2721 State Preceptor
Furthermore, even if she retraced her steps by ten thousand paces, the weight of witnesses and undeniable physical evidence remained. The actions of Juxian and Meixian, the two servant girls who had entered through the window, were undeniably connected to her.
Qiao Mu paid little attention to the spectacle involving Concubine Shi and Mu Jingfeng’s pleas for forgiveness. Without hesitation, she led the Crown Prince towards the awaiting carriage stationed in front of Magnolia Court.
Just before embarking, she remarked dispassionately, “Dealing with such a wicked woman through severe punishment is far from excessive. If Family Head Mu finds it difficult to act against her and the situation warrants, I can assign someone to undertake the task.”
Both Mu Jingfeng and Shi Huixin, situated atop the summit, were stunned.
Shi Huixin was taken aback, and even Mu Jingfeng atop his peak couldn’t anticipate such ruthless resolve from the young crown prince consort. To think she would advocate for beating Shi Huixin to death over a seemingly trivial matter?
Mu Jingfeng’s countenance darkened. “Concubine Shi has committed a transgression, but her offense does not warrant a death sentence! Furthermore, the Crown Prince has already…”
“Huifeng.”
“Crown Prince Consort.”
“Have Concubine Shi brought forth and subjected to a two-hundred-strike caning.”
For a frail concubine, enduring two hundred strikes with the Viscount’s cane was akin to invoking the specter of mortality.
Though Concubine Shi possessed a modicum of self-defense cultivation, the individuals responsible for carrying out the caning hailed from the Hidden Night Pavilion, all accomplished spiritual cultivators ranked at level-11 or beyond. With this formidable group at the helm, the notion of enduring two hundred Viscount’s cane strikes appeared insurmountable, perhaps even surviving a hundred proving doubtful.
“What madness is this? Such actions are unconscionable!” Concubine Shi’s voice trembled with terror. Her gaze fixed upon Mu Jingfeng, desperation evident. “Master, Master, intercede for me, I implore you!”
“Concubine!”
“Concubine—” Mu Rouyan and Mu Rouyun exchanged panicked glances and hurriedly moved forward to retrieve their distressed mother.
Huifeng swiftly positioned himself before them, sword unsheathed, and issued a stern command, “All onlookers, stand clear! Do not hinder official proceedings.”
As the carriage set into motion, Concubine Shi’s anguished cries echoed in the air.
Unmoved by the commotion, Qiao Mu coldly drew the carriage curtain, her emotions concealed.
“Qiaoqiao.” Crown Prince Mo enveloped the young girl in his arms and gently shook her delicate frame. “Please don’t be upset.”
Truthfully, Qiao Mu was harboring some resentment towards herself.
She should have departed after securing the compensation over the past couple of days. Instead, she chose to remain amidst the Mu Clan’s unfriendly atmosphere, inadvertently causing the Crown Prince undue distress.
“I apologize for subjecting you to this hardship.” Qiao Mu nestled comfortably in his embrace, a tinge of melancholy in her demeanor.
/Qiaoqiao wasn’t vexed with him. She was concerned about his well-being!/
The Crown Prince felt as if he could soar with happiness. Embracing her tenderly, he murmured, “I’m relieved you’re not angry with me.”
“Why would I be angry with you?” Her Ladyship Qiaoqiao mulled over it for a moment before playfully rolling her eyes. “I’m not na?ve. If I can’t trust you, should I rely on those chatty old serving women?”
/What sense was there in trusting such individuals? They were nothing more than fleeting passersby. Paying them any heed was simply a waste of energy./
Crown Prince Mo’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “Qiaoqiao.”
“Your Highness, the State Preceptor’s carriage has just arrived!” The carriage driver instinctively began to slow down.
Interrupted by the news, Crown Prince Mo’s brows furrowed in irritation. He responded with a touch of annoyance, “Do you really need to ask for permission? Just move ahead.”
Both carriages seamlessly merged onto the palace road leading to Lesheng Gate.
However, due to the State Preceptor’s carriage being drawn by a team of sixteen, its pace was rather sluggish.
As they negotiated a sharp turn, the State Preceptor’s carriage unexpectedly came face-to-face with the Crown Prince’s procession, forcing them to come to an abrupt halt.
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