Chapter 1352 -1188: Return Her a Husband

“So according to you, Princess Ba Yu’s fall and facial injury were purely accidental?” The Empress’s expression eased slightly upon hearing this; the girl did have some cleverness.

In fact, upon reflection, the Empress found Princess Ba Yu’s behavior today extremely unusual. Why did she insist on naming Yao Mengxian to sing that song? Refusing to accept another piece of music clearly indicated she came looking for trouble.

Moreover, she was present at the time. Why did the Princess charge towards Yao Mengxian? It was completely baffling; did she genuinely plan to hit someone at the banquet?

This action obviously seemed more deliberate than before, but what puzzled the Empress was whether Princess Ba Yu saw the broken porcelain on the ground before she fell. If she did see it, then she was indeed vicious! To be so harsh on oneself—the pain of disfigurement for a woman is immense.

“Exactly! The ground was covered with broken porcelain shards, and the Princess walked quickly, not noticing her feet, thus causing her fall. If there remain doubts, feel free to ask those present.”

“Did any of you see it?” The Empress swept her eyes over everyone present, causing those who met her gaze to instinctively back away.

Who would dare to step up now? No matter whom they aided, it surely wouldn’t end well for them afterwards. On one hand, there’s a Da Xing Princess—truly from a noble lineage! On the other hand, there’s the legitimate daughter from Duke Zhen’s Mansion, and her fiancé holds a position in the court unrivaled by anyone.

The Empress waited for a moment, seeing no one stepping forward, she frowned slightly.

“What? Are you all blind?” The Empress slapped on the table, shocking the ladies opposite her.

The Empress was truly angry, leading to such blunt words. The Emperor’s gaze turned to her, making the Empress’s body stiffen. She took a deep breath; she must not lose her composure as the Empress who rules the world.

“Your Majesty, Empress, please allow this humble girl to defend herself!” Yao Mengxian saw everyone remained silent, having anticipated this situation earlier, fortunately, she now had a response.

The Emperor immediately said, “Speak freely!”

“Everyone, please see, I was standing at this spot previously. I suppose no one disputes this?” Yao Mengxian walked a few steps, stopped at the spot, and remained still.

“Indeed, it was here!” The Empress nodded, having observed accurately before.

“Notice the marks on the ground, I was several steps away from the Princess when the incident occurred. The marks extend from here to there, approximately three steps away from me. I would need to extend my arm to reach this location. If I had truly pushed the Princess, my extended arm would surely have been seen by others present. It would have been too obvious. At the time, my left arm was held by my sister. If I attempted to make a move, it would inevitably yank my sister, but my body didn’t move at all. Every word I say is truthful; I haven’t lied.”

Yao Mengxian glanced at Yao Mengdie, who was standing at the back with the others. Seeing her elder sister mention her, she hesitated momentarily before stepping forward.

“Your Majesty, Empress! I was indeed with Third Sister at the time, and did not see her extend her arm!”

Although she disdained Yao Mengxian, if Yao Mengxian were proven to have framed the Princess, she herself wouldn’t escape unscathed.

“It’s not necessarily pushing with hands; can’t one use their feet?” But said dismissively.

“That’s simple, just check if there are footprints from my shoes on the Princess’s skirt or shoes!” Yao Mengxian anticipated this remark from him. Today, Princess Ba Yu wore a lotus-colored longcoat. If she were truly kicked, her clothes would definitely bear shoe prints.

But’s face hardened; he knew the situation clearly. He intended to pin the blame on the girl, but she had reason and evidence—it seemed Princess Ba Yu was disfigured for no reason?

“This is merely your subjective account; your sister just now obviously sided with you. The scene was chaotic; who knows whether you acted or not? In my opinion, this matter will reach no conclusion today. We are citizens of Da Xing, yet we’re in Dayan’s territory…”

But sneered and was clearly disdainful.

“Whether it’s subjective, everyone witnessed. Although I’m deeply worried and remorseful about the Princess’s injury, since I didn’t cause it, I naturally won’t take the blame. I request both the Emperor and Empress to discern clearly and vindicate me.”

Gu Chengyu observed Yao Mengxian regain her composure quickly and admired her secretly. In such circumstances, claiming the princess deliberately framed her would certainly not be believed. Rather, it’s better to pass over that fact, and merely state the princess stumbled accidentally to clear her name.

“Prince Ge Yuan, what do you think?” The Emperor turned to Ge Yuan, who narrowed his eyes, remaining silent.

“Your Majesty, from the traces of the fall on the ground, the truth aligns closely with Miss Yao’s words.” Gu Chengyu stepped forward, addressing the Emperor.

His voice drew everyone’s attention to him, with Yao Mengdie discreetly tearing her kerchief.

These young ladies who generally never leave the house only heard of Gu Chengyu’s renowned beauty but never saw him in person. Now, having a rare chance to see him, they couldn’t help but put aside their reserve and stretch their necks for a better look.

Gu Chengyu knew given his status, he needed to avoid suspicion. However, Yao Mengxian was his fiancée; if he didn’t speak a few words in her defense, by tomorrow, the Capital would surely label him cold and unfeeling.

“The exact circumstances at the time can no longer be verified, but Ba Yu indeed disfigured due to an altercation with Miss Yao, for which she bears unavoidable responsibility. Your Majesty, please ensure we receive an explanation. Ba Yu is father’s cherished jewel; should she return like this, father will undoubtedly be enraged!”

Ge Yuan glanced at Gu Chengyu; was he truly considering staying in Dayan as a hostage? If that were truly the case, his connection to the throne would be severed.

Everyone recognized this was an implicit admission of fact, yet with Ba Yu disfigured, Dayan couldn’t leave it unresolved.

Yao Mengxian’s expression stiffened, ultimately she was connected to the issue. Ba Yu persistently clung to this like a madwoman, eventually dragging her down as well.

She instinctively looked at Gu Chengyu, noticing his contemplative demeanor, she withdrew her gaze.

“What is your decision?” The Emperor queried impassively.

“Firstly, if Dayan is willing to make concessions regarding border trade, then the matter will be forgotten.” He had already prepared an alliance document for presentation to the Emperor of Dayan.

If Dayan made a concession, he could report back satisfactorily. After all, to father, merely a princess can’t compare to the tangible interests gained?

“And secondly?” The Empress couldn’t resist asking.

“That would be for Miss Yao’s fiancé to marry Ba Yu. Given Ba Yu’s disfigurement now, surely Dayan’s men would refuse this marriage. Miss Yao’s disrespect towards Ba Yu naturally requires her to pay a price. Disfigure Ba Yu and repay with a husband, this is rightful. Although it cannot compensate, at least it’s a form of solace. The matter has occurred and is unavoidable.”

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