Chapter 904: Interrogation, finally here (2/2)

Somehow or another, the room grew exceptionally still. Han Yunxi looked at Ning Jing, who met her gaze squarely without a trace of fear. She even added on, “So it shouldn’t count as slander when I say the princess is thinking of the East Qin crown prince, right?”

Han Yiunxi only looked at the crowd. “What does the head elder think?”

The head elder was a far-seeing, astute man. Although he was the leader of the Council of Elders, he rarely expressed his opinions. If Ning Jing hadn’t brought up the subject, he would have questioned Han Yunxi on behalf of the entire council. But since Ning Jing had made things so clear, why did he have to stand out as the token bad guy? In any case, no matter what stance he took, the princess would have to give them all a satisfactory explanation for the masses today.

He lowered his head and didn’t say a word. But Han Yunxi then asked, “Second Elder, what do you think?”

Was she going to call on them one by one? Would no one escape? The group was secretly startled. It’s as the rumors say, Han Yunxi is hard to deal with!

Indeed she was. All of the people present were important figures in Myriad Merchant Hall, so she had to know all of their stances before making decisions. Finally, the head elder had to stand out.

“Princess,” he said, “This subordinate speaks for Myriad Merchant Hall to welcome you here. Please excuse the hall for not coming out to meet you. This subordinate has qualms for that slight, and I--”

“Does Head Elder agree with Ning Jing’s views?” Han Yunxi interrupted directly. “Do you feel that this princess has illicit relations with the East Qin crown prince?”

The head elder was forced to drop his act, but he still decided to reply on behalf of the council. “To reply princess, the Council of Elders may not agree with Miss Jing’s views, but we don’t understand why the princess would be with the East Qin crown prince, either.”

Ning Jing didn’t look at him when he spoke, but stared at the other four elders instead. Her sharp eyes caught Fifth Elder’s angry glance towards the head elder. At this moment, Han Yunxi knew that going in circles with the Council of Elders had been worth it!

“So that’s how the Council of Elders feel…” she thought a bit, then added, “Does Head Elder personally feel this way?”

Although he was part of a group, the stance of the group differed from that of its individual members. Most importantly, it was the duty that weighed on their shoulders.

“This subordinate...this subordinate…” the head elder stammered, unable to reply. Ning Jing smiled coldly.

At this moment, Fifth Elder suddenly stepped out. “Your Royal Highness, this subordinate doesn’t think that way!”

“Then what do you think? Share your thoughts,” Han Yunxi said hastily.

“The young Miss and Uncle Cheng disrespected the princess and should be dealt with according to clan laws!” Although Fifth Elder was getting on in his years, his large, round eyes were clear and clean--as straightforward and obstinate as his personality.

Han Yunxi thought Fifth Elder was only dissatisfied because of his personal issues with the head elder. Her original plan was to use the conflicts of the council against each other to control Myriad Merchant Hall, but never expected Fifth Elder to be such a persistent, loyal sort!

Fifth Elder said, “Your Royal Highness would definitely follow your own principles to do things. What right do we as subordinates have to question you? Isn’t that all backwards? This subordinate believes that if Your Royal Highness was really as questionable as Miss Jing says, you wouldn’t be sitting here today!”

The head elder was embarrassed after Fifth Elder’s words. He didn’t know what else to say. Meanwhile, the rest of the council all wore complicated expressions. Ning Jing simply laughed out loud.

“Han Yunxi, take a look! Just see, there are plenty of people in the Di Clan who are fools just like my big brother! You trampled on his loyalty and these people’s trust!”

“I did not!” Han Yunxi denied vehemently. “Hasn’t everyone considered why East and West Qin stopped fighting after only a month when East Qin was clearly winning?”

Of course everyone had been curious, but what would merchants know of the battlefield? Ning Cheng hadn’t publicized the true reasons, so no one dared to ask.

“What, haven’t any of you asked Ning Cheng?” Han Yunxi asked next. Seeing their expressions, she couldn’t help but smile inwardly. Long Feiye was right. Her position in the Di Clan was simply that as a symbol of faith. The true power still laid in Ning Cheng’s hands. If it had been Ning Cheng colluding with Long Feiye today, who amongst those seated would dare to demand an explanation from him?

“Long Feiye and I came to an agreement to suspend all hostilities between East and West Qin until we get rid of Bai Yanqing. We’ll resume fighting after that!” Han Yunxi intoned.

“On what grounds did Long Feiye come to an agreement with West Qin? Hehe, the East Qin crown prince would never make such a disadvantageous deal!” Ning Jing mocked.

“Because he can’t deal with Bai Yanqing’s poisons, but I can!” Han Yunxi replied seriously.

Ning Jing was quick to counterattack. “Han Yunxi, do you take us all for fools? What a laughable lie! All of the archers saw you and Long Feiye hugging each other!”