Emperor Yuming was so angry that he was panting heavily. When he heard the question, he didn't turn around, but simply threw the paper in his hand behind him: "Look at the mess he's made!"

He was furious, as if he was about to chop someone's head off at any moment.

The eldest prince picked up the paper he had thrown at him, opened it, glanced at it, his expression changed slightly, and he looked at the second prince kneeling beside him with a complicated expression.

"This..." The eldest prince parted his thin lips slightly, as if he wanted to defend him, but did not know where to begin.

He sighed softly and handed the paper in his hand to the Second Prince: "Brother, you can read it yourself."

The second prince had a vague feeling that something was wrong, but he didn't know what had happened. Completely bewildered, he took the item, his expression suddenly changing. He quickly looked up at Emperor Yuming: "Father..."

Emperor Yuming clearly didn't want to hear him speak any further, and simply waved his hand: "Wuchang, draft the decree."

The second prince was startled and was about to stop him when Wu Chang entered carrying the imperial edict: "Yes, Your Majesty."

Emperor Yuming sighed and said dejectedly, "The Second Prince Zhao Xuanwu has framed his brothers and his conduct is lacking. He will be fined half a year's salary, made to copy the 'Changdi Ci' a hundred times, and all his subordinates will be placed under the management of the First Prince Zhao Xuanyao. After being enfeoffed as a prince, he will not be allowed to attend court."

He paused for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Return South Street and North Street to the third and fourth brothers."

Wu Chang bowed his head to draft the decree, and after listening to his instructions, he bowed again and said, "Yes, sir."

The second prince stared blankly at the still-wet imperial edict, his mind a complete blank.

He handed over all his jurisdiction to Zhao Xuanyao... wouldn't that mean he wouldn't be able to win the hearts of the people?

After being granted the title of prince, one is not allowed to attend court, meaning one can never relinquish power and can only remain a leisurely prince.

In other words, he is no longer a contender for the position of crown prince!

He rolled his eyes blankly, looking at the person beside him who had done nothing but inexplicably gained more territory—his eldest brother.

The eldest prince remained calm and composed, casually lifting his robe and kneeling in greeting: "Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty."

Emperor Yuming waved his hand: "You may leave."

"Your subject takes his leave." The eldest prince bowed respectfully, like a gentleman.

The Second Prince felt he didn't even have the strength to move. He could only watch as Wu Chang summoned two eunuchs, whispered "This servant has offended you," and then "invited" him out of the Imperial Study and handed him over to his personal guards.

...

It was unclear when, but Emperor Yuming was now all alone. The imperial study fell into complete silence, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

He stood at the window, gazing dejectedly outside. It was as if he saw something else through the window.

...

...

The next day.

"Miss! Miss!" Bao Bao excitedly ran in carrying a plate of pastries, almost tripping over the pebbles on the ground.

Fortunately, Lele was there in time to catch her, thus preventing her from having a close encounter with the ground.

Seeing the little girl's clumsy behavior, Qin Qi shook his head helplessly: "What's the matter that's causing such a panic?"

Bao Bao placed the snacks on the stone table, wiped her hands on her clothes, and exhaled: "The weather outside has really changed today."

change of weather?

Qin Qi subconsciously looked up at the sun, which was obscured by clouds, and asked in confusion, "What's changing?"

Bao Bao chuckled: "There's been a new development regarding the South Street matter."

"Um?"

"So, it turns out the butcher wasn't acting on the Third Prince's orders. The mastermind behind it all is someone else. Can you guess who it is?" She kept everyone in suspense.

Qin Xi frowned, pondered for a moment, and said, "Could it be the First Prince or the Second Prince?"

"Hey!" Bao Bao clapped her hands and said with a smile: