"Your Royal Highness, are you angry?" Hua Liuli belatedly realized that the Crown Prince was indeed displeased.
The Crown Prince glanced at Hua Liuli and shifted uncomfortably, "Hmm."
Seeing the Crown Prince in a sulky mood, Hua Liuli walked up to him and tugged at his sleeve, "Don't be angry, okay?"
The Crown Prince gave a light tug on his sleeve, unexpectedly pulling it out of Hua Liuli's hand. He awkwardly stuffed the sleeve back into her hand and turned his head, "Do you not trust me?"
"Your Royal Highness, it is precisely because I trust you that I did not come to find you," Hua Liuli said, holding the Crown Prince's hand. His hand was warm and clean, and holding it gave her a sense of infinite security.
"Throughout history, privately hiding the dragon robe has always been a grave offense. In the previous dynasty, a crown prince was accused of privately hiding the dragon robe without clarifying the truth and was imprisoned for a lifetime. You are my betrothed; until I understand His Majesty's stance on this matter, I cannot implicate you," Hua Liuli said with a gentle smile, "Your Royal Highness, you don't know how good you look when you smile. Even though the capital experiences the seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, as long as I have you, it will forever be the most beautiful spring."
"Call me selfish or arrogant if you want, but I can't bear to see you suffer even a little bit," Hua Liuli opened her arms and gently held one of the Crown Prince's hands, shaking it back and forth, "Your Royal Highness, please don't be angry, okay?"
The Crown Prince blushed and was enchanted by Hua Liuli's words. With his ears turning red, he pretended to be angry and looked at Hua Liuli, "Don't think that you can appease my anger with sweet words."
"Then, Your Royal Highness, how can you forgive me?" Hua Liuli looked at the Crown Prince pitifully, "Just because of this little matter, you don't like me anymore?"
"Don't talk nonsense," the Crown Prince gazed at Hua Liuli. Emotions seemed to surge in his eyes, and in the end, they transformed into boundless tenderness, "To me, Liuli is my heart, my liver, and even my life. If you don't want me to suffer, how can I bear to see you implicated in a conspiracy?"
"In the future..." The Crown Prince slightly leaned forward, seemingly as if he was about to kiss the corner of Hua Liuli's lips, "In the future, if something like this happens, will you come to me first?"
Hua Liuli stared at the Crown Prince, her mind in a daze. Faced with the tenderness in his eyes, she couldn't help but nod, even if it meant risking her life.
"Is that okay?" the Crown Prince asked.
Hua Liuli caught a faint fragrance from the Crown Prince's body as she nodded, "Yes."
"I'll remember it," the Crown Prince held Hua Liuli's hand tightly, "In the face of any trouble, we will face it together. Two minds are better than one."
Hua Liuli smiled, "Even if I bring trouble for you?"
"Between us, there is no trouble; it's called sharing joys and sorrows," the Crown Prince suddenly pointed to a branch, "Look, the magnolia tree is blooming beautifully."
Hua Liuli looked up and saw several white magnolia flowers blooming on the branch, like fairies veiled in beauty.
She felt a warm touch of lips on her cheek; Hua Liuli widened her eyes and turned to look at the Crown Prince.
"This is called 'sounding east while striking west'," the Crown Prince, having succeeded in his military tactic, smiled triumphantly, "Liuli, born into a prestigious military family, should understand."
Hua Liuli reached out and pinched the Crown Prince's cheek, distorting his handsome face into a square shape, "The Crown Prince is truly worthy of being a student of my father. You even know how to use the 'sounding east while striking west' tactic."
"Ouch..." The Crown Prince looked at Hua Liuli with a pitiful expression as she continued to twist his face.
"Does it really hurt?" Hua Liuli quickly released her grip, cupping the Crown Prince's face and giving it a gentle rub, "Your Royal Highness, your face is so tender that it turns red with just a light pinch."
"Although the magnolia is beautiful, with you, Liuli, all my thoughts are captivated," the Crown Prince lamented, "If I have to blame someone, it's your fault for looking too good, so good that I constantly want to be close to you."
"So, in the end, it's still my fault?" Hua Liuli held the Crown Prince's face and raised an eyebrow at him.
"Blame me, blame me, blame my uncontrollable heart," the Crown Prince grasped both of Hua Liuli's hands, "Our Liuli would never make mistakes, and even if you do, it would be my fault."
Upon hearing that Fushou Junzhu had committed the grave crime of hiding the dragon robe, Ying Wang hastily rushed into the palace. From a distance, he saw the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli laughing and playing under a magnolia tree, causing him to halt his steps.
In his impression, Fushou Junzhu was delicate and needed to be cherished in one's palm. Even when she smiled, there was a hint of shyness and timidity in her eyes.
But now he realized that Fushou Junzhu could also laugh and tease others, even taking the initiative to grab someone's cheek. The only difference was that the person being grabbed was not him.
"Your Highness?" The attending eunuch knew that Ying Wang had hastily entered the palace to intercede for Fushou Junzhu. However, since she was in a cheerful mood, laughing and talking with the Crown Prince, it meant that the situation was not serious at all.
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince is really good to Fushou Junzhu. He even dares to intercede with the Emperor for her, even though she committed the grave crime of hiding the dragon robe," the attending eunuch lowered his head and bowed, saying, "It was a waste of Your Highness's efforts..."
"Shut up," Ying Wang looked at the attending eunuch, who had been with him since childhood, with a harsh tone, "You're becoming more and more ignorant of the palace rules. It's not your place, a eunuch, to speak freely about imperial matters."
"Your Highness, please forgive this servant," the attending eunuch knelt before Ying Wang, looking extremely submissive, "This servant only saw Your Highness putting in so much effort for Fushou Junzhu, however, she knows nothing about it. Instead, she jokes and flirts with the Crown Prince. This servant couldn't help but feel indignant on Your Highness's behalf."
"Does Benwang need you, a eunuch, to feel indignant on Benwang's behalf?" Ying Wang kicked him in the shoulder, causing him to roll away, "Don't be so reticent in Benwang's presence."
"Yes," the eunuch hurriedly got up from the ground, not daring to brush off the dust on his body. He quickly followed behind Ying Wang and left the palace.
After leaving the palace, Wang Daren was surrounded by other court officials who wanted to gather information.
"Wang Daren, has the Emperor issued a decree?"
"Who was the one hiding the dragon robe in Fushou Junzhu's private estate?"
"It was the Crown Prince..."
Before Wang Daren could finish speaking, some officials already had an expression of "as expected" on their faces. The Crown Prince had been spoiled rotten by the Emperor for years. Now that he had the support of the Hua family, it made him even more arrogant. With his proud character, it was not surprising that he would commit an act of privately keeping the dragon robe.
"The Crown Prince placed it in Fushou Junzhu's private estate with the Emperor's permission."
"What?!"
Several court officials who were preparing to go home and write a memorial to impeach the Crown Prince were shocked on the spot, "How is that possible?!"
"It's true. After I met with the Emperor, he explained the situation clearly. This matter has nothing to do with Fushou Junzhu. Don't make wild speculations, or it might anger the Emperor," Wang Daren felt embarrassed to mention the Crown Prince's reason for placing the dragon robe in Fushou Junzhu's private estate, so he pretended to speak in a profound manner, "The Emperor and the Crown Prince have their own intentions in handling matters. Don't inquire about it, or it might jeopardize the Emperor's plans."
The officials all showed signs of sudden realization, nodding in agreement, "So that's how it is."
In fact, none of them had any "sudden realization". Instead, they were all afraid because they had just been so indignant about this matter and even said some disparaging words about Fushou Junzhu. After all, she was the future Crown Princess and possibly even the future Empress. It wouldn't be good if their words reached Fushou Junzhu's ears.
"I knew it. Fushou Junzhu was born into a family of loyal and virtuous generals. She has a gentle and kind nature. How could she do such a thing?"
"I also thought the same. Whenever my female relatives mention Fushou Junzhu, they always praise her endlessly. She was personally chosen by the Emperor as the future Crown Princess. How could a good girl like her commit an act of treason?"
"Yes, yes, I think the same way."
As for the nonsense they spoke earlier, such as "treacherous generals" and "to know someone's face but not their heart", they were not the ones who said it. It was all a misunderstanding.
The incident of Fushou Junzhu hiding the dragon robe started with a big fanfare but ended silently. The next day, during the court session, no one brought up the matter for discussion.
The few court officials who had made baseless speculations about the Hua family and the Crown Prince stood silently among the other officials, afraid that the Hua family and the Crown Prince would find out what they had said yesterday.
Fortunately, neither the Hua family nor the Crown Prince came to trouble them until the court session ended.
However, they couldn't help but feel a little suspicious. They inexplicably felt that the Crown Prince's footsteps seemed slower when he passed by them.
"Your Royal Highness," Zhang Shuo called out to the Crown Prince, who turned around, "Zhang Daren?"
"May Your Royal Highness spare some time to talk with this subject at the Ministry of Justice?" Zhang Shuo made a bow and salutation to the Crown Prince.
"Alright," the Crown Prince nodded and agreed immediately.
At the Ministry of Justice, Zhang Shuo got straight to the point, "Your Royal Highness, this subject has thoroughly investigated the servants in Fushou Junzhu's private estate; there are indeed several suspicious individuals who were found near the place where the dragon robe was discovered."
Zhang Shuo placed a piece of paper with a list of names in front of the Crown Prince, "These people may not seem connected, but they all have some degree of association with Lincui Palace and Ying Wang's Estate."
"Ying Wang?" The Crown Prince picked up the list and glanced at it before placing it back on the table, lightly tapping his index finger on the table, "What are you trying to say, Zhang Daren?"
"The Emperor has given the order to entrust this case to Your Royal Highness's full responsibility," Zhang Shuo looked at the Crown Prince, not wanting to miss any expression on his face, "So, this subject has come to seek Your Royal Highness's command."
"You can go to Ying Wang's Estate to inquire, but Gu believes this matter has nothing to do with him," the Crown Prince's tone was calm. "Though Gu wouldn't describe Gu's relationship with Ying Wang as brotherly, considering his upright and straightforward character, he wouldn't stoop to low schemes, nor would he involve loyal and virtuous individuals even if he did."
Zhang Shuo was somewhat surprised. He had always thought that the Crown Prince and Ying Wang were at odds. In the past, whenever conflicts arose between them, the Crown Prince didn't give Ying Wang any face. But now, when there was a perfect opportunity to deal with Ying Wang, the Crown Prince was unexpectedly speaking up for him.
It's often said that the imperial family lacks genuine familial emotions, but Zhang Shuo couldn't see through the feelings of these individuals in the Ji family dynasty. Was this ultimately good or bad?
"Does Your Royal Highness truly mean what you say?" Zhang Shuo wanted to confirm whether the Crown Prince was being genuine or not.
"Is Zhang Daren thinking that Gu is speaking up for Ying Wang?" The Crown Prince sneered, "Everyone in the court knows about the poor relationship between him and Gu. But plotting against loyal and virtuous individuals is something he definitely wouldn't do. If you don't believe Gu, you can investigate slowly. If he's unlucky, it would be a good thing for Gu."
"Zhang Daren, don't be polite. If there's anything, just ask Benwang directly," Ying Wang suddenly pushed open the door, and it was unclear how long he had been listening outside. His face appeared calm as he strode into the room, not even sparing a glance at the Crown Prince, who was sitting on the cushioned seat and leisurely sipping tea as if the tea from the Ministry of Justice was a rare delicacy.
"These people, do you have any impression of them, Your Highness?" Zhang Shuo handed over the list of names, focusing on the key suspected individuals.
Ying Wang took the list and noticed that the relationships were clearly illustrated, including the interactions and indirect connections of these individuals with Lincui Palace and Ying Wang's Estate, all listed in detail.
"Rest assured, Zhang Daren. Within an hour, Benwang will bring all these people to the Ministry of Justice," Ying Wang's expression was extremely grim. Even if he did not have the brightest mind, he could tell that there was a conspiracy at play.
This conspiracy targeted not only the Crown Prince and the Hua family but also him.
Who could be behind this?
Ning Wang? No, Ning Wang had a mild temperament and preferred to indulge in food and spectacles. He wouldn't do something like this.
Could it be Ji Qichen or Ji Yanqiu?
He knew it. These two younger brothers must be coming to collect debts.
"Thank you, Your Highness, for cooperating with this subordinate's investigation," Zhang Shuo breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn't expected that Ying Wang would be so easy to talk to, completely different from his usual hot-tempered self.
The Crown Prince set down his teacup and smiled, "Since the matter has been clarified, Gu will take leave."
"Wait," Ying Wang called out to the Crown Prince, "I will walk with you."
The Crown Prince didn't respond and left Zhang Shuo's office with his hands behind his back.
Without hesitation, Ying Wang chased after him.
Outside the Ministry of Justice, the two brothers mounted their tall horses in silence.
Ying Wang, restless and impatient, looked at the Crown Prince, who had a faint smile on his face. After suppressing his emotions for a moment, he spoke up, "Why did you speak up for me?"
"Speak up for you?" The Crown Prince knew that Ying Wang had heard the words he had just spoken. He chuckled lightly, appearing carefree, "Gu is not speaking up for you. Gu is simply stating the facts so that Father Emperor doesn't have to worry."
"At a time like this, shouldn't you take the opportunity to suppress me and eliminate me as a threat?" Ying Wang couldn't understand why the Crown Prince would let go of such a good opportunity.
"A threat?" The Crown Prince raised an eyebrow, revealing his signature infuriating smile to Ying Wang, "Eldest Brother, do you know why you look several years older than Gu despite our seven-day age difference?"
Ying Wang glared at him but remained silent because he knew the Crown Prince wouldn't say anything pleasant.
"People who overthink things age faster." The Crown Prince chuckled disdainfully, "In Gu's eyes, you have never been a threat."
Ying Wang was somewhat moved, "Could it be that you..."
"Who among you can threaten Gu?" The Crown Prince lazily smiled, "Don't overthink things. Overthinking not only ages you faster but also gives you an inflated sense of self-importance."
Ying Wang: "..."
He should just kill this dog of a Crown Prince. Having him as a Crown Prince was simply a mental torment for them as princes.
"Don't be angry, Eldest Brother," The Crown Prince smiled softly, "This is just how Gu speaks. After all these years, why are you still getting angry?"
Ying Wang gritted his teeth, "Shut up."
The Crown Prince continued to smile at him, and surprisingly, he really stopped speaking.
Even though the Crown Prince had actually listened to him for once and stopped talking, Ying Wang couldn't help but feel frustrated. It should be said that every time he faced the Crown Prince, he felt nothing but frustration.
They were all Father Emperor's sons, so why did the Crown Prince always manage to infuriate them?
Ying Wang remained silent for a while before asking, "Did Third Brother and Fushou Junzhu really set the wedding date for the 12th of August?"
"Is Eldest Brother worried that there won't be enough time to prepare the wedding gift for Gu and Liuli?"
Liuli.
Ying Wang silently repeated this name in his mind. He knew that he would never be able to utter this name in his lifetime. Now he addressed her as Junzhu, but in the future, he would have to address her as Crown Princess.
If he hadn't rejected his betrothal with her back then, perhaps it would have been him standing as the groom.
Ying Wang's lips twitched, and he shifted his gaze away, "I wonder what Fushou Junzhu likes. I should start preparing in advance."
"No need to be polite, Eldest Brother. If you don't know what to give, you can give us gold and silver, deeds to properties, anything will do. Neither Gu nor Liuli will find fault in it," the Crown Prince smiled, "When it comes to silver, no one will find it too much."
"Alright," Ying Wang replied sullenly, "Take good care of Fushou Junzhu."
"Thank you for your concern, Eldest Brother. Liuli is the treasure of Gu's heart. How could Gu bear to mistreat her?" The Crown Prince seemed oblivious to the unusual expression on Ying Wang's face as he happily spoke about the sweetness between him and Liuli, "Since Gu's betrothal is already settled, Eldest Brother's good fortune should also be approaching."
Ying Wang felt as if the Crown Prince had stabbed him in the heart twice. It not only caused a dull pain, but he also had to force a smile.
After separating from the Crown Prince, Ying Wang returned to his estate and had the suspicious servants tied up and discreetly placed them into a carriage. The carriage was then sent to the Ministry of Justice through the back door.
He could tolerate being stabbed by the Crown Prince, but he would not tolerate these servants.
"Your Highness..."
The accompanying eunuch approached. Ying Wang was in a bad mood, so he pushed him away impatiently and said, "Get out, Benwang wants to be alone."
"Yes," the accompanying eunuch respectfully exited the room and closed the door behind him.
In that brief moment when the door closed, the accompanying eunuch caught a glimpse of the pained expression on Ying Wang's face.
The Crown Prince returned to Chenyang Palace and carefully examined the dragon robe that had been found in the private estate. The embroidery on the dragon robe was exquisite, not something that could have been hurriedly made. Ordinary embroiderers couldn't produce such fine work.
The golden threads used to embroider the dragon patterns required countless procedures to complete a single, intricate dragon.
"Did they measure the size of the garment?" The Crown Prince pulled up the sleeve of the dragon robe and glanced at it, then turned to Zhao Sancai.
"Your Royal Highness, the size of this dragon robe..." Zhao Sancai hesitated for a moment, "It's similar to the size of the clothes Your Royal Highness usually wears."
"They even know Gu's measurements?" The Crown Prince threw the sleeve away as if it were scalding hot, "It seems this person is not ordinary."
"With so many people constantly watching you, Zhen is truly worried," Emperor Changlong sighed and looked at the Crown Prince with concern, "Why don't Zhen abdicate and let you ascend to the throne? With that, Zhen can rest assured that no one will use these methods to target you or the Hua family anymore."
"Father Emperor, please forgive Erchen for speaking impolitely. Father Emperor is still in the prime of your life. How can you think of such absurd things?" The Crown Prince hurriedly replied, "I'm still so young and inexperienced, how could Father Emperor trust Erchen to handle the dynasty?"
"Zhen trusts you wholeheartedly."
The Crown Prince: "..."
He didn't know how to respond to that.
"Father Emperor, for the sake of our Ji family's ancestors, please don't have such negative thoughts," the Crown Prince pleaded, "Father Emperor is the true Dragon Emperor. For the people of Great Jin, Father Emperor should strive to work hard."
"Erchen is still young and has neither married nor had children," the Crown Prince kept retreating, distancing himself from the dragon robe, "There is a saying that goes, 'Those without a beard on their face are unreliable in their actions'. Erchen is still too young and not very dependable."
Emperor Changlong: "..."
What sin had he committed to raise such a son?
As night fell, the moon climbed up the treetops, and a man dressed in a light-colored brocade stood beneath a golden osmanthus tree, his expression cold.
"Master, the plan has failed, and those servants have been exposed," the subordinate knelt before the man, feeling as if his head was about to fall off his neck and roll onto the ground.
"Failed?" The man frowned, "The dragon robe wasn't successfully placed?"
"Replying to Master, not only was the dragon robe placed in Fushou Junzhu's private estate, but it was also discovered and presented to the Chenyang Palace," the subordinate swallowed nervously, afraid to mention what happened next.
"Continue!" The man's face grew even colder.
"But soon, news spread within the palace that the dragon robe was not placed by Fushou Junzhu, but by the Emperor and the Crown Prince," the subordinate trembled, "So no one pursued the matter."
This precious dragon robe was painstakingly crafted over several months by their people. It was clearly their people who had placed it there, yet how did it become a case of Emperor Changlong and the Crown Prince putting it there after it was presented in the palace?
Is Emperor Changlong out of his mind?
"So, you're saying that Emperor Changlong publicly claimed that he placed the dragon robe in the private estate?" the man's face contorted in anger, "Is he being controlled by the Crown Prince and the Hua family in the palace?"
The subordinate shook his head. "Based on the information from our palace informant, everything appears to be proceeding normally."
But normalcy itself is the biggest abnormality!
Has there ever been an emperor who, upon learning that a court official's family concealed a dragon robe, willingly shouldered the blame and publicly proclaimed to have placed it there himself?
Is he insane?
Is he still worthy of the title of emperor?
Can he not possess a shred of the suspicion befitting an emperor?
What has become of the dignity and temper expected of an emperor?
Has it all gone to the dogs?!
The man gripped the golden osmanthus tree and couldn't contain his anger. He snapped off a branch, "If the person in the palace wants revenge so badly, she should kill the person that Consort Xian cares about the most."
"It is said that the Crown Prince and Ying Wang have a strained relationship and often quarrel," the man took out a thumb-sized jade bottle from his pocket, "This medicine is called Sanxi Powder. It once saved Fushou Junzhu from a crisis."
Unfortunately, the Crown Prince won't have good luck this time.
Since his plan clashes with Fushou Junzhu's five elements, this time he will avoid Fushou Junzhu.
Krish728
Author's Note:
The man: Don't ask, asking just makes me want to kill someone.
"Your Royal Highness, are you angry?" Hua Liuli belatedly realized that the Crown Prince was indeed displeased.
The Crown Prince glanced at Hua Liuli and shifted uncomfortably, "Hmm."
Seeing the Crown Prince in a sulky mood, Hua Liuli walked up to him and tugged at his sleeve, "Don't be angry, okay?"
The Crown Prince gave a light tug on his sleeve, unexpectedly pulling it out of Hua Liuli's hand. He awkwardly stuffed the sleeve back into her hand and turned his head, "Do you not trust me?"
"Your Royal Highness, it is precisely because I trust you that I did not come to find you," Hua Liuli said, holding the Crown Prince's hand. His hand was warm and clean, and holding it gave her a sense of infinite security.
"Throughout history, privately hiding the dragon robe has always been a grave offense. In the previous dynasty, a crown prince was accused of privately hiding the dragon robe without clarifying the truth and was imprisoned for a lifetime. You are my betrothed; until I understand His Majesty's stance on this matter, I cannot implicate you," Hua Liuli said with a gentle smile, "Your Royal Highness, you don't know how good you look when you smile. Even though the capital experiences the seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, as long as I have you, it will forever be the most beautiful spring."
"Call me selfish or arrogant if you want, but I can't bear to see you suffer even a little bit," Hua Liuli opened her arms and gently held one of the Crown Prince's hands, shaking it back and forth, "Your Royal Highness, please don't be angry, okay?"
The Crown Prince blushed and was enchanted by Hua Liuli's words. With his ears turning red, he pretended to be angry and looked at Hua Liuli, "Don't think that you can appease my anger with sweet words."
"Then, Your Royal Highness, how can you forgive me?" Hua Liuli looked at the Crown Prince pitifully, "Just because of this little matter, you don't like me anymore?"
"Don't talk nonsense," the Crown Prince gazed at Hua Liuli. Emotions seemed to surge in his eyes, and in the end, they transformed into boundless tenderness, "To me, Liuli is my heart, my liver, and even my life. If you don't want me to suffer, how can I bear to see you implicated in a conspiracy?"
"In the future..." The Crown Prince slightly leaned forward, seemingly as if he was about to kiss the corner of Hua Liuli's lips, "In the future, if something like this happens, will you come to me first?"
Hua Liuli stared at the Crown Prince, her mind in a daze. Faced with the tenderness in his eyes, she couldn't help but nod, even if it meant risking her life.
"Is that okay?" the Crown Prince asked.
Hua Liuli caught a faint fragrance from the Crown Prince's body as she nodded, "Yes."
"I'll remember it," the Crown Prince held Hua Liuli's hand tightly, "In the face of any trouble, we will face it together. Two minds are better than one."
Hua Liuli smiled, "Even if I bring trouble for you?"
"Between us, there is no trouble; it's called sharing joys and sorrows," the Crown Prince suddenly pointed to a branch, "Look, the magnolia tree is blooming beautifully."
Hua Liuli looked up and saw several white magnolia flowers blooming on the branch, like fairies veiled in beauty.
She felt a warm touch of lips on her cheek; Hua Liuli widened her eyes and turned to look at the Crown Prince.
"This is called 'sounding east while striking west'," the Crown Prince, having succeeded in his military tactic, smiled triumphantly, "Liuli, born into a prestigious military family, should understand."
Hua Liuli reached out and pinched the Crown Prince's cheek, distorting his handsome face into a square shape, "The Crown Prince is truly worthy of being a student of my father. You even know how to use the 'sounding east while striking west' tactic."
"Ouch..." The Crown Prince looked at Hua Liuli with a pitiful expression as she continued to twist his face.
"Does it really hurt?" Hua Liuli quickly released her grip, cupping the Crown Prince's face and giving it a gentle rub, "Your Royal Highness, your face is so tender that it turns red with just a light pinch."
"Although the magnolia is beautiful, with you, Liuli, all my thoughts are captivated," the Crown Prince lamented, "If I have to blame someone, it's your fault for looking too good, so good that I constantly want to be close to you."
"So, in the end, it's still my fault?" Hua Liuli held the Crown Prince's face and raised an eyebrow at him.
"Blame me, blame me, blame my uncontrollable heart," the Crown Prince grasped both of Hua Liuli's hands, "Our Liuli would never make mistakes, and even if you do, it would be my fault."
Upon hearing that Fushou Junzhu had committed the grave crime of hiding the dragon robe, Ying Wang hastily rushed into the palace. From a distance, he saw the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli laughing and playing under a magnolia tree, causing him to halt his steps.
In his impression, Fushou Junzhu was delicate and needed to be cherished in one's palm. Even when she smiled, there was a hint of shyness and timidity in her eyes.
But now he realized that Fushou Junzhu could also laugh and tease others, even taking the initiative to grab someone's cheek. The only difference was that the person being grabbed was not him.
"Your Highness?" The attending eunuch knew that Ying Wang had hastily entered the palace to intercede for Fushou Junzhu. However, since she was in a cheerful mood, laughing and talking with the Crown Prince, it meant that the situation was not serious at all.
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince is really good to Fushou Junzhu. He even dares to intercede with the Emperor for her, even though she committed the grave crime of hiding the dragon robe," the attending eunuch lowered his head and bowed, saying, "It was a waste of Your Highness's efforts..."
"Shut up," Ying Wang looked at the attending eunuch, who had been with him since childhood, with a harsh tone, "You're becoming more and more ignorant of the palace rules. It's not your place, a eunuch, to speak freely about imperial matters."
"Your Highness, please forgive this servant," the attending eunuch knelt before Ying Wang, looking extremely submissive, "This servant only saw Your Highness putting in so much effort for Fushou Junzhu, however, she knows nothing about it. Instead, she jokes and flirts with the Crown Prince. This servant couldn't help but feel indignant on Your Highness's behalf."
"Does Benwang need you, a eunuch, to feel indignant on Benwang's behalf?" Ying Wang kicked him in the shoulder, causing him to roll away, "Don't be so reticent in Benwang's presence."
"Yes," the eunuch hurriedly got up from the ground, not daring to brush off the dust on his body. He quickly followed behind Ying Wang and left the palace.
After leaving the palace, Wang Daren was surrounded by other court officials who wanted to gather information.
"Wang Daren, has the Emperor issued a decree?"
"Who was the one hiding the dragon robe in Fushou Junzhu's private estate?"
"It was the Crown Prince..."
Before Wang Daren could finish speaking, some officials already had an expression of "as expected" on their faces. The Crown Prince had been spoiled rotten by the Emperor for years. Now that he had the support of the Hua family, it made him even more arrogant. With his proud character, it was not surprising that he would commit an act of privately keeping the dragon robe.
"The Crown Prince placed it in Fushou Junzhu's private estate with the Emperor's permission."
"What?!"
Several court officials who were preparing to go home and write a memorial to impeach the Crown Prince were shocked on the spot, "How is that possible?!"
"It's true. After I met with the Emperor, he explained the situation clearly. This matter has nothing to do with Fushou Junzhu. Don't make wild speculations, or it might anger the Emperor," Wang Daren felt embarrassed to mention the Crown Prince's reason for placing the dragon robe in Fushou Junzhu's private estate, so he pretended to speak in a profound manner, "The Emperor and the Crown Prince have their own intentions in handling matters. Don't inquire about it, or it might jeopardize the Emperor's plans."
The officials all showed signs of sudden realization, nodding in agreement, "So that's how it is."
In fact, none of them had any "sudden realization". Instead, they were all afraid because they had just been so indignant about this matter and even said some disparaging words about Fushou Junzhu. After all, she was the future Crown Princess and possibly even the future Empress. It wouldn't be good if their words reached Fushou Junzhu's ears.
"I knew it. Fushou Junzhu was born into a family of loyal and virtuous generals. She has a gentle and kind nature. How could she do such a thing?"
"I also thought the same. Whenever my female relatives mention Fushou Junzhu, they always praise her endlessly. She was personally chosen by the Emperor as the future Crown Princess. How could a good girl like her commit an act of treason?"
"Yes, yes, I think the same way."
As for the nonsense they spoke earlier, such as "treacherous generals" and "to know someone's face but not their heart", they were not the ones who said it. It was all a misunderstanding.
The incident of Fushou Junzhu hiding the dragon robe started with a big fanfare but ended silently. The next day, during the court session, no one brought up the matter for discussion.
The few court officials who had made baseless speculations about the Hua family and the Crown Prince stood silently among the other officials, afraid that the Hua family and the Crown Prince would find out what they had said yesterday.
Fortunately, neither the Hua family nor the Crown Prince came to trouble them until the court session ended.
However, they couldn't help but feel a little suspicious. They inexplicably felt that the Crown Prince's footsteps seemed slower when he passed by them.
"Your Royal Highness," Zhang Shuo called out to the Crown Prince, who turned around, "Zhang Daren?"
"May Your Royal Highness spare some time to talk with this subject at the Ministry of Justice?" Zhang Shuo made a bow and salutation to the Crown Prince.
"Alright," the Crown Prince nodded and agreed immediately.
At the Ministry of Justice, Zhang Shuo got straight to the point, "Your Royal Highness, this subject has thoroughly investigated the servants in Fushou Junzhu's private estate; there are indeed several suspicious individuals who were found near the place where the dragon robe was discovered."
Zhang Shuo placed a piece of paper with a list of names in front of the Crown Prince, "These people may not seem connected, but they all have some degree of association with Lincui Palace and Ying Wang's Estate."
"Ying Wang?" The Crown Prince picked up the list and glanced at it before placing it back on the table, lightly tapping his index finger on the table, "What are you trying to say, Zhang Daren?"
"The Emperor has given the order to entrust this case to Your Royal Highness's full responsibility," Zhang Shuo looked at the Crown Prince, not wanting to miss any expression on his face, "So, this subject has come to seek Your Royal Highness's command."
"You can go to Ying Wang's Estate to inquire, but Gu believes this matter has nothing to do with him," the Crown Prince's tone was calm. "Though Gu wouldn't describe Gu's relationship with Ying Wang as brotherly, considering his upright and straightforward character, he wouldn't stoop to low schemes, nor would he involve loyal and virtuous individuals even if he did."
Zhang Shuo was somewhat surprised. He had always thought that the Crown Prince and Ying Wang were at odds. In the past, whenever conflicts arose between them, the Crown Prince didn't give Ying Wang any face. But now, when there was a perfect opportunity to deal with Ying Wang, the Crown Prince was unexpectedly speaking up for him.
It's often said that the imperial family lacks genuine familial emotions, but Zhang Shuo couldn't see through the feelings of these individuals in the Ji family dynasty. Was this ultimately good or bad?
"Does Your Royal Highness truly mean what you say?" Zhang Shuo wanted to confirm whether the Crown Prince was being genuine or not.
"Is Zhang Daren thinking that Gu is speaking up for Ying Wang?" The Crown Prince sneered, "Everyone in the court knows about the poor relationship between him and Gu. But plotting against loyal and virtuous individuals is something he definitely wouldn't do. If you don't believe Gu, you can investigate slowly. If he's unlucky, it would be a good thing for Gu."
"Zhang Daren, don't be polite. If there's anything, just ask Benwang directly," Ying Wang suddenly pushed open the door, and it was unclear how long he had been listening outside. His face appeared calm as he strode into the room, not even sparing a glance at the Crown Prince, who was sitting on the cushioned seat and leisurely sipping tea as if the tea from the Ministry of Justice was a rare delicacy.
"These people, do you have any impression of them, Your Highness?" Zhang Shuo handed over the list of names, focusing on the key suspected individuals.
Ying Wang took the list and noticed that the relationships were clearly illustrated, including the interactions and indirect connections of these individuals with Lincui Palace and Ying Wang's Estate, all listed in detail.
"Rest assured, Zhang Daren. Within an hour, Benwang will bring all these people to the Ministry of Justice," Ying Wang's expression was extremely grim. Even if he did not have the brightest mind, he could tell that there was a conspiracy at play.
This conspiracy targeted not only the Crown Prince and the Hua family but also him.
Who could be behind this?
Ning Wang? No, Ning Wang had a mild temperament and preferred to indulge in food and spectacles. He wouldn't do something like this.
Could it be Ji Qichen or Ji Yanqiu?
He knew it. These two younger brothers must be coming to collect debts.
"Thank you, Your Highness, for cooperating with this subordinate's investigation," Zhang Shuo breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn't expected that Ying Wang would be so easy to talk to, completely different from his usual hot-tempered self.
The Crown Prince set down his teacup and smiled, "Since the matter has been clarified, Gu will take leave."
"Wait," Ying Wang called out to the Crown Prince, "I will walk with you."
The Crown Prince didn't respond and left Zhang Shuo's office with his hands behind his back.
Without hesitation, Ying Wang chased after him.
Outside the Ministry of Justice, the two brothers mounted their tall horses in silence.
Ying Wang, restless and impatient, looked at the Crown Prince, who had a faint smile on his face. After suppressing his emotions for a moment, he spoke up, "Why did you speak up for me?"
"Speak up for you?" The Crown Prince knew that Ying Wang had heard the words he had just spoken. He chuckled lightly, appearing carefree, "Gu is not speaking up for you. Gu is simply stating the facts so that Father Emperor doesn't have to worry."
"At a time like this, shouldn't you take the opportunity to suppress me and eliminate me as a threat?" Ying Wang couldn't understand why the Crown Prince would let go of such a good opportunity.
"A threat?" The Crown Prince raised an eyebrow, revealing his signature infuriating smile to Ying Wang, "Eldest Brother, do you know why you look several years older than Gu despite our seven-day age difference?"
Ying Wang glared at him but remained silent because he knew the Crown Prince wouldn't say anything pleasant.
"People who overthink things age faster." The Crown Prince chuckled disdainfully, "In Gu's eyes, you have never been a threat."
Ying Wang was somewhat moved, "Could it be that you..."
"Who among you can threaten Gu?" The Crown Prince lazily smiled, "Don't overthink things. Overthinking not only ages you faster but also gives you an inflated sense of self-importance."
Ying Wang: "..."
He should just kill this dog of a Crown Prince. Having him as a Crown Prince was simply a mental torment for them as princes.
"Don't be angry, Eldest Brother," The Crown Prince smiled softly, "This is just how Gu speaks. After all these years, why are you still getting angry?"
Ying Wang gritted his teeth, "Shut up."
The Crown Prince continued to smile at him, and surprisingly, he really stopped speaking.
Even though the Crown Prince had actually listened to him for once and stopped talking, Ying Wang couldn't help but feel frustrated. It should be said that every time he faced the Crown Prince, he felt nothing but frustration.
They were all Father Emperor's sons, so why did the Crown Prince always manage to infuriate them?
Ying Wang remained silent for a while before asking, "Did Third Brother and Fushou Junzhu really set the wedding date for the 12th of August?"
"Is Eldest Brother worried that there won't be enough time to prepare the wedding gift for Gu and Liuli?"
Liuli.
Ying Wang silently repeated this name in his mind. He knew that he would never be able to utter this name in his lifetime. Now he addressed her as Junzhu, but in the future, he would have to address her as Crown Princess.
If he hadn't rejected his betrothal with her back then, perhaps it would have been him standing as the groom.
Ying Wang's lips twitched, and he shifted his gaze away, "I wonder what Fushou Junzhu likes. I should start preparing in advance."
"No need to be polite, Eldest Brother. If you don't know what to give, you can give us gold and silver, deeds to properties, anything will do. Neither Gu nor Liuli will find fault in it," the Crown Prince smiled, "When it comes to silver, no one will find it too much."
"Alright," Ying Wang replied sullenly, "Take good care of Fushou Junzhu."
"Thank you for your concern, Eldest Brother. Liuli is the treasure of Gu's heart. How could Gu bear to mistreat her?" The Crown Prince seemed oblivious to the unusual expression on Ying Wang's face as he happily spoke about the sweetness between him and Liuli, "Since Gu's betrothal is already settled, Eldest Brother's good fortune should also be approaching."
Ying Wang felt as if the Crown Prince had stabbed him in the heart twice. It not only caused a dull pain, but he also had to force a smile.
After separating from the Crown Prince, Ying Wang returned to his estate and had the suspicious servants tied up and discreetly placed them into a carriage. The carriage was then sent to the Ministry of Justice through the back door.
He could tolerate being stabbed by the Crown Prince, but he would not tolerate these servants.
"Your Highness..."
The accompanying eunuch approached. Ying Wang was in a bad mood, so he pushed him away impatiently and said, "Get out, Benwang wants to be alone."
"Yes," the accompanying eunuch respectfully exited the room and closed the door behind him.
In that brief moment when the door closed, the accompanying eunuch caught a glimpse of the pained expression on Ying Wang's face.
The Crown Prince returned to Chenyang Palace and carefully examined the dragon robe that had been found in the private estate. The embroidery on the dragon robe was exquisite, not something that could have been hurriedly made. Ordinary embroiderers couldn't produce such fine work.
The golden threads used to embroider the dragon patterns required countless procedures to complete a single, intricate dragon.
"Did they measure the size of the garment?" The Crown Prince pulled up the sleeve of the dragon robe and glanced at it, then turned to Zhao Sancai.
"Your Royal Highness, the size of this dragon robe..." Zhao Sancai hesitated for a moment, "It's similar to the size of the clothes Your Royal Highness usually wears."
"They even know Gu's measurements?" The Crown Prince threw the sleeve away as if it were scalding hot, "It seems this person is not ordinary."
"With so many people constantly watching you, Zhen is truly worried," Emperor Changlong sighed and looked at the Crown Prince with concern, "Why don't Zhen abdicate and let you ascend to the throne? With that, Zhen can rest assured that no one will use these methods to target you or the Hua family anymore."
"Father Emperor, please forgive Erchen for speaking impolitely. Father Emperor is still in the prime of your life. How can you think of such absurd things?" The Crown Prince hurriedly replied, "I'm still so young and inexperienced, how could Father Emperor trust Erchen to handle the dynasty?"
"Zhen trusts you wholeheartedly."
The Crown Prince: "..."
He didn't know how to respond to that.
"Father Emperor, for the sake of our Ji family's ancestors, please don't have such negative thoughts," the Crown Prince pleaded, "Father Emperor is the true Dragon Emperor. For the people of Great Jin, Father Emperor should strive to work hard."
"Erchen is still young and has neither married nor had children," the Crown Prince kept retreating, distancing himself from the dragon robe, "There is a saying that goes, 'Those without a beard on their face are unreliable in their actions'. Erchen is still too young and not very dependable."
Emperor Changlong: "..."
What sin had he committed to raise such a son?
As night fell, the moon climbed up the treetops, and a man dressed in a light-colored brocade stood beneath a golden osmanthus tree, his expression cold.
"Master, the plan has failed, and those servants have been exposed," the subordinate knelt before the man, feeling as if his head was about to fall off his neck and roll onto the ground.
"Failed?" The man frowned, "The dragon robe wasn't successfully placed?"
"Replying to Master, not only was the dragon robe placed in Fushou Junzhu's private estate, but it was also discovered and presented to the Chenyang Palace," the subordinate swallowed nervously, afraid to mention what happened next.
"Continue!" The man's face grew even colder.
"But soon, news spread within the palace that the dragon robe was not placed by Fushou Junzhu, but by the Emperor and the Crown Prince," the subordinate trembled, "So no one pursued the matter."
This precious dragon robe was painstakingly crafted over several months by their people. It was clearly their people who had placed it there, yet how did it become a case of Emperor Changlong and the Crown Prince putting it there after it was presented in the palace?
Is Emperor Changlong out of his mind?
"So, you're saying that Emperor Changlong publicly claimed that he placed the dragon robe in the private estate?" the man's face contorted in anger, "Is he being controlled by the Crown Prince and the Hua family in the palace?"
The subordinate shook his head. "Based on the information from our palace informant, everything appears to be proceeding normally."
But normalcy itself is the biggest abnormality!
Has there ever been an emperor who, upon learning that a court official's family concealed a dragon robe, willingly shouldered the blame and publicly proclaimed to have placed it there himself?
Is he insane?
Is he still worthy of the title of emperor?
Can he not possess a shred of the suspicion befitting an emperor?
What has become of the dignity and temper expected of an emperor?
Has it all gone to the dogs?!
The man gripped the golden osmanthus tree and couldn't contain his anger. He snapped off a branch, "If the person in the palace wants revenge so badly, she should kill the person that Consort Xian cares about the most."
"It is said that the Crown Prince and Ying Wang have a strained relationship and often quarrel," the man took out a thumb-sized jade bottle from his pocket, "This medicine is called Sanxi Powder. It once saved Fushou Junzhu from a crisis."
Unfortunately, the Crown Prince won't have good luck this time.
Since his plan clashes with Fushou Junzhu's five elements, this time he will avoid Fushou Junzhu.
Krish728
Author's Note:
The man: Don't ask, asking just makes me want to kill someone.
