Chapter 761 - 762: House Arrest
Chapter 761: Chapter 762: House Arrest
The rain poured down in sheets.
Inside Qiyuan Hall, the air was frozen stiff.
Xiao Chenglin looked directly at Emperor Muwu. "Father Emperor, I have been frail since childhood, living a reclusive life and always conducting myself with propriety. I cannot fathom why Mr. Fan would slander me in such a way. As for the matter between him and Lord Zheng, I know even less. I implore you to investigate this and clear my name!"
Emperor Muwu turned to Fan Chengzhuo. "What Prince Jing says is not without reason. Fan Chengzhuo, do you have any evidence for the claims you just made?"
He couldn’t just take someone’s word for it, after all.
Fan Chengzhuo’s breath came in ragged gasps.
’Evidence?’
He had done so many shady things in the past. To be safe, he had always made doubly sure to leave no evidence behind.
He’d never imagined that he had been set up from the very beginning!
But it was too late to realize that now. In his current state, how could he possibly prove it?
Fan Chengzhuo remained silent for a long time, looking as if he were at a loss for words.
Xiao Chenglin spoke again. "In that case, until this matter is thoroughly investigated, I am willing to remain confined to the Prince Jing Mansion until the truth comes to light."
He shot a glance at Fan Chengzhuo, his tone cold.
"Rather than walk the streets of the Capital City under a false accusation, I would willingly confine myself!"
His attitude was resolute, his tone certain.
In contrast, it was Fan Chengzhuo who looked like the one with a guilty conscience.
And so, Fan Chengzhuo was deeply provoked by his words.
"You!"
Fan Chengzhuo rasped,
"If not for your orders, why would I have thrown away my bright future to do those things!"
This was what many people in the hall could not understand.
What kind of gain, what kind of obsession, could drive Fan Chengzhuo to take such desperate risks?
He wasn’t short on money, and he already had power.
’Just what...’
"It was all because of you—"
"A report—!"
Before Fan Chengzhuo could finish, a palace attendant rushed in from outside to report, a look of undisguised horror still on his face.
"Your Majesty! The Heir of Dingbei Marquis Mansion requests an audience!"
Emperor Muwu picked up his teacup, a brow twitching. "What matter does he have?"
Too breathless to even wipe the rain from his face, the attendant stammered, "He... he says... he has brought Princess Yuhe to see Your Majesty!"
CLANG—!
The cup in Emperor Muwu’s hand slipped and crashed to the floor.
A rare look of shock appeared on his face. "What!? He said... who!?"
It wasn’t just him; everyone in the hall was stunned.
’Princess Yuhe?’
’Xiao Lanxi?’
’But... wasn’t she already dead!?’
’How could she—’
Ye Chutang shifted her gaze slightly, glancing at Xiao Chenglin.
He stood there, lips pressed into a tight line, his expression unreadable.
But compared to his earlier frank and composed demeanor, he now seemed to betray a hint of hidden anxiety.
"Let them in."
Emperor Muwu sat up straight and took a deep breath. His hand tightened on the armrest, and the color drained from his lips.
He raised a hand as if to pound his chest, but then forced himself to stop.
Ye Chutang took in the scene and said softly, "Your Majesty, your medicine is almost ready. Shall I go and bring it to you?"
Emperor Muwu paused and looked at her.
Their eyes met, and he slowly nodded.
"Alright."
In truth, Emperor Muwu had already taken his medicine earlier, but the situation today looked dire.
Not only had Fan Chengzhuo accused Prince Jing, Xiao Chenglin, but now Xiao Lanxi—who had been dead for a long time—had suddenly reappeared!
Even an ordinary person might not be able to withstand this series of shocks, let alone Emperor Muwu, whose health was already poor.
Ye Chutang was simply looking for an excuse to go and personally brew another dose of medicine for him, just in case.
With that, Ye Chutang curtsied and turned to exit.
Once outside Qiyuan Hall, she turned and headed for the side hall.