Chapter 54: The Traitor Is Her

In the grand hall, everyone subtly glanced up at the emperor, curious about what the evidence could be.

After taking the items presented by the eunuch, the old emperor casually flipped through them. Suddenly, his expression darkened, and he forcefully threw the items to the ground, his sharp gaze locking onto the people below. “Preposterous!”

The hall fell into complete silence, and everyone held their breath, afraid to speak further. The old Emperor wore an expression of anger, his voice hoarse yet resolute as he declared, “I am fully aware of the state of affairs in the court over the years, and you all know it too. I understand your dissatisfaction with the Regent’s execution of officials, but let me ask you: which of the deceased officials was truly clean?”

A deathly silence enveloped the hall; even the sound of breathing seemed out of place.

“I appointed the Regent to assist with the governance precisely because I did not want the court to continue in this manner. Yet you choose to blame him without reflecting on your own actions! This is utterly unacceptable!”

As his words hung in the air, the old Emperor suddenly broke into a coughing fit, prompting a nearby eunuch to hurriedly offer him a cup of hot tea.

The expressions of those in the side chamber were rather complex. They hadn’t expected the Emperor, despite his poor health, to still have his own plans for the court. However, the Regent’s actions left much to be desired.

Xia Tong couldn’t help but smile at the Emperor’s grandstanding. He likely wished for the villain’s demise in private but had to protect him for certain reasons. Even if he produced evidence against the villain, the old Emperor would probably pretend not to see it.

“Your Majesty!”

At that moment, a palace maid rushed in, bowing as she reported, “The Crown Prince has awakened.”

“What?”

The Empress jumped to her feet, a flicker of joy in her eyes. Without a thought to continue listening, she hurriedly led others away, and the other ladies began to whisper among themselves, clearly surprised that the Crown Prince had awakened at this time.

Meanwhile, a eunuch quickly informed those in the main hall, and instantly, everyone began murmuring. Some rejoiced, while others sighed. Not everyone was pleased about the Crown Prince waking up.

Upon hearing this news, the old Emperor’s expression softened. However, the Third Prince, ever persistent, spoke up, “Father, there is solid evidence that the Xiahou family has abused their power and acted improperly. They should be dealt with according to the law.”

As he finished speaking, the others shifted their attention back to the old emperor, who narrowed his eyes slightly. “Then how should they be dealt with?”

At this, the Third Prince scanned the room before confidently stating, “According to the laws of the land, even if we do not pursue the matter of my elder brother being poisoned, the charges against the Xiahou family are serious enough to warrant their residence being confiscated. The men should be exiled to the borders, and the women should be forced into prostitution, barred from serving in official positions for five generations.”

After he spoke, the attendees in the hall began to consider their options, casting wary glances at the Regent above. Everyone knew that the Princess Regent hailed from the Xiahou family, and no one could tell what he was thinking.

“In that case, I also have a set of accounts from various departments that record many issues. I hope the Emperor will take a look.”

The young censor unexpectedly presented a stack of documents, catching everyone in the hall off guard. All eyes fixated on the stack of accounts, clearly shocked that Lord Liu possessed such materials!

Every department had its own rules, the public accounts and the private ones would undoubtedly differ. For years, everyone had tacitly understood this, so why would such materials be in Lord Liu’s possession?

In an instant, everyone felt a wave of anxiety, beads of sweat forming on their brows as they bowed their heads in silence.

The old Emperor squinted as he flipped through the documents presented by the eunuch. His face grew increasingly grim, and a tense atmosphere enveloped the entire hall.

“The Third Prince is correct. If we are to eliminate such corrupt practices, we must start with the Xiahou family, and all other officials should follow suit.” A censor stepped forward and spoke respectfully.

As the words fell, the Third Prince silently glanced at the others, no longer arguing as he had before. Instead, a flicker of unwillingness crossed his eyes. He realized now that this had been a trap from the beginning.

“What do you all think?” The old Emperor’s piercing gaze swept over the attendees below.

At that moment, everyone exchanged looks, hesitating to speak. Finally, one bold official stammered, “The Xiahou family has been loyal to the country for generations. They may not have great achievements, but they have certainly endured hardships. I believe Lord Xia and the others would recognize their mistakes and appreciate your grace, Your Majesty.”

“Yes, yes, I agree. We should weigh their merits against their faults, reflecting the Emperor’s immense benevolence.”

Suddenly, many officials began to chime in, and the man from the Grand Tutor’s residence looked particularly displeased but ultimately held his tongue.

“Absurd!”

The old Emperor coughed once more, his sharp gaze fixed on the gathered officials. “If the law is unjust, how can we uphold the state?”

“The Emperor is wise,” the young censor quickly echoed.

The other ministers varied in expression, lowering their heads, unable to speak, and cold sweat broke out on their foreheads.

“You all pay lip service while ignoring your own deeds! Just look at the mess you’ve created!”

The old Emperor darkly threw the stack of documents to the ground. “Minister Ji, examine these carefully, not a single detail must be overlooked. We must investigate thoroughly!”

As he spoke, everyone trembled, and one official with a square face rushed forward to pick up the documents, his expression respectful. “I will obey your command, Your Majesty.”

At that moment, a chill swept through everyone. Who didn’t know that this newly appointed Minister Ji was aligned with the Regent?

“As for the matter of the Xiahou family, what do you think, Regent?”

Instantly, everyone’s gaze shifted to the undeniable figure, for even though the Regent rarely spoke during court, whenever he did, someone was bound to suffer.

Faced with the varied stares from below, the man slightly raised his eyes, his voice icy. “The Xiahou family should lose their hereditary titles, and those involved should be dismissed and investigated. The remaining members should have their ranks lowered by one, with six months’ salary withheld to serve as a warning.”

In an instant, it dawned on everyone what was happening. Who didn’t know that the Regent’s father-in-law had nothing wrong with him? The Regent appeared indifferent to the Xiahou family but was actually paving the way for his father-in-law!

The old Emperor didn’t say anything further, he merely coughed wearily twice and waved his hand. “So be it.”

As the eunuch shouted for the court to dismiss, everyone knelt and called out, “We respectfully send off Your Majesty.”

At this point, everyone understood that the matter wasn’t over, it was just beginning. The evidence still rested with Minister Ji, and no one knew how the Emperor would ultimately handle them.

Xia Tong, listening from the side hall, was eager to rush and free her parents. However, she understood that this poisoning incident with the Crown Prince could actually be beneficial for the royal family, as it provided a means to broadly eliminate the power of the aristocracy and strengthen the Emperor’s authority. Yet, she was puzzled about how that evidence ended up in the hands of the Grand  Tutor.

“I knew Lord Xia and the others were wronged, and it turns out to be true,” a lady suddenly smiled and stepped forward to grasp her hand, warmly saying, “It’s commendable that the Princess still cares about her maternal family during such a time. This thoughtfulness is truly rare.”

“Exactly! How could a person as upright as Lord Xia commit such deeds? Thankfully, the Emperor restored Lord Xia’s reputation.”

In an instant, others crowded around, eager to flatter her. Xia Tong smiled but remained silent. These people were only concerned for their own safety. After all, a sword of punishment hung over everyone’s head recorded in the account books, depending solely on how Gu Qin investigated.

“Master, the Prince is waiting for you outside.”

At this moment, Qing’er also approached. Xia Tong immediately seized the opportunity to excuse herself from the crowd and quickly walked out of the side hall. Outside, the carriage stood firm in the cold wind, surrounded by many people hoping to forge connections. However, with Xifeng standing guard, no one dared to come close.

As she climbed into the carriage, she saw a relaxed yet aloof figure leaning against the wall. Upon noticing him, Xia Tong felt her cheeks flush inexplicably and silently sat down beside him without looking his way.

As the carriage began to move, a strange atmosphere enveloped the interior, gradually descending into silence. Xia Tong distractedly fidgeted with the carriage curtain, gazing out at the scenery, while her heart raced uncontrollably.

The villain’s decision would spell disaster for the Xiahou family, but for her father, it was the best outcome. This way, the family could only rely on her father’s power to sustain themselves. The old lady would no longer dare to arrogantly criticize her mother.

After a long silence, she suddenly turned her head and discreetly glanced at the man beside her. “Can I… go pick up my parents?”

Without lifting his head, the man continued to study the bamboo slip in his hand, his thin lips parting slightly. “There’s always so much trouble.”

Through the curtain, Xifeng heard the conversation inside and immediately instructed the coachman to head to the Ministry of Justice’s prison.

“This time… Thank you, Your Highness. But I don’t know why the evidence is in the hands of the Grand Tutor’s family,” Xia Tong said thoughtfully.

The man remained silent, seemingly oblivious to her words. Xia Tong chose not to speak further. When the carriage stopped outside the prison, she eagerly rushed out, but as she stepped down, she accidentally misstepped on a step and would have fallen if not for a large hand gripping her arm tightly, stabilizing her.

The Regent seldom visited the dark prison. Upon his arrival, the guards within trembled and bowed deeply, filled with fear. Despite having witnessed countless tortures, they inherently feared the Regent.

The prison remained dim and damp, and cries of torture echoed as they approached the cell where her father was held. Normally, the imperial edict for exile would not come so quickly, and prisoners could not leave the cell. However, with Gu Qin present, the guards dared not obstruct him and hurriedly opened the cell door.

“Father!”

Xia Tong rushed in to help her father up, smiling as she conveyed the Emperor’s edict. In an instant, Xia Lin and the others felt dizzy. Being dismissed and investigated equated to losing their future in officialdom, a blow akin to a bolt from the blue.

Fortunately, Xia Zhian was sharp-eyed and quickly noticed the man outside. He hurriedly approached and bowed deeply, saying, “Thank you, Your Highness, for taking care of this matter. I will remember it.”

In an instant, Xia Lin and the others recalled this and hurriedly kneeled to express their gratitude, “Your Highness, your grace is unforgettable. The Xiahou family will never forget it.”

Even if they faced dismissal and investigation, as long as the Regent provided support, they believed they would have a chance to rise again.

Gu Qin glanced at the people before him, his expression calm. “Just behave yourself in the future.”

After speaking, they thought he meant for them to keep a low profile, so they all hurriedly responded in agreement. Only Xia Zhian lowered his gaze, making it hard to discern his thoughts.

“Let’s return to the residence.”

Gu Qin glanced at the woman and walked straight ahead. Xia Tong was about to say that she was going to pick up her mother, but now she could only ask Xifeng for help, and immediately followed the man.

In the eerie prison, the chilling screams occasionally echoed. Looking at the tall, proud figure ahead, Xia Tong rushed to grasp his hand, blinking her bright eyes. “How about I cook a meal for you today, Your Highness?”

Her large, clear eyes reflected her own image, and Gu Qin’s brows furrowed slightly as he tightly held her delicate hand. “You’re quite the flatterer.”

“That’s right! I’m your flatterer. I don’t flatter just anyone.” Xia Tong pouted and snorted. This man never said anything pleasant.

After leaving the prison and getting into the carriage, Xia Tong began to ponder who might have stolen her evidence. Since Fang Yu and Qing’er were unlikely suspects, who else could approach her room without being detected?

Once back at the residence, she immediately set to work preparing lunch, planning to visit her parents the next day. With her father safe, the old lady and her followers should know how to act wisely. If they still failed to recognize the situation, she would have her father divide the family, as the downfall of the Xiahou family was no longer her concern.

In the dimly lit study, the atmosphere felt solemn and heavy. On the floor knelt a woman dressed in black brocade, her delicate features glistening with beads of sweat. She lowered her head, silent, revealing hints of anxiety in her expression.

The man stood with his hands behind his back, gazing indifferently at a painting on the wall, his voice icy. “Does this king keep you just to betray me?”

“Master, please forgive me!” Hongxue’s expression changed dramatically, panic evident in her voice. “The princess must have hidden the evidence in order to harm the master in the future. I saw it with my own eyes. I saw it with my own eyes, she definitely gave something to the Grand Tutor’s people.”

There was a slight pause in the last sentence, and Xifeng on the side frowned, looking at the woman on the ground with disappointment.He obviously didn’t expect that the companion who grew up with him would become so foolish.

Gu Qin suddenly turned around, casting a cold glance at the woman kneeling on one knee. A chilling light flashed in his bottomless eyes. “So in your eyes, I am a fool.”

“I—”

He grabbed her by the neck, locking eyes with her terrified gaze. The man’s eyes held no warmth. “It’s been a long time since I’ve done it myself.”

As her face grew increasingly pale, her head tilted to the side, and she collapsed to the ground, her once-vibrant form now silent.

Unhurried, he wiped his palms with a silk handkerchief and glanced at the corner of his eye. “Throw her into the snake pit.”

Those who betray their masters never have a good ending. Xifeng didn’t pity her; at least his master had given her a quick end. As he bent down to lift the body, he unconsciously glanced at the man beside him. “Lord Zhang and the others have been waiting in the main hall for a long time. Do you want to see them, Master?”

This incident had far-reaching implications, perfectly suited to uproot the aristocratic families and deal a heavy blow to the Grand Preceptor’s estate. However, the Grand Preceptor likely wouldn’t sit idly by. The Crown Prince was cunning, having been “poisoned” and unconscious for so long, waking up just in time today would let them take the blame while he reaped the benefits.

Gu Qin paused, suddenly looked at the sky outside, and said in a low voice, “This King is going to have dinner.”