Chapter 946: The Young Empress (79)

"Is the evidence conclusive?"

Tang Guo glanced at Xiao Jin. His face was dark and gloomy, madness flickering in his eyes.

"I've already investigated everything thoroughly," Tang Nuoyue replied. She was no longer someone others could casually bully. "There are both witnesses and physical evidence."

Prince Yue's residence was her territory. From the moment she decided to truly survive and establish herself here, she had made sure her domain was as secure as iron. Every move Xiao Jin made had taken place under her watchful eye.

She had no desire to keep someone capable of poisoning others. She was no longer alone. There were several children in the residence now.

If Xiao Jin ever turned his hand toward the children, that would truly be impossible to guard against.

After pondering for a moment, Tang Guo said, "Since that's the case, imprison him in Ling Temple. Unless someone from Qi Kingdom comes to take him away, he is forbidden from stepping out of Ling Temple for the rest of his life."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Tang Nuoyue naturally understood that Xiao Jin could not be killed.

Once he died, Qi Kingdom would have an excuse to attack Western Saint Kingdom.

Even if they didn't do it now, there would always be another opportunity in the future.

Although Western Saint Kingdom wasn't afraid of war, Tang Nuoyue believed warfare consumed lives and wealth. In the end, it would be Western Saint Kingdom that suffered. A hostage prince from another nation was not someone who could simply be executed.

To imprison him in Ling Temple, never allowing him to leave for the rest of his life—such a punishment was far crueler to someone as restless as Xiao Jin.

Xiao Jin's eyes widened. He tried to struggle, but was held down, his mouth stuffed shut before he was dragged away.

Tang Nuoyue stayed behind and chatted with Tang Guo for a while before departing. When she left, she felt completely refreshed.

At last, the final person who had harmed her had been dealt with. Wangfu Shan Ge was disciplined and dependable, requiring no concern from her. As for Yin Qiu, he had long since been managed into complete obedience by Shan Ge, so she didn't need to worry about him either.

There were only two men in her residence. Yin Qiu seemed to understand something and had behaved very well these past years, no longer causing trouble.

The corrupt officials had also been investigated and dealt with. What remained ahead was the leisurely life of a wealthy prince.

After toiling for so many years, it was finally time to enjoy herself.

The thought alone put Tang Nuoyue in an excellent mood.

On the day Xiao Jin was sent to Ling Temple, Tang Nuoyue personally came to see him off.

Looking at the man imprisoned inside the cage, she said, "If only you'd behaved yourself, would you have ended up like this?"

"Spare me the hypocritical act, Tang Nuoyue. I'm not from Western Saint Kingdom. Making me your secondary husband was nothing but humiliation!"

At this point, Xiao Jin no longer cared whether his words were true or false. Saying them made him feel better. His life was already ruined, after all.

Tang Nuoyue said, "So you've finally admitted it."

A smile rested on her face as she looked directly at him.

"You never loved me at all, did you, Xiao Jin?"

Xiao Jin burst into laughter.

"How could I possibly love a woman like you? You didn't have a single redeeming quality."

"I've known that for a long time."

Tang Nuoyue's expression remained calm. She had already grown up. She was no longer the innocent, naïve, somewhat foolish Tang Nuoyue of before. There was no need to become angry over someone who never loved her, nor any reason to feel disappointed.

"In the beginning, when you approached me, wasn't it all for your own benefit? Xiao Jin, don't make yourself sound so innocent. You wanted to drive a wedge between me and the Empress, use me to overthrow her rule, and seize Western Saint Kingdom for yourself, didn't you?"

Seeing Xiao Jin's eyes widen in shock, Tang Nuoyue continued, "Once you placed me upon the throne, you would probably have driven a knife straight through my heart, wouldn't you?"

Xiao Jin stared at her in utter disbelief.

Turning around, Tang Nuoyue walked away. Her voice drifted into Xiao Jin's ears.

"Unfortunately, you'll never get that chance."

She was Tang Nuoyue, the woman whose heart had once been pierced through.

She would protect herself. She would never again foolishly allow herself to be used.

She knows?

That was the only thought in Xiao Jin's mind as he was dragged away.

How does she know?

That question consumed him.

Wasn't this woman supposed to be stupid?