Second Prince Zhao Wang Xiao Changmin knew he might be used as a pawn, yet he couldn’t refuse, because the evidence Xiao Changgen brought could prove his innocence. He didn’t know Xiao Changgen’s purpose, nor did he need to ask—even if he did, Xiao Changgen wouldn’t tell him.

He waited until Tang Juan’s memorial reached the Emperor, who erupted in fury during court. In front of all the civil and military officials, he presented evidence of Governor Yu’s questionable financial transactions over the years.

These funds could be traced, with not a single coin flowing into his own pockets or those connected to him. As for whose pockets the money entered, there were no clear indications—perhaps only those who received the money would know.

“Upon hearing of Governor Yu’s matter, son was devastated and immediately began a thorough investigation. His numerous crimes leave his son ashamed to face Your Majesty. Please punish son accordingly.” Xiao Changmin kowtowed deeply.

Emperor Youning reviewed the evidence, his expression softening slightly—at least it proved this wasn’t Xiao Changmin’s doing. “Pass this to the ministers for review.”

Liu Sanzhi respectfully carried the evidence first to Cui Zheng, Xue Heng, and the recently returned Wang Zheng for examination, then passed it down in turn. After everyone had reviewed it, they understood the situation.

Xue Heng stepped forward: “Your Majesty, this matter is extremely serious. I believe Yu Zao, as merely a governor, would not dare be so brazen. Moreover, regarding the deserters captured by Princess Shaoning, how could Yu Zao alone assist so many people in such a deceptive escape?”

“Lord Xue speaks wisely,” Cui Zheng concurred. “The execution reports from the exile locations claim these people died suddenly and were hastily buried, clearly showing someone switched the records. How did these deserters fake their deaths? And why were they so certain someone would arrange things after their supposed deaths?”

“Lords Xue and Cui speak reasonably—these many doubts indeed require detailed investigation,” Wang Zheng quickly added. “The immediate priority is calming public outrage. I’ve heard of many people taking their own lives in anger. We must carefully consider how to comfort these citizens whose family tombs were desecrated.”

It was rare for the three not to argue, instead working together on the matter. The lower officials were relieved—whenever these three fought, they had to choose sides while trying to guess His Majesty’s inclinations, making it a hundred times more exhausting than regular duties.

“Your Majesty,” Cui Jinbai suddenly stepped forward. “I believe Lord Xue’s words have merit. Yu Zao is not the mastermind. Given his conclusive guilt and enormous ill-gotten gains, he must be closely connected to the mastermind—likely only he knows their identity.

However, Yu Zao is quite stubborn. Perhaps Prince Zhao should go to Henan Prefecture, appeal to both emotion and reason—maybe then Yu Zao will reveal the mastermind, giving justice to the people and an explanation to the world.”

Cui Jinbai’s words were reasonable, and importantly, other ministers didn’t want to get involved. If Prince Zhao couldn’t prove his innocence, he would certainly need to recuse himself. Now that Prince Zhao wasn’t behind Yu Zao, he was most suitable to go.

They also wanted to root out the mastermind—after all, which family didn’t have some wealth? Some richly furnished tombs? If the source wasn’t eliminated, it could resurge, and they might be the next victims.

When Cui Jinbai suggested Prince Zhao go, Xiao Changmin didn’t want to, but Xiao Changgen would only give him the evidence if he went. He could only volunteer: “Son is willing to go to Henan Prefecture to lead the investigation of Yu Zao’s tomb-robbing case.”

“Please, Your Majesty, though Second Brother is cleared, he is still related to the Yu family by marriage. The people of Henan Prefecture might be dissatisfied. Son wishes to go instead.” No one expected Xiao Changying would voluntarily take on this hot potato.

Everyone knew Yu Zao would almost certainly not confess, making the mission destined for failure.

Xiao Changqin frowned and stepped forward: “Your Majesty, as Lord Xue said, Yu Zao wouldn’t dare act alone. Though Second Brother has proven his innocence, we are most suspicious and should recuse ourselves.”

The ministers silently nodded at Xiao Changqin’s words. To orchestrate such an affair, like the Rouge case, it had to be imperial relatives. Prince Zhao was cleared, but that didn’t mean Prince Lie and Xin were innocent.

Xiao Changying glanced at Xiao Changqin before quickly lowering his head.

Emperor Youning pondered briefly: “Have Prince Zhao depart immediately for Henan Prefecture. You must investigate all those involved in Yu Zao’s tomb-robbing.”

“Son accepts the command,” Prince Zhao acknowledged.

“Brother, why did you stop me?” After the court dispersed, Xiao Changying caught up with Xiao Changqin.

“Why did you want to go to Henan Prefecture?” Xiao Changqin’s eyes were cold. “You think Princess Shaoning needs your help?”

“Brother…” Xiao Changying frowned.

“She could imprison Yu Zao on his turf—her abilities far exceed yours,” Xiao Changqin said bluntly, disregarding his brother’s face. “How capable can Old Second be? The evidence came together so quickly, clearing him completely. Tang Juan’s memorial only reached the throne last night, yet this morning he had an escape plan. You think he truly obtained this evidence himself?”

“I know someone helped him escape,” Xiao Changying said quietly. “I also know it was likely Little Twelve who sent it.”

“Then do you know who’s behind Little Twelve?” Xiao Changqin asked.

Xiao Changying didn’t answer. Little Twelve hadn’t been associating with others lately, avoiding even his brothers when possible.

“Little Twelve moved out of the Eastern Palace,” Xiao Changqin hinted. “This means the evidence came from the Eastern Palace. You should understand the Crown Prince’s intentions toward Princess Shaoning. His Highness wants Old Second to go, and no one can change that. If you interfere now and anger him, you’ll become the mastermind of the tomb-robbing case.”

Xiao Changying clenched his fists. Xiao Changqin patted his shoulder.

Xiao Huayong wasn’t feeling well and hadn’t attended court that day. Before the court even dispersed, he heard about Xiao Changying volunteering. Half-sitting, half-lying on a chaise by the window, his exceptionally handsome face was covered in frost-like coldness.

“Tianyuan, let’s pay our respects to Grandmother,” Xiao Huayong set aside what he was holding and dragged his sickly body to the Empress Dowager’s palace.

“If you had matters, you could have sent someone to inform Grandmother,” the Empress Dowager scolded.

“Am I so weak I can’t walk a few steps?” Xiao Huayong smiled obediently. “Today I heard some court matters. The second Brother is implicated by his wife’s family. Grandson feels if Second Brother had remarried earlier, this wouldn’t have involved him.”

The Empress Dowager considered this and said: “It’s been four or five years since the Second Prince’s first wife passed. He should find someone to care for him.”

Xiao Huayong’s smile deepened: “Grandmother, Seventh Brother has also come of age.”

The Empress Dowager pointed at him and laughed: “I wondered why you suddenly cared about your Second Brother’s affairs—it’s really about yourself.”

“Grandmother, you wrong grandson,” Xiao Huayong smiled. “How could I be someone who only thinks of himself? Why doesn’t Grandmother host a spring banquet next year, to find suitable companions for Seventh Brother’s brothers? Besides Second Brother, there’s Fifth Brother, Eighth Brother, and Ninth Brother.”