Hou Ye's palm heart is a black lotus

Chapter 708 Request for an Audience (First Update)
Xiao Jiayi's eyes reddened, but she still shook her head.

"Jiayi knew she was wrong and dared not hope for anything else."

The princess looked at her and saw that Xiao Jiayi had become noticeably thinner and more haggard in just a short time. Her cheeks were sunken, and she had dark circles under her eyes. Her eyes were dull and lifeless, as if covered with a thick layer of dust.

Anyone with eyes can see that she must have had a very difficult time lately.

The eldest princess had actually heard about the Xie family's affairs, and upon seeing them today, she knew without saying much that Xiao Jiayi had recently suffered a lot.

Although I was angry, she was, after all, my own niece. How could I be so heartless and indifferent as to not care at all?
The princess closed her eyes, feeling a slight headache coming on.

Zhu Xin immediately stepped forward and gently massaged her.

This technique was taught to her by Ye Chutang; it was gentle yet firm. After a while, the princess's headache subsided, and she opened her eyes again.

Do you know why you have been summoned to the palace today?

Xiao Jiayi already had a guess in her heart.

She pressed her lips together tightly, then managed to utter a strained voice, "I...I know, it's because of the Xie family...is that right?"

Although it was a question, her sorrowful and restrained expression said it all.

The eldest princess remained silent for a moment, then looked towards the door.

"It is not I who want to see you; the one who truly wants to see you is your father."

Xiao Jiayi involuntarily shivered.

The princess's gaze fell heavily back on her. "It seems you knew this day would come."

Xiao Jiayi kowtowed to the ground, closed her eyes tightly, and a tear rolled down her cheek before disappearing.

Her voice trembled slightly, yet it held an unprecedented firmness and stubbornness.

"Yes."

"Jiayi is willing to bear all the consequences! She only asks—"

Her voice finally trembled with a hint of a sob.

"I only ask that my aunt take good care of Lin'er and protect his safety."

...The Hall of Prayer for the Origin.

After Emperor Mu Wu asked his question, the hall fell silent once again.

Zheng Baosu sneered, "Evidence? Of course there is! In recent years, every Mid-Autumn Festival and New Year's Day, a large sum of silver notes has been sent to the Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion! Just check the Xie family's accounts and you'll know!"

Although the Xie family is wealthy and powerful, they have long lost their real power. Although they own many properties, it is impossible for them to have so much silver out of nowhere!
They can't withstand scrutiny at all!

Emperor Mu Wu narrowed his eyes slightly. "Besides this, is there any other evidence?"

Zheng Baosu was taken aback.

other?

That alone is enough! Why does Emperor Muwu seem so indifferent?
Xie Anjun turned around and saw Zheng Baosu's expression at that moment, and the weight that had been hanging in his heart immediately lifted.

what!
How could he forget that Zheng Baosu is a complete idiot!
This man has spent years mingling on the border, and he's a master at fabricating achievements, but when it comes to scheming and plotting, he's utterly incompetent!
Zheng Baosu assumed that the Xie family kept accounts in the same way he did, but he had no idea that the accounts of such a prominent family were far more extensive and complicated than he could have imagined!

Xie Anjun instantly gained confidence, cupped his hands, and raised his voice: "Your Majesty! This humble subject dares to swear on his life: every single account of the Xie family can withstand scrutiny! If Your Majesty does not believe me, you may send someone to the Xie family right now to audit the accounts and clear the treasury!"

How could someone with Zheng Baosu's mind possibly imagine that every penny he offered had already flowed into the Xie family under different pretexts and then flowed out under various other reasons?

If you check now, you won't find anything at all!

Zheng Baosu was stunned.

Xie Anjun... is too self-righteous.

Even Emperor Muwu clearly had no intention of going to the Xie family to check their accounts.

this--

"I... I'm telling the truth!"

Zheng Baosu became anxious and tried to defend himself.
"So much money couldn't possibly disappear without a trace! This Xie Anjun—"

“Zheng Baosu.” Xie Anjun interrupted him, looking at him coldly with a hint of mockery in his eyes. “You don’t think you can slander me or the Xie family with just empty words, do you? Hmph, I advise you to behave yourself, otherwise…”

Before he could finish speaking, a palace servant rushed in to report.

"Your Majesty! Lord Fan Chengzhuo requests an audience!"