Chapter 74: The truth exceeds expectations (1) (1/2)

Long Tianmo didn’t understand everything when he looked at Han Yunxi, but he wouldn’t refuse to help. Although Imperial Father had already bestowed rewards, he owed Han Yunxi for saving his life. He wanted to pay her back anyways, and a general amnesty was an excellent excuse. It’d win him hearts among the populace after such a long seclusion from the public. His reappearance had to have a big impact!

Long Tianmo nodded. “My prolonged illness has been cured, so this general amnesty is a good idea. Imperial Aunt can go on back first. When Imperial Father returns tonight, I’ll bring this up.”

Though she knew Long Tianmo would agree, she didn’t expect things to go so smoothly. Han Yunxi rejoiced and viewed the crown prince in an even more favorable light.

Before she left, Long Tianmo called her back. “Imperial Qin Aunt, please give greetings on my behalf to Imperial Qin Uncle. When I’m completely recovered, I’ll pay him a visit.”

Han Yunxi nodded. From what she knew, Long Feiye wasn’t close with the crown prince or any of the imperial sons. Long Tianmo’s current step was an obvious ploy to improve relations with Long Feiye.

But Long Feiye had never visited him while he was ill, leaving him bitterly disappointed.

Of course, Han Yunxi had no time to worry about all this when she was fully preoccupied with Han Congan. After returning to the Duke of Qin’s house, she didn’t leave at all while waiting for news. Occasionally, she’d even send Chen Xiang outside to search for rumors.

By the afternoon of the second day, the big posters in the streets were still there, and the comments were as lively as before. Apparently various people of the Han household had visited the prisons, but had no way to see Han Congan. After going home, they had even started fighting with each other over the family properties.

Though Long Tianmo’s intervention had a high chance of success, Han Yunxi was still nervous without seeing actual results. After all, time was tight.

During the night, she stood by the window, looking over the night sights of the capital with furrowed brows. Tomorrow was the last day, so what is the situation on Long Tianmo’s side? And what is the truth behind Lady Tianxin’s fatal labor? What kind of secrets did Lady Tianxin and Han Congan keep between them? She tossed and turned that evening, finding it hard to sleep.

But good news came early in the morning of the next day.

Little Cheng Xiang knocked on the door as she shouted, “Mistress, mistress! The emperor proclaimed a general amnesty this morning! Besides criminals who plotted rebellion against the state, all death convicts have been pardoned to lifetime imprisonment! They say the crown prince personally pleaded on their behalf!”

Han Yunxi practically leapt off the bed, washing her face and getting dressed before running to the imperial prisons. She didn’t even bother eating breakfast. As soon as the general amnesty was issued, the fastest news reached the imperial prisons. From a distance, Han Congan heard many discussions and saw a few death convicts being sent back to jail.

“I heard the crown prince brought up general amnesty for the population. Hehe, this time we owe all our good luck to the crown prince!”

“Exactly, we’ll be able to leave soon, right?”

“Look, all those death convicts were taken away. I reckon they’re being released! Hehe, it’ll be our turn soon enough!”

……

The talk filled the entire prison as Han Congan listened by the bars of his cell. His muddled eyes brightened significantly as he marveled at the sight. Why did he never realize Han Yunxi was so clever? She didn’t plead with Emperor Tianhui but the crown prince. She actually thought of something like general amnesty for the population!

Was this really the same Han Yunxi as before?

He always thought that this daughter couldn’t compare to her mother. But now his belief was shaken. Soon, Han Yunxi arrived, and even Han Congan’s gazes shifted as he looked at her.

“Daughter, you’re very smart.”

“Looks like you’ve heard of the emperor’s general amnesty,” Han Yunxi wasn’t in a good mood.

“You should take your father out of the death convicts’ jail, right?” Han Congan’s state of mind was much better than before. Although he was in a difficult position, he stood perfectly upright, filled with proper bearing.

Han Yunxi’s stare turned mocking as her tone grew icy. “Then, when do you plan on telling me the truth?”

“At the very least, allow father to leave here first,” Han Congan was insistent. Doctors were obsessed with cleanliness and he hated the smell of decay and death that permeated these prisons.

Han Yunxi’s lips turned even more mocking. If Han Congan thought he could reach for a yard after getting an inch here, then he was very wrong. She narrowed her eyes and warned, “Han Congan, you won’t die now, but do you believe that I can make your every day worse than death?”

She wasn’t afraid to step in her shoes before the light. Though Han Congan’s death had been waived, he was no bare-footed youth man anymore. Would he fear Han Yunxi’s threat? Seeing her dangerous expression, Han Congan was slightly displeased, but held himself back. He pointed at the base of the wall, indicating that Han Yunxi should sit down to talk. Just like last time, she leaned against the far wall as she sat, her chilly eyes staring straight at Han Congan.

He could sense her guard rise as he sat and exhaled. “Be at ease. We’re already at this point, so I won’t trick you.”

“Stop the useless chatter! Answer my question, how did my mother die?” Han Yunxi was frosty.

Han Congan didn’t answer her question, but his words made Han Yunxi’s heart stop completely. It was too unexpected!

He said, Han Yunxi, I can clearly tell you that I, Han Congan, am not your father!

What?!