Duke Li’s words on the surface seemed to be an admission of guilt.

Yet, every sentence subtly pressured the Emperor.

The Emperor had always been soft-hearted toward his old ministers, and the Crown Prince was secretly worried.

The Emperor sighed deeply—back in the day, Duke Li had fought alongside the late Emperor to conquer the land.

Before his passing, the late Emperor, pitying Duke Li’s only heir, a grandson still in swaddling clothes, had instructed the Emperor to treat him well.

Because of this, the Emperor had long placed great trust in Duke Li.

【Has Uncle Emperor fallen into his trap?】 Jiang Yuanxi glanced sideways.

【Duke Li is reminiscing about the past to remind Uncle Emperor of his contributions, to make him remember that this empire has his share in it, and to achieve his goal.】

【Even I can see through it—there’s no way Uncle Emperor doesn’t see it too, right?】

The Emperor was momentarily stunned.

If it weren’t for Yuanxi’s reminder, he might have really fallen for it.

Then he remembered that the Crown Prince could also hear Yuanxi’s inner thoughts.

Feeling somewhat awkward, he cleared his throat.

“Duke Li is a meritorious subject of Yufeng. I would never mistreat those who have contributed to the empire.”

This old fox—using past achievements to threaten him!

“However, a nation has its laws, and a family has its rules. If I, as the ruler, take the lead in disregarding the law, how will the people view me?”

Duke Li lowered his head, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes.

He had fought alongside the late Emperor to build this empire. Now, with Yufeng’s army strong and the nation at peace—this land already had his mark on it.

Yet the Emperor refused to grant even such a small request.

If the Emperor was heartless, then don’t blame him for being disloyal!

“Your Majesty, this humble servant has always been loyal. I am willing to resign from my post—just spare my grandson.”

Resign?

Jiang Yuanxi panicked.

【Uncle Emperor, don’t let him go! He wants to return home to raise an army and rebel!】

In the original story, it was precisely Duke Li’s sudden betrayal that delivered the fatal blow to an already ailing Emperor—sending him straight to the afterlife.

The Emperor’s hand trembled, knocking over the tea cup in front of him.

The Crown Prince was also shocked.

【He even has a dragon robe hidden in the secret dungeon of his study!】

【And every night, he secretly wears it while looking at himself in the mirror—putting on makeup like a shameless old man!】

Because of a previous incident in Jiangnan, the Emperor now believed Yuanxi’s words unconditionally.

His expression darkened.

His father really left him a “great man.”

“Guards!”

Eunuch Cao stepped forward. “Your Majesty, what are your orders?”

“Duke Li has failed in teaching his descendants, leading them to commit crimes. Send the Imperial Guards to thoroughly search the Duke’s residence!”

The Crown Prince knew his father was serious now.

When the Imperial Guards were deployed, they were either protecting the Emperor or exterminating a family.

And this time, it was clearly the latter.

Duke Li panicked.

“Your Majesty, you will chill the hearts of all your ministers!”

No matter how he pleaded, the Emperor remained unmoved.

The Emperor only felt that his sincerity had been wasted on an ingrate.

As time passed, Duke Li was drenched in sweat.

If the Emperor found those things, it would be a crime punishable by the extermination of his entire clan!

Meanwhile, Jiang Yuanxi was singing praises in her mind.

【Uncle Emperor is truly wise—one in a million!】

【Punishing corrupt officials and ruling justly is the blessing of Yufeng’s people!】

Hearing this, the Emperor’s stern expression softened into a pleased smile.

There was no denying it—this little one’s flattery was masterful.

It was clear now—Yuanxi was calling Duke Li a corrupt official.

【I like Uncle Emperor the most!】

The Crown Prince grew jealous.

He was the one who brought Yuanxi into the palace, yet why didn’t she like him?

Watching his father’s smug expression, the Crown Prince rolled his eyes.

By this time, the Emperor figured the Imperial Guards should be returning soon.

“Yin’er, take Yuanxi for a stroll around the palace.”

It was best if Yuanxi saw how beautiful the palace was.

That way, she would want to visit more often.

With the soft and fragrant little sister in his arms, the Crown Prince walked with a lighthearted step.

“Yuanxi, let me take you to the Imperial Garden—it’s the most beautiful place in the palace.”

The winter plum blossoms were in full bloom, painting a stunning scene.

【No, no! Brother Crown Prince is breaking his promise!】

Jiang Yuanxi kicked her legs in frustration.

The Crown Prince: ?

When had he broken a promise?

【Didn’t Brother Crown Prince say he’d take me to the Imperial Kitchen to steal food? Have you forgotten?】

The Crown Prince slapped his forehead—oh, right, he had indeed said that.

In the Imperial Kitchen, the Crown Prince and Jiang Yuanxi crouched behind a firewood shed.

The Crown Prince questioned himself countless times.

Did he say “take” or “steal”?

A dignified Crown Prince, sneaking into his own palace’s kitchen—if word got out, it would be disgraceful.

But looking at the little one in front of him, eagerly crawling forward, the Crown Prince gave in.

Fine, fine. He’d just play along.

“Brother, keep up!” Jiang Yuanxi waved at him.

With a resigned sigh, the Crown Prince crawled after her.

He prayed they wouldn’t run into anyone.

At noon, most of the kitchen staff had left to rest, leaving only a few behind to guard the food.

A lazy young eunuch sat in the courtyard.

Suddenly, he noticed two suspicious figures sneaking around the corner.

He grabbed a stick and crept toward them.

“Tai—”

The Crown Prince shot him a sharp look.

The eunuch immediately clamped his mouth shut.

Jiang Yuanxi stiffened. Were they caught?

But then, the eunuch turned away and loudly declared:

“What a beautiful, beautiful day! Haha!”

Then he bolted.

【All because Uncle Emperor is too stingy! I praised him so much, yet he didn’t even send me another plate of pastries!】

【Well, I’ll just help myself then.】

The Crown Prince sighed in defeat.

All his dignity—gone.

And it was all Father’s fault.

He just hoped no embarrassing rumors would spread the next day.

The Imperial Kitchen provided meals for the Emperor and the concubines, ensuring exquisite flavors.

But since Jiang Yuanxi was too short to see the food on the table—

“Brother, carry me.” She held out her hands.

The Crown Prince instinctively picked her up.

“Wow!” Her starry eyes sparkled with excitement.

She was placed on the table, immediately reaching for the large pork shoulder.

The Crown Prince swiftly moved the plate away.

She licked the sauce off her fingers, eyes filled with satisfaction.

Since children had weak stomachs, he carefully selected some light dishes for her.

After eating, Jiang Yuanxi stared wistfully at the feast.

【So much delicious food! If only I could take some home…】

The Crown Prince: …

…

Later, back at the Jiang household, Jiang Yuancheng knelt in worry.

“Why did the Crown Prince take Yuanxi to the palace?”

“It must be because she’s adorable,” Jiang Yuanwu guessed.

Jiang Fengyuan considered something else.

“That boy… he wouldn’t have taken a liking to Yuanxi, would he?”

“Father, Yuanxi is still young,” Jiang Yuansheng chuckled.

“Regardless, the Crown Prince will surely take care of her.”

Meanwhile, in the palace—

The Imperial Guards returned with evidence.

Furious, the Emperor threw a report at Duke Li.

“This is what you call loyalty?!”

A dragon robe was presented before him.

Blood dripped from Duke Li’s forehead as he trembled.

“Your Majesty, spare me!” He kowtowed repeatedly.

“Guards! Execute Duke Li’s entire clan—eliminate his nine generations!”

Just then, the Crown Prince entered with Jiang Yuanxi in his arms.

As Duke Li was dragged away, the Emperor picked Yuanxi up.

Smiling, he asked, “Were you scared just now?”

She shook her head.

【Uncle Emperor is so cool for punishing corrupt officials!】

The Emperor burst into laughter.

Eunuch Cao was bewildered—was this still the same furious Emperor from before?

Clearly, Jiang Yuanxi held great importance.