I started out with seven husbands, and I worked hard to support my family while crying.

Chapter 522: Shocking Change

Fang Xiaoxiao not only successfully saved her own life in this crisis, but also eradicated a huge scourge for Kyoto City.

According to Madam Lin's confession, He Jinnian learned that she had the support of many powerful and influential figures, including the Minister of Rites, the Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel, and even the current Grand Secretary Zhang Kunhe. This news was like a bombshell, plunging He Jinnian and Fang Xiaoxiao into deep worry.

Fang Xiaoxiao looked worried and asked He Jinnian, "Jinnian, what should we do in the face of such a powerful group of people?"

He Jinnian frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Xiao Xiao, the current emperor is preoccupied with other matters and does not care about state affairs. If we act rashly on this matter, we may alert the enemy and even bring about our own death. For now, we can only investigate secretly, collect more evidence, and wait for the right time to take them down in one fell swoop."

Fang Xiaoxiao nodded gently. Although she was still worried, she understood that acting impulsively at this time was not the best course of action.

With the arrest of Madam Lin, a key figure in the Five-Stone Powder case, Kyoto temporarily returned to a semblance of calm. Fang Xiaoxiao also returned to her normal life; however, the mark this experience left on her heart was indelible.

Every day, Fang Xiaoxiao devoted herself wholeheartedly to expanding Lingxi Pavilion's medicinal cuisine, trying to forget the unsettling truths through her busy work. She got up early to personally select fresh ingredients and herbs at the market, haggling with suppliers to get the best quality goods at reasonable prices.

Back at Lingxi Pavilion, she immediately began instructing the staff on how to prepare medicinal cuisine, personally overseeing every step to ensure its quality and effectiveness.

"This herb needs to be chopped even finer, and the heat needs to be lowered," Fang Xiaoxiao instructed her workers as she worked.

As Lingxi Pavilion's reputation for medicinal cuisine grew, the number of customers coming to buy and inquire also increased daily. Fang Xiaoxiao not only had to manage the business, but also had to take time to answer customers' various questions about medicinal cuisine and impart her knowledge of health preservation.

"Madam, your health is weak. You should eat more medicinal dishes that nourish your qi and blood, such as this red date, goji berry, and black chicken soup," Fang Xiaoxiao said patiently to a guest.

Despite being busy, Fang Xiaoxiao felt extremely gratified and satisfied seeing the satisfied smiles of her guests and the increasingly prosperous business of Lingxi Pavilion.

However, whenever she was alone in the quiet of the night, she would still think of the powerful and influential people behind the Five Stone Powder case who had not yet been exposed, and she would secretly pray that He Jinnian's secret investigation would go smoothly and that these evil forces that harmed the people would be eradicated as soon as possible.

On an ordinary afternoon, Fang Xiaoxiao was busy when He Jinnian suddenly came to visit.

"Xiao Xiao, I've made a new discovery." He Jinnian's expression was solemn.

Fang Xiao's heart tightened, and she quickly asked, "What is it?"

He Jinnian lowered his voice and said, "I've discovered that they seem to be plotting a much larger conspiracy, not just the trading of Wushi Powder..."

Just as Fang Xiaoxiao and Pei Changqing were talking in Lingxi Pavilion, the atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Pei Changqing stared sharply at Fang Xiaoxiao, pressing her again for information about Pei Yan's whereabouts. Fang Xiaoxiao, filled with confusion and bewilderment, could only truthfully tell her that Pei Yan had gone out and had not returned.

Pei Changqing snorted coldly, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, and said, "Miss Fang, do you know Pei Yan's true identity?"

Fang Xiaoxiao shook her head blankly.

Pei Changqing's lips curled into a slightly mocking smile as he coldly said, "Pei Yan, he was once the crown prince of this dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Fang Xiaoxiao's eyes widened in shock, her face filled with disbelief, and she said in a trembling voice, "This... how is this possible?"

Seeing Fang Xiaoxiao's shocked expression, Pei Changqing continued, "Hmph, he was originally the crown prince, but he was stripped of his title for treason."

Fang Xiaoxiao's head was buzzing, as if the whole world had turned upside down in an instant. She simply couldn't connect the Pei Yan she knew with such a serious crime as treason.

“No, that’s impossible, Pei Yan wouldn’t…” Fang Xiaoxiao retorted subconsciously.

Pei Changqing interrupted her, saying sternly, "That's the truth. He committed such a heinous crime. If it weren't for brotherly affection, he would have already lost his life."

Fang Xiaoxiao's face turned pale instantly, and her body trembled slightly. She tried to calm herself down and sort out the sudden and chaotic information.

"Second Prince, is there a misunderstanding? Pei Yan, he..." Fang Xiaoxiao's voice was full of doubt and anxiety.

Pei Changqing sneered: "Misunderstanding? The evidence is conclusive, his crimes are unforgivable. Now that I, the prince, have returned, I will make him pay for his crimes."

After saying that, Pei Changqing turned and left, leaving Fang Xiaoxiao alone on the spot, deeply shocked and confused.

Fang Xiaoxiao stood there blankly in Lingxi Pavilion, Pei Changqing's words echoing in her mind. She recalled every moment she spent with Pei Yan; Pei Yan's gentleness, kindness, and integrity made him seem like the kind of person who would plot a rebellion.

"No, there must be more to this than meets the eye." Fang Xiaoxiao secretly resolved to find out the truth.

At the same time, Pei Yan returned. Fang Xiaoxiao eagerly told him that Pei Changqing had come, and also mentioned what Pei Changqing had said about him being the crown prince and plotting a rebellion.

Pei Yan's face instantly turned gloomy, and a trace of pain and helplessness flashed in his eyes.

"Xiao Xiao, this is a long story," Pei Yan sighed and said slowly.

It turns out that Pei Yan was framed for treason, but in reality, he was being framed. And the mastermind behind this was none other than Pei Changqing. Pei Changqing had long coveted the position of Crown Prince and devised a series of conspiracies to put Pei Yan in a desperate situation.

Fang Xiaoxiao held Pei Yan's hand tightly and said with a firm gaze, "Pei Yan, I believe in you. We will definitely find evidence and clear your name."

However, their actions did not escape Pei Changqing's notice. Pei Changqing secretly intensified his surveillance and suppression of them, attempting to prevent them from seeking the truth.

Fang Xiaoxiao and Pei Yan knew the road ahead would be difficult, but they did not back down. They began a secret investigation, searching for witnesses to the events of that year and collecting evidence.

In the process, they encountered numerous difficulties and obstacles. Some were bribed and refused to provide help; others were threatened and dared not tell the truth.

But Fang Xiaoxiao and Pei Yan did not give up; they firmly believed that justice would eventually prevail over evil.

Finally, they obtained a crucial clue from an old minister. This minister had been a staunch supporter of Pei Yan but was forced to resign and return to his hometown after the incident.

The veteran official revealed some previously unknown details to them, giving them hope for overturning the verdict.

Just as they were preparing to take further action, Pei Changqing noticed their movements and decided to strike first.

He once again slandered Pei Yan before the emperor, falsely accusing him of plotting another rebellion.

The emperor was furious and ordered Pei Yan to be arrested and imprisoned.

Fang Xiao was extremely anxious, and she ran around seeking help.