Free Web NovelChapter 1074: Chapter 1064: Five Steps (1)
Chen Hui hung his head and let the Second Prince scold him. He felt aggrieved within his heart. Initially, the suppression of bandits was clearly a good deed praised by the Emperor for benefiting the people. How did it suddenly turn into indiscriminate killing?
He couldn’t comprehend where exactly things went wrong.
The Second Prince asked, "Did you confirm the identities of those Water Ghosts at that time?" Upon hearing the question, Chen Hui immediately nodded, "Yes, I even specifically had the Taiping Prefecture verify the origins of those people, and they were all long-time bandits on the road."
The Second Prince saw his innocent expression and hesitated, pondering deeply. Eager to prove his innocence, Chen Hui said, "Your Highness, surely someone meddled with the evidence. It is impossible for me not to distinguish between bandits and common folks."
The Second Prince’s anger from earlier had dissipated. He looked at the man before him and suddenly felt a sense of despair. It was unfortunate that the Shen Family’s influence was eradicated years ago, and he was still too young to manage things effectively. Otherwise, given any choice, he and his mother would never have chosen this useless person. He almost saw himself implicated and imprisoned.
"Those people couldn’t have been arranged beforehand; they must have tampered with the evidence afterward." Back then, even he didn’t know Chen Hui had gone to Taiping. How could those people have known? He paused and asked, "You should insist that the suppression was indeed against bandits. Privately send someone to Taiping to find those documents from that time." The Emperor had praised and even rewarded Chen Hui for this matter. The only card to protect Chen Hui now is the Emperor’s acknowledgment. They must pass the hurdle of the Emperor’s words to alter the truth.
Chen Hui nodded repeatedly. The Second Prince further instructed, "Have Princess Consort Ying remind the Emperor occasionally about this matter. Their victory isn’t guaranteed."
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness. I know what to do now." Chen Hui seemed to see a glimmer of hope, nodding eagerly. The Second Prince, however, wore a stern expression: "What do you understand?"
Startled, Chen Hui looked at the Second Prince. Feeling that he had been too harsh, the Second Prince thought for a moment, suppressed his anger, and reluctantly changed his tone, "Currently, Marquis Taiping is key. This issue occurred in Taiping Realm. Regardless of how many witnesses they have or how clever their methods are, they can’t compare to him speaking a word on your behalf."
Speaking of Marquis Taiping chilled Chen Hui’s heart. He really wished he could slap himself for the foolish decisions he had made.
Now, his sister’s reputation was ruined, and he had offended Marquis Taiping, truly achieving nothing for his efforts.
"At this point, we can only take it one step at a time." After a pause, the Second Prince said, "Your primary focus now should be on Marquis Taiping. Once you persuade him, everything will be resolved."
Chen Hui kept nodding and quickly withdrew.
Upon leaving the Palace, he looked up at the sun slowly rising from the east, yet his heart felt shadowed rather than hopeful.
Fourth Master Xiao spent the morning practicing sword techniques with Zhi, and the father-son duo returned to the main room to shower and have breakfast. Tiancheng entered from the outer court and reported, "Fourth Master, Marquis Jinxiang has arrived."
"Hmm." Fourth Master Xiao donned his coat and went to the outer court. Upon seeing him, Marquis Jinxiang appeared somewhat uneasy: "The Emperor summoned Bosong for questioning." He paused, "According to my estimation, Marquis Taiping should be approached today as a probe too."
Fourth Master Xiao slightly nodded, agreeing, "Let the Imperial Censorate submit another memorial." Increase the impeachment force.
Marquis Jinxiang nodded in agreement, "I’ll handle it now." He hurriedly stood up but suddenly stopped and looked back at Fourth Master Xiao, remarking, "Yesterday, Chen Hui went to the Imperial Mausoleum. Do you think the Second Prince might still have an ace up his sleeve?" Referring still to the late Emperor’s Testament.
When a person loses everything, they might act desperately, potentially doing anything. They and the Emperor share concerns because the Testament from back then still remains, undestroyed.
Fourth Master Xiao slightly furrowed his brows, dismissing the speculation, "Even if there is, he wouldn’t bring it out now." Chen Hui is significant to him, but not enough to sacrifice everything to protect him. Making such a decision requires immense courage, which doesn’t match the Second Prince’s character and style.
"Then I’ll be off." Marquis Jinxiang nodded, turned, and left the study. What Fourth Master Xiao says is correct. Even if the Second Prince loses power, one thing remains unchanged: his identity. As long as he retains this, he can plan again for the future. Although he temporarily lacks the power for schemes, it’s safer than risking everything.
Fourth Master Xiao exited from another side, just in time to see Su Quansheng bringing people to haul in large packages. He asked, "What’s all this?"
"Fourth Master," Su Quansheng halted with his people and responded respectfully, "These are New Year’s goods sent from several estates."
Four Master Xiao was momentarily surprised, realizing that the year’s end was approaching.
He slightly nodded as he thought of Su Quansheng, realizing he was the son of Shandong’s Su Dazhuang, casually asked, "How is your father faring?"
Su Quansheng was stunned, overwhelmed with surprise at Fourth Master Xiao’s inquiry about his father, excitedly replied, "Thanks to Fourth Master and Lady’s care, my father is doing very well."
Fourth Master Xiao nodded and said, "You may continue with your tasks." He then entered the inner court.
Inside, Xiqiu and Zhi, the mother and son, were leaning over with one lying on the bed and the other half propped up, both smiling broadly. Zhi was talking to Ying, his little sister, who was lying in the bed, "Why are you still so tiny after two months? Quickly grow up so I can take you to eat delicious food and to the temple fair. There’s plenty of fun stuff there."
Seemingly responding to her brother’s allure, Ying produced a single sound with her mouth open, her large eyes fluttering as she looked at him. Zhi chuckled, "Mother, little sister is so pretty, just like me!"
"Yes." Xiqiu laughed, "Our Zhi is handsome too."
Zhi giggled, oblivious to the Sleep God lying in the bed, focused only on speaking with Ying. Xiqiu turned to see Gong, who, besides waking up hungry or causing a fuss when wet, kept his eyes shut the rest of the time. Talking with him requires precise timing.
He tidied Gong’s blanket and joined Zhi in amusing Ying with various colorful cloths. At this moment, Fourth Master Xiao came in. Zhi stood up to greet his father, pointing at Ying, "Father, just now sister blew bubbles at me." Fourth Master Xiao slightly raised his brow and, hearing Ying’s clear and soft laughter from the bed, leaned over for a look. Ying saw her father instantly, her smile widened.
Fourth Master Xiao felt his heart melt like water and eagerly moved Zhi aside to pick up Ying.
Xiqiu laughed and commented, "She knows you’ll hold her, so she smiles like that whenever she sees you." Fourth Master Xiao glanced back at Xiqiu and then lowered his head to gaze at his daughter, gently saying, "She’s so clever; I certainly should hold her."
