She could guess some of Gu Zexiang’s thoughts. If things went smoothly, Gu Zexiang wouldn’t need to endure another seven or eight years – perhaps in about five years, she could have her released and personally arrange a good marriage for her.

She didn’t tell Gu Zexiang these things now – it would depend on her future performance.

“Princess, the coming-of-age ceremony clothes you selected were designs sent by the Crown Prince,” Gu Zexiang said, bowed to Shen Xihe, and withdrew.

Telling Shen Xihe this wasn’t to curry favor but to show that she wasn’t the Crown Prince’s person.

Although Shen Xihe and the Crown Prince seemed to have close dealings, and palace rumors said the Empress Dowager and Emperor favored Shen Xihe as Crown Princess, nothing was certain until confirmed, and even after confirmation, married couples didn’t necessarily overlook everything.

Shen Xihe was momentarily lost in thought, then shook her head with a smile.

When the designs were first shown, Shen Xihe had this suspicion, but she genuinely liked it. There was no need to abandon her preferences just because they might be connected to Xiao Huayong.

Her selection only proved Xiao Huayong’s capability in capturing her tastes – nothing shameful about acknowledging that.

“I’ve said it before – the Crown Prince understands the Princess best. How could he be so clear without putting in effort? I fear there won’t be any room left for us to show our loyalty,” Purple Jade shook her head and sighed thoughtfully.

Shen Xihe was most tolerant of her. Strangely, though Shen Xihe disliked foolish people, and Purple Jade fell into this category, she liked her cheerful and lively nature, always smiling as if without worry.

Having her by one’s side daily was pleasing to the eye and improved one’s mood considerably.

“Those who study your preferences aren’t necessarily those who wish you well,” Shen Xihe remained calm and collected as always. “They might even be those who want your life; those who treat you well now may not remain unchanged. If you’re not clear-headed, once they change, you’ll find yourself at life’s end with nowhere to turn.”

Purple Jade shrank her neck, not daring to say more.

Hearts change easily – no one can guarantee anything. They would need to stay alert in the future, and not be seduced by the Crown Prince’s sugar-coated bullets.

The Yu Zao case concluded the next day. Investigation confirmed that Yu Zao was indeed impersonated – the real Yu Zao had died over twenty years ago. Once this news was verified, Yu Zao committed suicide in the county magistrate’s prison.

The court engaged in a heated discussion about how to handle Yu Zao’s case. The Yu family was safe, but Yu Zao had a wife, children, and grandchildren – all married or born after the fake Yu Zao’s return from studies. Logically, they were the imposter’s relatives.

However, his wife’s relatives included court officials who, to avoid implication, wept bitterly in court, accusing the Yu family of marriage fraud. If the Yu family had verified their son’s identity, how could their good official’s daughter have married a thief?

This argument had merit – Yu Zao’s wife had suffered enough; executing her too would seem inhumane.

Yet Yu Zao’s crimes were evident – surely his death alone couldn’t settle everything? That would be too lenient.

Both sides argued fiercely, giving Emperor Youning a headache. Xiao Huayong, attending court for the first time in a while, began coughing violently due to their heated argument.

His coughing fit silenced the hall. Both sides immediately stopped speaking – if they frightened the Crown Prince into fainting, where would Wang Zheng stand? Wang Zheng’s shameless act might work for him, but not necessarily for them.

Emperor Youning was satisfied seeing the silence. Previously, these people would argue endlessly, sometimes even fighting in court. Though the Emperor was unusually tolerant in this regard – while annoyed, he didn’t punish the masses, especially since both sides weren’t purely self-interested – he only rebuked them, which led to increasingly heated arguments in court.

“Is Seven all right?” Emperor Youning asked with concern.

“*cough* *cough* *cough*…” Xiao Huayong bowed to Emperor Youning. “Your Majesty, I am fine. However… regarding Yu Zao’s wife and children… I have a suggestion *cough* *cough* *cough*…”

Seeing him struggling to speak, Emperor Youning ordered Liu Sanzhi: “Bring a seat for the Crown Prince, prepare brush and ink.”

Xiao Huayong politely declined: “I thank Your Majesty, but I am well enough…”

He tried to control his coughing, then said: “All the lords make valid points… This matter is indeed difficult to judge as either too light or too heavy. Why not distribute the case to various regions, let the local officials personally consult the victims, and hear their thoughts? If most favor execution… then execute; if most favor leniency, then show mercy…

Let Your Majesty decide – execution would harm the relationship between ruler and subject, and his wife and children truly shouldn’t suffer; not executing… might disappoint the people… Let the people decide, showing Your Majesty’s benevolence and clemency… while practically appeasing the people.”

Xiao Huayong’s words brightened everyone’s eyes, including Emperor Youning’s – this method was indeed excellent.

Letting the people decide meant no one would have complaints regardless of the outcome. Any remaining dissatisfaction among the people would dissolve upon seeing the court’s genuine respect and consideration for them.

Everyone looked at Xiao Huayong, who stood slightly bent in the great hall wearing a thick cloak, with varying expressions – mostly regret.

Especially among the loyal ministers – such an heir who would listen to his ministers’ counsel and hear the voice of the common people was truly the nation’s fortune. Yet fate was cruel, afflicting his health and threatening his longevity – their sorrow, the nation’s grief.

“The Crown Prince speaks well. This matter will be handled according to his suggestion,” Emperor Youning decided without asking others’ opinions.

He currently needed measures to salvage his reputation, and the Crown Prince’s method was excellent.

With this matter settled, everyone thought the court would end, but Emperor Youning’s expression suddenly darkened as he took out a memorial: “This is a confession sent overnight by Prince Zhao. Liu Sanzhi read it to them…”

It was Yu Zao’s confession, full of repentance, but finally mentioning that his conspirator was His Majesty’s third son, Prince Dai, Xiao Changzhen.

All eyes turned to Xiao Changzhen. Prince Dai’s face paled: “Your Majesty, I swear to heaven I committed no such evil.”

“Whether true or false, the Department of Justice, Imperial Clan Court, and Capital Prefecture will jointly investigate. From today you are confined and may not leave. The Imperial Guard will watch over Prince Dai’s residence,” Emperor Youning said coldly.

Yu Zao was dead, leaving only this confession without any evidence, greatly angering Emperor Youning.

“No wonder he wouldn’t speak earlier,” Shen Xihe sighed softly upon hearing this. Since Yu Zao had no evidence, it was understandable that once he knew the Yu family was safe, he left this confession and took his own life.

“Princess, is it credible?” Green Jade asked.

“The confession is credible,” Shen Xihe nodded. “At least Yu Zao wouldn’t lie anymore. But whether it was Prince Dai… that’s not certain.”

Green Jade was confused – if Yu Zao’s words were credible, why wasn’t it certainly Prince Dai?