It was probably because the Crown Prince's words were too provocative that Princess Leyang, who had been extremely angry, miraculously calmed down. She instructed her servants to support Xie Fuma back to his room. She then wiped away the tears from her face, and with a blank expression, invited the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli to the front hall, "Is the Crown Prince here at my estate today to visit the sick or to enjoy the spectacle?"
"Father Emperor heard that Xie Fuma was ill, so he asked Gu to come and visit on his behalf," The Crown Prince saw that Princess Leyang refused to even pour him a cup of tea, "Gu noticed that Xie Fuma's condition is severe, it is not advisable for him to travel. It would be better for him to stay in the capital and recuperate slowly. Princess, you need not worry about medicine and physicians; Father Emperor and Gu will take care of everything."
Princess Leyang couldn't help but sneer inwardly. The Emperor, for the sake of benevolence and virtue, appeared to be kind to his siblings on the surface, but in reality? She and Xie Fuma knelt outside the Eastern Palace gate for so long, yet the Emperor not only did not send anyone to dissuade the Crown Prince, but also revoked her title as the Royal Princess.
Since they were both concerned about their face, there was no need to talk about "we have the final say in everything". It was simply ridiculous.
She pressed her lips together. "The physician advised that Fuma's condition would improve in a familiar setting."
"Fuma has spent considerable time residing in the capital, which can be considered familiar," the Crown Prince left no room for Princess Leyang to retreat, "Furthermore, the physicians in the south cannot compare to the expertise of the Imperial Physicians from the Imperial Medical Academy."
"The physicians affiliated with the Imperial Medical Academy are the most skilled in treating various complex ailments," the Crown Prince changed his tone, "Gu understands that you hold grievances against Gu, and truthfully, Gu does not harbor deep affection for your family either. However, out of respect for the Emperor, Gu will offer you this final well-intentioned advice."
"Are the physicians in the southern region more competent, or are the Imperial Physicians from the Imperial Medical Academy more capable? The capital has access to abundant and safer medicinal resources," the Crown Prince casually fiddled with his prayer beads. "Moreover, who knows when your husband's condition might improve? The Xie family has numerous side branches; there could be some people with ill intentions among them. If you are far away from the capital, any unforeseen incidents may be beyond the reach of the imperial family's protection."
"As a princess and your husband's wife, if even you cannot calmly consider his well-being, then who can wholeheartedly safeguard him?" the Crown Prince offered a smile devoid of warmth, "Are you relying on those cunning relatives of the Xie family?"
Princess Leyang remained silent.
She knew in her heart that the Crown Prince's words were not without reason. The Xie family was influential in the south, closely connected with local aristocratic families. If any ill intentions arose, without the backing of the imperial family, she would struggle to protect Fuma or their child.
"Please rest assured and allow Fuma to recover in the capital. Do not bring up leaving the capital again," the Crown Prince rose to his feet, "Father Emperor's refusal to grant your request is also for your own benefit."
Princess Leyang looked up at the Crown Prince, "Is it truly for my own benefit?"
The Crown Prince's tone was flat, "Regardless, you are a member of the Ji family."
Princess Leyang stared at the Crown Prince blankly without saying a word. She sat motionless in her chair, even after the Crown Prince left with Liuli, she still hadn't snapped out of her daze.
"Your Highness, has the Crown Prince agreed to let Xie Fuma return to the south for recuperation?" A servant hurriedly approached, his face filled with urgency.
Princess Leyang slowly shook her head, feeling lost and distraught, "Take good care of Xie Fuma. Don't mention anything about returning to the South."
"But the physician said that Xie Fuma's condition would improve in a familiar setting," The servant became anxious, "If Xie Fuma continues to stay in the capital, this servant is worried his condition will worsen."
"Isn't it better to stay in the capital?" Princess Leyang laughed at herself, "Here, we have the most skilled imperial physicians, and... his favorite woman."
Over the years, Xie Fuma had never mentioned Wei Mingyue in front of her. She thought he had long moved on, but after his onset of hysteria, he treated Wei Mingyue's daughter as his own.
So, he wanted to have children with Wei Mingyue?
Then what was she?
Were all those sweet words from him just deceiving her?
For this man, she became enemies with her half-sister, abandoned her pride, and married far away. But all of that couldn't compare to Wei Mingyue, whom he hadn't seen for years.
Or perhaps, men always care the most about the women they can't have?
Princess Leyang knew she should hate the man who had shared her bed for many years, but she couldn't hate him. So, the only person she could hate was Wei Mingyue.
She wished this woman dead.
At noon, the palace dispatched a large number of imperial guards to tightly protect Princess Leyang Estate. They declared to the outside that Xie Fuma was seriously ill, and to ensure his safety, they sent people to protect them.
However, the servants of Princess Leyang Estate quickly discovered that they couldn't leave. They were provided with everything they needed by the officials from the Palace Department, but no one was allowed to go out.
The entire estate became like a stagnant pool.
"I've been deceived by Ji Yuansu!" Princess Leyang looked at her heavily guarded estate, furious enough to smash the furnishings inside the room, "The Emperor wants to confine me!"
All those claims about Xie Fuma's illness and her safety were just deceitful lies.
They simply didn't want to let them return to the South.
Could it be, could it be that the Emperor already knew that the Xie family had arranged their own connections in the capital to promote their ideological beliefs?
At the thought, she suddenly became restless. She called for her her son, Xie Shizi, and with a grave expression, she said, "My child, if anything happens to your father and me, go to the palace and seek an audience with the Empress Dowager. Your maternal grandmother was good friends with the Empress Dowager when she was in the palace. Your maternal grandmother even helped her when your imperial uncle ascended the throne. Considering the past bond, they won't make things too difficult for you."
"Mother, what has happened?" Xie Shizi looked at Princess Leyang in confusion, "Why are there so many Imperial Guards outside?"
"You're still young, you don't need to know so much," Princess Leyang gently touched Xie Shizi's head, "If it weren't for your foolish second sister, our family wouldn't have ended up like this. Poor child of mine..."
"Mother, it's true that Second Sister tried to assassinate the Crown Prince. Even if the truth is revealed and punishment is imposed, they won't take our lives," Xie Shizi, seeing his mother with swollen, tear-stained eyes, quickly consoled her, "We'll face whatever comes together. Don't cry until it affects your health."
Looking at her son, who was still ignorant of everything, Princess Leyang held back her tears and took a deep breath, "I will write a petition to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, asking them to allow you to study in the palace. No matter what happens afterward, you must obediently follow the Empress Dowager's instructions and make her happy, understood?"
"Mother, what exactly has happened? Please don't scare me..."
"Don't be afraid, everything will be fine," Princess Leyang smiled faintly, "I just think that the Imperial Academy might be more suitable for you than staying in the south to study."
"Alright, you go back and pack your things. Maybe someone will come to take you to the palace tomorrow," Princess Leyang had been bold and domineering in these past years because she knew that the Empress Dowager and the Emperor both held gratitude towards her. Her mother had helped the Empress Dowager in the past, and with the Empress Dowager's personality, she wouldn't let her suffer.
Over the years, she had become accustomed to the praise of others and had never experienced any setbacks.
In her time of adversity, she suddenly became calm and realized many things.
If only she had known that her second daughter would cause so much trouble, she would have preferred to let her die in the South rather than bring her to the capital. If it weren't for Xie Yao causing so much trouble, her Fuma wouldn't have gone mad, and she wouldn't have let her beloved son live a life of pleasing and flattering the Empress Dowager.
After writing the letter she wanted to send to the Empress Dowager, Princess Leyang realized that her letter couldn't be sent out. The people in her estate couldn't leave, and the Imperial Guards didn't obey her commands. In the eyes of these guards, she, as a princess, was utterly useless.
Clutching the sealed envelope, she looked at the guards stationed at the door. She clenched her and was about to make a scene when someone arrived on a majestic horse.
The person was dressed in a dark-colored brocade robe, cleanly shaven with a handsome face, appearing to be no older than thirty-something years old.
However, Princess Leyang knew that this man riding on horseback was already over forty, but he didn't show signs of aging.
She hated Wei Mingyue, she also hated Wei Mingyue's man. Sadly, at this moment, she had no choice but to bow her head and ask for help from Hua Yingting.
"General Hua," Princess Leyang called out to Hua Yingting, suppressing the surging emotions in her heart, through the swords held by the Imperial Guards.
Hua Yingting turned his head to look at Princess Leyang, urging his horse to move further away from her before speaking, "May I ask what instructions the Princess has?"
"I dare not," Princess Leyang bowed slightly to Hua Yingting, pleading, "I have a letter that I want to deliver to the Empress Dowager. General, could you please help me convey it?"
"Your Highness, as a man, it might not be appropriate for me to bring a letter to the palace," Hua Yingting glanced backward, then continued, "However, my wife might be able to help. Why don't you discuss this matter with my wife?"
Princess Leyang suddenly snapped back to reality and saw Wei Mingyue not far behind, dressed in men's attire, smiling as she sat on horseback.
Had Wei Mingyue witnessed her desperate plea for help?
Princess Leyang tightly gripped the letter in her hand, and after a while, she slowly bowed to Wei Mingyue, "Please... General Wei, help me deliver this letter."
"Princess, there's no need to be so polite," Wei Mingyue stepped aside, avoiding Princess Leyang's gesture of respect. She dismounted and walked up to Princess Leyang, taking the crumpled letter from her hand. Then she turned to leave.
At that moment, someone suddenly rushed out from the gate. He seemed to want to approach Wei Mingyue, but unfortunately, he was intercepted by the Imperial Guards.
"Fuma?" Princess Leyang saw the look in Xie Juchang's eyes as he glanced at Wei Mingyue, and it pierced her heart like ten thousand arrows. She glared fiercely at the servant guarding Xie Juchang, "Take him back."
"Wife, are you here to see our daughter..." Xie Juchang's voice had just fallen when a scabbard came straight at his chest. Xie Juchang didn't even have a chance to utter a sound before he was knocked to the ground by the scabbard.
"I apologize," Hua Yingting dismounted and picked up the fallen scabbard from the ground, "There seems to be something wrong with this scabbard. Is Xie Fuma alright?"
Daring to feign madness and stupidity to take advantage of his wife, he wouldn't let him off easily.
"Cough... cough..." Xie Juchang coughed twice, then suddenly burst into tears, crying like a wronged child.
Princess Leyang looked at him in heartache.
"Ahem!" Wei Mingyue stepped back with disdain, "So, this disheveled and ugly man is Xie Fuma? After all these years, how did he become like this?"
The tears on Princess Leyang's face instantly froze. The man she held dearest in her heart was being called ugly by Wei Mingyue?
Seemingly realizing that she had misspoken, Wei Mingyue clasped her hands together in front of Princess Leyang, "I apologize, I am a rough person and not good with words. Please forgive me, Princess. Perhaps it's not that Xie Fuma is ugly, but my eyes are not good. You don't have to take my words to heart."
Princess Leyang felt that Wei Mingyue was humiliating her.
Wei Mingyue quickly mounted her horse, "Please rest assured, Princess. I will deliver your letter to the palace."
Being in a position of need, Princess Leyang couldn't say anything. She watched Wei Mingyue, who was radiant with confidence, and silently swallowed the resentment and anger swirling in her heart. Gritting her teeth, she said, "Thank you, General Wei."
"Your Highness, there's no need to be so polite. I will take my leave," Wei Mingyue arched her hand, "Oh, please don't mind what I said earlier."
Princess Leyang: "..."
If could just not rub it in my face, I could pretend not to mind!
Xie Yao quickly changed her mind. As soon as Pei Jihuai walked out of the prison, he was called back.
As Xie Yao provided more and more information, Pei Jihuai's expression grew more serious. If the information provided by Xie Yao was true, the Xie family had been planning for at least several decades. They had endured silently for so long, showing great patience as a family.
Since the matter involved the imperial family, Pei Jihuai felt that he couldn't afford to delay it any further. After recording everything, he hurriedly went to the palace to meet the Emperor. This case had become too significant for the Ministry of Justice to handle independently.
Just after the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli finished their meal at the Eastern Palace, someone from the Chengyang Palace came to invite the Crown Prince over.
"Now?" The Crown Prince glanced at Hua Liuli and stood up, "You go back first. Gu and Fushou Junzhu will join you shortly."
"Why am I going with you as well?" Hua Liuli was puzzled.
"When General Wei and General Hua come to the palace later, it will be livelier with more people," The Crown Prince wanted to take advantage of the presence of both sides to mention the matter of their marriage.
The Crown Prince, accompanied by Hua Liuli, entered the main hall of the Chengyang Palace. To his surprise, besides his future in-laws, Zhang Shuo and Pei Jihuai from the Ministry of Justice were also present. He furrowed his brow, "What's happened?"
"Xie Yao confessed," Emperor Changlong saw the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli enter and said to the Crown Prince, "You arrived just in time, take a look at this."
After reading the contents, the Crown Prince sneered, "This is utterly ridiculous and absurd."
With so many intellectuals in Great Jin, even if they wanted to leave a mark in history, it would depend on their literary talent or their ability to govern. Why was the Xie family so fixated on crooked and sinister methods?
Perhaps what they truly desired was not fame, but power!
Krish728
Author's Note:
Wei Mingyue: Don't get in my way!
It was probably because the Crown Prince's words were too provocative that Princess Leyang, who had been extremely angry, miraculously calmed down. She instructed her servants to support Xie Fuma back to his room. She then wiped away the tears from her face, and with a blank expression, invited the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli to the front hall, "Is the Crown Prince here at my estate today to visit the sick or to enjoy the spectacle?"
"Father Emperor heard that Xie Fuma was ill, so he asked Gu to come and visit on his behalf," The Crown Prince saw that Princess Leyang refused to even pour him a cup of tea, "Gu noticed that Xie Fuma's condition is severe, it is not advisable for him to travel. It would be better for him to stay in the capital and recuperate slowly. Princess, you need not worry about medicine and physicians; Father Emperor and Gu will take care of everything."
Princess Leyang couldn't help but sneer inwardly. The Emperor, for the sake of benevolence and virtue, appeared to be kind to his siblings on the surface, but in reality? She and Xie Fuma knelt outside the Eastern Palace gate for so long, yet the Emperor not only did not send anyone to dissuade the Crown Prince, but also revoked her title as the Royal Princess.
Since they were both concerned about their face, there was no need to talk about "we have the final say in everything". It was simply ridiculous.
She pressed her lips together. "The physician advised that Fuma's condition would improve in a familiar setting."
"Fuma has spent considerable time residing in the capital, which can be considered familiar," the Crown Prince left no room for Princess Leyang to retreat, "Furthermore, the physicians in the south cannot compare to the expertise of the Imperial Physicians from the Imperial Medical Academy."
"The physicians affiliated with the Imperial Medical Academy are the most skilled in treating various complex ailments," the Crown Prince changed his tone, "Gu understands that you hold grievances against Gu, and truthfully, Gu does not harbor deep affection for your family either. However, out of respect for the Emperor, Gu will offer you this final well-intentioned advice."
"Are the physicians in the southern region more competent, or are the Imperial Physicians from the Imperial Medical Academy more capable? The capital has access to abundant and safer medicinal resources," the Crown Prince casually fiddled with his prayer beads. "Moreover, who knows when your husband's condition might improve? The Xie family has numerous side branches; there could be some people with ill intentions among them. If you are far away from the capital, any unforeseen incidents may be beyond the reach of the imperial family's protection."
"As a princess and your husband's wife, if even you cannot calmly consider his well-being, then who can wholeheartedly safeguard him?" the Crown Prince offered a smile devoid of warmth, "Are you relying on those cunning relatives of the Xie family?"
Princess Leyang remained silent.
She knew in her heart that the Crown Prince's words were not without reason. The Xie family was influential in the south, closely connected with local aristocratic families. If any ill intentions arose, without the backing of the imperial family, she would struggle to protect Fuma or their child.
"Please rest assured and allow Fuma to recover in the capital. Do not bring up leaving the capital again," the Crown Prince rose to his feet, "Father Emperor's refusal to grant your request is also for your own benefit."
Princess Leyang looked up at the Crown Prince, "Is it truly for my own benefit?"
The Crown Prince's tone was flat, "Regardless, you are a member of the Ji family."
Princess Leyang stared at the Crown Prince blankly without saying a word. She sat motionless in her chair, even after the Crown Prince left with Liuli, she still hadn't snapped out of her daze.
"Your Highness, has the Crown Prince agreed to let Xie Fuma return to the south for recuperation?" A servant hurriedly approached, his face filled with urgency.
Princess Leyang slowly shook her head, feeling lost and distraught, "Take good care of Xie Fuma. Don't mention anything about returning to the South."
"But the physician said that Xie Fuma's condition would improve in a familiar setting," The servant became anxious, "If Xie Fuma continues to stay in the capital, this servant is worried his condition will worsen."
"Isn't it better to stay in the capital?" Princess Leyang laughed at herself, "Here, we have the most skilled imperial physicians, and... his favorite woman."
Over the years, Xie Fuma had never mentioned Wei Mingyue in front of her. She thought he had long moved on, but after his onset of hysteria, he treated Wei Mingyue's daughter as his own.
So, he wanted to have children with Wei Mingyue?
Then what was she?
Were all those sweet words from him just deceiving her?
For this man, she became enemies with her half-sister, abandoned her pride, and married far away. But all of that couldn't compare to Wei Mingyue, whom he hadn't seen for years.
Or perhaps, men always care the most about the women they can't have?
Princess Leyang knew she should hate the man who had shared her bed for many years, but she couldn't hate him. So, the only person she could hate was Wei Mingyue.
She wished this woman dead.
At noon, the palace dispatched a large number of imperial guards to tightly protect Princess Leyang Estate. They declared to the outside that Xie Fuma was seriously ill, and to ensure his safety, they sent people to protect them.
However, the servants of Princess Leyang Estate quickly discovered that they couldn't leave. They were provided with everything they needed by the officials from the Palace Department, but no one was allowed to go out.
The entire estate became like a stagnant pool.
"I've been deceived by Ji Yuansu!" Princess Leyang looked at her heavily guarded estate, furious enough to smash the furnishings inside the room, "The Emperor wants to confine me!"
All those claims about Xie Fuma's illness and her safety were just deceitful lies.
They simply didn't want to let them return to the South.
Could it be, could it be that the Emperor already knew that the Xie family had arranged their own connections in the capital to promote their ideological beliefs?
At the thought, she suddenly became restless. She called for her her son, Xie Shizi, and with a grave expression, she said, "My child, if anything happens to your father and me, go to the palace and seek an audience with the Empress Dowager. Your maternal grandmother was good friends with the Empress Dowager when she was in the palace. Your maternal grandmother even helped her when your imperial uncle ascended the throne. Considering the past bond, they won't make things too difficult for you."
"Mother, what has happened?" Xie Shizi looked at Princess Leyang in confusion, "Why are there so many Imperial Guards outside?"
"You're still young, you don't need to know so much," Princess Leyang gently touched Xie Shizi's head, "If it weren't for your foolish second sister, our family wouldn't have ended up like this. Poor child of mine..."
"Mother, it's true that Second Sister tried to assassinate the Crown Prince. Even if the truth is revealed and punishment is imposed, they won't take our lives," Xie Shizi, seeing his mother with swollen, tear-stained eyes, quickly consoled her, "We'll face whatever comes together. Don't cry until it affects your health."
Looking at her son, who was still ignorant of everything, Princess Leyang held back her tears and took a deep breath, "I will write a petition to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, asking them to allow you to study in the palace. No matter what happens afterward, you must obediently follow the Empress Dowager's instructions and make her happy, understood?"
"Mother, what exactly has happened? Please don't scare me..."
"Don't be afraid, everything will be fine," Princess Leyang smiled faintly, "I just think that the Imperial Academy might be more suitable for you than staying in the south to study."
"Alright, you go back and pack your things. Maybe someone will come to take you to the palace tomorrow," Princess Leyang had been bold and domineering in these past years because she knew that the Empress Dowager and the Emperor both held gratitude towards her. Her mother had helped the Empress Dowager in the past, and with the Empress Dowager's personality, she wouldn't let her suffer.
Over the years, she had become accustomed to the praise of others and had never experienced any setbacks.
In her time of adversity, she suddenly became calm and realized many things.
If only she had known that her second daughter would cause so much trouble, she would have preferred to let her die in the South rather than bring her to the capital. If it weren't for Xie Yao causing so much trouble, her Fuma wouldn't have gone mad, and she wouldn't have let her beloved son live a life of pleasing and flattering the Empress Dowager.
After writing the letter she wanted to send to the Empress Dowager, Princess Leyang realized that her letter couldn't be sent out. The people in her estate couldn't leave, and the Imperial Guards didn't obey her commands. In the eyes of these guards, she, as a princess, was utterly useless.
Clutching the sealed envelope, she looked at the guards stationed at the door. She clenched her and was about to make a scene when someone arrived on a majestic horse.
The person was dressed in a dark-colored brocade robe, cleanly shaven with a handsome face, appearing to be no older than thirty-something years old.
However, Princess Leyang knew that this man riding on horseback was already over forty, but he didn't show signs of aging.
She hated Wei Mingyue, she also hated Wei Mingyue's man. Sadly, at this moment, she had no choice but to bow her head and ask for help from Hua Yingting.
"General Hua," Princess Leyang called out to Hua Yingting, suppressing the surging emotions in her heart, through the swords held by the Imperial Guards.
Hua Yingting turned his head to look at Princess Leyang, urging his horse to move further away from her before speaking, "May I ask what instructions the Princess has?"
"I dare not," Princess Leyang bowed slightly to Hua Yingting, pleading, "I have a letter that I want to deliver to the Empress Dowager. General, could you please help me convey it?"
"Your Highness, as a man, it might not be appropriate for me to bring a letter to the palace," Hua Yingting glanced backward, then continued, "However, my wife might be able to help. Why don't you discuss this matter with my wife?"
Princess Leyang suddenly snapped back to reality and saw Wei Mingyue not far behind, dressed in men's attire, smiling as she sat on horseback.
Had Wei Mingyue witnessed her desperate plea for help?
Princess Leyang tightly gripped the letter in her hand, and after a while, she slowly bowed to Wei Mingyue, "Please... General Wei, help me deliver this letter."
"Princess, there's no need to be so polite," Wei Mingyue stepped aside, avoiding Princess Leyang's gesture of respect. She dismounted and walked up to Princess Leyang, taking the crumpled letter from her hand. Then she turned to leave.
At that moment, someone suddenly rushed out from the gate. He seemed to want to approach Wei Mingyue, but unfortunately, he was intercepted by the Imperial Guards.
"Fuma?" Princess Leyang saw the look in Xie Juchang's eyes as he glanced at Wei Mingyue, and it pierced her heart like ten thousand arrows. She glared fiercely at the servant guarding Xie Juchang, "Take him back."
"Wife, are you here to see our daughter..." Xie Juchang's voice had just fallen when a scabbard came straight at his chest. Xie Juchang didn't even have a chance to utter a sound before he was knocked to the ground by the scabbard.
"I apologize," Hua Yingting dismounted and picked up the fallen scabbard from the ground, "There seems to be something wrong with this scabbard. Is Xie Fuma alright?"
Daring to feign madness and stupidity to take advantage of his wife, he wouldn't let him off easily.
"Cough... cough..." Xie Juchang coughed twice, then suddenly burst into tears, crying like a wronged child.
Princess Leyang looked at him in heartache.
"Ahem!" Wei Mingyue stepped back with disdain, "So, this disheveled and ugly man is Xie Fuma? After all these years, how did he become like this?"
The tears on Princess Leyang's face instantly froze. The man she held dearest in her heart was being called ugly by Wei Mingyue?
Seemingly realizing that she had misspoken, Wei Mingyue clasped her hands together in front of Princess Leyang, "I apologize, I am a rough person and not good with words. Please forgive me, Princess. Perhaps it's not that Xie Fuma is ugly, but my eyes are not good. You don't have to take my words to heart."
Princess Leyang felt that Wei Mingyue was humiliating her.
Wei Mingyue quickly mounted her horse, "Please rest assured, Princess. I will deliver your letter to the palace."
Being in a position of need, Princess Leyang couldn't say anything. She watched Wei Mingyue, who was radiant with confidence, and silently swallowed the resentment and anger swirling in her heart. Gritting her teeth, she said, "Thank you, General Wei."
"Your Highness, there's no need to be so polite. I will take my leave," Wei Mingyue arched her hand, "Oh, please don't mind what I said earlier."
Princess Leyang: "..."
If could just not rub it in my face, I could pretend not to mind!
Xie Yao quickly changed her mind. As soon as Pei Jihuai walked out of the prison, he was called back.
As Xie Yao provided more and more information, Pei Jihuai's expression grew more serious. If the information provided by Xie Yao was true, the Xie family had been planning for at least several decades. They had endured silently for so long, showing great patience as a family.
Since the matter involved the imperial family, Pei Jihuai felt that he couldn't afford to delay it any further. After recording everything, he hurriedly went to the palace to meet the Emperor. This case had become too significant for the Ministry of Justice to handle independently.
Just after the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli finished their meal at the Eastern Palace, someone from the Chengyang Palace came to invite the Crown Prince over.
"Now?" The Crown Prince glanced at Hua Liuli and stood up, "You go back first. Gu and Fushou Junzhu will join you shortly."
"Why am I going with you as well?" Hua Liuli was puzzled.
"When General Wei and General Hua come to the palace later, it will be livelier with more people," The Crown Prince wanted to take advantage of the presence of both sides to mention the matter of their marriage.
The Crown Prince, accompanied by Hua Liuli, entered the main hall of the Chengyang Palace. To his surprise, besides his future in-laws, Zhang Shuo and Pei Jihuai from the Ministry of Justice were also present. He furrowed his brow, "What's happened?"
"Xie Yao confessed," Emperor Changlong saw the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli enter and said to the Crown Prince, "You arrived just in time, take a look at this."
After reading the contents, the Crown Prince sneered, "This is utterly ridiculous and absurd."
With so many intellectuals in Great Jin, even if they wanted to leave a mark in history, it would depend on their literary talent or their ability to govern. Why was the Xie family so fixated on crooked and sinister methods?
Perhaps what they truly desired was not fame, but power!
Krish728
Author's Note:
Wei Mingyue: Don't get in my way!
