The earth-shattering statement was like a stone thrown into a lake within the Golden Throne Hall, instantly stirring up countless waves. Behind them, protected by palace maids and eunuchs, came a small figure, upright and straight, seemingly carrying special emotions in his eyes. Who else could it be but Xuan Pei?

Everyone looked at Xuan Pei in astonishment. This Thirteenth Prince had almost reached the point of being ignored in court. If Xuan Lang was merely incompetent, at least he had Consort Xian protecting him from above, so he wouldn’t be bullied. But Thirteenth Prince Xuan Pei was merely born to a palace maid of lowly status. Now that his birth mother had died, he had reached the point of being completely ignored in the palace. If not specifically mentioned, probably no one would remember there was such a person in the palace.

Xuan Pei had perhaps deliberately dressed up today, finding a lotus-azure brocade robe to wear. Lotus-azure was dignified, but Xuan Pei was ultimately only an eight or nine-year-old boy, so wearing it looked somewhat odd. Though the robe appeared to be of fine brocade and upper quality, it was probably a style from many years ago, and one could tell at a glance that it didn’t fit properly.

Yet even so, that small figure walked with confidence. Though not tall, he naturally possessed a certain composure and calmness. Even the Emperor’s eyes couldn’t help but flash with surprise. It was said that one could observe a person’s bearing through their behavior and conduct. Xuan Pei’s sudden appearance before everyone was not the weak, lowly prince born of a humble concubine that people had in mind, but rather possessed his own natural dignity and grace. Everyone even had the illusion that given time, this prince would surely not remain ordinary. At such a young age, he already possessed a mature composure. Though all imperial family members had natural advantages, even Xuan Li back then was only like this.

Xuan Pei walked into the Golden Throne Hall, lifted his robe hem and knelt down beside Jiang Ruan, saying: “Father Emperor, your son can testify that Princess Heyi was not killed by Princess Hong’an!”

Jiang Ruan stared blankly at the young man before her. Looking more closely like this, unlike the bullied child from that previous encounter, Xuan Pei seemed like a completely different person, with a deliberately mature composure on his face that was extremely unfamiliar.

Xuan Pei had always been timid, and due to his birth mother’s circumstances, he had suffered much bullying in the palace. In her previous life, she had also entered the palace around this time, and happened to encounter Xuan Pei being bullied. She had comforted him with a few words, and later somehow it reached the Emperor’s ears, so he placed Xuan Pei in her care.

In her previous life, she and Xuan Pei had depended on each other in the palace. Xuan Pei was the most sensible child she had ever seen, but such a good child could only be trapped in the deep palace like her. Xuan Pei didn’t even have the opportunity to display his abilities and shine in court like the other princes. Before Xuan Pei met her, he had been deliberately ruined by people with ulterior motives in the deep palace. Though eight or nine years old, his intelligence was no different from a five or six-year-old child.

Now this child was acting completely contrary to normal. Where was the confused attachment from his previous life in his eyes? They were clearly bright and clear. Xuan Pei was naturally born handsome. In the previous life, Li Dong had taken notice of him also because of his incomparable beauty. At this moment, the child’s appearance was entirely superior. Kneeling together with Jiang Ruan, it actually gave everyone in the Golden Throne Hall a sense of confusion, feeling that these two people’s demeanor and bearing were seventy percent similar. Upon reflection, they felt they were overthinking.

Xuan Lang and Xuan Li’s expressions changed slightly. Xuan Pei’s appearance was something neither of them had anticipated. Though Xuan Pei was not favored, he was nominally still a prince like them. In Xuan Li’s eyes, Xuan Pei didn’t even count as an ant. In the deep palace, his name was rarely even heard. Now, being young and having been deliberately ruined since childhood, he posed no threat at all. His sudden appearance today, if he would speak for Jiang Ruan, was already shocking enough to Xuan Li. Now Xuan Pei’s bearing and conduct created deep unease in Xuan Li’s heart.

The Emperor watched Xuan Pei with complex emotions. This son had never been on his mind. How many princes had died over the years, he couldn’t remember clearly. The deep palace never lacked buried white bones. Perhaps it was Heaven’s punishment for him – among these sons, those with some talent were invariably ambitious wolves, while the rest were completely incompetent. Like the Crown Prince, with shallow character – if he hadn’t secretly protected him, he would have long become a sacrifice in others’ power struggles.

The Emperor could no longer remember Xuan Pei’s mother. In the deep palace, princes born of lowly origins were dispensable to the Emperor, and he had never cared about them. Seeing Xuan Pei suddenly today, he didn’t know what kind of feeling it was in his heart.

This young man had beautiful features, extremely delicate facial features. Due to long-term life in the deep palace, his complexion appeared excessively pale, but because of his young age, rather than appearing pale and haggard, he was as touching as a crystal doll. He had inherited the imperial family’s natural good bearing, and had integrated this good bearing extremely well. Even though he rarely appeared before people all these years, and no one knew how he had been living, he hadn’t let that naturally noble demeanor diminish one bit.

More importantly, from the moment he entered, he looked directly at the Emperor with eyes that were respectful but not servile, composed but not arrogant. Where was the resemblance to an eight or nine-year-old child? He was more like a fifteen or sixteen-year-old young man.

The Emperor suddenly realized he had overlooked a potentially outstanding prince for so many years.

Xiao Shao frowned slightly. He could see clearly that Jiang Ruan’s gaze toward Xuan Pei was somewhat unusual. Though she tried hard to conceal it, she still revealed one or two points. He had Imperial Guards planted in the palace, so naturally he had heard about the Thirteenth Prince’s situation – a ruined, confused child. How had he suddenly changed overnight? Recently, Jiang Ruan had helped Xuan Pei, and later the Imperial Guards reported the situation. At that time, Xuan Pei was still a weak prince bullied by palace maids. How had he become so proper and composed today, like a completely different person? Looking again at the palace maids and eunuchs who had accompanied Xuan Pei, their conduct was proper without any transgression, clearly showing genuine respect for their master.

He had thought Xuan Pei’s appearance was Jiang Ruan’s arrangement, but now it seemed different. Jiang Ruan’s expression clearly showed she was unaware. What exactly did this Thirteenth Prince mean?

Xiao Shao’s gaze paused. He didn’t know if it was his imagination, but he always felt that Xuan Pei’s actions and bearing were somewhat similar to Jiang Ruan’s, almost identical.

The Emperor pondered for a long time before slowly speaking: “Oh, how would you testify?”

“When the incident occurred that day, your son was also at Mufeng Pavilion and witnessed it personally. Princess Heyi was dragged to the chair by two palace maids. Initially, your son thought they were playing around, but then Princess Hong’an came. Your son saw her go forward to inquire, and Princess Heyi collapsed. The incident happened suddenly, and your son was confused, so he secretly returned while no one noticed. Later, your son heard news that Princess Hong’an had been imprisoned. After much thought, your son always felt something was wrong. Though afraid in his heart, he cannot watch Princess Hong’an be slandered. Your son was cowardly and only now steps forward to testify. Please, Father Emperor, see clearly!”

At these words, everyone gasped. What did the Thirteenth Prince’s words mean? He was on scene and could testify, but Fourth Prince Xuan Lang also claimed to be an eyewitness. Xuan Pei’s words were obviously accusing Xuan Lang of lying!

Xuan Lang’s expression changed several times. He naturally understood the gravity of this matter. Since Xuan Pei had said these words, he had to wade into these muddy waters whether he wanted to or not. Moreover, no matter what, once Xuan Pei’s words came out, he had first aroused the Emperor’s suspicion.

Who was Xuan Pei? Now merely an eight or nine-year-old child. No matter how composed he appeared, his age was indisputable. People would think a child had no need to lie, but he was different.

Before Xuan Lang could speak to exonerate himself, Consort Shu impatiently spoke: “Do you know what you’re saying? The Fourth Prince also witnessed it personally. By saying this, aren’t you wrongly accusing the Fourth Prince?” Consort Shu already hated Xuan Pei thoroughly. This lowly palace maid’s son was actually conspiring with Jiang Ruan to exonerate her. If so, she would drag this Thirteenth Prince down with them and make him pay for his actions!

Empress Dowager Yide looked at Xuan Pei with confusion. When she first saw Xuan Pei, she was also surprised, thinking it was Xiao Shao’s arrangement. She even wondered when Xiao Shao had connections with Xuan Pei. Later, seeing Xuan Pei speak clearly and not like the palace rumors, she felt somewhat comforted. She naturally trusted Xiao Shao’s character. Since Xuan Pei was someone Xiao Shao had chosen, he naturally wouldn’t be bad. Among these princes, one with some talent but no ambition was truly rare.

Immediately, Empress Dowager Yide glanced lightly at Consort Shu and said: “The matter isn’t clear yet. Consort Shu, I see you’ve overstepped.”

Consort Shu didn’t dare offend Empress Dowager Yide and reluctantly fell silent, but in her heart she was calculating how to drag Xuan Pei down with them.

The Emperor looked at Xuan Pei. Though he also disliked him speaking for Jiang Ruan, he still asked: “Oh, you know what Fourth Prince said is quite different from yours.”

“In response to Father Emperor, your son doesn’t know what Fourth Brother said, but your son saw that when the palace maids supported Princess Heyi to Mufeng Pavilion, Fourth Brother was also there. Your son also heard what Fourth Brother later said to Princess Hong’an.” Xuan Pei’s voice was clear and bright. Unlike adult men’s gloominess, it had its own transparency and youthful vigor unique to young people. Listening to it made one’s heart feel clear, as if his words could make people believe them.

Xuan Lang clenched his fists, only hearing the Emperor say: “What words?”

Jiang Ruan glanced at Xuan Pei. By this point, she couldn’t determine whether Xuan Pei had actually been there that day. For her, Xuan Pei’s appearance today was truly too incredible. It was precisely because of Xuan Pei’s sudden appearance that she couldn’t continue with what she had arranged for Hui Jue. Xuan Pei shouldn’t have been there that day. What puzzled her more was why, in such a short period, Xuan Pei seemed like a completely different person. What exactly had happened?

“Your son heard Fourth Brother tell Princess Hong’an that when Fourth Brother mentioned marriage arrangements before Imperial Grandmother, he asked Princess Hong’an not to refuse, otherwise Princess Hong’an would not escape the capital crime,” Xuan Pei said loudly.

At these words, the Golden Throne Hall immediately fell silent. Even the sound of a needle dropping could be heard.

Xuan Lang’s face immediately turned snow white, and he first looked at Xuan Li’s expression.

Jiang Ruan was also stunned, then laughed inwardly. It seemed Xuan Pei had definitely not been to any Mufeng Pavilion that day. Xuan Pei’s words could be called brilliant. As soon as he spoke, not only did the Emperor’s expression change slightly, even Xuan Li’s expression became unnatural.

Xuan Lang had originally framed her with murder for Xuan Li’s sake, with the ultimate goal of wanting Jiang Ruan to marry into Xuan Li’s mansion. But Xuan Pei’s words revealed another meaning – Xuan Lang’s words were meant to marry Jiang Ruan himself. Xuan Li appeared tolerant but was actually suspicious. How could he not suspect that Xuan Lang was being duplicitous, appearing to act according to his intentions while actually changing methods? Though Xuan Lang was incompetent, he still had Consort Xian above him. Now that Consort Chen had lost power, Xuan Lang might not lack opportunities to climb higher. If Jiang Ruan married Xuan Lang, the benefits she could bring to Xuan Li could equally benefit Xuan Lang.

It wasn’t impossible that Xuan Lang truly harbored other thoughts.

Xuan Li’s eyes flashed slightly, no longer as calm as before. Xuan Lang had conspired with him on major matters for years, so naturally knew what Xuan Li was thinking. For a moment, he was extremely angry at Xuan Pei’s divisive tactics, but under everyone’s gaze, he couldn’t explain to Xuan Li. Anxious in his heart, he also strode into the hall and knelt before the Emperor with a “thump.”

“Father Emperor, see clearly – your son is wronged!” Xuan Lang’s voice was extremely pained. He was naturally skilled at pretense, and his face truly showed some bewildered helplessness. Looking at Xuan Pei with extremely pained and indignant eyes, he said angrily: “Thirteenth Brother, you and I are brothers. Who has instructed you to want to frame me? Now that you’re still young, don’t be led astray by others.”

His words inside and out pointed toward Jiang Ruan, successfully utilizing the Emperor’s suspicions about Jiang Ruan. Xuan Pei was indeed young now and very likely to be deceived. The officials all looked toward Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan’s expression didn’t change, but her heart was somewhat troubled.

What exactly did Xuan Pei want to do? She didn’t want Xuan Pei involved in this matter, but Xuan Pei’s various performances today would surely attract many people’s attention in court. For instance, Xuan Li would definitely notice Xuan Pei’s abnormality. Xuan Pei’s showing off today might not be a good thing. He didn’t yet have the ability to protect himself. Predictably, after today, Xuan Pei’s status in court should be somewhat better than before, but similarly, his troubles would follow one after another.

For a mother, protecting her child was instinct. Jiang Ruan didn’t want Xuan Pei involved, but the current development was unexpected to everyone. For a moment, she didn’t know how to resolve this.

“Every word your son speaks is true. Please, Father Emperor, see clearly,” Xuan Pei didn’t respond to Xuan Lang’s words, his tone remaining as stubborn as always.

The Emperor looked at Xuan Pei with deep eyes and said in a low voice: “You two each stick to your own version with your own explanations. One of you must be lying. Thirteenth, even if you testify, Princess Hong’an cannot be cleared of this matter.”

Even with Xuan Pei’s testimony, with both sides maintaining their versions, it still couldn’t prove Jiang Ruan’s innocence. This play still couldn’t end.

Who knew Xuan Pei would shake his head: “No, your son is not the only witness. There’s another person who can testify for Princess Hong’an.”

The entire hall was in uproar. Another person?

“Oh? Who else?” the Emperor asked.

“There’s also your son.” In the silence, someone suddenly spoke. The Crown Prince suddenly smiled and stepped out from among the officials.

The Empress and Empress Dowager Yide’s gazes simultaneously focused, Xuan Li’s clenched fist trembled slightly, and Xuan Lang looked at the Crown Prince in disbelief.

The Crown Prince looked meaningfully at Jiang Ruan, walked to Xuan Pei’s side, and also lifted his robe hem to kneel down. The three knelt side by side. The Crown Prince said to the Emperor: “In response to Father Emperor, every word Thirteenth Brother said is true, because your son was also present that day.”

Jiang Ruan frowned. Xuan Pei hadn’t been on scene that day, so the Crown Prince’s words were complete nonsense. She had instructed Xiao Shao not to interfere in this matter, so the Crown Prince’s sudden move was definitely not Xiao Shao’s idea. Even if the General’s mansion wanted to find ways to save her, they wouldn’t go through the Crown Prince’s route, so it shouldn’t be the General’s mansion’s doing either. Then this matter was somewhat suspicious. Jiang Ruan looked at Xuan Pei and suddenly had a thought – could it be Xuan Pei?

Before the Emperor could speak, Consort Shu finally couldn’t help herself and cried out again: “Crown Prince, what are you saying? Have you also been deceived?”

The Empress looked coldly at Consort Shu: “Consort Shu, watch your words.” Though the Empress held only a nominal position in the harem, when the Emperor was present, she still had some standing. Usually, she let harem affairs flow freely, but once it involved the Crown Prince, she had to be alert. She didn’t care if Consort Shu wanted to slander and frame others, but if it involved the Crown Prince, she couldn’t sit idly by.

“Shut up.” The Emperor also became angry at Consort Shu’s behavior. Previously, he had been considerate of her loss of a beloved daughter and shown her much tolerance, but now she was becoming increasingly inappropriate. However, the Crown Prince suddenly coming out to speak for Jiang Ruan still made him somewhat suspicious. This son had no brains and was unfit for great use, often led by the nose by others, yet still arrogant, frequently doing foolish things. He couldn’t possibly take initiative to help others. Today’s attitude clearly showed he was speaking for Jiang Ruan. Could it be that Jiang Ruan had some relationship with the Crown Prince? One Xuan Pei had already puzzled him greatly, and now why was the Crown Prince interfering?

The palace had never heard of any dealings between the Crown Prince and Jiang Ruan. The Emperor couldn’t help but cast his gaze toward Xiao Shao. Xiao Shao himself had proposed to marry Jiang Ruan, yet when Jiang Ruan was sent to the Ministry of Justice prison, he showed no movement, which had seemed strange. Could it be he had reserved this move? The Emperor immediately felt somewhat stifled.

Now that even the Crown Prince had come forward to testify, with two princes speaking for Jiang Ruan, the situation had suddenly changed again.

Xuan Lang felt somewhat anxious. What should have been foolproof today had halfway through been disrupted by the Crown Prince and Xuan Pei. Most importantly, since Xuan Pei’s words, Xuan Li’s gaze toward him had changed, and he showed no intention of speaking for him. Once the seed of suspicion was planted, it would take root and grow, eventually becoming an insurmountable tumor. For someone naturally suspicious like Xuan Li, this was especially true.

He kowtowed to the Emperor several times: “Father Emperor, every word your son speaks is true. Your son dares not deceive Father Emperor. Please, Father Emperor, see clearly!”

The Crown Prince looked at Xuan Lang casually: “Fourth Brother, what are you saying? Could it be that this prince and Thirteenth Brother conspired together to frame you?”

Some officials in court who didn’t understand looked at them. The Crown Prince and Xuan Lang had always been on good terms, but now this situation seemed like they had turned against each other?

Xuan Lang knew well that since last time, after Jiang Ruan had said something unknown to the Crown Prince, the Crown Prince had deliberately distanced himself and even found trouble for him. Xuan Lang knew this was definitely related to Jiang Ruan, and precisely because of this, Xuan Lang always harbored some wariness toward Jiang Ruan. Now the Crown Prince’s merciless suppression, with Consort Xian not present today and Xuan Li remaining silent, he could only grit his teeth and endure alone.

The Crown Prince said to the Emperor: “That day, your son encountered Thirteenth Brother on the road and on a whim went to Mufeng Pavilion, unexpectedly seeing the scene Thirteenth Brother just described. Your son was also extremely frightened at the time, but seeing Thirteenth Brother at such a young age dare to come forward to testify, if your son continued to be a coward, he wouldn’t deserve to be Father Emperor’s son. That’s why he came forward to testify for Princess Hong’an.”

He spoke this nonsense easily, with his characteristic carefree dandy manner. The officials had all witnessed the Crown Prince’s way of doing things and were momentarily speechless.

The Emperor suppressed his anger and was about to speak when he heard the Crown Prince continue: “However, this case has many suspicious points, so your son also brought someone to help. With this person’s help, solving this case satisfactorily shouldn’t be difficult.”

“Who?” the Emperor asked in a low voice.

“Someone come,” the Crown Prince called loudly: “Bring the Jinling Master, Divine Doctor Xia, up—”

A eunuch announced, and from outside the hall slowly walked a person wearing clean blue cloth robes, appearing to be in his early twenties, with a pleasing baby face and a bag at his waist. Reaching the hall, he knelt before the Emperor: “Commoner Xia Qing pays respects to Your Majesty.”

Jinling Master Xia Qing – everyone gasped again. This person’s family had served in the palace Imperial Medical Bureau for generations, but when it came to Xia Qing’s generation, he was restless. He looked down on the conservative treatment methods of the imperial physicians, his mind full of novel ideas. But the imperial physicians treated noble masters in the palace – one mistake in treatment could cost one’s head. How could they tolerate Xia Qing’s novel, unheard-of treatment methods?

Feeling increasingly constrained in the palace, Xia Qing bid farewell to his family and traveled on his own. Later, he somehow reached Mount Jianan and became a disciple of Master Baqi, learning divine medical arts and earning the title “Jinling Master.”

Now, though young, Xia Qing was already known throughout the Great Jin Dynasty. Despite this, when the Imperial Medical Bureau invited him again, Xia Qing politely declined. He traveled throughout the realm, and this was his first time entering the palace since gaining fame.

No one had expected the Crown Prince to actually invite Xia Qing, nor that Xia Qing had connections with the Crown Prince. Now that Xia Qing had come, what did he intend to do?

Seeing everyone’s dumbfounded expressions, the Crown Prince smiled: “Everyone need not be confused. This prince thought Heyi’s death was truly suspicious, even the corpse probably had problems. It happened that Divine Doctor Xia is this prince’s old friend, so this prince asked him to examine Heyi’s body.” He paused, then slowly said: “Without looking, one wouldn’t know, but upon examination, some remarkable things were discovered.”