Prince Cheng lowered his eyes, then suddenly sneered, “If His Majesty could abandon his own brother, why spare Xie Yin?”
“Uncle—”
“Save your breath. I’ll never tell you.”
His gaze turned venomous as he glared past the Fourth Prince toward Xiao Yan. “That eunuch lapdog serves your father’s whims, but you—a half-blood of the Lu—betray your own kin. I wonder if Lu Chongyuan regrets nurturing this viper.”
The Fourth Prince’s face darkened. Cheng Ping barked, “How dare you?!”
“A dog barking for its master?” Prince Cheng rasped, his matted hair clinging to gaunt cheeks. “Your precious mother clawed her way to the throne. Did she tell you how she kowtowed to the Lu, begging them to hide her filthy roots? A bastard from a foot-washing maid—pathetic!”
“Shut your mouth!” The Fourth Prince kicked him savagely. “You dare slander the Empress?!”
Prince Cheng slammed against the wall, wheezing laughter. “Ask Lu Chongyuan! Her real mother was a whore who seduced a Lu branch lord. The main family only adopted her when she’d already ensnared your father. Without their lies, she’d still be scrubbing floors!”
The Fourth Prince seized his throat. “Who is your Lu whore?!”
“Find out… yourself…” Prince Cheng choked, eyes bulging.
Xiao Yan’s voice cut through the fury: “Your Highness.”
The Fourth Prince released him, trembling. Prince Cheng crumpled, coughing blood.
“I offered mercy,” the prince spat. “Now rot with your bastard!”
—
Outside the cell, the Fourth Prince scrubbed his hands as if tainted. “Governor Xiao, about my mother’s past…”
“The Empress’ secrets are not my concern.” Xiao Yan glanced at Tang Ning, who nodded innocently.
Relieved, the prince scowled. “That madman’s lies are useless. We’ve wasted our time.”
“Not entirely.” Xiao Yan’s gaze sharpened. “How did a disgraced prince learn the Empress’ best-kept secret?”
The Fourth Prince froze.
“Only those closest to Lu Chongyuan would know,” Xiao Yan pressed. “Who in the Lu household had access to such truths… and the influence to aid Prince Cheng’s schemes?”
The prince paled. “You mean… one of my aunts?”
Images flashed—Lu Chongyuan’s dignified wives, pillars of virtue. Yet if Xiao Yan’s implication held, one of them had cuckolded his uncle… and birthed a traitor.
Xiao Yan’s silence confirmed the unthinkable.
The green shadow of betrayal stretched long.
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You can read ahead to chapterr 400 (100+ extra chapters) here
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