Chapter 71

The Crown Prince lowered his head slightly, listening to these words without any change in his expression, as if he were just a serious bystander.

The Second Prince’s words were earnest, his expression sincere, as he spoke clearly, “The Crown Prince has treated me with unparalleled generosity. He is wise and far-sighted, compassionate to his subjects, and is indeed Father Emperor’s capable assistant. It is inconceivable that I, as his younger brother, would harbor such treasonous thoughts.”

“If Sheng Mingcheng accuses me in this way, I would like to ask him if he is acting on someone else’s orders, and what his true intentions are!”

At this moment, the Second Prince even began to take the initiative.

Qiao Zhongguo gazed steadily at the handsome figure before him.

With such a disadvantageous start, in such a short time, the Second Prince had already come up with such brilliant arguments, each word precious, and the logic clear.

However, if some matters were examined closely, there were still loopholes.

For example, yesterday at court, the Second Prince took the initiative to suggest going to meet Tan Hanchi. It’s worth noting that the Second Prince rarely speaks up in court.

Moreover, Sheng Mingcheng’s absolute certainty about the Second Prince’s knowledge of the list must have come from Duke Qingguo’s instructions.

Sheng Mingcheng might be foolish enough to misunderstand the Second Prince’s intentions, but would Duke Qingguo, a cunning old fox, make such a mistake in such a crucial matter?

According to Sheng Mingcheng’s words, Duke Qingguo was clearly very confident in betting on the Second Prince!

Now, it all depended on the Emperor’s attitude.

If the Emperor was willing to investigate deeply, he would naturally uncover traces of the Second Prince’s treasonous intentions.

If the Emperor was inclined to protect, then even if the evidence was presented before him, he would likely brush it aside without changing his expression.

After pondering for a while, Emperor Yong spoke slowly, “There are many doubts in this matter, and we cannot rush to judgment.”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Zhongguo’s heart sank suddenly, but Emperor Yong continued:

“Second son, even if you are innocent, since Sheng Mingcheng accuses you, there must be some wrongdoing on your part.”

“Otherwise, with so many people in the court, why would he only throw mud at you?”

“Until this matter is clarified, you stay put in your Chonghua Palace.”

That meant confinement.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Zhongguo felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head, completely chilling his heart towards Emperor Yong.

Just as Jiaojiao had said, Emperor Yong’s love for Princess Yuliu was profound, and he extended that protection to her son to the utmost, even willing to hand over the Great Yong to the Second Prince…

At this moment, standing in the magnificent imperial study, Qiao Zhongguo realized with great clarity that the true enemy of the Qiao family’s downfall was this Emperor on the throne!

“Alright, everyone, withdraw. Huang Pei, personally take Sheng Mingcheng to the imperial prison and have him thoroughly interrogated!”

Huang Pei obeyed the command and quickly had the wailing Sheng Mingcheng dragged away.

The Second Prince knew how to play his part fully. Suddenly, he knelt down and loudly proclaimed:

“Father Emperor, Sheng Mingcheng has been apprehended. Now, Miss Sheng… Miss Sheng is still hiding outside. I wish to plead for her clemency!”

Emperor Yong glanced at his son with a hint of inquiry and suddenly asked, “Are you genuinely sympathetic to her?”

The Second Prince nodded without hesitation.

A hint of difficulty appeared on Emperor Yong’s face. Originally, Sheng Xiuran was promised to be the Crown Prince’s consort. Now that Duke Qingguo had gotten into trouble, Sheng Xiuran was no longer qualified to enter the imperial family.

However, his second son was just like him, a man of emotions.

He couldn’t spend his life with the one he loved, but he couldn’t bear to let his second son suffer the same pain.

Thinking of this, Emperor Yong actually glanced meaningfully at the Crown Prince.

The selection of the Crown Prince’s consort and concubine had not been announced publicly. He had only mentioned it to the Crown Prince in passing. Surely, the Crown Prince didn’t have any affection for that Miss Sheng from the Sheng family?

An inexplicable chill crept into the Crown Prince’s heart. He was exceptionally intelligent; how could he not understand Emperor Yong’s gaze? This meant Emperor Yong intended to bestow Sheng Xiuran to the Second Prince.

Naturally, he didn’t care about that Sheng Xiuran, but his father’s blatant favoritism towards his younger brother shattered his tender admiration into pieces.

The Crown Prince nodded lightly at Emperor Yong, a small gesture that seemed to have cost him great effort.

Emperor Yong, seeing this, displayed a hint of satisfaction between his brows and immediately spoke:

“That Sheng Xiuran is the daughter of a traitor. She is by no means qualified to enter my royal family’s records. If you truly fancy her, let her enter your Chonghua Palace as a concubine.”

Upon hearing this, a struggle appeared on the Second Prince’s face, as if he couldn’t bear to see his beloved woman reduced to a mere concubine.

But in an instant, he seemed to relent, expressing gratitude with a face of gratitude, “Thank you, Father Emperor, for your generosity!”

With this, the whole act was complete.

Emperor Yong waved his hand, and the Crown Prince, Second Prince, and Qiao Zhongguo respectfully withdrew.

In front of the Crown Prince, the Second Prince sincerely spoke a few words, and naturally, the Crown Prince reassured the Second Prince with gentle words.

Qiao Zhongguo remained calm, bowed to the Crown Prince and Second Prince, and was about to leave when he saw Huang Pei hurrying back from afar!

A slight flicker appeared in Qiao Zhongguo’s eyes.

Huang Pei, as the most trusted person by the Emperor’s side, had seen all kinds of storms. Yet, why did he appear so flustered now?

He had just been ordered by the Emperor to escort Sheng Mingcheng to the imperial prison. Was there someone special in that prison?

At this thought, Qiao Zhongguo suddenly realized, could it be related to Di Zaiying?

According to Jiaojiao, Di Zaiying was Princess Yuliu’s true love!

Unfortunately, Qiao Zhongguo couldn’t stay any longer. He passed by Huang Pei and walked towards the palace gate.

In the imperial study, Emperor Yong was staring blankly at the wall.

“Yuliu, Baier has grown up, and he also has someone he loves now. However, that Miss Sheng is a traitor’s daughter, so she can only accompany Baier without any status.”

“However, it doesn’t matter. There are countless good girls in the capital. I will pick a good girl with impeccable background and character to match Baier.”

“It’s a pity that there are no suitable girls of marriageable age in the Qiao family. Otherwise, with Qiao Zhongguo’s abilities and prestige, I would be very willing to have such a powerful family to support Baier.”

“Yuliu, I’m really torn. I want to give our children the best in the world, but the Crown Prince is capable. In all these years as the heir, I really can’t find fault with him…”

“Now Baier is showing interest too, he wants to compete, whom should I choose in the end…”

Emperor Yong murmured to himself, his face filled with indescribable conflict.

At this moment, a voice filled with urgency came from outside the door, “Your Majesty, there is an urgent matter I must report!”

Emperor Yong furrowed his brows slightly, showing impatience, “Come in.”

Huang Pei hurried into the study, approached Emperor Yong, and lowered his voice, “Your Majesty, Di Zaiying seems to be in critical condition.”

Emperor Yong impatiently waved his hand, “For such a trivial matter, why bother reporting it?”

Huang Pei’s heart suddenly tightened, and he knelt down cautiously, saying, “Your Majesty, it’s really… really serious. Di Zaiying is speaking… speaking…”

“What is he saying?” Emperor Yong asked, furrowing his brows.

Huang Pei’s heart trembled slightly, “Di Zaiying is speaking… Princess Yuliu’s maiden name!”