CHAPTER 691: CHAPTER 277 XIAO JINXING LEAVES SONG YANQING (SECOND UPDATE)

Xiao Jinxing took a sip of hot tea and looked at Xie Ruotong, saying indifferently, "As expected."

Xie Ruotong blamed himself, "It was I who thought I could find Chu King’s clues on him, delaying the time."

"Investigating Xiao Jinsen is never an easy task. If he were so easy to deal with, he wouldn’t have survived until today," Xiao Jinxing seemed to be comforting Xie Ruotong.

Xie Ruotong maintained a respectful attitude.

"I called you here today, not only to ask about your investigation of Xiao Jinsen’s whereabouts but also to talk to you about my decision regarding Song Yanqing," Xiao Jinxing stated the purpose of their meeting.

"Yes."

"As a confidant of Xiao Jinsen, Song Yanqing should have been beheaded along with the other conspirators, but he is an indispensable talent. I have been impressed by him before; sadly, he followed Xiao Jinsen, so I could not force him," Xiao Jinxing said, "But now, Xiao Jinsen has left the Imperial Palace, and Song Yanqing, as a free man, I am inclined to keep him by my side."

"Prince, that’s not advisable," Xie Ruotong spoke bluntly, "Song Yanqing’s loyalty to Chu King goes beyond your trust and imagination. I know well that Song Yanqing can endure personal torment. Therefore, I used his most beloved woman, Xie Ruilin, to threaten him for Chu King’s location. In the end, until Xie Ruilin’s death, Song Yanqing did not betray Chu King. I feel that such a person could not possibly remain loyal to you."

"What I value is exactly Song Yanqing’s loyalty," Xiao Jinxing clarified.

Xie Ruotong was somewhat surprised.

"Do you know how many treasonous officials I’ve captured this time?" Xiao Jinxing asked.

"I do not know."

"Over fifty officials."

Upon hearing this number, Xie Ruotong was still somewhat shocked.

More than half of the court’s officials had been bribed by Chu King.

In such a situation, you were still able to counterattack and overturn the situation... Your ability, indeed, is immeasurable.

"Among those fifty or so, not a single one is not a coward who fears death," Xiao Jinxing said, "Except for the Song Yanqing you interrogated."

"I just feel that Song Yanqing may not necessarily remain loyal to you," Xie Ruotong stated his reason, "I even think that he is not being sincere but foolish."

"Great wisdom may appear foolish," Xiao Jinxing commended.

Since Xiao Jinxing affirmed Song Yanqing so highly, Xie Ruotong could no longer say anything.

"Of course, I don’t necessarily have to woo a traitorous official. It’s just that the situation in court is unclear, and there is a serious loss of talents. I now need competent people to assist me in managing court affairs!" Xiao Jinxing explained the reason.

"I understand," Xie Ruotong said respectfully.

The rebellion of Chu King led to the execution of a large number of officials.

Now that you have ascended to the throne, it’s natural to fill these vacancies.

To put it bluntly, you are now in a phase where you’re desperate for talents, which is why Song Yanqing was able to escape this catastrophe.

"Actually, I have a good idea where Xiao Jinsen has gone. If Xiao Jinsen’s whereabouts are not found within a few days, don’t bother spending more effort," Xiao Jinxing instructed, "Just assign the task of pursuing Xiao Jinsen to those below you."

"Yes."

"What I hope for now is that you help me persuade Song Yanqing to serve me," Xiao Jinxing cut straight to the point.

Xie Ruotong just looked at Xiao Jinxing.

After a long pause, he did not accept the order.

"Is there a difficulty?" Xiao Jinxing raised his eyebrows.

"Your servant is not capable; I can’t fulfill your command. I would rather continue searching for Chu King’s whereabouts," Xie Ruotong spoke frankly.

"I thought you understood Song Yanqing better."

"But as I’ve killed his most beloved woman, he must now harbor deep hatred towards me. If you truly wish to use Song Yanqing, I suggest you find someone else who is eloquent and persuasive to convince him, I truly am powerless," Xie Ruotong refused.

Xiao Jinxing fell silent for a moment.

Xie Ruotong also stood her ground and did not relent.

"Since it’s so difficult for you, I won’t make it hard for you," Xiao Jinxing said, "Then I command you to continue tracking Xiao Jinsen’s whereabouts."

"Your servant shall obey."

"Furthermore, once the situation in court stabilizes, I naturally will go to the border. By then, you are to accompany me there," Xiao Jinxing decreed.

"Your servant shall obey," Xie Ruotong had no room for resistance, but she wanted to ask, "Will the Princess consort leave with you?"

"Of course," Xiao Jinxing stated decisively.

"Yes," Xie Ruotong then had no further concerns.

"You may leave."

"Prince, your servant has another request," Xie Ruotong said respectfully.

"Speak."

"The death of my grandmother was not natural but due to someone’s scheme. I have now discovered who those people are. I earnestly request that the Prince bring these people to justice according to the law."

"Who are they?" Xiao Jinxing asked.

"The Prince of Chu, Xie Ruilin, Xie Ruiyao, my mother Madam Shen, and my fourth younger brother Xie Zhongwen. Now, Xie Ruilin and Xie Ruiyao are dead, the Prince of Chu is missing, leaving only my mother and my fourth brother."

"The Imperial Aunt was the elder princess of the Daxuan Kingdom, a figure of distinguished status. It is only right that those who schemed against her should be severely punished. I grant you the authority to impose the most severe punishment on all those who conspired against the elder princess," Xiao Jinxing agreed without hesitation.

"Thank you, Prince Chen." Xie Ruotong bowed deeply in gratitude.

"Xie Ruotong," Xiao Jinxing said, "Right now, I’m not only eagerly seeking the talents of Song Yanqing, but I hold you in the same regard as well."

Xie Ruotong looked at Xiao Jinxing, "Your servant is thankful for the Prince’s profound favor."

"You may leave."

"Yes."

Xie Ruotong left Xiao Jinxing’s sleeping chamber.

She walked out.

And right in front of her was Ye Qichi.

She hurried forward, "Princess."

"Did Xiao Jinxing call for you?"

"Yes."

"Did you find out Xiao Jinsen’s whereabouts?"

"No," Xie Ruotong explained, "The Prince asked me to help persuade Song Yanqing to pledge loyalty to him."

"You didn’t kill him already, did you?" Ye Qichi joked with a smile.

"Almost," Xie Ruotong said evasively.

But it wasn’t hard to imagine how miserable Song Yanqing must be right now.

"So you agreed?"

"Lacking the ability, naturally, I wouldn’t want to disappoint the Prince."

So she refused.

It seems.

The process of Xie Ruotong interrogating Song Yanqing was far from pleasant.

"Are you leaving now?" Ye Qichi asked.

"Yes. The Prince also tasked me with investigating the whereabouts of the Prince of Chu."

"Didn’t he tell you where Prince Chen might have gone?" Ye Qichi raised an eyebrow.

Where Xiao Jinsen went, she had already discussed it with Xiao Jinxing earlier.

The two naturally came to a consensus.

"The Prince did not specify."

"Well then, there’s no harm in checking more thoroughly if you find the time," Ye Qichi said noncommittally.

"Then your servant will take her leave."

"Wait," Ye Qichi called out to her, "I want to see Song Yanqing."

Xie Ruotong was surprised.

"Isn’t Xiao Jinxing trying to win over the hearts of Song Yanqing’s people? Let me give it a try."

"Yes."

"Wait here for me, I’ll go speak with Xiao Jinxing," she said.

"Yes."

Ye Qichi didn’t delay and went straight into the sleeping chamber.