Rebirth: The Two-Faced Cook Meets the Cold-Faced King Qin

Xi Qing returned to the room weakly, and every step was like crossing a cold wasteland☆

Yaolin Pavilion, a place that once made her feel mysterious and yearning, now makes her feel scared☆

Every brick and tile was like a heavy yoke, weighing her down so hard that she couldn't breathe☆

The furnishings in the room remained the same, but the former refinement and elegance became weird and disturbing in Xiqing's eyes.

Xi Qing staggered to the window, clenching his fists tightly☆

She knew that she had been trapped in Yaolin Pavilion forever and could not escape☆

Xi Qing closed her eyes and tried to calm herself down, but those horrible images kept flashing in her mind. She couldn't forget how she was trapped here, nor could she forget the horrible things that had just happened☆

Xiqing sat in front of the window, picked up the pen, ink, paper and inkstone, and left the last letter of her life to Su Ning☆

Xi Qing wrote down everything she knew about Concubine Yao and all the evidence in this letter☆

She only hoped that Suning would find out as early as possible and come to rescue her and her poor brother.

Deep inside Yaolin Pavilion, in a cold, silent corner, Xiqing's hands were shaking☆

She nervously scanned the surroundings, and only after confirming that there was no movement did she dare to hide the letter carrying all her hopes in her hand into the crack of the wall☆

Xi Qing clearly knew the importance of this letter - it was her only link with the outside world and her only way to seek help☆

Her fingers gently slid across the letter paper, and every word was imprinted in her heart as if carved by a knife or an axe.

Xi Qing stuffed the letter into the gap with trembling hands. She even turned back to look at the gap that held everything, and then left☆

But Xi Qing may never have thought that a dark shadow flashed by quickly after she left☆

It was a woman wearing a black cloak. Her movements were light and swift, passing by Xiqing's eyes like a gust of wind☆

After returning to the room, Xi Qing felt like a lamb to be slaughtered, helplessly waiting for the judgment of fate☆

But Xiqing didn't know that she originally thought she would be saved by Suning, but what she waited for was...

On the morning of the day when Xiqing had not been taken away, Su Qianqian, Gu Peng, and Gu Yuan had already entered the palace to meet the emperor☆

That morning, in the dim light of dawn, Su Qianqian, Gu Peng and Gu Yuan walked into the gate of the palace☆

The towering palace walls seem to isolate the noise from the outside world, leaving only the quiet and solemn atmosphere inside the palace☆

They walked slowly along the stone steps, each step seemed particularly heavy☆

This was not because they were tired, but because they had an important mission to shoulder - to clear Prime Minister Su's grievances and to clear their own names☆

After passing through many palace gates, they finally arrived at the emperor's study☆

After the palace servants guarding the door announced, they were allowed in. The three of them filed in and knelt before the emperor according to etiquette☆

The emperor sat on the throne, looking at them seriously. Su Ning, Gu Peng and Gu Yuan could feel the emperor's sharp eyes sweeping over them one by one, as if he wanted to see through their hearts☆

But they did not retreat, but met the emperor's gaze calmly☆

They knew that this moment was the key to prove their innocence☆

After a brief silence, the emperor finally spoke

"What are you doing here?"☆

Su Qianqian, as the representative of the three, looked up at the emperor and said in a firm and clear voice: "Your Majesty, we are here because of the recent rumors about us and the rebellion of our Su family!"☆

The emperor raised his eyebrows slightly, seeming to be quite interested in Su Qianqian's answer: "Oh? Then tell me about it."☆

Su Qianqian replied: "Your Majesty, regarding the rumors spread by this servant," and then Su Qianqian took out a few pieces of paper, "This is the confession obtained by this servant through secret investigation☆"

"This source points directly to Xi Qing, the maidservant beside Concubine Yao."☆

There was a hint of doubt in the emperor's eyes, and he said in a serious tone: "This matter is very serious. Do you have any solid evidence?"☆

Su Qianqian raised her head righteously: "We have several palace maids and guards who can testify☆

This rumor was spread by Xi Qing, a maidservant beside Concubine Yao, who gave them money to spread it. "☆

Gu Yuan answered without hesitation: "Father, as for Prime Minister Su's conspiracy to treason, it is completely false."☆

Su Qianqian took over the conversation without hesitation: "Your Majesty, the only evidence that can prove my father's treason is that letter☆

However, before I came here, I had already checked the letter through normal channels. ☆

I can say with certainty that the letter was not written by my father at all! Your Majesty, please investigate and clear my father's name."☆

The emperor was silent for a moment, his eyes deep, as if he was thinking about something. The whole hall fell into silence, only Su Qianqian's breathing echoed in the air☆

The emperor nodded slightly, his eyes swept across the three people, and finally landed on Su Qianqian: "Su Ning, you said that the letter was not written by your father, then do you have any evidence to prove this?"☆

Su Qianqian knew that this was the critical moment for her to prove her father's innocence. She replied in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, I have evidence.☆

The handwriting of the letter was completely different from my father's, and the content and tone of the letter were also inconsistent with my father's usual words and deeds☆

I believe that as long as the emperor is willing to send someone to carefully compare the handwriting and content, he will be able to find the flaws. "☆

The emperor raised his eyebrows slightly after hearing Su Qianqian's answer, seeming a little surprised☆

He pondered for a moment, then ordered: "Okay, then do as you say☆

Eunuch Xu, you go and handle this matter in person. Be sure to carefully compare the handwriting and content and give me a reply as soon as possible. By the way, summon Concubine Yao to the palace to meet me."☆

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Eunuch Xu bowed and replied, then left the hall☆

Yaopin slowly stepped into Xiqing's simple room. Her arrival was like a cold wind, instantly cooling the originally warm room. Xiqing stood by the window, her back looking lonely and strong☆

"Do you know why I'm here?" Yaopin's voice was not loud, but full of threats☆

Xi Qing turned around gently, facing the master she hated so much, with hatred in her eyes that was hard to conceal: "For that letter."

"Smart." Concubine Yao sneered, "In order to frame the Prime Minister for treason, I asked someone to write a letter accusing the Prime Minister of treason and asked you to bribe a servant in the Prime Minister's Mansion and put it in the study of the Prime Minister's Mansion? Now the letter is in the hands of the emperor."☆

Xi Qing gritted her teeth, trying not to let her emotions get out of control: "My Queen, if you want to say something, please just say it directly! No need to beat around the bush"☆

"Oh? Well, you'll come with me later." Concubine Yao raised her eyebrows and approached, "When I ask you to see me, you'll say that you did it all by yourself and it has nothing to do with me! Do you hear me?"☆

Xi Qing forced herself to look at Yaopin: "Okay, I understand. I just hope that you will keep your word and let my brother go."☆

"Don't worry, I will let him go. Let's go!"☆

Concubine Yao is preparing to enter the palace to meet the emperor. She is wearing a gorgeous palace dress and a delicate pearl hairpin, and she looks both dignified and charming☆

She lifted her skirt lightly and stepped out of the palace. Each step she took was extremely even and light, as if she was dancing a silent dance.

"Madam Yaopin is here to see you." Following the announcement from her father-in-law, Yaopin folded her hands at her waist, leaned forward slightly, and performed a standard court ceremony☆

The emperor raised his eyes slightly and fell on Concubine Yao: "Concubine Yao, do you know why you were summoned to the palace today?" The emperor's voice was steady and powerful, echoing in the hall☆

Yaopin's heart tightened. She took a deep breath to make her voice sound calmer and more resolute. "Your Majesty, I don't know."☆

The emperor raised his eyebrows slightly and said seriously: "Then take a look at this letter. Do you recognize it?"☆

"Your Majesty, I don't recognize it. I have never seen this letter." Concubine Yao said, her eyes slightly moist.

The emperor looked at Concubine Yao and was silent for a while: "Suning, you go and tell Concubine Yao"☆

"Do you know about this letter?" Su Qianqian's voice was firm and powerful, echoing in front of the empty hall☆

Concubine Yao raised her head slightly and said, "Ms. Suning, I really don't know."☆

"Why did Xiqing spread those rumors about me? What is your relationship with her?" Su Qianqian chased after her relentlessly, her eyes as sharp as torches, as if she wanted to see through Concubine Yao's heart☆

Concubine Yao tried to keep her voice steady: "Xiqing is a simple-minded child. She must have been taken advantage of. She and I are just a master and servant. I hope Miss Suning can understand."☆

"Ms. Su Ning, the Xi Qing you mentioned is here today too, and is waiting outside the palace." Concubine Yao's voice was gentle but solemn. She raised her head slightly and met Su Qianqian's torch-like gaze. ☆

Su Qianqian raised her eyebrows slightly when she heard this, and had a bad feeling: "Why not ask her to come in!"☆

Lady Yaopin nodded slightly and signaled the maid beside her to summon Xiqing ☆

She said calmly, "Miss Su Ning, please be patient. I will send someone to call her in.

Later, you can talk it out in person, so that I can get justice. "☆

After a while, the maid brought Xiqing into the hall. Xiqing lowered her head and walked hesitantly, seeming to be uneasy about the upcoming confrontation☆

Concubine Yao looked at her, and her heart was beating fast. She wondered if Xi Qing would take the blame for her☆

In the depths of the hall, Su Qianqian and Xi Qing stood face to face, their eyes met in the air, with complicated emotions☆

Su Qianqian was the first to break the silence, with a barely perceptible urgency in her voice: "Xiqing, tell me, what's going on? Shouldn't you be in the general's mansion?"☆

Xi Qing lowered her eyes, clasped her hands together, her voice was weak and trembling: "Miss Suning, I...I saw that you were liked by many palace maids in the palace, and I was jealous for a moment, so I spread rumors about you, hoping to make your life not so smooth☆

Later, I…I saw that you were not affected by the rumors, so I…I thought of harming the Prime Minister and committing treason…☆

Everything was done by this servant, and it has nothing to do with the Empress... The Empress... The Empress knows nothing. Please Miss Su... Miss Su punish this servant and spare the Empress." Xi Qing knelt down and begged for mercy...☆

Su Qianqian frowned. She keenly caught the helplessness and fear in Xiqing's words. She suddenly understood something☆

Su Qianqian walked slowly to Xiqing, leaned over to help her, and whispered: "Have you been threatened? Did Concubine Yao threaten you?"☆

Xiqing's body trembled slightly, but she neither denied nor admitted it, she just bit her lower lip silently☆

Su Ning looked at her reaction and became more certain of her guess. She didn't understand why Xi Qing wanted to help Yaopin and why she would rather suffer injustice than tell the truth☆

Su Qianqian couldn't help but ask: "Xiqing, why did you do this? What benefits did Lady Yaopin give you that made you prefer to help her hide the truth instead of...?"☆

Xi Qing raised her head, and a trace of pain and struggle flashed in her eyes. Suddenly, Xi Qing's face turned pale as paper, and her lips were dark purple.

When Su Qianqian saw Xi Qing's appearance, she felt an indescribable pain in her heart☆

"Xiqing, what happened to you?" Su Qianqian's voice trembled. She couldn't believe what she saw☆

Xi Qing raised her head with great effort. She smiled softly, her voice weak and hoarse: "Miss Su, I...I am sorry for you..."☆

Su Qianqian squatted down, tightly holding Xi Qing's cold hand, tears welling up in her eyes: "Tell me... Tell me what happened to you! What happened? How did you get poisoned? Gu Peng! Gu Peng! Go find the divine doctor Xiao, quickly..."☆

Gu Peng just entered the hall from outside: "I have given the order, I will be here soon."☆

Xi Qing gently shook her head: "It's useless, it's too late. There is no antidote for this poison, I took it myself."☆

"Why? Why did you do this?" Su Qianqian asked loudly, her heart filled with confusion and grief☆

Xi Qing was silent for a moment, then whispered: "This servant... This servant does not want to be bound by this world anymore, and does not want to be troubled by those disputes and hatreds anymore☆

I…I…I…save Xi Che…save…”☆

Su Qianqian's face was filled with tears, and she shook her head desperately: "No! I won't allow you to do this! You are such a kind girl, and you still have so many things to do, no... no"☆

However, Xi Qing smiled and closed her eyes, a crystal teardrop slid down her face☆

Xiqing's body gradually became cold and stiff in Su Qianqian's arms, as if a beautiful porcelain was broken in her arms☆

Su Qianqian hugged Xiqing tightly, trying to use her body temperature to warm her gradually cooling body☆

Su Qianqian's heart was filled with endless sorrow and regret. She could not accept this cruel reality☆

"Xiqing...Xiqing..." Su Qianqian called her name over and over again, but she never got any response☆

Su Qianqian's tears fell on Xiqing's face like rain. While Su Qianqian was crying, the grief in her heart was like the surging waves, hitting her heart wave after wave☆

She suddenly remembered what Xiqing had asked her to do just now - to save Xiche. What happened to Xiche, the brother with whom Xiqing had a deep affection? Why did Xiqing use up his last bit of strength to beg her to save him☆

In an instant, all the fragments were connected in Su Qianqian's mind, and she understood everything☆

It was Yaopin who sacrificed Xiqing and Xiche in order to protect herself from being exposed☆

Su Qianqian's heart was filled with resentment and anger. She looked up at Concubine Yao with murderous intent in her eyes☆

She wanted to kill Yaopin herself, to avenge Xiqing and seek justice for Xiche. However, at this moment, a pair of hands grabbed her tightly from behind☆

It's Gu Peng☆

Gu Peng's eyes were full of worry and concern. He held Su Qianqian's hand tightly.

As if telling her: Don't be impulsive, don't let yourself fall into a deeper predicament. Su Qianqian gradually calmed down under Gu Peng's eyes☆

Su Qianqian knew that she couldn't let anger get the better of her. She wanted to seek justice for Xiqing and Xiche, but she also had to protect herself and not let more people get hurt.

At this moment, the emperor's voice rang out like a heavenly sound, breaking the tense silence☆

"Yaopin, you should know that I am not someone who will be swayed by personal feelings. Your personal maid did such a despicable and shameless thing, and you are also to blame."☆

The emperor's words revealed an unquestionable majesty, "But I consider that you are not aware of this, so I will punish you to go back and reflect on your mistakes. You must copy the Heart Sutra 10 times every day for a month. Now you can leave."☆

The emperor's words made her realize instantly that she was at the center of the storm and could be doomed if she wasn't careful. She had to stay calm and wait for the right moment to seek justice for Xiqing and Xiche☆

After hearing the emperor's words, Concubine Yao showed a hint of imperceptible joy on her face☆

"Thank you, Your Majesty! I am leaving now." Concubine Yao folded her hands at her waist and bowed deeply. As she left, she looked at Xiqing on the ground and revealed a proud look.