The Empress Dowager released the pressure of her authority, making the perceptive Gu Qingshu and Yu Sangzi sense impending trouble. But having reached this point, they could only tell the truth.

Yu Sangzi said: “In reply to the Empress Dowager, these two men came with covered faces. This humble one was also worried they might be assassins. Seeing we were frightened, they said they were His Majesty’s secret guards and showed us and County Princess Liyang the way out. Only then did we escape the temporary palace.”

The words “His Majesty’s secret guards” created waves of shock. Every official’s mind buzzed, forcefully restraining themselves from instinctively looking up at the Emperor with shocked or suspicious gazes.

It was an incredible statement, yet it logically explained everything—the strange behavior after the Crown Prince and Prince Lie’s capture. There were no rebels at all; His Majesty had suspected the Crown Prince or intended him harm, and so had him kidnapped.

Prince Lie, unaware, had foolishly stumbled into it. Then the Jichen Crown Prince’s remaining followers, who had been lurking in wait, seized the opportunity—sending men to assassinate His Majesty while kidnapping the Crown Prince. Why would they take the Crown Prince?

Those quick enough to connect the dots all reached a possibility, realizing this matter would likely explode.

“Your Majesty!” The Empress Dowager’s gaze turned sharp as she stared at Emperor Youning.

“Nonsense.” Emperor Youning coldly rebuked, “These men were not my secret guards. The Ministry of Justice, Court of Judicial Review, and Censorate shall investigate this thoroughly together!”

Emperor Youning remained composed and calm. He showed no trace of embarrassed anxiety, instead maintaining the stance of wanting a thorough investigation.

Who would dare easily suspect the Emperor? Even if it truly was the Emperor’s doing, what of it? Emperor Youning held absolute power—what could they do besides contemplate in their hearts?

Some believed this was rebels trying to sow discord, while others felt it was likely true, but none dared criticize in front of His Majesty. After the three judicial offices gathered evidence, the bodies were quickly disposed of.

Shen Xihe didn’t press further—she had merely acted as a guide. Xiao Huayong had set his trap and would naturally reveal His Majesty’s true face step by step. Undoubtedly the most pleased was Prince Xin, Xiao Changqin.

Had he known Xiao Huayong intended to tear away His Majesty’s facade, he would have helped more, lending aid to the Crown Prince.

Gu Qingshu remained anxious, wondering if she had said something wrong. Seeking comfort from Xiao Changqin, she found him eagerly anticipating what would happen next. His instincts told him the Crown Prince would not disappoint.

“Brother-in-law, will His Majesty and the Empress Dowager punish us?” Gu Qingshu noticed Xiao Changqin’s joy—though he wasn’t smiling, his eyes held light, an excited gleam.

“You didn’t give false testimony, His Majesty and the Empress Dowager won’t punish you,” Xiao Changqin replied perfunctorily.

There certainly wouldn’t be punishment, but His Majesty would surely despise them, as their words had nearly exposed His Majesty’s greatest secret.

Many people were likely muttering, harboring doubts, especially about last year’s matter with Minister of Revenue Dong Biquan. His corruption case involved a huge sum of missing money still unaccounted for.

Using that money to maintain a secret army seemed logical—everyone knew Dong Biquan was His Majesty’s man.

Some had dared to imagine such things but had never pursued that line of thinking. Once given a thread, their thoughts could reach depths that frightened even themselves.

His Majesty undertaking such actions harmful to the country and people, doing it secretly, nearly being exposed, making his confidant take the blame—how ugly it all appeared.

“If only we’d encounter a year of natural disasters…” Xiao Changqin murmured regretfully.

The national treasury wasn’t wealthy now. If famine struck, His Majesty would need emergency funds, forcing him to squeeze merchants and officials. He could then fan the flames, stirring up public resentment against His Majesty.

“If you’re fine, stop crying here,” Xiao Changying suddenly said coldly to Gu Qingshu.

Gu Qingshu was startled. She opened her mouth to speak to Xiao Changqin, but Xiao Changying cut in first: “Someone comes to escort County Princess Liyang back.”

Xiao Changqin didn’t speak, so the servants naturally followed Xiao Changying’s orders. After Gu Qingshu was reluctantly escorted away, Xiao Changying said coldly: “Elder Brother, don’t treat her too much like family.”

He disliked Gu Qingshu—appearing soft and weak, seemingly always needing protection, but harboring schemes.

Xiao Changqin had dared speak of hoping for natural disasters in front of her, unconcerned she might later speak carelessly to others out of spite.

Xiao Changqin dismissed it carelessly: “It doesn’t matter. Even if she tells others, it’s nothing serious.”

“These words might not be serious, but being so careless, who knows what you’ll say next?” Xiao Changying’s tone was harsh.

Xiao Changqin glanced at him, pouring himself tea: “Fine since I’m your elder brother, speak freely of any discontent.”

He could see Xiao Changying was troubled, and quickly realized why: “Shortly, the one you care about will come looking for you.”

“Why would she look for me?” Xiao Changying feigned indifference, turning halfway away from Xiao Changqin. “What doesn’t she already know?”

“You think Princess Zhaoning and the Crown Prince planned this together?” Xiao Changqin asked amusedly.

“Aren’t they?” Look at their coordination—one maneuvering outside, one composed inside, surrounding His Majesty, giving him no chance to maintain control.

Xiao Changqin chuckled softly.

Xiao Changying’s expression soured further at his brother’s laughter.

Covering his mouth with a loose fist, Xiao Changqin coughed lightly, looking at Xiao Changying helplessly, appearing to hold back words.

“Elder Brother, why look at me so?” Xiao Changying examined Xiao Changqin.

“I’m hesitating whether to tell you the truth,” Xiao Changqin showed a sympathetic expression.

“What truth?” Xiao Changying asked suspiciously.

After a moment’s hesitation, Xiao Changqin said: “Well, it’s just my guess. Knowing the Crown Prince, he wouldn’t have told Princess Zhaoning about this. He worried she wouldn’t let him act as bait if she knew he might truly fall into our uncle’s hands.

Therefore, the Princess likely just learned of it recently, and their minds simply aligned—she deduced the Crown Prince’s entire plan herself.”

Xiao Changying’s face darkened further.

Just then, a servant came to report: “Your Highness, Princess Zhaoning has come to visit Prince Lie.”

“Don’t see her!” Xiao Changying suddenly shouted.

The messenger shrank back in fear, but Xiao Changqin told him: “Please invite the Princess in.”

Standing, he patted his brother’s shoulder: “Don’t flatter yourself. She knows everything. Coming to see you is just completing the act, making people think she knows nothing and needs to learn the Crown Prince’s whereabouts from you. It’s just going through the motions.”