Seeing Emperor Jingming’s expression soften, the Crown Prince fell to his knees, crying out pitifully, “Father Emperor, you must uphold justice for me today! If Seventh Brother dares to strike even me, what won’t he dare to do in the future…”
Emperor Jingming listened to the Crown Prince’s lamentations with an expressionless face, his gaze towards Yu Jin deep and unfathomable.
Jiang Zhan couldn’t help but speak up, “Your Majesty, this incident was caused by this lowly official and has nothing to do with the King. Please punish me instead…”
Emperor Jingming’s gaze swept over Jiang Zhan, his mouth twitching slightly.
Where did this foolish young man come from, butting in while he was disciplining his son?
“You are the King of Yan’s Princess Consort’s brother?” A slightly puzzled voice came from above Jiang Zhan’s head.
“Yes.”
Emperor Jingming suddenly felt curious and said in a deep voice, “Raise your head.”
Jiang Zhan looked up, his clear, large eyes meeting Emperor Jingming’s gaze.
Emperor Jingming’s first thought was that this young man was quite handsome.
With sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, he had an open and honest demeanor, clearly a fine, upright young man.
“Young man, you mustn’t be too rash,” Emperor Jingming said, his tone unconsciously softening. He was always more lenient towards good-looking people.
The Crown Prince beside him nearly turned red with envy.
Father Emperor had never spoken to him so kindly. Why was he being so gentle with this nobody? Was today’s beating going to be brushed aside?
This absolutely couldn’t happen!
The Crown Prince secretly pinched his thigh and cried out in pain.
Emperor Jingming glanced at him.
The Crown Prince said pitifully, “Seventh Brother kicked me several times. My waist hurts…”
Emperor Jingming’s mood instantly soured again.
The atmosphere in the Imperial Study became tense, and those kneeling or standing didn’t dare to breathe loudly.
“Seventh Son, your actions today have greatly disappointed me.”
Yu Jin lowered his gaze to the floor, his calm face reflected in the polished golden bricks.
“I acknowledge my crime and request Father Emperor’s punishment.”
Emperor Jingming paused.
Did he admit his fault so easily? He had thought this boy would try to argue.
Yu Jin’s quick admission of guilt somewhat reduced Emperor Jingming’s anger. He said in a deep voice, “From today, you need not return to your residence. Go to the Imperial Clan Court to reflect on your actions. Additionally, your salary will be withheld for a year.”
The Crown Prince’s heart leaped with joy.
Father Emperor hadn’t specified a time limit. Seventh Brother would miss the winter solstice ceremony, and would likely spend the New Year in the Imperial Clan Court. After the new year began, Father Emperor would be busy with state affairs and might forget about Seventh Brother, leaving him to stay obediently in the Imperial Clan Court.
A prince being confined to the Imperial Clan Court was not much different from an official being thrown into prison. The King of Yan’s residence would become a place everyone avoided.
Thinking of this prospect, the Crown Prince could barely contain his joy and quickly lowered his gaze to hide his delight.
“As for the Crown Prince—” Emperor Jingming turned to the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince immediately tensed up.
He had been beaten and injured. Surely Father Emperor wouldn’t scold him too?
Emperor Jingming frowned and said, “Have the Imperial Physician go to the Eastern Palace later to examine you. Recover quickly; you still need to go out for the winter solstice ceremony.”
“Thank you for your concern, Father Emperor.”
Seeing the Crown Prince’s visible joy, Emperor Jingming inwardly sighed.
He was disappointed in the Crown Prince for being so unforgiving over an unintentional bump from a guard.
If a ruler was too petty and narrow-minded, it would not bode well for the country and its people…
This thought flashed through his mind, further dampening his already gloomy mood.
“Guards, escort the King of Yan to the Imperial Clan Court—”
Soon, two guards came forward, flanking Yu Jin and grasping his arms.
Yu Jin didn’t struggle. He calmly kowtowed to Emperor Jingming, “Your son takes his leave.”
Emperor Jingming turned away without looking at him, only glancing back when he heard the door open.
The doors of the Imperial Study were wide open, and cold wind quickly rushed in.
Emperor Jingming stood up and waved his hand. “You may all withdraw.”
“Your Majesty, this lowly official is at fault. Please punish me—” Seeing Yu Jin being taken away, Jiang Zhan’s face fell. He kowtowed to Emperor Jingming several times.
Emperor Jingming rubbed his brow and said flatly, “Just be more careful next time. You may leave.”
Jiang Zhan was about to speak again but received a fierce glare from Pan Hai. He then silently withdrew from the Imperial Study.
Pan Hai inwardly sighed: This young man was truly lucky.
He had bumped into the Crown Prince today. Whether the Crown Prince made an issue of it or not, if it hadn’t been brought before the Emperor, he would surely have been kicked out of the Golden Crow Guard. Now he had escaped unscathed.
Tsk, tsk. They say fools have fool’s luck.
As Jiang Zhan left the Imperial Study, he caught sight of Yu Jin being escorted by two guards ahead.
He opened his mouth but, fearing he might cause more trouble for Yu Jin, frustratedly hit his head instead.
If it weren’t for him today, the King of Yan wouldn’t have been punished.
Yu Jin seemed to have eyes in the back of his head. He suddenly stopped and looked back.
Having been close for so long, the two had an unspoken understanding. Jiang Zhan quickly caught up.
One of the guards immediately issued a warning.
“Please, allow me to say a few words to my brother-in-law,” Yu Jin said calmly.
The two guards exchanged glances and, after a moment’s hesitation, moved slightly to the side.
Even a prince who had erred was still a prince. He was only being confined to the Imperial Clan Court, not someone they could afford to offend.
“Your Highness, it’s all my fault today—”
Yu Jin interrupted Jiang Zhan, “Trouble can’t be avoided when it comes. There’s no need for such words. Remember to visit the residence and tell Ah Si not to worry about me.”
“How can Fourth Sister not worry? She’s pregnant…”
Yu Jin placed his hand on Jiang Zhan’s shoulder and patted it firmly. “Just tell her what I did today.”
Having said this, he nodded to the two guards waiting nearby and strode forward.
Jiang Zhan sighed heavily and hurried to the King of Yan’s residence as soon as he left the palace gates.
Hearing that Jiang Zhan had arrived, Jiang Si changed her clothes and went to the flower hall.
Jiang Zhan was pacing back and forth in the hall. Hearing footsteps, he immediately went to greet her. “Fourth Sister, something has happened to His Highness.”
Jiang Si’s smile faded. “What happened?”
Jiang Zhan quickly recounted the whole story.
Jiang Si listened quietly until he finished, then asked, “So His Highness has been confined to the Imperial Clan Court?”
“Yes, and the Emperor didn’t say when he’d be released. We don’t know how long His Highness will be confined. Fourth Sister, please don’t worry. Let’s think of a way to plead for His Highness. Perhaps if the Emperor is in a good mood, he’ll release him…” Jiang Zhan wracked his brain, then suddenly slapped his forehead. “That’s right, Fourth Sister, didn’t you cure the Princess’s eyes? You could ask the Empress for help—”
Jiang Si smiled lightly.
Jiang Zhan was stunned by her smile and looked at her in confusion.
“There’s no need. Although His Highness lacks freedom in the Imperial Clan Court, he won’t be cold or hungry. It’s not a big deal if he stays there for a few days.”
Jiang Zhan thought he had misheard. He blinked, “Fourth Sister, what did you say?”
“I said let His Highness stay in the Imperial Clan Court for a few days. There’s no need to ask for favors,” Jiang Si said nonchalantly.
Jiang Zhan wiped his face. “Wait a minute!”
Looking at his unperturbed sister, Jiang Zhan glanced around and lowered his voice to ask, “Fourth Sister, has His Highness taken advantage of your pregnancy to sleep with a concubine?”
Jiang Si laughed, “There are no concubines.”
“Could it be that he slept with a maid?” Jiang Zhan asked in shock.