Protect Our Chief

Chapter 1071: Chapter 70: Suppressing a Second Rank! Plot Set Against the Emperor’s Son

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Emperor Longchang reclined against the chair-back, watching Prince Deshun’s passionate performance, feeling somewhat baffled.

In the past, Deshun was quite a straightforward and honest character.

Years ago, due to significant differences in political ideals and aspirations with Prince Dexin, he angrily retreated to a manor by the Western Sea, spending his days fishing and drinking tea without concerning himself with politics or military affairs.

How is it, after centuries of repose, he has become even more shameless?

Whether or not the Wang Family is guilty is another matter, even if they are, the matter has never shortchanged your Prince Anjun... How can you immediately disassociate yourself when something happens, betraying all ties? This is simply too shameless!

"This matter is already coordinated by the Three Ministries, with Meng Yuanbai leading the investigation and handling it. I trust Meng Yuanbai will not bend the law, no matter who is involved, there will be no leniency." Emperor Longchang impatiently waved his hand, "Deshun, if you’re tired of fishing by the Western Sea, take a trip to the East Sea and catch a Dragon Whale or something, don’t cause trouble in the Upper Capital City."

"If Your Majesty commands me not to intervene, I shall abide." Prince Deshun replied honestly, appearing obedient, "However, it is rare for me to visit the Upper Capital City, I would like to spend these days in service beside the Ancestor."

Without waiting for Emperor Longchang’s objection, he put on a mournful expression, "I haven’t seen the Ancestor in a long time and miss him greatly. Whenever I recall following the Ancestor in my youth, conquering the Western Jin and subduing Southern Qin, what grandeur that was."

"Yet, in the blink of an eye, both the Ancestor and I have grown old."

Upon hearing this, a hint of nostalgia flickered in Emperor Longchang’s slightly clouded old eyes, and he couldn’t help but reminisce about the moments when Prince Deshun was by his side.

The older one gets, the more sentimental, and the easier it is to remember old friendships.

"So be it, in consideration of your filial piety, accompany me for a while." After saying this, Emperor Longchang looked toward Zhao Hongbo, revealing a bit of a kindly demeanor, "Zhao Aiqing, what urgent matter brings you to see me?"

"Your Majesty, I indeed have urgent matters to report." Zhao Hongbo made a bow, reluctantly glancing at Prince Deshun. With Deshun lingering here, how can he plead guilty?

Originally intending to sacrifice Zhao Zhikun, to plead with Your Majesty and then suppress and mitigate the matter.

But in the current situation, if he were to plead guilty to the Emperor, Prince Deshun would boldly amplify the issue, severely damaging the Zhao Family’s prestige.

Zhao Hongbo, having served as the Chief Minister of the Inner Pavilion for many years, naturally is wise enough to understand that it seems evident they have guessed the Zhao Family’s intention to plead guilty this time. Prince Deshun came deliberately to disrupt the proceedings.

He accurately judged that the Zhao Family would avoid bringing the matter to public trial. Once, during a public trial under the scrutiny of all, if a surprising reversal occurs, the entire Zhao Family would be dragged into the mire.

The Zhao Family cannot afford this.

Since the other party aims to expand the impact, send them another sacrifice.

Zhao Hongbo, being decisive, made up his mind immediately and reported: "Your Majesty, I accidentally discovered that this smuggling and treason case has nothing to do with the Wang Family. In truth, it was Zhao Zhikun, a contemptible offspring from our Zhao Family motivated by greed and momentary folly, who made a grave mistake."

"The reason stems from an immense gambling loss he incurred during a trip to the Immortal Dynasty, leading to significant losses and resulting in wicked intent. Upon learning of this matter, I dared not let the loyal Wang Family be unjustly accused, so I immediately brought Zhao Zhikun, the culprit, to plead guilty."

Upon these words.

Emperor Longchang paused momentarily, then his expression gradually darkened. Clearly, Zhao Hongbo’s revelation was far beyond his expectations.

Before, he only suspected someone aiming to frame the Wang Family, fabricating an egregious crime for them. Whether true or false, with Old Yao investigating, one could know. If false, it would serve well to do Wang Shouzhe a favor. Who would have thought that someone really did smuggle and commit treason, and it was the Zhao Family’s traitorous offspring!

Smuggling and treason are serious offenses. How could the Zhao Family dare this? How could they dare?

Due to geographical constraints, Southern Qin and Western Jin lack metal ores, especially iron, thus are inferior to Daqian in terms of weapon manufacturing and military equipment allocation, among other factors, allowing Daqian to contend with both.

Therefore, one of Daqian’s military policies is to sever most trade of metal ores, including iron, refined salt, and high-grade Grain Seed between Daqian and Southern Qin and Western Jin—military for the former, and livelihood for the latter!

Once southern Qin is smuggled forbidden goods, it equates to helping increase Southern Qin’s national strength, which in turn poses a threat to Daqian. If indulged, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"What audacity! This is treasonous conduct!" As expected, Prince Deshun promptly denounced, "Are you Zhao Family intending to rebel?"

"Your Majesty, Prince Deshun." Zhao Hongbo bowed deeply to Emperor Longchang, his face filled with utmost shame, "This conduct is indeed egregiously vile, unforgivable. I cannot defend, nor do I wish to defend. Although Zhao Zhikun’s crime is solely his deed, as the Ancestor of the Zhao Family and Chief Minister of the Inner Pavilion, I indeed neglected to discipline the younger generation. I cannot shirk responsibility for the crime committed by Zhao Zhikun, the scoundrel."