Lingxi turned to He Rui, "As for second prince...."
She paused for a while, "although you broke a rule, you did it unintentionally while investigating an important case. You also rushed back to Channing Palace to admit your mistakes. From your actions, I can see that you are a responsible leader willing to accept all blame for your team", she said and paused before continuing, "your merits have offset your mistakes. Considering that we are all family, His Highness and I will let this go this time. I hope second prince will not repeat his mistakes again", she said.
He Rui did not answer at first. He did not expect her to let him off the hook.
"It seems second prince wants to be punished", He Yu said.
He was also surprised at Lingxi's generosity to He Rui.
He Rui quickly regained himself and bowed, "thank you for your forgiveness, granduncle, and grandaunt"
"You may leave", He Yu said.
He Rui gave one last bow before leaving.
On reaching outside the gates of Channing Palace, he turned to look at the plaque clearly but what was on his mind was not the plaque but what had just happened.
He recalled when she had teased him into calling her grandaunt back at the Ministry of Justice and now. They hardly felt the same.
Anyways, his mind quickly travelled back to Wei City and the case so he prepared to leave immediately.
[Wei City]
[Deputy Magistrate's Residence]
"Official Lu has once again visited me. Forgive me for the poor hospitality. I was not expecting your visit", Shen Cheng'an said looking up at Lu Qian.
"Lord Shen there is no need to be so polite. We did not come here for tea", Lu Qian said still standing.
It was then that Shen Cheng'an noticed Lv Chi's absence.
"Official Lu, why are you alone today? Where is your bright friend, Official Lv?" he asked.
"I am not alone. Today, I have come to make up for my attitude on my last visit", Lu Qian said.
"Oh? I would like to see how Official Lu would do that"
Shen Cheng'an was not expecting such from Lu Qian.
Lu Qian opened the box that Fu Jiu was carrying and brought out a cup of what he claimed to be wine and handed it over to Shen Cheng'an.
"Official Lu, this is....?" Shen Cheng'an asked.
"His Highness bought and specifically asked me to offer it to you as an apology", Lu Qian said.
"His Highness bought it himself?" Shen Cheng'an hesitated.
"Lord Shen, why are you hesitating? You do not think that His Highness would poison you, the empress's brother, do you?" Lu Qian questioned.
Shen Cheng'an sensing that there was no way out, picked up the cup and drank it. It was tasteless just like water.
"Official Lu, isn't this just water?" he asked.
Fu Jiu studied him for a minute before turning to Lv Chi.
"There is no reaction", he whispered.
"Lord Shen, I will have to trouble you to finish this conversation at Wei prefecture"
[Channing Palace]
Xu Yicheng was still busy at the garden pavilion with neat papers and freshly ground ink as he carefully wrote down the rule as punished.
Lingxi walked up to him.
"Your highness", he stood up to greet her.
She sat down and he sat down after her. It was then he noticed a handsome but indifferent face standing beside her.
"Your highness, this is.....?" He asked.
"My bodyguard, Brother Qin Yan", Lingxi answered.
"Brother..." Xu Yicheng muttered to himself but did not dwell on it.
"Nice to meet you", he greeted Qin Yan who only nodded in return.
Lingxi picked a written paper, "Physician Xu, your handwriting is rather bold", she observed.
"I have always been confident", Xu Yicheng replied.
Lingxi set the paper down.
"Does Physician Xu think I acted unfairly regarding the punishment?" she asked.
"I dare not think so", Xu Yicheng answered.
Lingxi removed the hairpin on her hair and accompanied him in copying the rule.
"I have always been fair in punishments and rewards. Physician Xu helped in the investigation and that has already offset your mistake in breaking the rule", Lingxi said leaving Xu Yicheng confused.
"Does Your Highness mean this punishment was for something else?" he asked.
Lingxi smiled without looking up, "secretly transferring banned medicines in your possession to Fang Jinghe's own was a smart move"
Xu Yicheng was slightly startled but regained himself almost immediately.
"I don't think I understand what your Highness is talking about", he said.
Lingxi did not pay attention to his words but continued writing.
"Your father has since sold 'dust sleep'. Suddenly running out of your stock right before the investigation is too obvious of an answer, isn't it?"
She said the last words looking at him.
Xu Yicheng could no longer deny, "Your Highness is truly perceptive"
[Li Residence]
Everyone in the Li Residence was on their knees as the eunuch read the decree:
"By the Mandate of Heaven, under the blessing of our ancestors, this decree is proclaimed to all beneath the skies:
"The First Prince, He Yan, has long conducted himself with dignity, loyalty and restraint, carrying the responsibilities of the imperial clan with unwavering devotion. As the stability of the royal household concerns the harmony of the realm, the matter of principal consort must be carefully regarded.
"We have observed that Miss Li possesses a gentle temperament, proper virtue, refined conduct, and a respectful heart. Her character is composed and modest, and her bearing accords within the imperial household. Furthermore, she has earned favor through sincerity rather than display, demonstrating wisdom and grace in her actions.
"I hereby confer upon Li Min the title of Principal Consort of the First Prince.
"From this day forth, she shall preside over the First Prince's household, uphold harmony within the inner court, honor the imperial clan, and serve as an example of virtue and propriety.
"The Ministry of Rites shall select an auspicious date for the formal ceremony and record this decree accordingly.
"Respect this", the eunuch read aloud.
"Miss Li, please accept the decree"
Li Min stretched her hands to receive the decree, "I thank His Majesty for his grace"