"My father and brothers couldn’t bear to see me die with them, so they helped me escape. After I escaped, I wanted to find evidence to clear my father’s name, but it was too late. Those who testified had all been killed by Tao Shangran’s men, and Tao Shangran had also sent people to kill me, yet every time I managed to escape."
"However, Tao Shangran’s men were careless and didn’t kill the manager immediately. When I found him, he was still hanging on to his last breath. The manager told me that it was Tao Shangran who had paid them a hefty sum to give false testimonies, and it was also him who had placed the Dragon Robe in my father’s room. But they never expected that Tao Shangran would eradicate them completely by having them killed."
"The manager also said that he had correspondence with Tao Shangran that could prove Tao Shangran had framed my father with treasonous intentions. But before the manager could tell me where the letters were, he passed away."
"I searched for a long time in the manager’s home, but I could not find the letters."
"Without any evidence and the government wanted me, I had no choice but to hide my identity."
"Unable to clear my father’s name, I had to resort to seeking revenge by killing Tao Shangran to vent my anger."
"But Tao Shangran was too cunning. I never managed to lay a hand on him..."
After Tobanya finished speaking, Xiao Changyi then asked, "Why would Tao Shangran frame your father?"
Tobanya fell silent for a moment before admitting, "Tao Shangran, seeing that I was beautiful, wanted my father to promise me in marriage to him, but my father refused. Angry, he held a grudge and falsely accused my father of plotting a rebellion."
Immediately, Tobanya clenched her teeth in hatred and said, "And because he ’eliminated’ my father, the ’traitor,’ he got promoted, moved from Beisheng to the Imperial Capital and became a Minister of Justice."
Xiao Changyi did not say anything. He just sat there expressionless, his fingers gently tapping on the wooden tabletop.
"Prince!" Tobanya cried out emphatically, and at the same time, she kowtowed heavily to Xiao Changyi. Her tone also hid a deep sorrow, "One cannot bring the dead back to life. I only wish for my father and the others to rest in peace instead of dying with their eyes wide open. I hope the Prince can investigate thoroughly. If the Prince can persuade the Emperor to look into this matter, I am willing to die right now if you wish it!"
An Jing felt that Tobanya seemed to be speaking the truth; she could feel the profound grief in her words. Turning her head, she looked at her husband and said, "Husband, if the King of Beicheng was indeed wronged, justice should be served."
Xiao Changyi said, "If the King of Beicheng has truly been wronged, then having the old man send someone to investigate will only startle the snake. It’s better if we send someone to Beisheng first to take a look."
Meng Zhuqing immediately knelt on one knee and, with a fist held to his chest, said, "I am willing to go to Beisheng to investigate this matter secretly!"
Seeing Meng Zhuqing volunteer, the heart that Tobanya had hurt when Meng Zhuqing grabbed her was instantly healed considerably.
Xiao Changyi gave a slight nod, indicating his agreement to Meng Zhuqing’s request.
As soon as Meng Zhuqing stood up, Tobanya said, "This matter concerns my own family. I, too, wish to return to Beisheng to investigate."
Xiao Changyi remained silent.
Seeing her husband was not speaking, An Jing spoke directly, "All we have heard is from you alone. We still haven’t confirmed your identity. Once we confirm that you are truly the daughter of the King of Beicheng, we will let you go and allow you to accompany Meng Zhuqing to Beisheng. After all, you grew up in Beisheng and are familiar with the place, which could save Meng Zhuqing a lot of detours when he conducts his secret investigation."