The atmosphere in the hall eased slightly.
Only then did Zhu Minda say: “Have you lost all sense of propriety? Father Emperor is still confined to his sickbed, yet you are already about to engage in fratricide?”
Then he looked at the Capital Guard and Golden Guard in the hall with swords drawn and bows stretched taut, frowned slightly, and called out: “Thirteenth Brother.”
Zhu Nanxian paused in silence, then with a calm expression raised his hand. The Golden Guard bowed to him in unison and silently withdrew.
Zhu Minda said again: “Capital Guard.”
Several soldiers knelt on one knee, then also withdrew from the hall.
The Front Palace Hall returned to its former calm, yet beneath this calm, something seemed to be different.
Zhu Minda did not distrust Zhu Nanxian, but with all the princes present and the incriminating evidence pointing directly at Thirteenth Brother, if he deliberately shielded him and ignored the suspicion against Thirteenth Brother, this matter would inevitably reach Father Emperor, and at that time it would be even more difficult to resolve.
Zhu Minda said to the three of them: “The three lords may rise.” Then he asked Zhu Nanxian: “Thirteenth Brother, who was the person you met at Xuanyuan Platform?”
Zhu Nanxian lowered his eyes and said nothing. Su Jin stepped forward and bowed: “Reporting to the Crown Prince, it was this humble subject.”
As soon as these words came out, Zhu Mixiao immediately laughed: “Just now they were saying that Thirteenth Imperial Brother and Circuit Inspector Su were close. What now—are we catching them in the act?” He looked toward the Imperial Noble Consort and bowed: “Mother Consort, you should properly ask Thirteenth Brother who that jade pendant carved with the character ‘Rain’ was really for, lest you mistake the mandarin ducks.”
Zhu Minda looked coldly at the Fourteenth Prince. After he stopped talking, he asked again: “Thirteenth Brother, since it was already late in the day, what business did you have meeting Circuit Inspector Su at Xuanyuan Platform?”
It was Su Jin who wanted to return the Nine Dragons dagger to him, and he would not accept it.
Zhu Nanxian opened his mouth to answer, but suddenly fell silent.
If no one had mentioned the jade pendant matter just now, he could have lied and claimed this Nine Dragons dagger was something he had lent to Su Jin and she had come to return it.
However, that jade pendant carved with the character “Rain” had already made everyone suspicious of his relationship with Su Jin.
If he told the truth, Su Jin could testify for him and say he had not seen Zhu Lin when at Xuanyuan Platform. But if the matter of him giving the Nine Dragons dagger as a gift was exposed before everyone, would that not confirm his feelings for Su Jin? If that happened, when Su Jin testified, would they believe it?
Not only would they not believe it, they would also place her in danger.
Seeing Zhu Nanxian remain silent, Zhu Mixiao laughed again: “What, did Thirteenth Imperial Brother truly give Lin’er poisoned food and now has a guilty conscience?”
Zhu Minda closed his eyes slightly, then turned to look at Su Jin: “You speak.”
Tonight’s scheme was thorough and complete, with hidden layers upon layers, surpassing the scheme at the Ma residence a hundredfold.
Su Jin knew that even if she told the truth, those with ulterior motives might not believe her. But if she did not testify for Zhu Nanxian and did not buy him some time, then even if someone wished to save him, they would probably have no time to think of a plan.
For now, it was again a delaying tactic.
Thinking of this, Su Jin was about to fabricate an excuse and kneel to beg forgiveness when Zhu Nanxian spoke first: “This prince met with Circuit Inspector Su merely to inquire about matters concerning Nanchang Prefecture’s external evaluation.”
External evaluation was a performance review system for external officials conducted once every three years, managed by the Ministry of Personnel and reviewed by the Imperial Censorate.
Zeng Youliang laughed: “This subject already presented the Nanchang Prefecture external evaluation results to the Thirteenth Prince for review. Even if His Highness had doubts, why would he not come ask this Ministry of Personnel but instead inquire of Circuit Inspector Su?”
Zhu Nanxian said indifferently: “The Imperial Censorate reviews the external evaluation results. This prince wanted to ask Circuit Inspector Su. Is that not allowed?”
Zhu Zhaowei smiled: “Naturally it is allowed. Previously, when this prince wanted to inquire about Fengyang Prefecture’s external evaluation matters, I also inquired with the Imperial Censorate.” As he spoke, he suddenly made a sound: “However, this prince recalls that only Lord Liu and Lord Zhao from the Imperial Censorate review external evaluations, right? Circuit Inspector Su is busy with cases from the Petition Drum. Thirteenth Brother, why would you seek him out to ask?”
Third Prince Zhu Jiyou smacked his lips: “What’s there to wonder about? The external evaluation is just an excuse. He has a guilty conscience.”
Tenth Prince Zhu Yiheng said warmly: “This prince seems to recall that the head steward of this Front Palace Hall said Beauty Li’s corpse was found by Thirteenth Brother?”
Eunuch Zhang in the corner, upon hearing this, hastily moved to the center of the hall and bowed in fear and trepidation: “Yes, the Thirteenth Prince suspected the young prince’s illness was caused by fright. After exploring around with Circuit Inspector Su, he found Beauty Li’s corpse.”
Zhu Mixiao laughed: “So it was a conspiracy after all.” He carelessly bowed toward those seated and said mockingly: “Elder Imperial Brother, can you still not see clearly? Thirteenth Brother who grew up by your side has grown powerful wings. Right now he’s playing the thief crying ‘stop thief.'”
At this time, Su Jin said: “Your Highnesses do not know—after the Thirteenth Prince returned to the capital, he mentioned to this humble subject his doubts about the external evaluation review results. This humble subject is also a censor of the Imperial Censorate with the authority to examine the external evaluation review results and help His Highness investigate. This is nothing unusual.”
As early as when she discovered Beauty Li’s corpse, Su Jin had already felt tonight’s events were quite suspicious. At that time, she had already used external evaluation as an excuse to call Zhu Nanxian aside and express her doubts. With her foolproof character, after returning to the Imperial Censorate, she would naturally have ordered someone to obtain the Nanchang Prefecture external evaluation roster from Zhao Yan to review.
Su Jin now planned to carry out this delaying tactic to the end. She bowed to Zhu Minda at the head and directly said: “Nanchang Prefecture’s Prefect Yu Ping—upright in conduct, talented, long-serving, diligent in administration, young and vigorous—ranked first class. Nanchang Prefecture’s Provincial Administration Commissioner Zhang Lei—diligent in conduct and administration, average in talent, but lacking strength due to advanced age and illness—ranked third class. Nanchang Prefecture’s Assistant Prefect…”
She had always had a photographic memory. Reciting the evaluation results of over thirty officials like this, there was not a single error.
Zhu Minda looked at Zeng Youliang and said matter-of-factly: “Minister Zeng, is there any error in what Circuit Inspector Su said?”
Zeng Youliang bowed respectfully to Zhu Minda: “In response to Your Highness, Circuit Inspector Su has a broad knowledge and strong memory. This official is impressed.”
Zhu Minda said: “Good. Su Jin, since you were with Thirteenth Brother at that time, this palace asks you—did you see Zhu Lin? Did you see Thirteenth Brother give Lin’er food?”
Su Jin thought for a moment and was about to answer when she suddenly heard Shen Xi make a sound of realization. Then he walked forward two steps, smiled cheerfully and called out: “Brother-in-law.” But seeing Zhu Minda’s cold and severe gaze, Shen Xi paused, then bowed properly and said: “Crown Prince, this subject suddenly thought of a matter and wishes to question Director Li of the Imperial Medical Academy.”
Zhu Minda granted permission: “Ask.”
Shen Xi turned around: “Director Li, you said just now that you found cake crumbs on the young prince’s undergarment. What kind of cake was it?”
Director Li said: “It was jujube flower cake.”
Shen Xi asked again: “Did you only find crumbs, or did you find an entire jujube flower cake?”
Director Li said: “Only crumbs.”
Shen Xi said: “Then in your opinion, if an entire jujube flower cake were eaten, would the young prince still have his life?”
Director Li’s eyes showed a frightened expression: “This… oleander powder is an extremely poisonous substance. If the Imperial Grand Grandson had eaten an entire piece, I fear he would already have… died.”
Shen Xi clasped his hands and bowed to Zhu Minda, speaking with conviction: “Crown Prince, this subject grew up with the Thirteenth Prince and know deeply that he is upright in character and has never had any intention to harm others. This subject does not believe he would harm the young prince. According to what Director Li said, since the young prince did not eat the entire cake, then allow this subject to speculate—this remaining jujube flower cake might still be within this Front Palace Garden. This jujube flower cake is the most crucial evidence in this case. This subject requests—” Shen Xi paused, looked up with a smile, “to search the palace!”
After saying this, before Zhu Minda could answer, Zhu Mixiao mocked: “Speculation? Might be? Lord Shen, without any real evidence, you request to search the palace—isn’t the commotion a bit too great? For the sake of an inexplicable jujube flower cake, are we to turn the Front Palace Garden upside down? Furthermore, since Thirteenth Imperial Brother did this, that jujube flower cake has long been hidden somewhere by him. Oh, perhaps it’s even on his person. Since Lord Shen wants to search the palace, why not first search his person?”
“Fourteenth Brother’s words are too presumptuous. Can a legitimate prince’s person be searched at will?” Fourth Prince Zhu Yushen said.
“Fourth Brother speaks correctly.” Upon hearing this, Zhu Qiyue grasped the hilt of his sword at his waist and smiled with curved lips: “What? Is Fourteenth Brother unwilling to let Lord Shen search the palace because he fears someone will find traces?”
At this time, Shen Jing said softly: “Your Highness, this subject trusts Thirteenth Brother. Please grant Qingyue’s request and order the Feathered Forest Guard and Capital Guard to search the palace together to restore Thirteenth Brother’s innocence.”
Hearing her say this, Zhu Minda nodded slightly: “Very well.” Then he looked at Shen Xi: “Qingyue, you shall lead the search. This palace gives you one hour. If after one hour you cannot find the jujube flower cake, this palace will punish you for the crime of disturbing and misleading!”
Shen Xi clasped his hands and bowed: “This subject receives the command.”
He stepped back two paces, turned and walked toward the palace exit. However, as he passed by Su Jin, Shen Xi’s footsteps suddenly paused. Inexplicably, in a voice neither high nor low, he said: “Circuit Inspector Su, nothing remains unknown unless one does nothing. This official has long known that your repeated approaches to Thirteenth Brother are improper in intent. This official does not care what your purpose is or who instructed you, but this official has words to warn you—if today you dare to create confusion and place Thirteenth Brother in an unrighteous position, this official will make you pay!”
Su Jin was stunned.
So righteous and stern? So proper and dignified?
However she listened, it did not sound like words that would come from Shen Qingyue.
Yet everyone in the hall, upon hearing these words, looked at Su Jin with suspicion. For a moment, they could not figure out whose subordinate she truly was.
But whoever it was, from what Shen Xi had just said, she should not be aligned with the Eastern Palace.
It remained to be seen how many would believe it.
Su Jin’s expression remained calm as she bowed to Shen Xi: “Lord Shen can be assured. Whatever this official sees is what it is. I will absolutely not frame anyone.”
Shen Xi withdrew to the palace door, bowed again to those at the head, and when he straightened, glanced at Liu Chaoming once more before leaving directly.
Only then did Zhu Minda say again: “Circuit Inspector Su, you may now speak. When you and Thirteenth Brother were at Xuanyuan Platform, did you see Zhu Lin? Did you see Thirteenth Brother give him food?”
Before Su Jin could answer, the Imperial Noble Consort said: “For this case to be tried again by the Crown Prince is probably no longer appropriate.” She laughed coldly: “The Crown Princess disregards the truth and strives with all her might to protect Thirteenth Brother. If the Crown Prince questions, how would Circuit Inspector Su dare tell the truth?”
Tenth Prince Zhu Yiheng said: “Exactly. If this case is tried again by Elder Imperial Brother, Circuit Inspector Su probably would not dare speak what she sees.”
Fourth Prince Zhu Yushen said indifferently: “Just now in Beauty Li’s case, the Left Censor-in-Chief was decisive in killing. In this prince’s view, this case can also be handed over to Lord Liu.”
The princes looked at each other, then all looked at Zhu Minda.
Zhu Minda said: “Lord Liu, please proceed.”
Liu Chaoming clasped his hands and bowed toward those in the hall, then looked at Su Jin: “Circuit Inspector Su, tell truthfully what you saw and heard.”
Su Jin stood with lowered eyes, seeming very hesitant. After a moment, she pressed her lips together as if having made some determination, then suddenly knelt toward those seated in the hall and said solemnly: “In response to Lord Liu, when the young prince came to find the Thirteenth Prince, this subject was indeed present. This subject did indeed see the Thirteenth Prince feed the young prince a piece of jujube flower cake—this is true.”