stonecrandall Chapter 540: Have Your Edges Been Worn Down?
Chapter 540: Have Your Edges Been Worn Down?
Prince Li wore a mournful expression, why hadn’t something happened to his son?
His most excellent son Jinglun, true to his name, though young, was full of wisdom. He harbored great expectations, especially since the Emperor liked him very much and even considered placing him by his side for upbringing.
However, later the Emperor decided against it to prevent the Crown Prince at the time from growing suspicious.
Thinking of his excellent son, he deeply hated Old Third with utter bitterness.
By then, Old Third had already been made Crown Prince, and the Emperor did not punish Old Fifth for Jinglun’s death. Instead, he suppressed the matter.
His influence was now growing stronger, able to contend equally with Old Third, as compensation from the Emperor.
His son had died, yet nothing had happened to Old Third.
But when Old Fifth’s son died, the Emperor stripped Old Third of the Crown Prince title.
Thinking this way left him feeling unsettled.
He said resentfully, "How could my son’s death not have been known to Sister-in-law Five far away in Yunzhou? My son Jinglun was also murdered by Old Third!"
Lu Qianxue was stunned, her beautiful eyes narrowing: "Is this true?"
Prince Li was filled with hatred, gritting his teeth, "Old Third is a wolf with wild ambitions, seeking to secure his position, eliminating any outstanding Imperial Grandsons. My son Jinglun fell victim before your Jingchen!"
The Left and Right Vice Ministers of the Ministry of Rites heard this and quickly retreated several steps; they dared not listen to such matters.
Previously, the Emperor had suppressed this affair, so naturally, no one in the court knew the truth about it. Prince Li’s words revealed a court secret.
The two of them exchanged glances, as they were the main officials sent to receive him, standing by Prince Li’s side, unaware he would suddenly speak such words.
The two secretly felt bitter, glancing at the others behind them, worried they might have heard.
Prince Li was indeed too audacious; how could he dare speak such words regarding the Imperial Grandson?
Actually, Prince Li’s reason for speaking in this way was partly genuine heartache over his son’s death, and partly to incite Prince Cheng and his wife to share the same enmity.
Indeed, Lu Qianxue furiously said, "This is truly lunacy!"
Over the past year, Prince Li had contended with Prince Zhuang in court, and was no longer the poetic and carefree gentleman but a mature politician. He knew that the right amount of suggestion worked best and hoped for Prince Cheng and his wife to have a serious confrontation with Old Third.
In this way, the Emperor would certainly be displeased, further disliking these two sons. He hoped to reinforce his position as the favored youngest son, strong and unbreakable in the Emperor’s heart.
His expression appeared deeply hurt and furious, as if suffering a grievance, daring to be angry yet unable to speak.
Prince Cheng gently patted his shoulder in comfort.
He showed a painful and restrained demeanor, speaking with a bitter voice, interlaced with suppressed sobs: "Fifth brother, I understand!"
Lu Qianxue looked coldly at Prince Li, a faint trace of mockery at her lips, but upon closer inspection, nothing seemed there.
Prince Li said, "Why did Fifth Brother come late at night, this close to the Capital City? You won’t enter the city until tomorrow anyway, why not find a place to rest overnight?"
Prince Cheng sighed deeply, saying, "As parents, hearing this news makes one eager to return!"
Prince Li’s eyes darted, saying, "Are you saying Fifth Brother and Sister-in-law arrived in the Capital City only today?"
Prince Cheng glanced at him: "That’s obvious, isn’t it?"
Prince Li replied angrily, "Old Third is truly malicious!"
"What happened?"
Prince Li said indignantly, "Fifth Brother and Sister-in-law may not know, since Jingchen was attacked, and the Capital Governor discovered the truth, the Emperor intended to depose the Crown Prince, Old Third spread all sorts of rumors in the Capital City. He claimed that Fifth Brother and Sister-in-law disregarded the vassal king’s rules, entered the city without the Emperor’s decree, abusing their nephew, burning the Crown Prince Mansion, committing crimes..."
Prince Cheng was furiously enraged: "Old Third has gone too far!"
Prince Li feigned concern: "Calm down, Fifth Brother. Knowing you would arrive in the Capital City tomorrow, I specially requested permission from the Emperor to personally welcome you, fearing that you’d be unaware and deceived by Old Third."
"Old Nine deserves thanks!"
Prince Li sincerely replied: "No trouble at all. Fifth Brother hasn’t returned to the Capital City for years, so I’ve been worried. Seeing you sooner is beneficial!"
A scene of brotherly affection and reunion.
Even though he had waited till the dead of night, his eyes barely open from exhaustion, upon seeing Prince Cheng, he was filled with excitement.
He had always been fighting Old Third alone, but now he finally had chess pieces of his own.
He said, "Fifth Brother, Sister-in-law, it’s over an hour away from the city gates. Why not rest in this tea house and set out at dawn?"
Prince Cheng shook his head, speaking earnestly: "Old Nine, since receiving the Emperor’s decree en route to the Capital City, we’ve been eager and restless. We will wait at the city gates instead."
Prince Li, unwilling, wondered, why rush through the dead of night?
Did they not realize they were exhausted, hungry and weary?
Yet on his face, he showed understanding, empathy, and sadness: "Jingchen was such a good child. Not only handsome and charming, but gentle, kind and polite. Fifth Brother and Sister-in-law, he was raised well. Precisely due to his excellence, he provoked the insane wrath of Old Third against him. Old Third is like a rabid dog!"
Prince Cheng was also filled with grief and fury: "Anyone who bullies my son will regret it!"
In conversation, seeing Prince Cheng insist on proceeding to the city gates without rest, everyone helplessly clambered onto the carriages.
When they reached the city gates, there was still half an hour before opening.
Prince Li suggested: "Fifth Brother, why don’t we have the city gates opened?"
Prince Cheng, eager to proceed, replied: "Laws dictate unless due to significant military or national affairs, the gates cannot be opened after closing."
Prince Li advised: "But Fifth Brother is a Prince, a Vassal King, coming from faraway Yunzhou, enduring much hardship; entering the city earlier allows for settling down sooner. At least you can catch your breath!"
Prince Cheng shook his head again: "A Prince must abide by regulations, not violate them! Though anxious, I can’t disregard laws and rules!"
Then, Prince Cheng ordered his people to rest on the spot.
He brought only twenty people and five carriages.
The remaining two hundred eighty elite cavalry camped ten miles outside the city.
On this journey, everyone welcoming them witnessed Prince Cheng adhering to all legitimate procedures. Despite coming with three hundred elite cavalry from Yunzhou, even if entering the city together, given the circumstances, no one would gossip.
But Prince Cheng still strictly followed the rules, only bringing twenty people.
His behavior, even Ministry of Rites officials couldn’t find a fault.
Prince Li felt somewhat disappointed; had years in Yunzhou worn down Prince Cheng’s edge?