That’s all there is to it.
Xiao Jinsen spoke with confidence, making the embarrassment he faced at Nanshan Temple today seem like an illusion. He can directly tell lies with his eyes open.
"Is that really so?" the Emperor questioned again.
Xiao Jinsen was about to speak.
"Your Majesty, I have something to say." In the hall, Bai Mowan suddenly stepped forward, knelt on the ground, with utmost respect.
Xiao Zhanping looked toward Bai Mowan.
Everyone’s eyes were on Bai Mowan.
It was most appropriate for Bai Mowan to step forward regarding this matter.
And as soon as she spoke, the scene quieted down.
The situation now was that Xiao Jinsen strongly denied any involvement with Xie Ruiyao, and no one else dared to testify against him either. As long as Xiao Jinsen insisted that he and Xie Ruiyao were innocent, the matter could be dropped, even if Xiao Qinghui knew her grandson was wronged, she could only endure in front of the Emperor.
Thus, all the critical points now hinged on Bai Mowan.
Ye Qichi also predicted that Bai Mowan would definitely come forward, which is why he deliberately did not clarify everything.
And to put it bluntly.
This matter also required Bai Mowan to make her own stance clear.
As this was an issue concerning the three of them, others originally should not interfere too much.
If Bai Mowan could swallow her pride, then the matter could be let go.
"Wan’er returned from the border and was summoned into the palace by myself. It’s been a hard journey. Wan’er, you may speak your mind." Xiao Zhanping was gentle in his tone toward Bai Mowan.
It seemed that he intended for Bai Mowan to stand by Xiao Jinsen’s side as always.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Bai Mowan said, "Upon receiving the Imperial Edict, I returned. Today, as I passed by Nanshan Temple, I saw the temple on fire, led the soldiers up the mountain to extinguish the fire, and coincidentally, I met the Prince going to pick up the Princess. Upon climbing the mountain, I saw the Duke, Yao’er, and the Princess coming out of the blazing Nanshan Temple. What I saw were the Duke and Yao’er in disheveled clothing, holding hands intertwined."
Directly tore apart all the pretense of Xiao Jinsen just now.
Xiao Jinsen’s face looked extremely unpleasant.
He did not expect Bai Mowan to treat him .
To embarrass him in such a manner.
In his memories, Bai Mowan listened to everything he said, he believed all those sweet nothings he spoke.
To the extent that for many years he delayed the marriage to her, past the customary age, and even caused many gossips, but at this time, she actually treated him – not only giving no face to him, but also making a future together impossible!
His anger was hard to hide.
Currently, in front of the Emperor, he naturally could not burst out.
"Originally, I could turn a blind eye to this matter, just like the Princess just mentioned, I could ambiguously let it pass. But Yao’er is my close cousin, and she suffered humiliation, I cannot pretend nothing happened. I am also uncomfortable with continuing relations with the Duke, being together would be unfair to Yao’er. If the Duke and my cousin are mutually in love, I would rather not be seen as such a person." Bai Mowan spoke with righteousness.
A statement that stood on the ground of righteousness.
Highlighting the demeanor of a general.
Magnanimous, heroic, with a spirit that overwhelms the land!
Xiao Zhanping was somewhat silent.
With those words, Bai Mowan also made her position clear.
She seemingly facilitated the connection between Xiao Jinsen and Xie Ruiyao.
"My son and Miss Xie are not in mutual love. Since I have promised Wan’er, I will always cherish Wan’er, and will definitely not change my affections. I admit, due to the urgency, I did indeed hold Miss Xie’s hand, and because the flames were too intense, we were trapped inside for a long time, in panic our clothes got somewhat damaged, leading to them being disheveled..."
"Disheveled, it also revealed Yao’er’s body." Xiao Qinghui directly took over Xiao Jinsen’s words, speaking word by word, leaving no room for mercy.
Xiao Jinsen clenched his teeth, now nothing he could say would be clear.
For a young lady, being seen or touched, even for reasons beyond one’s control, required him to be responsible for her chastity.
No matter what, it was useless to say anything.
If it were a common family, taking her as a concubine might suffice.
But she’s from the noble Duke Mansion, the granddaughter of the elder princess, she definitely shouldn’t suffer such an indignity.
"Your Majesty, I do not wish to pursue too thoroughly, so as not to embarrass Your Majesty, the Duke, and myself too much. Since the Duke has spoken thus, I believe his words, and am grateful for his life-saving grace to my grandson, but indeed the chastity of my granddaughter has been ruined by the Duke, so please Your Majesty, arrange a marriage for my granddaughter." Xiao Qinghui was very direct, given her status, she didn’t need to beat around the bush and save face for anyone.