"Your Majesty, I dare not lie. This is the conclusion I reached after the investigation..."

Being stared at fiercely by the emperor, he did not dare to continue saying the rest of the words.

But the emperor also knew in his heart that the servant kneeling on the ground certainly did not have the courage to lie to him.

But this kind of thing is really unbelievable.

In just a short time, all the things in the palace were taken away, and even a concubine disappeared.

If these things were to get out, how would the people of the world view him?

Where will his majesty as an emperor be placed?

The emperor took a deep breath and then spoke in a deep voice, "This is the end of what you have discovered. You are not allowed to tell anyone else."

"Yes. Then the Empress Defei——"

"The palace was flooded and unable to be treated, Concubine De tragically died. Leave the funeral to the Ministry of Rites!"

"yes."

An hour later, the news of Concubine De's death spread throughout the entire Chang'an City.

The people in Chang'an City did not dare to say anything in front of outsiders, but after closing the door, they started to talk about it.

A fire broke out in the palace and burned Concubine De to death. This news sounds outrageous no matter how you listen to it.

Ordinary people were already curious about what was happening in the inner court of the imperial palace. After hearing such outrageous news, they became even more curious, and all kinds of speculations were flying around.

Everyone was speculating whether Concubine De knew some secret and was therefore quietly silenced by the emperor.

When the emperor heard the news, he was angry, but there was nothing he could do.

He knew in his heart that the more times like this, the more he could not force the people to change their minds.

If pressure is applied, it will only make people think that their guess is correct, and the news will spread more widely.

The best way is to let it go.

After a long time, people will find it boring and naturally stop discussing it.

The emperor understood the principle, but whether he could do it was another matter.

The emperor would send people outside the palace to inquire about the situation every day. Every time he heard that the rumors had not decreased but were increasing, he would roll his eyes in anger.

After another fit of rage and dealing with several people, the emperor took a deep breath and said, "Bring the eldest prince to me."

When the eldest prince rushed over, his face was full of surprise.

How can this not be a surprise!

The emperor actually took the initiative to look for him. Does this mean that the emperor is ready to reuse him?

The crown prince has died, Li Junyan has returned to his fiefdom, the fourth and fifth sons died young, and the princes after them are still young, with neither ability nor snobbery.

The emperor's health is getting worse and worse, and the time he has left is getting less and less.

In this case, he is the only one who can become the heir!

The eldest prince was extremely excited. He took several deep breaths at the door of the imperial study to make his expression look normal, and then he walked inside.

"Greetings, Father."

The eldest prince bowed obediently and knelt on the ground, looking extremely respectful and humble.

The emperor did not shout, but lowered his eyes and looked at the eldest prince expressionlessly, his eyes full of scrutiny.

As time passed, the eldest prince's knees began to ache from kneeling, and beads of sweat flowed down his forehead. The pride in his heart completely disappeared, leaving only anxiety.

At this moment, the emperor spoke, "Get up."

"Yes, thank you, Father."

The eldest prince got up from the ground. When he stood up, his body swayed slightly, and he looked like he was about to fall at any time.

The emperor's eyes flickered. "What's wrong? Did I make you kneel for too long? Did your leg get hurt?"

"No... no, no..." The eldest prince hastily denied, "It's just that I haven't seen you for a long time, father. I can't help but feel a little excited, so I can't stand steadily."

"Are you blaming me for not seeing you for so long?"

The eldest prince looked at the emperor in shock, "No... no... really not, I just miss you, father."

The eldest prince seemed a little flustered, but more shocked and aggrieved.

A grown man's eyes turned red and tears seemed to be about to fall from his eyes.

The emperor was slightly surprised to see the eldest prince like this, but when he spoke again, his voice softened. "I know you are a good person, and I just said it casually. I called you here today because I have something to tell you."

The eldest prince wiped his eyes, his face full of smiles, and looked at the emperor with great joy and excitement, "Father, what's the matter?

No matter what your Majesty has to say, just leave it to me. I will do everything I can. Even if there is something I cannot do, I will try my best to do it."

What an emperor likes most is that his words are valued by others, and he likes most that others treat every word of his as an imperial edict.

After hearing the eldest prince's heartfelt assurance, the emperor felt better and his voice became gentler when he spoke.

"It's not a big deal. I'm sure you've heard the recent rumors in Chang'an City. What do you think about them?"

Before the eldest prince could even speak, his expression had already become extremely angry. "In reply to your Majesty, I have indeed heard the rumors in the city. When I first heard about them, I was extremely angry and wanted to arrest all those who spread these rumors.

But...but I waited for a few days, but saw no action from the court, so I knew that this must be my father's intention.

"I'm afraid this will affect your plans, Father, so I haven't acted rashly. But I've been keeping an eye on the situation outside. I've had people note down the names and addresses of those who spread the most rumors. With just one order from Your Majesty, they can be brought back immediately!"

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