Prince Qi’s heart sank, and he momentarily forgot to move.
Emperor Jingming glanced at him, his face stern as he fingered the white jade paperweight.
Prince Qi kowtowed once before rising. “Father Emperor, your son wishes to pay respects to the Empress Dowager and inform her about Madam Li’s matter.”
As the Princess Consort was the daughter-in-law of Consort Xian, it wasn’t out of place for Prince Qi to report such an incident.
In the past, Prince Qi would have been cautious and not brought this up, but now, having suffered such a blow, he vaguely realized that constant restraint was useless. He decided to be more forthright.
Unexpectedly, Emperor Jingming refused Prince Qi’s request: “Wait until you’ve dealt with Madam Li’s matter before entering the palace to pay respects to your mother. Your mother’s health has been poor lately. When you do speak to her, mind your words.”
“Your son understands,” Prince Qi replied, quietly withdrawing.
In the imperial study, besides Emperor Jingming and Pan Hai, only Han Ran, the Commander of the Jinlin Guard, remained as an outside official.
Emperor Jingming glanced coldly at Han Ran, not bothering to say much, and waved his hand, signaling the two to attend to their duties.
Soon, Pan Hai and Han Ran withdrew together, leaving Emperor Jingming alone. He picked up and put down the white jade paperweight repeatedly, unable to suppress his anger. Finally, he hurled the recently replaced paperweight to the ground.
The paperweight shattered instantly, slightly easing the Emperor’s rage, though his expression remained grim.
He wasn’t senile yet. Today’s incident clearly showed that his fourth son wanted to get rid of Madam Li.
Prince Qi’s desire to kill his wife and remarry — Madam Li’s words were probably not wrong.
Although the Princess Consort had made mistakes, in Emperor Jingming’s view, anyone could slight her, but for Prince Qi to harbor murderous intentions was going too far.
The imperial family was known for its lack of sentiment, but for his fourth son to be so ruthless towards his wedded wife was excessively cold-hearted.
Moreover, Prince Qi had always presented an image of a respectful and deeply affectionate relationship with his wife in front of Emperor Jingming. This turn of events was even more chilling.
As for ordering Han Ran to continue the investigation, that was no longer necessary.
Prince Qi was his son. If his intention to kill his wife were made known to the world, how would that reflect on the Emperor? Sending Madam Li to the family temple and quietly putting this matter to rest was the best course of action.
Emperor Jingming rose and walked out, instructing Little Lezi guarding the door: “Replace the paperweight with a new one.”
He had heard rumors that he enjoyed smashing paperweights. How absurd!
Pan Hai, on his way to Prince Qi’s manor, shook his head as he thought about the Prince.
Today, it seemed the Emperor hadn’t delved too deeply into the matter, but from now on, Prince Qi would likely face disfavor. This was truly unfortunate.
Prince Qi’s chances for the position of Crown Prince were now hanging by a thread.
After Prince Xiang’s incident, only Prince Qi, Prince Lu, Prince Shu, and Prince Yan remained as potential heirs.
In the eyes of the world, Prince Qi undoubtedly had the greatest chance, but as a confidant of the Emperor, Pan Hai didn’t have high hopes for him.
Among the four princes, Prince Qi was the oldest, with a mother of noble birth. He should have been the undisputed choice for Crown Prince, yet the Emperor had delayed in establishing an heir apparent.
What did this indicate? It showed that the Emperor was dissatisfied with the most suitable candidate, namely Prince Qi!
It was laughable how shortsighted the world was, unable to see clearly.
Whether Prince Qi harbored intentions to kill the Princess Consort was never important; what mattered was whether the Emperor would think so.
The Emperor did think this way, even feeling there was no need for further investigation.
With the Princess Consort’s outburst, Prince Qi, following Prince Xiang, had not only provided new gossip for the capital’s citizens but had also incurred the Emperor’s displeasure. It could be said he had suffered a terrible stroke of bad luck.
The situation was quite interesting. The Prince’s manor was vast and deep, with numerous maids, servants, and guards, yet somehow they had allowed the physically weak Princess Consort to rush out onto the street.
Pan Hai shook his head as he pondered, thinking that the princes’ fresh scandals were becoming increasingly frequent.
“Lord Pan, do you need my assistance?” Han Ran, the Commander of the Jinlin Guard who had also left the palace, asked politely.
Pan Hai clasped his hands in greeting: “Commander Han, please attend to your duties. There’s no need to trouble you.”
“Very well, but if Lord Pan needs anything, just say the word.” Despite saying this, Han Ran continued to walk alongside Pan Hai.
Pan Hai glanced sideways at him.
Hadn’t he said he wasn’t needed? Why was he still following?
Han Ran seemed to guess Pan Hai’s thoughts and explained helplessly, “Recently, the Vermilion Bird District has been under heavy surveillance.”
Pan Hai suddenly understood.
Several princes’ manors were located in the Vermilion Bird District. Not only the Jinlin Guard but even the Prefect of Shuntian, Zhen Shicheng, had reportedly increased patrols in the area…
Arriving at Prince Qi’s manor, Pan Hai said to Prince Qi, who had just entered as well, “Your Highness, please summon the Princess Consort.”
“Lord Pan, please wait a moment.”
Leaving Pan Hai in the reception hall, Prince Qi hurried to the Princess Consort’s quarters.
At this time, the Princess Consort was being closely watched by several maids and old women, making it impossible for her to escape.
The Princess Consort, of course, had no intention of fleeing again. Instead, her expression was calm.
Only when pushed to the brink does one truly realize how precious it is to be alive?
All the glory, wealth, and prestige meant nothing compared to living peacefully.
With this commotion, her life was now secure. That man was most hypocritical; he wouldn’t dare to confirm the evil reputation of wife-killing. As a result, in the short term, the one most afraid of her death would be that very man.
Footsteps approached.
The Princess Consort’s eyelids trembled, but she didn’t look up.
Although she didn’t look, how could she not recognize who was coming?
Soon, a familiar voice rang out: “All of you, withdraw.”
“Yes,” the maids and old women retreated together.
The Princess Consort had her back to Prince Qi, remaining silent.
Prince Qi stared at her back, his eyes full of disgust: “You’re too selfish. Today you’ve made me lose face completely. Have you thought about what good this does for Yuan’er?”
The Princess Consort suddenly turned around, sneering, “And losing her birth mother would be good for Yuan’er?”
Prince Qi faltered, not expecting the once gentle and obedient Princess Consort to be so sharp.
“A mad mother or a father who is a prince, which do you think is better for her?”
Hearing these words, the Princess Consort wanted to lunge at Prince Qi and tear apart his disgusting face.
Did this man take her for a fool, still trying to coax her into death?
But she managed to suppress her anger and calmly asked, “Where is Yuan’er? I want to see her.”
Prince Qi sneered, “There’s no need to see Yuan’er. Pack your things and go to the family temple with Lord Pan.”
“Family temple?”
A cold light flashed in Prince Qi’s eyes as he reluctantly said, “Father Emperor heard about your situation and wants you to recuperate in the family temple.”
It was precisely because of this that he would now be powerless against this woman.
“Father Emperor wants me to go to the family temple?” The Princess Consort stared at Prince Qi as she asked.
Prince Qi, irritated by her direct gaze, said impatiently, “Lord Pan is still waiting outside. You should go soon. Remember not to say things you shouldn’t. If you don’t think of yourself, think of Yuan’er.”
The Princess Consort didn’t move, remaining silent for a long time until Prince Qi urged her again.
The Princess Consort seemed to have made up her mind and said, “I have one last request.”
“Speak,” Prince Qi said, suppressing his annoyance.
The Princess Consort said word by word: “I want to take Yuan’er with me.”
“What did you say?”
The Princess Consort’s expression remained calm: “The family temple is lonely and cold. I can’t bear the pain of separation from my flesh and blood. I want Yuan’er to accompany me.”