Chapter 220: Chapter 220: Reaping What You Sow
More importantly, she had just sworn an oath.
If the Emperor were to ask her to repeat it now, she would probably hesitate.
After all, the matter of Empress Xu...
To some extent, she had helped fan the flames.
And the Eldest Prince...
Once a person’s psychological defenses are breached, there will be many flaws.
This was the moment the Emperor was waiting for.
Compared to Prince Zhan, who was well-versed in court affairs, Lin Guifei was easier to undermine.
He watched all of Lin Guifei’s actions closely.
The more he saw clearly, the more his heart chilled to the core.
It seemed the death of Empress Xu was not a baseless accusation made by the Xu Family.
However, it’s unknown how many others were involved behind this.
Retracting his gaze, he looked at Prince Zhan again, this time with an undeniable imperial authority and ruthless detachment in his eyes.
But Prince Zhan was not so easily broken.
"What the Emperor said is true: if someone dares to plot against the reigning Empress and Prince, they must be executed! A thorough investigation is necessary, and we must not wrong the innocent."
"Prince Zhan speaks rightly; since that’s the case, I’ll entrust this matter to you."
Without waiting for Prince Zhan to respond, he immediately instructed the Fourth Prince.
"Uncle, please make arrangements to depart for the capital at dawn tomorrow. There are many affairs in the palace that require my attention."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Prince Zhan had not realized it initially, but now he was somewhat confused.
Just when he was tasked with investigating Empress Xu’s possible murder, the Emperor instructed the Fourth Prince to return to the capital.
He was about to ask when the Emperor spoke, devoid of any emotion.
"Since Empress Xu’s passing, the Xu Family returned to Dengzhou. It seems necessary for Prince Zhan to investigate this matter thoroughly from the beginning, so it’s best to stay in Taishan and Dengzhou. I don’t want to hear the same old conclusions. If the truth is not uncovered, Prince Zhan should come up with more methods."
With one sentence, the Emperor blocked all of Prince Zhan’s retreats.
Start from the beginning?
A thorough investigation?
Does this mean that until a clear answer is found, he can’t return?
Prince Zhan didn’t expect that this trip to Taishan, initially set as a trap for others, would ultimately lead to self-inflicted consequences.
What would he do staying in Dengzhou and Taishan?
Isn’t this tantamount to using the matter of Empress Xu and the Xu Family to trap him?
He was unwilling.
So he spoke up right away.
"I’m not as meticulous as the Fourth Prince; in investigating such old matters, omissions are likely. Perhaps..."
He wished to shift the responsibility to the Fourth Prince.
Anyway, it had been years, and what needed to be handled was long dealt with.
He wasn’t afraid the Fourth Prince would truly uncover anything, hence his words.
Before the Fourth Prince could refuse, the Emperor gave a concession.
"Hmm, Prince Zhan’s words are reasonable. However, those escorting you cannot be fewer. Perhaps Lin Guifei should remain. With her current position, it’s fitting for her to oversee this matter on my behalf. The traveling palace is only a few miles from Dengzhou; once Prince Zhan uncovers the truth, both of you can return to the palace."
What!
Lin Guifei was stunned, unable to believe that the Emperor would leave her at the Taishan Palace!
She!
The Imperial Concubine of the Da Wei Dynasty!
Now she had to stay at the traveling palace!
This was far more serious than "recuperating" at Yao Tai Pavilion.
Though it sounded nice to oversee affairs for the Emperor, bluntly, wasn’t it like banishing her from the palace!
Ming Ruo had yet to be brought back, and now she couldn’t even return to the palace!
How could she agree?
"No, Your Majesty, it’s not possible..."
She was about to voice all her reasons for not staying at the traveling palace.
But then, she noticed something strange in the Emperor’s hand.
She wasn’t sure what it was, but Prince Zhan broke into a cold sweat.
He even forgot to swallow, nearly choking in shock.
Looking at the lifeless Yan Datou.
It turned out the Emperor had set everything up to deceive them.
First by causing Lin Guifei to panic, then by using Empress Xu’s matter to compel them to stay, and finally sealing his mouth with the Crystal Stone.
This series of schemes suddenly made Prince Zhan feel troubled.
With the Crystal Stone in the Emperor’s hand, it meant he was already aware of the Taishan phenomenon.
But how much did he uncover about the matters involved?
Prince Zhan didn’t know, but he realized that when the Emperor took out the Crystal Stone, there was no turning back.
So he looked at the still struggling Lin Guifei, then knelt and said.
"The Imperial Concubine and I will not fail to meet your expectations! We will uncover the truth behind Empress Xu’s death!"
"Great Uncle!"
In a moment of panic, Lin Guifei blurted out this private term of address.
Otherwise, in public, they clearly addressed each other as Prince Zhan and the Imperial Concubine.
"Imperial Concubine! This is the Emperor’s utmost trust in you; you cannot refuse!"
The certainty in his tone left Lin Guifei speechless.
She could make a scene to return to the palace.
But doing so would not only alienate her from the Emperor, but she’d likely also offend Prince Zhan.
At this moment, she couldn’t understand why Prince Zhan accepted the imperial decree so decisively.
Breathing heavily, eyes full of confusion.
But after Prince Zhan gave her a reassuring look, he continued to kneel.
At such a time, opposing the Emperor was not something he could ensure success in.
Most importantly, the Fourth Prince had five thousand elite soldiers.
They were well-trained, much more formidable than the imperial guards under his command.
So throwing eggs against rocks wasn’t his style.
Waiting for a sure victory in the future was his core of staying safe over the years.
Witnessing Prince Zhan’s "sincere" compliance in staying at Taishan to handle the matter.
The Fourth Prince showed a satisfied smile.
Once, when the Emperor was young, he needed his uncle’s protection.
But now, even the craftiest old fox had to humbly submit before him.
A sense of pride filled his eyes slightly.
"Moments ago, during a short nap, the late Emperor appeared in my dream. He said that the Taishan phenomenon will materialize in a few days at the foot of Taishan. Since Prince Zhan is staying here to handle the issue, finalize this matter as well. Have people send it back to the palace and enshrine it in the Ancestral Hall. It’s a celestial gift to Da Wei, and must not be treated carelessly, understood?"
Then he glanced at Dong Yuzhong, who stepped forward.
The Emperor placed the Crystal Stone in his hand, and Dong Yuzhong, understanding, delivered it to Prince Zhan.
Prince Zhan took the Crystal Stone, feelings mixed.
After arranging for so long, the Crystal Stones would have to be excavated again as they were and sent back.
In the end, the phenomenon was confirmed, and the secret of the Crystal Stones remained unknown.