But his thoughts seemed to be directly guessed by the man.
Just as Wu Lin was secretly gloating, the national advisor spoke up.
"Xu Qun doesn't need to be taken back. Just execute him here. I remember that there has always been a rule in Wu Lin's ancestral family. If one wants to pass on the family seal, one must endure the pain of having one's bones pierced."
The petty scheme was shattered on the spot. Wu Lin's face showed a hint of embarrassment.
"Indeed, there is such a rule. But for the sake of so many commoners, I'm willing to endure the pain of having my bones pierced. Moreover, I've committed a serious mistake, and this is the only way I can atone for it."
Just like that, the two matters were settled.
Wu Lin's face looked as ugly as if he had swallowed a fly.
When Shi An had arranged everything here, he was eager to go and see his younger sister. Although he had long known that the person was Xiao Xiao, he was still very worried about his younger sister's safety.
But just as he was about to step in, he heard voices coming from inside.
"Sister, please forgive me. I really didn't do it on purpose. I never thought such a thing would happen before. I was just used by someone with ulterior motives. Can you just forgive me this once? I'll never do such a thing again. I want to go back to the palace to pray to the Buddha."
Shi An's footsteps paused. He frowned, and then, as if thinking of something, he quickened his pace.
Shi Muwǎn was sitting on a stool at the moment, looking very embarrassed. She didn't know what to do about this matter.
Fortunately, when she looked up, she saw a familiar figure. A smile appeared on her lips.
"Big brother is here?"
Shi An responded casually. Looking at the person kneeling on the ground, his eyes darkened slightly. "Shouldn't the Concubine Rui be in the prison?"
This brief sentence made Concubine Rui's face flush like it was on fire.
It was the first time she had been put in such an embarrassing situation, and yet she had no room to refute.
Helplessly, she could only look at the people in front of her with her big, watery eyes, hoping that someone would say a good word for her.
Shi Muwǎn turned her head away. In the end, she didn't say a single word to help her.
"Big brother, were you injured just now? Do you want me to send someone to take a look at you?"
Shi An shook his head. He sat down directly on one side.
"Let's talk about the matter of the Concubine first. It's not very appropriate for the Concubine to come out and plead with the Empress Dowager instead of staying in the prison, isn't it? Moreover, I'd like to ask, who made the decision to let the Concubine out?"
Concubine Rui bit her lower lip tightly. She lowered her head. "It's my fault. Please don't implicate others, young master."
Oh, now she was pretending to be a pure and innocent girl. She didn't know who it was who almost caused his sister to lose her life before.
Shi An pursed his thin lips slightly. Just as he was about to settle the score with her, Shi Muwǎn suddenly spoke up. "The Concubine said that she would focus on praying to the Buddha after returning to the palace and would no longer participate in these struggles. Is that true?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Concubine Rui seemed to see hope. She stared at Shi Muwǎn intently. "I can swear, sister. If I ever participate in these outside struggles again in the future, I'll surely die a horrible death."
This one sentence was enough. The ancients attached great importance to their promises. He believed that she wouldn't dare to easily go back on her oath today.
Shi Muwǎn nodded slightly. "Then I'll give you this last chance."
Shi An was extremely angry that his younger sister had so easily agreed to Concubine Rui's request.
Although he knew that the Concubine would still be released in the end, no matter what, she should be given some punishment. It couldn't just be let go like this.
"Little sister! Maybe we should discuss this matter again?"
He tried to remind her, but it was of no use.
After thanking them, Concubine Rui hurriedly left.
Watching the fading figure, he had a dark look on his face.
"Are you stupid? Why did you agree so easily?"
"Big brother, Concubine Rui has been in the harem for so many years. She can't have no influence at all. Since she has already said such things, I might as well give her a way out."
"Of course I know all the ins and outs of this. But you agreed so quickly. What if she doesn't learn her lesson in the future?"
"It doesn't matter. Anyway, I have so many people around me. I believe she shouldn't dare to do anything to me in public. If she has evil intentions, I can discover it in time. It's actually more worrying to keep her outside."
Since his younger sister had already said so, he had no other choice but to agree.
"After we go back, I'll arrange more people around you. In this way, I'll be more at ease."
Shi Muwǎn wouldn't reject his kindness. After all, it was useless to reject it.
Just like that, the two of them decided on this matter.
When Shi An was drinking with his confidant later, he still brought up this matter.
"Do you think she's stupid? Why did she start to show mercy at this time?"
Hearing this, Qin Feng sighed helplessly. "Actually, I feel a bit sorry for her in this matter. If it weren't for me back then, she wouldn't have made one mistake after another. However, I never expected that the Empress Dowager would show mercy."
"Sigh, if it were in the past, my sister would definitely not have done such a thing. Not to mention showing mercy, I would have found it strange if she hadn't killed Concubine Rui."
"It's normal for you to think so. But don't you think the current Empress Dowager is even better?"
Both of them had their own thoughts in mind. After finishing the wine, they started to talk about their future plans.
For some reason, ever since Xiao Xiao appeared today, Qin Feng's mind had been filled with her figure.
He seemed to be in a daze. No matter what, he just couldn't forget her.
Shi An had known him for so many years. How could he not notice that he was absent - minded?
"Tell me, what's wrong with you today? Why do you always ignore me when I call you? Could it be that you've taken a fancy to someone?"
Originally, it was just a joking remark, but unexpectedly, it was answered without hesitation.
"Indeed, I've taken a fancy to someone."
Shi An's hand paused. His expression was complicated. "It's the first time I've heard you say that you've taken a fancy to someone other than Qingqing."
A non -chalant smile appeared on Qin Feng's lips.
"Is there anything strange about it? Or do you hope that I'll always only have Qingqing in my heart?"
"No, I'm just a bit surprised. Which amazing woman has managed to catch your eye?"
Anyway, the two of them had been friends for so many years, so Qin Feng didn't plan to hide it from him.
"You know this person too."
"Who?"
"Xiao Xiao."
Hearing those two words, Shi An almost fell off his stool.
"Repeat what you just said. Who?"
Qin Feng had already expected his reaction. He simply rolled his eyes.
"You're not old yet, but your ears are already failing you."