Cannot Share the Worry

Emperor Yongchang coughed violently.

Xiao Qianyu immediately stepped forward a few paces, looking at him with concern. "Father Emperor, are you feeling unwell? Should I summon the imperial physician? Honestly," he complained, "if you have anything, just command your son and the ministers to handle it. Your son is willing to share your burdens."

Was it sharing burdens, or seizing power?

Emperor Yongchang suppressed his cough. Nowadays, rumors outside claimed Xiao Qianyu was divinely appointed, the next true Son of Heaven without a doubt. What he feared most was being forced to abdicate his throne to Xiao Qianyu. He could barely hold onto his imperial authority, so how could he possibly give Xiao Qianyu opportunities to engage in court affairs and befriend ministers?

"I am fine," he said, forcing himself to straighten his back. "On the contrary, Crown Prince, you have suffered greatly. You should rest and recuperate." Stay in the Eastern Palace and don't come out if you have nothing else to do.

Xiao Qianyu sighed with feigned sorrow. "The nation is rife with treachery. Even I, the Crown Prince, can be framed and harmed. The pillars of our court have all been deceived. My heart feels as if it's being fried in oil, unable to sleep day or night. I have no time for rest when I am so worried about the nation's affairs."

What a display of concern for the nation and its people.

Emperor Yongchang's chest felt even more constricted. The Crown Prince was practically stating that the ruler was incompetent and the officials were useless, which led to him, the Crown Prince, being framed.

But this unjust case had even alarmed the heavens, and they could not refute it. Emperor Yongchang's face darkened further. Ministers with a sense of shame lowered their heads in disgrace.

In the future, history would record that lightning struck from the heavens in June, snow fell, and the emperor and his ministers unjustly killed the Crown Prince. They would all be remembered on the pillar of shame, their names stinking for ten thousand years.

Thinking of this, the ministers who cared about their posthumous reputation shivered, their backs growing cold.

At this moment, Xiao Qianyu looked at Duke Kang, who still wore a look of indignation. "Does this lord still have any dissatisfaction with me?"

Duke Kang prided himself on being innocent in the case of the true and false Crown Prince and not having harmed the Crown Prince. He was unafraid of curses and spoke his mind. "The law is not devoid of human feeling. The Crown Prince forced the deaths of a prince and princess for the sake of mere commoners. This old minister feels it is too inhumane." He resented not being able to save the Third Prince.

Xiao Qianyu's expression turned cold.

Emperor Yongchang recalled Consort Guo's tearful pleas for him to show leniency to the Grand Princess. He coughed and said, "Crown Prince, Duke Kang is your third brother's maternal grandfather. He is filled with loving care and reluctance. Please understand."

"I regret that I cannot understand," Xiao Qianyu said sternly. "The decree to sentence them to death after confirming their crimes was also Father Emperor's will. They are Father Emperor's daughter and son. Surely Father Emperor feels more heartache and reluctance than you. Yet, to quell the public's anger, to bring justice to the wrongly deceased, and for the sake of the empire, he still painfully issued the decree to punish and sentence them to death. This is the act of a wise ruler." He lifted his thin lips, his words like knives. "Now, with a single word of 'heartache,' you want Father Emperor to change his decree? It's as if that empire isn't yours, and the harm isn't to your reputation, so you can ruin it as you please, right? What are your intentions?"

Duke Kang was greatly alarmed and quickly knelt and kowtowed. "Your Majesty, this subject dares not. This old minister absolutely has no such intention."

His Highness the Crown Prince's words were too venomous, almost accusing him of deceiving the emperor.

Emperor Yongchang felt weary. Xiao Qianyu had already bestowed upon him the hat of a wise ruler; how could he go back on his word and release the Grand Princess and the Third Prince?

He gave a wry smile and said tiredly, "Duke Kang, please rise. The matters of the Grand Princess and the Third Prince shall be handled according to the Palace Rules and the law. Whatever is to be done, shall be done. Do not mention it again."

If anyone is to blame, blame Xiao Qianyu for going mad and insisting on standing up for a few lowly servants.

Your Imperial Father has done his best.

Duke Kang's face fell, and he weakly retreated to the side.

The other ministers were struck dumb with fear.

At this moment, an idea similar to Prince Gong's emerged in their minds. The Crown Prince was so ruthless even to his own siblings; how much more so to others? They would definitely restrain the dissolute youths in their clans upon returning and ensure they did not fall into the Crown Prince's hands.

Duke Chengen, Chu Ming, looked at him with a probing gaze. "Upon your return, the Crown Prince's eloquence has become even sharper."

Xiao Qianyu raised his chin arrogantly and said faintly, "It's alright. I feel there is still room for improvement."

Emperor Yongchang interrupted him. Please don't continue improving, or there will be no room for anyone else to speak. "Alright, I and Duke Chengen have matters to discuss. If the Crown Prince has nothing else, you may leave first."

Xiao Qianyu's lips curved into a smile. It seemed the Emperor truly did not want him to appear before the court officials.

He opened his mouth and said, "Your son has matters to attend to."

Emperor Yongchang patiently asked, "What other matters does the Crown Prince have?"

Xiao Qianyu said, "Your son has prepared physical and testimonial evidence of the crimes committed by the Grand Princess and the Third Prince. I intend to hand them over to the Imperial Clan Court. Since Uncle-Grandfather is here, please take them back."

Emperor Yongchang was somewhat annoyed. The Crown Prince was truly impatient to send the Grand Princess and the Third Prince to their deaths.

He suppressed his anger and said, "Since that is the case, Uncle-Grandfather Gong, please take them back to the Imperial Clan Court first. I will not keep you here."

He had originally intended to discuss with Prince Gong how to save the Grand Princess and the Third Prince's lives. But now that he was a 'wise ruler,' his golden words could not be changed. There was no need for discussion.