Cannot Share the Burden

Ahem, ahem. Emperor Yongchang broke into a fit of coughing.

Xiao Qianyu immediately stepped forward a few paces and gazed at him with concern. "Father Emperor, are you feeling unwell? Shall we summon the imperial physician? Really, you are..." he complained. "If there's something to be done, just order your son and the assembled ministers to handle it. Your son would be more than willing to share your burdens."

Was he sharing the burden—or seizing power?

Emperor Yongchang stifled his cough. Nowadays, rumors outside claimed that Xiao Qianyu bore Heaven's mandate and was unquestionably the next true Son of Heaven. What he feared most was being forced to surrender the imperial throne and abdicate in Xiao Qianyu's favor. He was clinging to his imperial authority for dear life; how could he possibly give Xiao Qianyu a chance to meddle in court affairs and cultivate ties with the ministers?

"I'm fine." He forced himself to sit up straight and spoke earnestly. "You, Crown Prince, have suffered quite a bit. You should rest and recuperate." Just stay in the Eastern Palace and stop coming out.

Xiao Qianyu sighed in sorrow. "The nation is plagued by wicked men. Even the Crown Prince of this realm can be framed and harmed, while the pillars of the court are all deceived. My heart feels as if it's frying in hot oil. I lie awake day and night, worrying about the affairs of state. How could I have any thought of resting and recuperating?"

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

Emperor Yongchang felt even more stifled. The Crown Prince had practically said outright that it was because the ruler was benighted and his ministers were useless fools that a dignified Crown Prince like him had been framed.

But even Heaven had been stirred by this wrongful case, and they had no way to argue against it. Emperor Yongchang's face darkened further, and all the ministers with any sense of shame lowered their heads in embarrassment.

In the days to come, history would record in stark black and white that thunder had fallen from Heaven and snow had flown in June—that the entire court had wrongfully executed the Crown Prince. They would all be remembered as standing on the pillar of shame, their names stinking for ten thousand years.

At the thought, the ministers who cared about their posthumous reputations shivered, their backs turning cold.

Just then, Xiao Qianyu looked at Duke Kang, who still wore an indignant expression. "Does this lord still have some grievance against me?"

Duke Kang prided himself on having remained blameless in the True and False Crown Prince Case and never having harmed the Crown Prince. He wasn't afraid of curses, so he spoke his mind without hesitation. "The law should not be divorced from human feeling. The Crown Prince forced an Imperial Prince and Princess to their deaths over mere commoners. This old subject finds it far too heartless." Unable to save the Third Prince, he was resentful.

Xiao Qianyu's expression turned cold.

Emperor Yongchang thought of Consort Guo's tearful pleas for him to spare the Grand Princess. He coughed and said, "Crown Prince, Duke Kang is your Third Brother's maternal grandfather. His affection for his grandson makes it hard for him to let go. Try to understand."

"Forgive me, but I cannot." Xiao Qianyu spoke solemnly. "After their crimes were verified, it was Father Emperor's decree that they be put to death. They were Father Emperor's daughter and son. Surely Father Emperor felt their loss more keenly than you did. Yet to quell public anger, clear the names of the wrongfully dead, and safeguard the realm, he still issued the decree and sentenced them to death despite his grief. That is what a wise ruler does." His thin lips curled, his words as sharp as knives. "Now, with one sentence about your grief, you want Father Emperor to reverse his decree? I suppose it isn't your family's realm, and it isn't your reputation being ruined, so you think it can be squandered at will? What are your intentions?"

Duke Kang was horrified. He hurriedly dropped to his knees and kowtowed. "Your Majesty, I wouldn't dare. This old subject absolutely did not mean that."

The Crown Prince's tongue was so venomous, he had practically pointed at Duke Kang and accused him of deceiving the emperor.

Emperor Yongchang was exhausted. Xiao Qianyu had already placed the hat of a wise ruler on his head. How could he go back on his word and spare the Grand Princess and the Third Prince now?

He gave a bitter smile and said wearily, "Duke Kang, rise. The matters of the Grand Princess and the Third Prince will be handled according to the Palace Rules and the law. Whatever must be done will be done. Do not bring this up again."

If anyone was to blame, it was Xiao Qianyu, who had gone mad and insisted on sticking up for a few lowly servants.

He, as their imperial father, had already done all he could.

Duke Kang's face crumpled. He withdrew to one side, powerless.

The other ministers were silent as cicadas in winter.

At that moment, they found themselves thinking much like Prince Gong: the Crown Prince was ruthless enough to strike down even his own siblings. What chance would anyone else have? Once they got home, they had better rein in the wastrels in their clans, lest they fall into the Crown Prince's hands.

Duke Chengen, Chu Ming, gave him a probing look. "Since your return, Crown Prince, your eloquence has grown even sharper."

Xiao Qianyu haughtily lifted his chin. "It's all right. I still think there's room for improvement."

Emperor Yongchang cut him off. Don't keep improving, or no one else will get a word in. "Enough. Duke Chengen and the others have matters to discuss with me. Crown Prince, if you have nothing else, you may leave."

Xiao Qianyu's lips curved slightly. It seemed the emperor really didn't want him appearing before the court ministers.

He opened his mouth. "Your son has something to discuss."

Emperor Yongchang patiently asked, "What else does the Crown Prince have to discuss?"

Xiao Qianyu said, "Your son has prepared physical evidence and witness testimony regarding the crimes committed by the Grand Princess and the Third Prince. I intend to hand them over to the Imperial Clan Court. Since Great-Uncle is here, he can take them back with him."

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

Suppressing his anger, he said, "In that case, Prince Gong, take the people back to the Imperial Clan Court first. I won't keep you here."

He had originally wanted to discuss with Prince Gong how to save the Grand Princess and the Third Prince. But now he was a "wise ruler," and his imperial decree was as good as gold; there was no taking it back. There was no need to discuss it anymore.