He cleared his throat and said, "Alright!"

"Even if it was Qing Rui who did it, I can only apologize to the Emperor on her behalf."

"After all, Qing Rui is my granddaughter, and I won’t just stand by and do nothing. It’s just that the family discipline is lacking, making everyone laugh."

Song Qingrui lowered her head, her voice not loud, yet she still defended herself.

"But I didn’t break the Guanyin..."

Prince Li Zheng pretended not to hear.

He raised his hand, "In that case, let the banquet commence..."

Bai Zhi’er abruptly stood up, "Wait!"

Her voice was clear and lively, with an undeniable presence.

Prince Li Zheng’s eyes were dark, "What else would this lady like to advise?"

Bai Zhi’er said decisively, "The matter hasn’t been thoroughly investigated; it can’t be so perfunctorily concluded."

"The White Jade Guanyin was not broken by either me or Qing Rui, there is someone else responsible for damaging it."

"I don’t care how the Prince intends to investigate, but you’re not allowed to just throw the blame onto us!"

"Failing to find out who broke it is a failure of the Prince’s ability, not a reason for us to take the fall!"

These words were overwhelmingly powerful.

The surrounding guests gasped in shock.

Such an impressive young lady, not afraid of Prince Li Zheng at all! 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

This is, after all, an old official even respected by the Emperor.

Bai Zhi’er pointed at the table, "Without clarifying things, others will only think that Qing Rui and I are irresponsible."

"So if it’s not clarified today, the banquet is not allowed to start!"

Prince Li Zheng furrowed his brows on the spot.

"You—!"

Feng Fuce sat beside holding a teacup, leisurely and calm.

His deep and dark eyes looked indulgently at Bai Zhi’er.

Just let his Little Demon Pet cause a fuss, the more fun, the better.

No matter what happens, he has his ways, making Prince Li Zheng regret provoking Bai Zhi’er.

Why provoke her?

The Princess Consort tried to mediate, "Alright, alright, husband, Miss Jing and I..."

However, Prince Li Zheng didn’t listen to the Princess Consort’s words and sternly said, "Fine! Since you want justice and clarity, then don’t blame me for being ruthless after I find out!"

"These earrings, I now have the servants compare among the female guests. If it’s proven that only Qing Rui wore them today, then you’ll owe me an explanation!"

Saying this, Prince Li Zheng handed the earrings to the servants.

They checked one by one among the female guests.

Although Song Qingrui was somewhat afraid, for some reason, with Bai Zhi’er by her side, she had the courage to face it.

The White Jade Guanyin was clearly not broken by her, she couldn’t take this blame.

The maids finished comparing the earrings, and indeed found that among these guests, only Song Qingrui’s earrings matched this style.

Bai Zhi’er of course knew that what Prince Li Zheng got hold of, was the earring Song Qingrui had lost.

But she couldn’t admit it.

She could leave at any time, others couldn’t do anything to her.

But that fool Song Qingrui didn’t know how badly Song Qingying might take advantage of the situation to harm her.

Therefore, Bai Zhi’er had to resolve the matter in front of everyone.

Prince Li Zheng received the report from the maids and looked at Bai Zhi’er, sternly asking, "Miss Jing, do you have anything else to say now?"

Bai Zhi’er was about to speak.

When suddenly, the voice of Heir Ming Yang came from the side—

"Grandfather... perhaps I can testify for them."

The crowd was in an uproar.

Prince Li Zheng looked at his own son in disbelief.

"Ming Yang, don’t speak recklessly." He warned with implied meaning.

Wei Mingyang, however, lowered his head and recounted what he saw.

"Actually, I saw Miss Jing. At that time, she was playing hide and seek in the garden with the young man who came with her."

"Although I didn’t see Sister Qingrui, I assume they were together, right?"