Not only Wang Daren and Zhang Shuo were surprised, but Hua Liuli was also taken aback. She had visited the private estate a few days ago and had not found anything suspicious in the main courtyard. Today, the dragon robe was suddenly found, which was clearly a deliberate framing and the most convenient mudslinging tactic.
If His Majesty had even the slightest suspicion towards the Hua family, even if it were proven that she was not responsible for this, the position of the Hua family in the court would become awkward.
No matter what they did or said in the future, in the eyes of others, they could be seen as having ulterior motives. The relationship between monarch and subject was more complex than that between husband and wife.
She thought that the best outcome would be for His Majesty to order a thorough investigation into the matter without treating the Hua family as criminals. However, she never expected that His Majesty would directly claim responsibility for this.
His Majesty was lying.
"Well... this matter..." Emperor Changlong looked somewhat embarrassed, "Originally, it was a private matter between Zhen and the Crown Prince."
Wang Daren and Zhang Shuo stood with their heads down, but their ears perked up.
How did the dragon robe end up in Fushou Junzhu's private estate if it was a private matter between His Majesty and the Crown Prince?
"Lately, there have been rumors circulating outside that Zhen is the True Dragon descended to the mortal realm, capable of warding off evil spirits," Emperor Changlong lamented his old age and strained his brain to find reasons to preserve the reputation of his beloved family, "The Crown Prince, after hearing these rumors from the common folk, shamelessly came to beg Zhen and obtained the dragon robe that Zhen no longer wears. He placed it in Fushou Junzhu's private estate, claiming that it could protect her from all illnesses."
"Naturally, Zhen doesn't believe in these things, but Zhen allowed it so that the Crown Prince would not be worried about it," Emperor Changlong looked somewhat embarrassed, "Originally, Zhen didn't intend to reveal this private matter, but unexpectedly, the dragon robe was discovered right after it was placed in the private estate, and it implicated Fushou Junzhu."
Wang Daren wore an expression of "Who am I and what am I listening to?" He felt that at the age of fifty-five, he was not yet old enough to understand the ways of communication between father and son in the imperial family.
Soon, he felt embarrassed. It was a matter of mutual affection between father and son, but he had made a big fuss. Now he was left feeling utterly ashamed.
"Wang Daren, you have always been devoted to Zhen, and Zhen is deeply grateful," Emperor Changlong didn't forget to save his loyal subject's face; he rewarded him with some items and said, "With a meticulous subject like Wang Daren in the court, it is the fortune of the imperial court."
Being praised by Emperor Changlong, Wang Daren's embarrassment disappeared in an instant, and he happily replied, "Your Majesty's words are too kind. It is this subject's duty to share Your Majesty's worries."
"Now that the matter has been resolved, Wang Daren may withdraw. Zhang Daren and Zhen still have some matters to discuss," Emperor Changlong said.
"Yes, this subject will withdraw," Wang Daren exited the Chanyang Palace and encountered Consort Xian, who was waiting outside. In his heart, he thought that Consort Xian must have come to witness the spectacle involving Fushou Junzhu, but unfortunately, His Majesty had already known about it, so Consort Xian had made the trip in vain.
Consort Xian hadn't recovered from the shock of hearing the news just now. She glanced at Wang Daren without saying a word.
Wang Daren respectfully nodded and hastily walked away and unexpectedly encountered the Crown Prince, who was coming towards him. He quickly stepped aside to make way.
Looking at the Crown Prince sitting in the sedan chair, Wang Daren's thoughts were quite complicated. He never expected the Crown Prince to believe the rumors circulating among the common folk and go to such lengths to protect Fushou Junzhu's delicate health, even resorting to using the dragon robe. It was truly laughable and exasperating.
Although this method was not ideal, it could be seen that the Crown Prince deeply admired His Majesty, or else why would he believe that the dragon robe worn by His Majesty could ward off evil spirits?
Moreover, the Crown Prince was also a person who valued emotions. Fushou Junzhu risked her life to intercept an assassin and was gravely injured. In response, the Crown Prince was marrying her as the Crown Princess and even requested His Majesty's dragon robe for her sake.
As a courtier, one did not fear an emperor with heartfelt emotions and righteousness but rather a cold-hearted and ruthless monarch who disregarded any sense of sentiment. When working under a ruthless monarch, a slight misstep could cost one's life.
Perhaps he had misunderstood the Crown Prince before. The Crown Prince was actually not a bad person.
"Wang Daren," The Crown Prince raised his hand to signal the eunuchs carrying the sedan chair to halt. He turned his head to look at Wang Daren, who was concealing the anxiety on his face, "Did you just come out of the Imperial Study?"
"Indeed, Your Royal Highness." Wang Daren bowed and saluted.
"Gu heard that you accused Fushou Junzhu of privately keeping the dragon robe in her private estate?" The Crown Prince furrowed his brows slightly.
Wang Daren: "..."
This question was really difficult to answer. He did indeed accuse her, but he couldn't say it directly to the Crown Prince. He could only lower his head and remain silent.
"To be honest, this matter is related to Gu and has nothing to do with Fushou Junzhu," the Crown Prince lowered his eyelids and spoke in a cold tone, "Gu will explain this matter to Father Emperor. You should not meddle."
"Yes."
Wang Daren said, "Please rest assured, Your Royal Highness. This subject will never disclose it."
The Crown Prince was somewhat surprised. Wang Daren was a student of Grand Tutor Du; his character and behavior were similar to Grand Tutor Du. He was stubborn and inflexible, and although he sometimes didn't consider others' opinions, he could be considered an upright official. Since this was a matter concerning the court, the Crown Prince thought that Wang Daren would argue with him, but he unexpectedly agreed so readily.
Upon arriving at the Chanyang Palace, the Crown Prince couldn't wait for Zhao Sancai to announce his arrival. He strode in and said, "Father Emperor, this matter has nothing to do with Fushou Junzhu. Please..."
When he saw the scene inside the hall, his footsteps halted, and his words were caught in his throat.
Wasn't it said that someone found the dragon robe in Liuli's private estate? Why were Princess Shunan, Consort Xian, and Liuli all sitting leisurely in chairs?
"Zhen is well aware that it has nothing to do with Fushou Junzhu," Emperor Changlong glanced at Consort Xian, who was sitting beside him and reluctant to leave while sipping tea, and spoke directly, "Consort Xian, take Shunan to your palace to sit for a while."
Consort Xian glanced at the Crown Prince and reluctantly stood up, taking Royal Princess Shunan with her to leave.
"Zhen suspects that the forgery of the treasonous letters involving Hua Jingyi and the dragon robe discovered in Fushou Junzhu's private estate are the work of the same group of people," Emperor Changlong's expression turned grim, "The only people who could have secretly placed the dragon robe in the imperial estate are the servants in the private estate."
These servants were arranged by the Imperial Household Department, so those who could plant spies in advance were likely from within the palace.
The personnel in Emperor Changlong's harem were few. Aside from a few consorts, there were only the imperial princes and princesses. However, no one wanted to easily suspect those close to them.
Originally, Zhang Shuo thought that the Crown Prince's reason for placing the dragon robe in Fushou Junzhu's private estate was absurd. But now, after hearing what His Majesty said, he understood that His Majesty was providing cover for the Hua family.
He was shocked to the core. Upon discovering this matter, His Majesty didn't suspect the Hua family but instead found an absurd reason to protect them and prevent any harm to their reputation.
What level of trust His Majesty had in the Hua family for him to protect them to this extent?
As the saying goes, hide the bow after shooting the bird. The way His Majesty treated the Hua family was far from hiding the bow, but rather, he wished to gild the bow with gold and proudly display it to everyone, saying, "Look at my bow, isn't it powerful and handsome? Are you afraid of this bow?"
"Zhang Daren, this case will be handled by you. Don't startle the snake in the grass," Emperor Changlong looked at Zhang Shuo, "Focus on the individuals who accidentally discovered the dragon robe in the private estate, they must be thoroughly interrogated."
"This subject understands, Your Majesty." Zhang Shuo glanced at Fushou Junzhu, "Junzhu, are there any suspicious individuals among the servants in the private estate?"
Hua Liuli shook her head, "The private estate was bestowed upon me by His Majesty. Aside from occasional inspections, I haven't made any changes to the personnel inside, even the furnishings and decorations remain the same."
"This subject understands," Zhang Shuo saluted Emperor Changlong, "Your Majesty, this subject will now investigate the suspicious servants in the private estate. This subject will take leave."
"Hua family's girl, you have been through a frightful experience this time."
As he walked towards the palace gate, Zhang Shuo heard these words.
The address of "Hua family's girl" sounded much closer than any noble title. It seemed that His Majesty was genuinely pleased with his future daughter-in-law.
He looked at the dragon patterns carved on the Hanbai stone pillars outside the hall and sighed inwardly.
If any of the imperial princes were involved in this matter, it would be troublesome.
From the surface, privately keeping the dragon robe should have implicated both the Hua family and the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince gets deposed as a result, the most prestigious Crown Prince position would go to the Eldest Prince, Ying Wang.
Regardless of the assassination attempt at Eastern Palace or the other major cases in recent months, it seemed that they were all somehow related to Ying Wang. On the surface, it seemed to be in favor of Ying Wang, but in reality, he was the most unlucky one.
Everyone knew that His Majesty cherished the Crown Prince the most. If something were to happen to the Crown Prince, instead of turning to his eldest son, His Majesty would start to suspect whether everything was done by Ying Wang for his own benefit.
There was also the attempted poisoning case of Fushou Junzhu in the Lincui Palace. Later, it was discovered that a palace maid from the Lincui Palace had 'attempted to commit suicide out of fear'. Although the palace maid denied any involvement of Consort Xian, her every action indicated that she desperately wanted to tell the Ministry of Justice that Consort Xian and Ying Wang were the most suspicious and should not be let off the hook.
But was the Ministry of Justice so easily deceived?
Therefore, after informing His Majesty of all the doubts, they did not publicize the case, so neither Consort Xian nor Ying Wang were implicated in the slightest.
"Your Majesty," Hua Liuli stood up and knelt before Emperor Changlong, "This subject caused Your Majesty trouble with this case involving this subject."
As the saying goes, a gentleman's promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold. In order to not bring trouble for her, Emperor Changlong actually told a lie in front of his ministers.
"Yuansu, help Hua family's girl up," Emperor Changlong saw his future daughter-in-law kneeling and hurriedly said, "Zhen knows you have been wronged. Zhen doesn't find it troublesome at all."
"You are still young and unaware of the treacherous nature of people's hearts," Emperor Changlong smiled, "Many people want to tarnish the reputation of the Hua family and create discord between us. But Zhen cannot comply with their wishes. What Zhen is protecting is not only the Hua family but also the century-old foundation of the Ji family dynasty and the will of the people."
If the Hua family falls, the happiest ones would be the countries like Daimao and Jinpo. Perhaps they dare not act rashly in the coming years, but what about ten or twenty years later?
The Hua family is not just the Hua family; it also represents the symbol of Great Jin's deterrence over other nations.
"Yuansu, Hua family's girl may be frightened by this incident. Accompany her for a stroll in the Imperial Garden to relax," Emperor Changlong didn't forget to foster the relationship between his son and future daughter-in-law, "Don't worry about other matters. Zhen trusts the Hua family."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Hua Liuli bowed deeply and then retreated.
The Crown Prince walked beside Hua Liuli, his expression was not particularly happy, "Are you scared?"
Hua Liuli shook her head and then nodded slightly, "I was initially scared, but then I thought that as long as I have a clear conscience, His Majesty will surely bring justice to the Hua family."
The Crown Prince reached out and plucked a small flower, tearing off its petals. He looked both aggrieved and sad, "I thought you would come to the Eastern Palace first. I waited for you there, but you never came."
Upon learning that Hua Liuli had gone directly to the Chengyang Palace, he hurriedly rushed over.
Krish728
Author's Note:
The Crown Prince: I'm so upset that only a kiss from Liuli can somewhat comfort me.
Not only Wang Daren and Zhang Shuo were surprised, but Hua Liuli was also taken aback. She had visited the private estate a few days ago and had not found anything suspicious in the main courtyard. Today, the dragon robe was suddenly found, which was clearly a deliberate framing and the most convenient mudslinging tactic.
If His Majesty had even the slightest suspicion towards the Hua family, even if it were proven that she was not responsible for this, the position of the Hua family in the court would become awkward.
No matter what they did or said in the future, in the eyes of others, they could be seen as having ulterior motives. The relationship between monarch and subject was more complex than that between husband and wife.
She thought that the best outcome would be for His Majesty to order a thorough investigation into the matter without treating the Hua family as criminals. However, she never expected that His Majesty would directly claim responsibility for this.
His Majesty was lying.
"Well... this matter..." Emperor Changlong looked somewhat embarrassed, "Originally, it was a private matter between Zhen and the Crown Prince."
Wang Daren and Zhang Shuo stood with their heads down, but their ears perked up.
How did the dragon robe end up in Fushou Junzhu's private estate if it was a private matter between His Majesty and the Crown Prince?
"Lately, there have been rumors circulating outside that Zhen is the True Dragon descended to the mortal realm, capable of warding off evil spirits," Emperor Changlong lamented his old age and strained his brain to find reasons to preserve the reputation of his beloved family, "The Crown Prince, after hearing these rumors from the common folk, shamelessly came to beg Zhen and obtained the dragon robe that Zhen no longer wears. He placed it in Fushou Junzhu's private estate, claiming that it could protect her from all illnesses."
"Naturally, Zhen doesn't believe in these things, but Zhen allowed it so that the Crown Prince would not be worried about it," Emperor Changlong looked somewhat embarrassed, "Originally, Zhen didn't intend to reveal this private matter, but unexpectedly, the dragon robe was discovered right after it was placed in the private estate, and it implicated Fushou Junzhu."
Wang Daren wore an expression of "Who am I and what am I listening to?" He felt that at the age of fifty-five, he was not yet old enough to understand the ways of communication between father and son in the imperial family.
Soon, he felt embarrassed. It was a matter of mutual affection between father and son, but he had made a big fuss. Now he was left feeling utterly ashamed.
"Wang Daren, you have always been devoted to Zhen, and Zhen is deeply grateful," Emperor Changlong didn't forget to save his loyal subject's face; he rewarded him with some items and said, "With a meticulous subject like Wang Daren in the court, it is the fortune of the imperial court."
Being praised by Emperor Changlong, Wang Daren's embarrassment disappeared in an instant, and he happily replied, "Your Majesty's words are too kind. It is this subject's duty to share Your Majesty's worries."
"Now that the matter has been resolved, Wang Daren may withdraw. Zhang Daren and Zhen still have some matters to discuss," Emperor Changlong said.
"Yes, this subject will withdraw," Wang Daren exited the Chanyang Palace and encountered Consort Xian, who was waiting outside. In his heart, he thought that Consort Xian must have come to witness the spectacle involving Fushou Junzhu, but unfortunately, His Majesty had already known about it, so Consort Xian had made the trip in vain.
Consort Xian hadn't recovered from the shock of hearing the news just now. She glanced at Wang Daren without saying a word.
Wang Daren respectfully nodded and hastily walked away and unexpectedly encountered the Crown Prince, who was coming towards him. He quickly stepped aside to make way.
Looking at the Crown Prince sitting in the sedan chair, Wang Daren's thoughts were quite complicated. He never expected the Crown Prince to believe the rumors circulating among the common folk and go to such lengths to protect Fushou Junzhu's delicate health, even resorting to using the dragon robe. It was truly laughable and exasperating.
Although this method was not ideal, it could be seen that the Crown Prince deeply admired His Majesty, or else why would he believe that the dragon robe worn by His Majesty could ward off evil spirits?
Moreover, the Crown Prince was also a person who valued emotions. Fushou Junzhu risked her life to intercept an assassin and was gravely injured. In response, the Crown Prince was marrying her as the Crown Princess and even requested His Majesty's dragon robe for her sake.
As a courtier, one did not fear an emperor with heartfelt emotions and righteousness but rather a cold-hearted and ruthless monarch who disregarded any sense of sentiment. When working under a ruthless monarch, a slight misstep could cost one's life.
Perhaps he had misunderstood the Crown Prince before. The Crown Prince was actually not a bad person.
"Wang Daren," The Crown Prince raised his hand to signal the eunuchs carrying the sedan chair to halt. He turned his head to look at Wang Daren, who was concealing the anxiety on his face, "Did you just come out of the Imperial Study?"
"Indeed, Your Royal Highness." Wang Daren bowed and saluted.
"Gu heard that you accused Fushou Junzhu of privately keeping the dragon robe in her private estate?" The Crown Prince furrowed his brows slightly.
Wang Daren: "..."
This question was really difficult to answer. He did indeed accuse her, but he couldn't say it directly to the Crown Prince. He could only lower his head and remain silent.
"To be honest, this matter is related to Gu and has nothing to do with Fushou Junzhu," the Crown Prince lowered his eyelids and spoke in a cold tone, "Gu will explain this matter to Father Emperor. You should not meddle."
"Yes."
Wang Daren said, "Please rest assured, Your Royal Highness. This subject will never disclose it."
The Crown Prince was somewhat surprised. Wang Daren was a student of Grand Tutor Du; his character and behavior were similar to Grand Tutor Du. He was stubborn and inflexible, and although he sometimes didn't consider others' opinions, he could be considered an upright official. Since this was a matter concerning the court, the Crown Prince thought that Wang Daren would argue with him, but he unexpectedly agreed so readily.
Upon arriving at the Chanyang Palace, the Crown Prince couldn't wait for Zhao Sancai to announce his arrival. He strode in and said, "Father Emperor, this matter has nothing to do with Fushou Junzhu. Please..."
When he saw the scene inside the hall, his footsteps halted, and his words were caught in his throat.
Wasn't it said that someone found the dragon robe in Liuli's private estate? Why were Princess Shunan, Consort Xian, and Liuli all sitting leisurely in chairs?
"Zhen is well aware that it has nothing to do with Fushou Junzhu," Emperor Changlong glanced at Consort Xian, who was sitting beside him and reluctant to leave while sipping tea, and spoke directly, "Consort Xian, take Shunan to your palace to sit for a while."
Consort Xian glanced at the Crown Prince and reluctantly stood up, taking Royal Princess Shunan with her to leave.
"Zhen suspects that the forgery of the treasonous letters involving Hua Jingyi and the dragon robe discovered in Fushou Junzhu's private estate are the work of the same group of people," Emperor Changlong's expression turned grim, "The only people who could have secretly placed the dragon robe in the imperial estate are the servants in the private estate."
These servants were arranged by the Imperial Household Department, so those who could plant spies in advance were likely from within the palace.
The personnel in Emperor Changlong's harem were few. Aside from a few consorts, there were only the imperial princes and princesses. However, no one wanted to easily suspect those close to them.
Originally, Zhang Shuo thought that the Crown Prince's reason for placing the dragon robe in Fushou Junzhu's private estate was absurd. But now, after hearing what His Majesty said, he understood that His Majesty was providing cover for the Hua family.
He was shocked to the core. Upon discovering this matter, His Majesty didn't suspect the Hua family but instead found an absurd reason to protect them and prevent any harm to their reputation.
What level of trust His Majesty had in the Hua family for him to protect them to this extent?
As the saying goes, hide the bow after shooting the bird. The way His Majesty treated the Hua family was far from hiding the bow, but rather, he wished to gild the bow with gold and proudly display it to everyone, saying, "Look at my bow, isn't it powerful and handsome? Are you afraid of this bow?"
"Zhang Daren, this case will be handled by you. Don't startle the snake in the grass," Emperor Changlong looked at Zhang Shuo, "Focus on the individuals who accidentally discovered the dragon robe in the private estate, they must be thoroughly interrogated."
"This subject understands, Your Majesty." Zhang Shuo glanced at Fushou Junzhu, "Junzhu, are there any suspicious individuals among the servants in the private estate?"
Hua Liuli shook her head, "The private estate was bestowed upon me by His Majesty. Aside from occasional inspections, I haven't made any changes to the personnel inside, even the furnishings and decorations remain the same."
"This subject understands," Zhang Shuo saluted Emperor Changlong, "Your Majesty, this subject will now investigate the suspicious servants in the private estate. This subject will take leave."
"Hua family's girl, you have been through a frightful experience this time."
As he walked towards the palace gate, Zhang Shuo heard these words.
The address of "Hua family's girl" sounded much closer than any noble title. It seemed that His Majesty was genuinely pleased with his future daughter-in-law.
He looked at the dragon patterns carved on the Hanbai stone pillars outside the hall and sighed inwardly.
If any of the imperial princes were involved in this matter, it would be troublesome.
From the surface, privately keeping the dragon robe should have implicated both the Hua family and the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince gets deposed as a result, the most prestigious Crown Prince position would go to the Eldest Prince, Ying Wang.
Regardless of the assassination attempt at Eastern Palace or the other major cases in recent months, it seemed that they were all somehow related to Ying Wang. On the surface, it seemed to be in favor of Ying Wang, but in reality, he was the most unlucky one.
Everyone knew that His Majesty cherished the Crown Prince the most. If something were to happen to the Crown Prince, instead of turning to his eldest son, His Majesty would start to suspect whether everything was done by Ying Wang for his own benefit.
There was also the attempted poisoning case of Fushou Junzhu in the Lincui Palace. Later, it was discovered that a palace maid from the Lincui Palace had 'attempted to commit suicide out of fear'. Although the palace maid denied any involvement of Consort Xian, her every action indicated that she desperately wanted to tell the Ministry of Justice that Consort Xian and Ying Wang were the most suspicious and should not be let off the hook.
But was the Ministry of Justice so easily deceived?
Therefore, after informing His Majesty of all the doubts, they did not publicize the case, so neither Consort Xian nor Ying Wang were implicated in the slightest.
"Your Majesty," Hua Liuli stood up and knelt before Emperor Changlong, "This subject caused Your Majesty trouble with this case involving this subject."
As the saying goes, a gentleman's promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold. In order to not bring trouble for her, Emperor Changlong actually told a lie in front of his ministers.
"Yuansu, help Hua family's girl up," Emperor Changlong saw his future daughter-in-law kneeling and hurriedly said, "Zhen knows you have been wronged. Zhen doesn't find it troublesome at all."
"You are still young and unaware of the treacherous nature of people's hearts," Emperor Changlong smiled, "Many people want to tarnish the reputation of the Hua family and create discord between us. But Zhen cannot comply with their wishes. What Zhen is protecting is not only the Hua family but also the century-old foundation of the Ji family dynasty and the will of the people."
If the Hua family falls, the happiest ones would be the countries like Daimao and Jinpo. Perhaps they dare not act rashly in the coming years, but what about ten or twenty years later?
The Hua family is not just the Hua family; it also represents the symbol of Great Jin's deterrence over other nations.
"Yuansu, Hua family's girl may be frightened by this incident. Accompany her for a stroll in the Imperial Garden to relax," Emperor Changlong didn't forget to foster the relationship between his son and future daughter-in-law, "Don't worry about other matters. Zhen trusts the Hua family."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Hua Liuli bowed deeply and then retreated.
The Crown Prince walked beside Hua Liuli, his expression was not particularly happy, "Are you scared?"
Hua Liuli shook her head and then nodded slightly, "I was initially scared, but then I thought that as long as I have a clear conscience, His Majesty will surely bring justice to the Hua family."
The Crown Prince reached out and plucked a small flower, tearing off its petals. He looked both aggrieved and sad, "I thought you would come to the Eastern Palace first. I waited for you there, but you never came."
Upon learning that Hua Liuli had gone directly to the Chengyang Palace, he hurriedly rushed over.
Krish728
Author's Note:
The Crown Prince: I'm so upset that only a kiss from Liuli can somewhat comfort me.
