The Crown Prince was kneeling in Lizheng Palace. When Fang Xuanling interrogated him, he refused to speak. The Emperor was furious and personally questioned him. However, he still refused to speak. When Hong Yide died, no one else was present at the scene and everything was blamed on him. Hence, no matter what he said now, people would think that he was giving excuses.
The Emperor called on Yan Zifang. “Ever since Hong Yide was locked in the Justice Office until his death, he never once confessed. You were the one that caught him, did he say anything to you?”
Yan Zifang replied, “Hong Yide said that he had been captured by Lu Yunji in the past and thought that he was destined to die. He never thought that Lu Yunji would be greedy and he was allowed to live when he gave Lu Yunji all his family’s valuables. However, I do not know why Lu Yunji wanted to expose the route to Hong Yide. He also never mentioned what price he had to pay for the route. Hong Yide said that Lu Yunji asked his nephew, Lu Hanxing, to contact Hong Yide. Lu Hanxing was the one who gave Hong Yide the Empress’ route back to Chang’an.”
Fang Xuanling intercepted, “When Lu Yunji and Lu Qi were locked up, Prince Zhou went to check on Lu Hanxing. Apparently, Lu Hanxing had a severe illness and died a few days before that.”
The Emperor sneered, “What a coincidental illness. His death is also too coincidental. Crown Prince, what do you think?”
The Crown Prince hesitated, “If Lu Yunji dares to conduct such disgraceful actions, I would request for Imperial Father to give me a sword. I will personally behead Lu Yunji.”
“If he dares?” The Emperor was unhappy that the Crown Prince was biased towards the minister that he was closed to. “Even until now, you never forget to help speak up for Lu Yunji.”
“I have been framed and imprisoned. I understand the misery of coming up with many different excuses. Hence, I could not help but think that although Lu Yunji treats me well, he is first and foremost your minister. He is a Duke of Great Tang. If Lu Yunji has committed a crime, he should definitely be severely punished. But how can we determine Lu Yunji’s faults just based on what Yan Zifang has said? If it becomes an injustice, it will be a irrecuperable loss for Great Tang.”
The Emperor snorted, “You are already imprisoned. You should not speak without thinking.”
The Crown Prince rebutted, “Precisely so that is why I cannot remain silent.”
The Emperor’s expression became fierce. “Say that again?”
The Crown Prince was unafraid. “In the past, I had been dragged into Hong Yide’s case and told you my suspicions honestly. Now, I have been implicated once again. Am I supposed to give up what I truly think just to protect myself? Can being careful with my words ensure my life? I am your son and will not just resign to my fate. If Imperial Father wants to punish me for this, I am willing to accept the punishment.”
As the Emperor saw how unbending the Crown Prince was, he started to look at the Crown Prince differently and his expression softened.
Yan Zifang saw this and suddenly said, “Your Majesty, Hong Yide also said something else. However, it implicates the Crown Prince. I once had a personal animosity against Hong Yide and hesitated whether to say.”
The Emperor was serious. “This matter is serious. Quick say!”
“Hong Yide said that amongst his valuables, he had a pair of Green Jade Dragon Ornaments from the Warring States Period. It is rare and extremely valuable. Lu Yunji specially took out the Green jade Dragon Ornaments and gave it to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince really liked it and placed it in his study room…”
As Yan Zifang finished speaking, the Crown Prince was furious.
“Nonsense! Even if Hong Yide and Lu Yunji had an exchange, why would Lu Yunji mention me to him for no reason? My study room? Imperial Father, this is a premeditated conspiracy!”
Yan Zifang turned solemn. “I also did not believe Hong Yide. Like what the Crown Prince said, how would Hong Yide, this rebel, know anything about the Eastern Palace’s study room? Even if Lu Hanxing did not control his mouth and accidentally let slip when he met with Hong Yide, Lu Hanxing is just Lu Yunji’s nephew. How would he know the interactions between Lu Yunji and the Crown Prince?”
The Emperor immediately instructed Chief Cao to investigate the Eastern Palace’s study room.
Soon, Chief Cao walked in fearfully. He held two Green Jade Dragon Ornaments in a tray.
The Emperor was so angry he could not help but laugh. “No wonder Hong Yide had to die.”
The Crown Prince kneeled. “Imperial Father! I have been wronged! These jade ornaments were indeed given to me by Lu Yunji, but I did not know…”
The Emperor pointed angrily at the Crown Prince as he raised his voice. “Men! Bring the Crown Prince…”
Fu Rou suddenly appeared. “Your Majesty, the Grand Emperor’s illness has taken a turn for the worse. He is asking for you.”
The Emperor was stunned as he rushed to see the Grand Emperor.
With the elder brother gone, the second brother took charge. After Sheng Chuling played a filial son to his mother, he prepared to return to his room to sleep. However, he saw his third brother rummaging in his room like a thief.
He snuck up behind Sheng Chujun and pinched his ear. “You stinky brat. Elder Brother had just left and instead of studying or training, you learned to be a thief! This peace knot is for me to coax Xinnan. Hand it over!”
Sheng Chujun placed the peace knot in his clothes as he begged. “Second Brother, please have mercy! Princess Xinnan has already fallen for you. Even without the peace knot, she won’t run away. I am different. I still have no signs of success and she begged me to give her another peace knot. How can I not give it to her? Second Brother, please help me.”
Sheng Chuling made an oh sound as he became interested. “Who is she?”
“I can’t tell you!” Sheng Chujun covered his own mouth. “Her family is very strict. If this is known, I will never get to see her ever again.”
“Oh, it seems like you are serious this time. Okay, I will let you go.” Sheng Chuling did not pursue further. After all, the three Sheng brothers were all unusually stubborn when it came to relationships.
Sheng Chujun broke into a smile. “Thank you, Second Brother!”
Sheng Chuling stuck out his palm. “Don’t mention it, fifty taels.”
Sheng Chujun cried out, “You want fifty taels for this broken thing? You are robbing!”
Sheng Chuling pinched his younger brother’s ears once again. “The price has increased now. A hundred taels. Are you going to buy it or not? Return it if you are not buying it!”
Sheng Chujun gave a miserable face. However, he recalled how Sun Lingwei had begged him pitifully for a peace knot when he went to Fu An Temple this morning. The Crown Prince had gotten into trouble and she was worried for her elder sister, the Crown Princess. He would regret it for life if he missed out on such a kind woman. His lifetime of happiness was definitely worth more than fifty taels.
“I will buy it! I will buy it! I will buy it!” Sheng Chujun took out a banknote.
Sheng Chuling laughed as he let go. “Stinky brat. When you successfully chased her, remember to give me a huge red packet!” Success often depends on luck. This peace knot has turned into a family treasure.
Chapter 56.1: National File
The Grand Emperor was about to pass on. All the royal family members gathered by his bed to listen to his last words.
“Li Shimin.” The Grand Emperor called out his son’s full name. “I have been wondering whether karma really exists? If it does, I pray that it does not happen to your descendants.”
“Grand Emperor!” The Emperor also held a deep knot in his heart.