Once the map had unrolled and the dagger was revealed, Pan Jifeng, who had been under the Truth Serum's control, finally came fully to his senses.
The instant reason returned, a fine sheen of cold sweat covered his forehead.
Pan Jifeng's pupils contracted. Through his confusion, he faintly heard a very soft, cold snort from atop the Golden Terrace.
"Pan Jifeng," Jiang Yanchuan said, "let me ask you this: if only one of Noble Consort Rou and Jiang Huai'an could attend the New Year's Banquet, whom would you choose?"
Having had his intentions seen through by the emperor, Pan Jifeng gave an almost imperceptible shudder.
Of course he would choose the Fourth Imperial Prince.
Emperor Mingze had spent the past several years expanding his territory, paying so little attention to the consorts of the Imperial Harem that he had all but ceased asking after them. If Jingwan wanted to rise to a higher position, her only remaining path was to gain honor through her son.
But he absolutely could not say that.
"Your Majesty, my rash mention of this matter today was by no means intended to secure attendance at the upcoming New Year's Banquet for both mother and son."
Pan Jifeng lowered his gaze, his expression sorrowful. "It is merely that Noble Consort Rou has been missing her son so terribly of late that she has no appetite for food or drink. At an age when she ought to be enjoying family bliss, she must instead endure the pain of separation from her own flesh and blood. This is truly too cruel..."
Translation: both of them had to attend.
The key point: family bliss.
And this family bliss was not Noble Consort Rou's alone-
If the Fourth Imperial Prince could regain his freedom, it would naturally mean family bliss