I am the champion of palace intrigue, and even the proud prince bows his head in submission.

Chapter 282 Leaning down to prepare for another kiss

Their auras merged, and the surroundings became incredibly quiet, as if even the sound of the wind was shut out.

Xie Yanli gently supported her chin with one hand, and slowly placed his other hand on her back.

The pressure was very light, as if to soothe her, as if afraid of frightening her.

Qin Jiuwei felt a tingling sensation in her heart, her breathing gradually became rapid, and her cheeks flushed.

She tilted her head slightly, meeting his breath, her heart pounding in her chest.

The two kissed intermittently.

He didn't know how long they had been kissing, but he pulled away slightly, their noses touching.

His breath still warm against his lips as he asked softly, "Are you tired?"

Qin Jiu blinked slightly and breathed softly.

Seeing her reaction, Xie Yanli chuckled softly and leaned down to kiss her again.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside.

“Father!” Xie Jingchun’s voice rang out from outside the door.

Qin Jiuwei immediately pushed Xie Yanli away and stood up from the bed.

Meanwhile, his hands didn't stop moving; in a flash, he straightened his collar and tucked the stray hairs behind his ears.

Clean and efficient, without any unnecessary delays.

Seeing her swift movements, Xie Yanli couldn't help but chuckle.

Hearing the laughter, Qin Jiuwei immediately turned her head and saw that he was still lying in bed. She couldn't help but glare at him and said reproachfully, "Get up quickly."

Xie Yanli then slowly sat up from the bed, stood on the ground, and didn't forget to reach out and pinch her waist.

Qin Jiuwei's ears turned red, and she raised her hand to slap him.

But just then Xie Jingchun entered the room. When Qin Jiuwei looked up, she met his smiling face, and her hand froze.

Fortunately, neither Xie Jingchun nor Xie Jing behind him noticed.

"Father! When did you come back? I heard you were back this morning and came to see you right away. Were you injured yesterday?"

Once Xie Jingchun saw Xie Yanli, he couldn't stop talking.

"I'm fine, don't worry." Xie Yanli explained gently, "I came back too late last night and didn't want to disturb your rest, so I didn't say anything."

His gaze fell on Xie Jingchun's face, his expression concerned: "And you, are you injured?"

Qin Jiuwei had already told him about what happened last night.

He hadn't expected Xie Jingchun to step forward at this moment.

This child's sense of responsibility and courage far exceeded his understanding of him.

Xie Jingchun shook his head and smiled, "Father, don't worry. You taught me martial arts, so naturally I won't let them get close."

Xie Yanli gently patted his shoulder.

After chatting for a while, the group decided to go and see Xie Jue together.

When the maids in the room saw them coming, they immediately bowed and greeted them.

"How is it? Has Jue-ge'er woken up?" Qin Jiuwei asked immediately.

The maid gently shook her head.

Xie Yanli walked to the bedside and looked at Xie Jue's pale face, his heart tightening.

Xie Jingchun, standing to the side, couldn't help but show concern.

"Why hasn't Third Brother woken up yet? Didn't the royal physician say it was just from being too frightened?"

At this moment, Granny Song spoke up: "The physician came to see me again this morning and even gave me acupuncture. He said I would wake up today, but we don't know when."

Xie Yanli reached out and tucked the blanket around Xie Jue, and the family quietly stayed by his side.

He stayed with Xie Jue for another hour until Zizhu came in to summon him, at which point Xie Yanli finally got up.

Imperial Palace, Imperial Study Room.

"I have taken a detailed account of last night's battle. More than 100 soldiers were killed or wounded in the city, of whom 67 died and 40 were injured and have been arranged for medical treatment. Some of the seriously wounded are receiving emergency treatment."

Gao Xian sat behind his desk, his gaze falling on Xie Yanli in the center of the hall. He nodded solemnly, signaling him to continue.

Xie Yanli lowered his eyes and said, "In addition, most of the city wall defenses have been repaired. All the remaining soldiers and prisoners of Qi Wang's faction have been sent to the Ministry of Justice to await further interrogation and disposal."

"I have ordered my men to conduct a third round of investigations into potential threats within the city, to ensure that no remaining members of the enemy remain lurking."

"You've thought things through thoroughly. Yanli, you deserve a lot of credit for quickly quelling the rebellion this time." Gao Xian's eyes were full of satisfaction.

Of all the ministers, Xie Yanli was the most capable and efficient.

He can handle anything you entrust to him.

He was a truly capable minister, and also a loyal one.

Xie Yanli bowed and said, "I have only done my duty and dare not claim credit."

Gao Xian's smile faded slightly, and he said seriously, "You're always like this. Never mind, let's get down to business."

"The Prince of Qi has now been apprehended, and those among the court officials who supported him have also been identified. I will have the Ministry of Justice conduct a thorough interrogation. I will certainly punish them severely!"

"The King of Qi's crime of treason is obvious and he should be executed according to the law as a warning to others."

He paused slightly, then continued, "As for the other accomplices of the King of Qi's faction, if there is conclusive evidence that they participated in the treason, they will all be dealt with according to the law."

"Those court officials who had dealings with him but were not involved in the core treasonous matter were demoted or dismissed to ensure that they no longer had the power to interfere in the court."

In an instant, many names flashed through Gao Xian's mind.

Once these people are dealt with, dissenting voices in the court will be greatly reduced.

Xie Yanli nodded, then changed the subject and brought up another matter.

"The Ninth Prince of Liang has arrived in the capital."

"What?" Gao Xian was stunned.

Xie Yanli said with a solemn expression, "This epidemic may be part of his scheme."

He straightened up and began to talk about how he first met Li Wuyang, all the way to Xie Zhongzhi.

Gao Xian frowned more and more as he listened. "Da Liang has always been eyeing us covetously. They must be plotting something bigger in secret this time."

After he finished speaking, he paused and hesitated, then said, "But I never expected that your brother would actually... become a traitor."