Ning Chen watched the old man take Doctor Chen away, then put his horse to a gallop and made for the Ministry of Justice.

He came to the Ministry of Justice, found Li Zhixing, and went straight to the point.

"What? You want to take Miss Zisu out?"

Li Zhixing's face was all shock. "Marquis Ning, this is not a thing to joke about. Zisu's father was wronged, yes, but His Majesty has not issued an edict pardoning Miss Zisu's crime. Taking her out like this is the same as breaking her out of prison."

"Lord Li, a life is at stake. There's no room to weigh all that... The whole responsibility is mine. And remember to send up a memorial to His Majesty."

Li Zhixing's brows drew tight. "Marquis, aren't you putting me in an impossible position?"

Ning Chen smiled. "I'm telling you to send up the memorial so you won't be dragged into it... Afterward I'll send Zisu back, and I'll go to His Majesty myself and ask for punishment."

"Don't worry. I guarantee nothing will come of it."

Li Zhixing looked at him. "The marquis is certain nothing will come of it?"

Ning Chen nodded.

Li Zhixing nodded. "Very well. Then we'll do it the marquis's way."

Zisu was brought out of the prison, her whole face full of confusion.

She saw Ning Chen, and before she could open her mouth he had taken hold of her and was walking her toward the gate.

At the gate he helped Zisu up onto the horse first, then swung up himself.

"Hyah!!!"

Diaochan shot away like an arrow off the string.

The cold wind struck her face, and Zisu burrowed into Ning Chen's chest without thinking.

The corner of Ning Chen's mouth lifted.

"Ning Chen, has His Majesty pardoned me?"

Ning Chen had been to the prison to see her more than once lately, and had told her everything.

Ning Chen shook his head. "Not yet. You'll have to stay in prison a while longer... But I think you'll be free before long."

His Majesty did not yet know…