a moment, then said to Meng Zhuqing, "First, go and ask her if Tao Shangran is indeed her enemy. If she still refuses to speak, tell her about your grandfather’s identity. Given your grandfather’s prestige, if Tao Shangran has truly wronged her and she wishes to kill Tao Shangran to vent her anger, she should be upfront with us."
As soon as Meng Zhuqing entered Prince Yi’s Mansion, he headed straight for the secret chamber where Wild Goose Jade was confined.
Upon opening the door to the chamber, he saw Wild Goose Jade lying on the stone bed with her back to the door, still bound with ropes.
Not until he reached the side of the stone bed did he speak softly, "Miss?"
Wild Goose Jade did not respond.
"Miss?" he called again.
Wild Goose Jade still did not respond.
Meng Zhuqing finally realized that since coming in, he had not heard Wild Goose Jade’s breathing. In a panic, he reached out to turn her body over and check her condition but was taken by surprise when Wild Goose Jade suddenly broke free from the ropes on her hands, flipped over, and locked her hands around his throat.
In Wild Goose Jade’s breathtakingly beautiful eyes, there was now only ferocity and intent to kill.
Wild Goose Jade used great strength, as if she intended to twist his neck. Not wanting to die just like that, Meng Zhuqing had no choice but to strike back at Wild Goose Jade. When attacked, Wild Goose Jade, not wishing to be injured, had to let go and defend herself.
Wild Goose Jade’s martial arts skills were not as advanced as Meng Zhuqing’s. If Meng Zhuqing were to get serious, Wild Goose Jade would eventually be defeated.
When Wild Goose Jade was once again bound by Meng Zhuqing, she coldly said, "I will still find a way to escape in the future."
Now, Wild Goose Jade was even colder and more ruthless towards him than when they first met, which was very upsetting for Meng Zhuqing, but he did not show it, simply saying indifferently, "As long as you clear your suspicions, you won’t have to escape at all. We will naturally let you go."
Wild Goose Jade just coldly looked at him.
Meng Zhuqing also knew that it was his capture of her that led to their current situation, but he did not regret it at all.
He continued, "I checked, and on the night the Fifth Prince was killed, assassins also entered Minister Tao’s residence."
Wild Goose Jade was shocked inwardly, but her face showed nothing.
"Your enemy... it’s Minister Tao, isn’t it?" Meng Zhuqing stared intently at Wild Goose Jade, as if trying to see through her.
Wild Goose Jade remained cold and aloof, letting him stare, saying nothing.