Group pet Xiaopangbao: I have four big daddies

Chapter 1341 Staying Overnight
"Your Majesty, perhaps... perhaps we should order a reinvestigation?" Li Quande asked hesitantly.

"Re-investigate?" Emperor Beili turned around abruptly, his eyes fierce: "The world will say that I deliberately condoned the wrongful conviction back then, and that I indiscriminately killed loyal ministers for the sake of imperial power!"

“Your Majesty, some of the people involved in the case back then have already died, and some have retired to their hometowns. Even if the truth is found, it will not damage the royal family’s reputation too much…” Li Quande cautiously probed.

The Emperor of Beili was unwilling to back down, his fingers trembling uncontrollably: "They've made such a fuss, they want the whole world to laugh at Beili, to laugh at me."

Damn it, damn it.

Li Quande dared not say anything more.

Emperor Beili paused for a moment and sat down again, his chest still heavy with pent-up emotions. He raised his hand, rubbed it, and exhaled a heavy breath.

In truth, he knew that the matter had escalated to this point and could not be suppressed. If he dragged it out, things would only get worse. So, he went with the flow and ordered a thorough investigation.

There was still a chance to save face, but he just didn't like being forced to investigate.

It was as if he was afraid of them.

He was an emperor; he did not want to bow his head, much less to a thousand families.

long silence.

"Issue the decree." The voice of the Northern Emperor carried a hint of weary compromise: "Order the Crown Prince, the Censorate, and the Ministry of Justice to thoroughly investigate the 17-year-old treason case involving thousands of families. All those involved, regardless of their official rank, shall be severely punished without exception."

Li Quande bowed and accepted the order: "Yes, this servant will go immediately."

Once again, only Emperor Beili remained in the imperial study. He sat on the dragon throne, gazing at the empty room, feeling an overwhelming sense of dread wash over him from all directions.

The Northern Li Emperor doesn't know who he can trust.

Who can be loyal to him?

Suddenly, a fierce and murderous aura appeared in the eyes of the Northern Emperor. As long as he remained in this position, those who followed him prospered, and those who defied him perished!
-

As the sun sets, the Xiang family's front yard remains bustling with activity.

The palace lanterns hanging under the eaves cast dappled light and shadow on the blue bricks, and the aroma of wine and sweet pastries still lingered in the air. Guests dispersed in twos and threes, while some were so drunk that they were unconscious and had to be helped out by servants.

Zhan Yi and Gu Shuo arranged for the guests attending the banquet to leave in an orderly manner.

Xi Liuyuan sat in his seat and chatted happily with Elder Chen.

Old Feng, who was sitting next to him, couldn't get a word in edgewise, and Wei Zheng sat there looking a little embarrassed.

"His Royal Highness."

The palace maids serving Xi Yun came from the backyard.

Looking towards Xiliuyuan.

"Your Highness, the princess and Miss Ye had a very pleasant conversation and said they would stay at the Xiang family's residence instead of going to the envoy's palace," the maid reported, bowing slightly.

Xi Liuyuan nodded and turned to look at Elder Chen: "My elder sister has never left Xiyan before. She may feel unwell upon first arriving in Beili. I am worried about her. I wonder if she could stay at the Xiang family's residence as well?"

Old Chen was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "It is an honor for the Crown Prince to stay at the Xiang family's residence, but it is against the rules."

"I learned about the Northern Li Palace many years ago. This time, Xi Yan's visit to Northern Li is not to discuss state affairs, and has nothing to do with these formalities," Xi Liuyuan said.

Having said that, Elder Chen could not refuse: "Very well, but the Xiang family is simple. If there is anything inappropriate, I hope Your Highness will not blame us."

"Mr. Chen, you're too kind."

Xi Liuyuan's voice was gentle and warm.

Old Master Feng sat to the side, his mind racing with anxiety about how to stay at the mansion. Hearing the words of the Crown Prince of Xiyan, his eyes lit up, and he turned to ask Wei Zheng, "Has that brat not come yet?"

Wei Zheng shook his head: "I haven't seen it since I sat down this morning."

Upon hearing this, Old Feng stroked his beard, and worry crept onto his face: "Alas, Old Chen, my grandson has not been seen since he entered the manor. What should we do?"