Chapter 591: Defiance
Chapter 591: Chapter 591: Defiance
The New Year had just begun.
The capital was blanketed in snow, and the ground was littered with the red paper of spent firecrackers, creating a festive and peaceful scene.
News of the peace treaty with Wazhen had spread, and the people of the capital breathed a collective sigh of relief.
If the fighting on the Northern Border could truly cease for a time, it would undoubtedly be a tremendous blessing.
Perhaps inspired by this good news, the capital celebrated for several days straight.
However, some had no heart for such festivities.
Because with the Wazhen matter concluded, it meant... that many issues previously set aside would now be brought back to the forefront.
...
「The Imperial Study.」
Emperor Muwu sat behind the imperial desk, a stack of unopened memorials before him. His face was grim, betraying no emotion.
The members of the Cabinet and other high-ranking ministers stood below, divided into two factions and locked in a heated debate.
"The Second Prince has committed numerous crimes and must be severely punished! The matter was delayed long enough because of the Wazhen Mission’s arrival. It’s time to resolve it properly!"
"Mr. He, we all understand what you’re saying, but the Second Prince is, after all, of His Majesty’s blood. Besides, some matters have yet to be fully investigated. To close the case so hastily would be inappropriate..."
"How is it inappropriate? When the Emperor’s own son breaks the law, he is judged the same as a commoner! His crimes are blatant! What is there to hesitate about? Besides, His Majesty already ordered Xiao Chengxuan to be exiled to Yizhou! Now that other matters are settled, he should be escorted there immediately!"
"How are they settled? Princess Yuhe is also implicated! If we send him away now, what’s to be done about Princess Yuhe?"
"Well—"
The fierce argument came to a sudden halt, and everyone’s expression grew troubled.
Many had heard the rumors: that the Eldest Princess had previously summoned Xiao Chengxuan and Xiao Lansi for a joint interrogation, during which the two siblings had dropped all pretenses and hurled accusations at each other.
The matter had only been suppressed because of the need to deal with the Wazhen Mission.
Now that Ugle and his delegation were gone, they finally had the time to settle this account.
Chen Songshi, who had been mostly silent since entering, finally stepped forward, bowed, and said:
"We await Your Majesty’s judgment."
The air in the hall seemed to freeze. Belatedly, all eyes turned to Emperor Muwu.
Originally, Xiao Chengxuan’s case had been a foregone conclusion. But his confrontation with Xiao Lansi had complicated matters immensely.
Who knew what Xiao Lansi had been up to all these years?
Emperor Muwu was silent for a long time. He sighed inwardly, an inescapable sense of helpless, ridiculous sorrow washing over him.
The son he once valued so highly, the daughter he had never paid any mind... In the end, both were scheming, each plotting against the other.
Truly laughable.
"Your Majesty?"
Tang Zhongli spoke up after a moment’s hesitation. "Should we ask the Eldest Princess to join the discussion?"
Emperor Muwu pulled himself from his thoughts. When he raised his eyes again, he was once more the weary, inscrutable sovereign.
"That won’t be necessary."
He pondered for a moment, then asked Chen Songshi:
"Immediately send people to Qingzhou to investigate thoroughly. See if there are any other clues."
Chen Songshi started, but he quickly understood Emperor Muwu’s meaning.
—Xiao Chengxuan and Xiao Lansi were blaming each other, shifting all culpability onto the other. The most serious and fatal charge was colluding with the Nanhu blade men and committing treason.
The Ministry of Justice had already investigated everything they could, and the matter had seemed settled. But Xiao Lansi’s appearance had sown new doubts.
If no new clues could be found, the case would likely drag on for a very long time.
The only place to find a breakthrough now was Qingzhou—because the assassin Xiao Chengxuan had sent to kill Ye Zheng years ago had later appeared in Qingzhou and attempted to harm Ye Chutang.
Although the attempt had failed, it suggested that Xiao Chengxuan’s influence might have infiltrated Qingzhou long ago.
Every action leaves a trace; perhaps something could be found there.
Connecting the cause and effect, Chen Songshi understood completely and immediately responded, "Yes, Your Majesty."
Emperor Muwu leaned back in his chair. "Until this matter is investigated, those two are to be detained in the capital. They are not to leave."
Everyone knew who "those two" were.
But—
"Your Majesty! Please reconsider! The imperial edict was already issued, its execution delayed only because of Your Majesty’s poor health. But now that Your Majesty has recovered, how... how could..."
"Indeed, Your Majesty! Even if there are doubts about Xiao Chengxuan’s treason, the fact that he crippled the Fourth Prince for life is indisputable! How can we raise the sword so high only to let it fall so lightly? To do so would be a great blow to the Royal Family’s dignity!"
"If Your Majesty still has suspicions, you could have the investigation conducted in secret. To do it so openly... if word gets out, it will alert the culprit..."
Emperor Muwu closed his eyes, a weary and faintly impatient expression settling on his brow.
"Our mind is made up."
His grave words cut through the clamorous debate.
Everyone fell silent. They looked at the Emperor’s figure, knowing his decision was final and would not be changed. A sense of unease settled in their hearts.
Emperor Muwu waved a hand dismissively.
"All of you, withdraw."
"...Yes, Your Majesty."
The officials bowed their heads and filed out of the Imperial Study.
Chen Songshi was the last to leave.
Looking back at the already closed doors, the officials swallowed the many words they still wished to say and began to depart one by one.
Only after they had walked some distance did their hushed discussions begin.
"His Majesty truly does favor the Second Prince most of all!"
"Isn’t it the truth? He was furious before, saying he would exile Xiao Chengxuan. But after a bout of illness and the New Year, he’s letting him remain in the capital..."
"Then again, the matter of his treason is indeed full of doubt. I heard he and Princess Yuhe had a vicious argument that day, and all the evidence pointed to her framing him. Perhaps... there really is more to this than meets the eye?"
"Hmph. I don’t know if it’s true or false. All I know is that our former Prince Qi is ambitious, skilled at scheming, and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals! Who’s to say this isn’t another one of his plots?"
"It’s hard to say. And then there’s Princess Yuhe. She always seemed so meek and introverted. Who would have thought she was capable of such schemes?"
"Elder Chen, what are your thoughts?"
Chen Songshi, lost in thought, looked up at the sound of his name. He glanced at the men who had spoken before slowly replying:
"His Majesty’s decree has been given. If any of you has an objection, you are free to go back and state your case to him."
The men choked on their words, shutting their mouths in embarrassment.
It was one thing to talk, but who would dare to actually defy the Emperor?
Finally, there was peace and quiet. Chen Songshi flicked his sleeves and walked on alone.
Just then, a tall, slender, and elegant figure came into view.
Chen Songshi froze.
"Princely Heir?"
’Why has he suddenly come to the palace at a time like this?’