Chapter 19 The Enigmatic Situation Emerges

Su Mingli's heart tightened, and she quickly walked to Xiao Jingxuan's side, her gaze falling on the confidential letter. "What's going on in the capital city?"

Xiao Jingxuan didn't answer immediately. Instead, he clenched the letter paper tightly, his eyes as profound as a frigid pond. After a long while, he slowly said, "Someone in the imperial palace is plotting to assassinate the Emperor, and that person— is related to you."

Su Mingli suddenly raised her head, her expression turning stern. "Related to me?"

She had just managed to gain a firm foothold in the Marquis Mansion. It was simply impossible for her to be involved in the power struggles within the imperial palace. However, Xiao Jingxuan had said this with such certainty, indicating that the situation was far more complex than she had imagined.

Xiao Jingxuan put away the letter paper and looked at her with a solemn gaze, his voice hoarse. "Half a month ago, someone stole a batch of precious medicinal herbs from the imperial pharmacy, including the Nine Revolutions Rejuvenation Pill used to treat heart ailments. And this batch of medicine was found this morning in the courtyard where you once lived."

Su Mingli's pupils constricted slightly.

She instantly understood that this was a carefully orchestrated frame-up.

If it hadn't been for the coincidence that she was taken away from the Marquis Mansion, with the "irrefutable evidence" at hand, she would probably have already been dragged into the imperial prison or even been directly sentenced to death.

Who on earth was the mastermind behind this?

She quickly filtered through all the possible suspects in her mind. But before she could sort it out clearly, Xiao Jingxuan had taken a step forward and stared at her sharply. "This king will ask you again— Is this matter related to you?"

His eyes were as sharp as a blade, carrying a hint of inquiry and danger.

Su Mingli took a deep breath, met his gaze, and said in a steady tone, "Your Highness, the Prince of War, should be well aware that this is nothing but a clumsy frame-up."

The two of them stared into each other's eyes, and the air seemed to freeze.

Xiao Jingxuan was silent for a moment. Suddenly, he let out a soft laugh, the corners of his lips curving slightly. "You're quite composed."

He withdrew his gaze and turned around to give an order, "Prepare the horses. We're going to the imperial palace."

Su Mingli frowned slightly. "You're going to the imperial palace?"

"Since someone has set up a trap, we naturally have to completely break it," Xiao Jingxuan said with a profound gaze. "Moreover, the Emperor has already summoned me."

Su Mingli was slightly shocked.

The Emperor's summons meant that this matter had already alarmed the entire court. If it wasn't handled properly, she might very well be pushed to the center of the storm and even sacrificed as a disposable piece.

But she wasn't a pawn to be slaughtered at will.

She smiled faintly and said firmly, "In that case, I'll go with you."

Xiao Jingxuan raised his eyebrows, seemingly a bit surprised, but quickly regained his calm. "Do you know that once you enter the imperial palace, there will be no turning back?"

"I never need a way out," Su Mingli raised her eyes, a glint of determination in her eyes.

Xiao Jingxuan stared at her. After a long while, he let out a soft laugh. "Interesting."

The wind rose, and the dust had yet to settle. And their fates had already intertwined and become entangled in this enigmatic situation...