“Me?” The former Crown Prince pointed at his nose, feeling both delighted and anxious. “Father-in-law truly believes I have the best chance? But I committed a grave error; Father Emperor won’t forgive me.”
Seeing the former Crown Prince so dejected, Lord Yang felt secretly angry.
What a hopeless case!
“Why must Your Highness lack such confidence? You killed someone in anger during your rivalry with Prince An of the Commandery – it was merely a moment of impulse. The severe punishment was only due to Prince An’s status. Now that so much time has passed, the Emperor’s anger must have subsided, and establishing a Crown Prince is urgent. In my view, the Emperor still values you most…”
The former Crown Prince’s eyes were lifeless as he shook his head: “Father-in-law, you don’t understand…”
If only he had merely killed Prince An – if that were all, Father Emperor would never have stripped him of his position as Crown Prince!
Seeing the former Crown Prince so dispirited, Lord Yang grew anxious and spoke frankly: “Your Highness, we’re family, so let me be direct. Looking across the capital, many nobles have blood on their hands – have you seen any of them investigated? In my view, your only mistake was poor timing, having someone act during a banquet in the temporary palace. The impact was too great; the Emperor had no choice but to punish severely. Didn’t you see many ministers opposed your removal? Now that so much time has passed, and with Prince Jin’s attempt on young Chun’s life, the Emperor must surely regret his decision…”
Despite Lord Yang’s earnest advice, the former Crown Prince repeated: “You don’t understand…”
Lord Yang wanted to jump up and slap the former Crown Prince. If his son-in-law were an ordinary person, he would have done it already.
Don’t understand, don’t understand – what exactly don’t I understand?!
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Lord Yang asked: “Your Highness, what exactly concerns you? I’m your father-in-law, naturally on your side. Whatever worries you, speak freely – there’s no need to hide anything from me.”
The former Crown Prince stared at Lord Yang steadily and said through gritted teeth: “Since Father-in-law insists, I’ll tell you the truth!”
“The truth?” Lord Yang sensed something strange and became fully alert. “What truth, Your Highness?”
“Actually… I didn’t order Prince An’s assassination!”
“What?” Lord Yang was stunned.
“I didn’t even know that Palace Guard who did it.”
“What?” Lord Yang grew more shocked, gripping the former Crown Prince’s hand tightly. “If that’s so, why did the Emperor convict you? Could it be that old Zhen Shicheng made a wrong judgment?”
The former Crown Prince sighed: “Father-in-law is wrong. That old Zhen was too good at solving cases! Father Emperor accused me of instigating Prince An’s murder to cover up… to cover up…”
Lord Yang’s heart was in his throat: “Please continue, Your Highness!”
The former Crown Prince steeled himself: “To cover up my transgression – I was with Consort Yang at the time—”
With a loud thud, Lord Yang fell to the ground, chair and all.
A servant’s voice came from outside: “Your Highness, are you alright?”
“Fine! Guard the door!” the former Crown Prince shouted, watching Lord Yang struggle on the ground with inexplicable relief.
It felt good to speak it aloud – finally, someone else could share the burden of this secret.
The disheveled Lord Yang wanted to wail.
What sin had he committed to end up with such a son-in-law?
Despite his regret and anger, facing the former Crown Prince, Lord Yang could only accept it grudgingly.
There was no medicine for regret and a daughter married into the royal family couldn’t be taken back. He was stuck on this ill-fated boat.
After recovering somewhat, Lord Yang asked: “Does the Princess Consort know about this?”
The former Crown Prince shook his head: “Besides Father Emperor and Zhen Shicheng’s group, only you know now.”
Lord Yang’s eye twitched as he thought bitterly: How honored he was indeed.
“Your Highness must never let anyone else know of this matter, not even the Princess Consort,” Lord Yang earnestly advised.
His daughter had a stubborn temperament. If she learned her husband had been intimate with her stepmother, she might do something terrible…
“I know that of course.” The former Crown Prince looked at Lord Yang pleadingly, “Father-in-law, do you think I still have a chance?”
Lord Yang’s lips twitched.
The former Crown Prince sighed: “That’s why I said, with Third Brother fallen, Fourth Brother has the best chance…”
Lord Yang glanced at the window.
For privacy, the windows were tightly shut, with thin curtains casting shadows of banana leaves from outside.
This study was too suffocating, and so was the entire Jing Garden.
His son-in-law was born to be Crown Prince; he couldn’t stay confined in such a place!
Lord Yang tapped his fingers on the table and said softly: “No, Your Highness still has a chance.”
The former Crown Prince looked at him.
“Earlier, when ministers proposed reinstating the Crown Prince’s heir, the Emperor didn’t object. This proves he hasn’t completely given up on you…”
Given up?
The former Crown Prince felt these words sounded somewhat odd, but now wasn’t the time to dwell on that. Better to hear what his father-in-law had to say.
Looking at the former Crown Prince’s eager attention, Lord Yang sighed: “Your Highness did right to tell me the truth. Now we can better gauge the Emperor’s thoughts. Your transgression was severe – serious illness requires strong medicine. To change the Emperor’s mind, we must show him your sincere heart…”
“But how can I show Father Emperor my sincerity?”
“Wait.”
“Wait?”
“Yes, just wait patiently – opportunities will come. Besides, if opportunities don’t come naturally, we can create them…”
The light in the study gradually dimmed.
In the main courtyard, Lady Yang had seen young Chun and was speaking privately with Princess Consort Jing.
“Thank heaven young Chun is safe,” Lady Yang said, clasping her hands.
Princess Consort Jing smiled: “Mother is mistaken. Don’t thank heaven – young Chun’s recovery is thanks to Prince Yan.”
“That may be so, but ultimately it’s our young Chun’s good fortune that saved him. I heard the Emperor and Empress gave many gifts to young Chun and invited him to stay in the palace once he’s recovered?”
“Yes, but I declined politely,” Princess Consort Jing said calmly.
Lady Yang was greatly surprised: “Young Chun staying in the palace would be wonderful – why did you refuse—”
Princess Consort Jing interrupted: “I understand Mother’s meaning, but I don’t want young Chun caught up in these troubles anymore. He’s only an heir to a prince now, no different from other princes’ heirs. Standing above others isn’t good.”
“You—” Lady Yang wanted to persuade her but only said, “Your grandfather’s hair has all turned white recently…”
Princess Consort Jing remained unmoved, saying coolly: “Grandfather is over sixty; white hair is normal.”
After experiencing the agony of almost losing young Chun, she wouldn’t let anyone pressure her about anything.
She only wanted to watch young Chun grow up safely, marry, have children, and be surrounded by grandchildren.
As for everything else – let it all stay far away!