Free Web NovelChapter 1289: Chapter 1278: Illegitimate Son
"Did you say that Ye Qiu was colluding with the barbarians?" The old Emperor suddenly pulled open the curtains, glaring at Eunuch An with his large, imposing eyes.
Eunuch An prostrated even lower, speaking tremulously, "Your Majesty, early this morning, rumors suddenly spread outside the palace that Marquis Ye achieved his great merit due to colluding with the barbarians. They even said that the barbarians were not exterminated and that General Ye falsely reported military information, waiting for our army to let down its guard for a massive attack."
"This is utter nonsense. Where did this rumor originate?" The old Emperor, furious to the point of incredulity, simply couldn’t believe it. "Do people even believe such talk? And it’s spreading like wildfire?"
"It originated from Mr. Ye, which is why it caused such a commotion," Eunuch An cautiously replied.
"Ye Sheng?" The old Emperor’s face instantly darkened. "Are you saying it came from him?"
"Yes."
"Nonsense! What on earth does he think he’s doing? Does he wish to court death and bring his family down with him?" The old Emperor was furious enough to explode on the spot, unable to comprehend why Ye Sheng would slander his own son. Could Ye Sheng really benefit if Ye Qiu was accused of colluding with the barbarians?
"What did he say yesterday? And to whom did he say it? Quickly summon him to the palace."
At this moment, Ye Sheng had just sobered up. Upon realizing what had happened after waking up, he became fully alert, or rather, panicked.
"Master, please think of a solution. The rumors outside are so intense. What if they reach His Majesty’s ears?" The butler anxiously advised, "How could you say such things last night? This is a crime punishable by the death of nine families!"
"What did I say? I didn’t say anything like that! Such words definitely did not come from me!" Ye Sheng was deeply flustered. "They must have misinterpreted my meaning!"
"But the rumors outside are quite detailed, and it’s heard that the Imperial Censors are already preparing memorials to impeach you and the Eldest Young Master. If you don’t clarify soon, it will really be too late."
"My official attire, prepare my official attire. I need to see His Majesty!" Ye Sheng anxiously spun around, his mind in a complete turmoil.
Just as he was preparing to enter the palace, a eunuch from the palace came with an imperial edict: "Mr. Ye, please come with me."
Ye Sheng slipped a wallet to the eunuch delivering the edict, speaking with a cautious tone, "Eunuch, please don’t hold it against me. Does His Majesty know about this matter?"
"Which matter is Mr. Ye referring to? If it’s the matter of you claiming that Marquis Ye colluded with the barbarians, then His Majesty is already aware and very angry. Don’t delay, let’s go." The eunuch rolled his eyes. In all his years at the palace, he had never seen someone so foolish. Marquis Ye was truly unlucky to have such a father.
Hearing this made Ye Sheng turn pale with fear, hastily explaining, "Does His Majesty believe it? It’s all a misunderstanding. I can explain."
"That’s why I’m here to take you to the palace to explain, isn’t it?"
"Then let’s hurry to the palace. This rumor cannot spread any further. My son is a hero who repelled the barbarians, how could he be a traitor who colluded with them?"
Meanwhile, the rumor also reached Ye Sihui’s ears. Learning it originated from her father, she felt both angry and resentful.
As a child, she always thought her father was the most powerful person in the world because everyone in the family listened to him. But she later realized he was the most undeserving of respect in the family.
In her past life, the tragedy she faced was entirely due to her father. From the start, he disregarded her wishes and married her off to Prince Kang. No one knew how much ridicule and mockery she endured after marrying in. On the wedding night, Prince Kang didn’t even enter her quarters.
Why? Because she wasn’t someone whom Prince Kang wanted to marry willingly but a product of compromise. So even though she was a concubine, no one in the household regarded her with any significance.
Moreover, she knew that even if her mother favored sons over daughters, she wouldn’t send her to her death upon learning of her pregnancy. Although she always blamed her mother, she knew in her heart that it was definitely her father’s idea and her mother was forced into it.
Frankly speaking, her father was an extremely selfish and foolish man. She thought he had reached the pinnacle of stupidity in his past life, striving his whole life and achieving nothing, gaining a reputation for being cold-hearted, sycophantic, and fickle.
Who would have thought it could be worse in this life? Although her relationship with Ye Qiu was average, she had to admit that because of Ye Qiu, others didn’t dare to bully her at will. Even Prince An treated her with a certain courtesy, despite her lack of favor.
But look what her father did? Accusing her brother of treason and collusion with foreign enemies? Did he have any idea that this was a crime that demanded retribution against nine families?
Ye Sihui knew her father’s intentions might not be like this, because after finally enjoying glory, how could he give it up so easily?
The only possibility was that he got carried away, coaxed into saying things that were not factual. It was precisely because she guessed this that Ye Sihui was even angrier, angry that her father was so brainless.
Did he know the current state of the family? The factional struggle was so severe, could her father not cause trouble?
"Concubine, someone from Prince’s side says if needed, you can go to him. He can go into the palace to plead before His Majesty." Someone from the front courtyard came over to Ye Sihui’s side, speaking in a condescending tone.
Ye Sihui’s expression darkened, but she composed herself and calmly replied, "No need. Please thank the Prince for me. I believe my brother isn’t that kind of person. His Majesty will certainly grant my brother justice, so let’s not trouble the Prince. His Majesty is currently furious, and the Prince shouldn’t go to vex him."
"Is that really what she said?" Prince An asked upon hearing.
"Yes, that is indeed what the concubine said, Your Highness. Isn’t the concubine a bit ungrateful? Your Highness, you’re helping her." The servant grumbled indignantly.
Prince An, however, did not get angry but chuckled instead, "What do you understand? Your concubine is very clever; she knows her elder brother Ye Qiu will certainly be fine this time. If I intercede, not only would the Ye Family owe me a favor, but Father might not trust Ye Qiu as much as before."
"But the concubine is, after all, Your Highness’s concubine. Her lifetime honor and disgrace are linked to you. Why wouldn’t she help you?"
"It’s not that she doesn’t want to help me, but Ye Qiu simply doesn’t listen to her. Besides, as long as Ye Qiu has the ability to defend the border, what does it matter if the Ye Family doesn’t rely on me? Can anyone do anything to his sister, the hero’s sister?"
"So, is Your Highness content to let such a good helper go unused?"
Prince An glared at him, "Don’t ask about some things."
The servant was silent, afraid, "Yes."
"Go, and don’t talk about the masters’ affairs in the future. I’ll let it slide this time." Prince An’s voice was as cold as ice, and his change of expression was so quick that one couldn’t help but admire one who belonged to the Imperial Family.
