Tang Ning remained behind to arrange accommodations for the Cheng Princess and her people, while Xiao Yan and the Second Prince proceeded to the palace.
When Emperor An was abruptly roused from the bed of his newly favored consort, he was already in a foul mood. Upon hearing about the Cheng Prince’s stockpiling of weapons and private soldiers, his expression darkened further.
With his robe loosely tied, the chill from the storm outside seeped in through the open windows. Rather than cooling him, it only exacerbated his irritation.
“You’re telling me the Cheng Prince was hiding military equipment?” Emperor An asked coldly.
“Your Majesty, please take a look.”
Marquis Wenxin bowed deeply and presented a crossbow retrieved from the Cheng Prince’s estate. When the weapon was placed in the emperor’s hands, he continued:
“This is a Thunderbolt Crossbow, a weapon developed by the Ministry of Ordnance. It has a long range, substantial lethality, and can fire ten consecutive bolts. However, due to the special steel required for its construction, production is limited, and even the military only possesses a small number of them.”
“In the capital, only the Imperial Guard and the Shenyu Regiment stationed outside the city have access to these crossbows, mainly as a deterrent. Yet, over 300 of these were found in the Cheng Prince’s estate, along with other weaponry—including siege ladders.”
“Siege ladders? Is he planning a rebellion?”
The Thunderbolt Crossbows were concerning enough, but siege ladders? These were designed for breaching city walls. In the capital, where could they be used other than the imperial palace?
The emperor slammed the crossbow onto the table. “Where is the Cheng Prince?”
“He is already in custody,” Marquis Wenxin replied.
Xiao Yan, still in his rain-soaked clothes, stood silently. A pool of water had formed beneath him. He spoke in a low voice:
“The Cheng Prince’s close interactions with noble families had already raised suspicions. During the investigation into the Lu family’s corruption, we discovered links to the Cheng Prince’s estate. Further inquiry revealed his close dealings with the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Ordnance. He had even ordered mining operations in the northwest to produce iron and set up a private smelting facility.”
“I’ve long sought to investigate the Cheng Prince’s estate, but access was difficult. Tonight, with the Cheng Princess’s return, I seized the opportunity to probe further. I didn’t expect the Cheng Prince’s treachery to be so blatant. When he realized I had uncovered the truth, he attempted to silence me.”
“Fortunately, I informed Marquis Wenxin beforehand. He, along with the Second Prince, arrived in time. Otherwise, I might have been killed by the crossbows at the Cheng Prince’s estate.”
Emperor An rarely saw Xiao Yan in such a disheveled state. His gaze shifted from Marquis Wenxin and Wu Huai to the Second Prince. “Why were you with the Marquis?”
The Second Prince immediately lowered his head. “Your Majesty, I had been attending to the Grand Empress Dowager in the palace. On my way out, I heard that Marquis Wenxin was mobilizing troops. Since there had been no imperial decree and the capital appeared calm, I found this highly unusual.”
He hesitated briefly before continuing, “I dared not conceal this from Your Majesty. I wasn’t with the Marquis directly—I followed him in secret.”
Marquis Wenxin’s face darkened. “Second Prince, you trailed me with your personal guards and dozens of soldiers. I almost mistook you for bandits and cut you down.”
The Second Prince flushed with embarrassment, coughing awkwardly.
Emperor An observed his usually reserved second son looking thoroughly flustered. The suspicion brewing in his mind began to dissipate.
He was well aware that his sons harbored ambitions and maintained networks of informants throughout the capital and court. The mobilization of the Capital Patrol Corps would not go unnoticed.
If the Second Prince had claimed to have coincidentally passed by the Cheng Prince’s estate, the emperor might have suspected collusion with Marquis Wenxin. However, if his men had intercepted the information and he had followed discreetly, stumbling upon the Cheng Prince’s situation seemed plausible.
“You’re unusually honest,” Emperor An said, feigning anger. “How dare you meddle in the Capital Patrol Corps’ operations? It seems your courage knows no bounds!”
The Second Prince hastily replied, “Your Majesty, I would never dare!”
“What wouldn’t you dare?” Emperor An’s expression grew colder, his inscrutable gaze pinning the Second Prince in place. “Interfering with the city’s defenses and prying into military affairs—what exactly are you planning?”
The Second Prince turned pale and dropped to his knees with a thud. “Your Majesty…”
Bang!
The emperor slammed his palm onto the table. “You’ve grown bold indeed!”
Terrified, the Second Prince prostrated himself, his voice trembling. “Your Majesty, I had no intention of interfering with the city’s defenses or military operations. I only sought to protect myself.”
Emperor An regarded him with a cold expression, prompting the prince to explain:
“You have allowed my brothers and me to participate in court affairs, providing us with guidance and support. I understand what this signifies. Unlike my fourth brother, I lack maternal family backing and have no allies in court. But I refuse to concede without trying.”
“This path is fraught with peril. I harbor no malice toward anyone, but I must remain vigilant against those who might wish me harm. Although I’ve placed people within the Capital Patrol Corps, they hold no authority. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have needed to take the risk of following the Marquis tonight, nearly losing my life in the process.”
Marquis Wenxin frowned. “Second Prince, I did not strike you with lethal force.”
“I know.” The Second Prince rubbed his arm with a wince. “Thank you for your restraint, Marquis.”
He then turned to Emperor An. “I know it was wrong to place people in the Capital Patrol Corps, but I have no treacherous intentions. Tonight, I acted only out of concern for Your Majesty’s safety. Please judge me fairly.”
Emperor An observed his second son clutching his arm, his expression curious.
Of all his sons, the second prince had always been the most understated. Others would vie for favor with flattery and charm, but this one remained quiet and unassuming.
The emperor had always considered him a dullard. Yet now, he realized the boy had ambition and, more surprisingly, the courage to speak so candidly.
“You’re quite honest,” Emperor An remarked ambiguously.
The Second Prince bowed his head, smiling bitterly. “Your Majesty, I dare not be otherwise. With Xiao Yan and the Marquis present, I couldn’t hide the truth even if I wanted to.”
“So, if they weren’t here, you would’ve hidden it from me?”
“Your Majesty…”
The Second Prince faltered, his face shifting between pale and red as he struggled for a response.
Watching his son’s internal conflict, Emperor An felt his mood lighten. Ambition wasn’t a flaw, especially in those without strong familial backing. The Second Prince’s initiative to secure his own future was a necessary survival skill.
“Enough. Stand up.”
The emperor let the matter rest, neither pursuing the Second Prince’s actions nor punishing him. Instead, he turned to Xiao Yan.
“Investigate the Cheng Prince thoroughly. Determine where he obtained the Thunderbolt Crossbows. Leave no stone unturned in the Ministry of Ordnance, the Ministry of War, or any other implicated parties.”
Xiao Yan bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty. However, there is another matter requiring your decision.”
“The Cheng Prince’s Dowager Consort was murdered, and his son is not the Cheng Princess’s biological child. If this information spreads, it will undoubtedly provoke public outcry. Shall we suppress the news?”
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You can read ahead to chapterr 234 (100+ extra chapters) here
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You can read ahead to chapterr 234 (100+ extra chapters) here
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