Xiao Chengci threw off the covers, got up, and came out.

When Empress Shang saw Xiao Chengci, she noticed that his lips were chapped, his eyes were dark and bloodshot.

Fortunately, she came. If His Majesty had seen Xiao Chengci like this, he probably would have taken him away immediately.

"Sit down for me and have some water first."

Xiao Chengci picked up the bowl and drank the water in it in one gulp.

Empress Shang sat down opposite Xiao Chengci. "Aci, the person is already dead and cannot be brought back to life."

Empress Shang patiently said, "Moreover, we all know that Pei Zhi's death was due to illness and had nothing to do with outsiders, right?"

Even if you burn down the temple, she won't come back.

Empress Shang sighed and said, "You don't know how many ministers in the court are impeaching you today. Your father even has a few more gray hairs this morning because of you."

Xiao Chengci finally said something: "It was he who wanted to kill Pei Zhi in the first place."

"Yes, your father wanted to kill Pei Zhi, but didn't he refrain from doing so because of you?"

Empress Shang advised, "That girl is unlucky. If she can recover from her illness, in the end, it will definitely be your father who compromises."

Emperor Xiao's love for his son surpassed even that of Empress Shang.

If Xiao Chengci is truly determined to be with Pei Zhi.

In the end, it will only be Emperor Xiao who regresses.

With Pei Zhi dead, things no longer need to be so complicated.

"When you were little, your teacher assigned you so much homework that you would study until late at night. Your father would always stay with you and patiently answer your questions."

"Your horseback riding was taught to you by your father. Your current absurd behavior will only make the whole world laugh at your father for failing to educate his son properly."

"Mother, I am heartbroken and cannot sleep all night long. Every time I close my eyes, I see her."

Xiao Chengci choked up and said, "I'm sorry to her."

As soon as he closes his eyes, Xiao Chengci recalls the things that happened between him and Pei Zhi.

In his recollection, Xiao Chengci realized that Pei Zhi did not like him.

She dared not refuse him simply because of his status.

And he took advantage of Pei Zhi's fear to threaten her.

He never respected Pei Zhi when they were together.

Empress Shang rubbed Xiao Chengci's head and said, "There's nothing to be sorry about. You didn't kill her. She died of illness."

In truth, even Empress Shang had to admit that Pei Zhi's death was a good thing.

Otherwise, if her nephew and her own son were to fight over a woman, and the scandal got out, she, as the Empress, would lose all face.

Xiao Chengci covered his face, "I just regret not treating her well when she was doing well."

It's not that we should only regret it now that we've lost it.

"Mother, you should go back. I'm fine here. Please let me have some peace and quiet."

Empress Shang still wanted to persuade her.

Xiao Chengci added, "So that I won't go out and cause trouble."

Empress Shang immediately shut up, believing that Shang Huai's words made a lot of sense.

The Crown Prince should indeed stay in prison and calm down.

To prevent Xiao Chengci from leaving, taking a knife, and killing all the imperial physicians in the Imperial Hospital.

Empress Shang could only instruct, "If you need anything, just ask the jailer and I'll have someone bring it to you."

Empress Shang got up to leave, and added, "When you've thought it through, write a letter to your father and apologize to him properly."

Xiao Chengci stood up, bowed, and respectfully saw Empress Xiao off, saying, "Take care, Your Majesty."

And so, Xiao Chengci was imprisoned, and seven days had passed in the blink of an eye.

The ministers could no longer sit still.

They originally thought that, given how much Empress Shang and Emperor Xiao doted on the Crown Prince.

They'll only lock them up for three days at most, then they'll start clamoring to release them.

After all, the Crown Prince had caused such a huge disaster, and Emperor Xiao had managed to smooth things over.

Seven days have passed, and they still haven't been released. The ministers are starting to panic.

What if His Highness gets into trouble while imprisoned?

Although His Highness acted somewhat absurdly this time, the ministers do not want to change the crown prince.

Especially the ministers who still had daughters in their households.

The Crown Prince was slow to appear, and the flower-viewing banquet that the Empress was originally going to hold was repeatedly postponed.

The lady and daughter in the house were waiting anxiously.

Therefore, during the morning court session, a group of ministers urged Emperor Xiao to release the Crown Prince.

The ministers had good reason to do so; seven days of confinement was enough to teach His Highness a lesson.

Fearing that Emperor Xiao would disagree, the ministers also listed a series of achievements Xiao Chengci had made when he was the crown prince.

Emperor Xiao looked at the ministers kneeling in the hall and sighed inwardly.

He wanted to release Xiao Chengci, but that brat refused to come out.

Emperor Xiao really didn't dare to forcibly drag Xiao Chengci out.

"No." Emperor Xiao feigned sternness. "This time, I must teach the Crown Prince a lesson, otherwise who knows what trouble he might cause in the future."

Ministers, you look at each other.

It's unclear what Emperor Xiao is really up to this time.

They originally thought that Emperor Xiao was waiting for them to offer a way out.

They've all pleaded for the prince's release, shouldn't Emperor Xiao go along with them and let him go?

The Left Prime Minister rubbed his ears, thinking of his eldest daughter who was crying and sobbing at home, and sighed helplessly.

"Your Majesty, the prison is dark and cold. Keeping His Highness locked up any longer may not be good for His Highness's health."

Following the words of the Left Chancellor, Emperor Xiao sighed, "Who can argue with that?"

After he finished speaking, Emperor Xiao realized something was wrong and coughed twice. "But this time, I must severely punish the Crown Prince and give the people of the world an explanation."

The Right Chancellor stepped forward and knelt beside the Left Chancellor. "Your Majesty, the temple is about to be rebuilt. It's time to release His Highness. Seven days of reflection is enough."

Emperor Xiao was heartbroken. He felt that being treated like this by his employer was truly a tragedy.

Emperor Xiao stood up and said righteously, "I said it is not right, and I will teach the Crown Prince a lesson and lock him up for a few days."

"My ministers, there is no need for further discussion. I have already made my decision."

The cabinet ministers who hadn't pleaded for leniency also began to have doubts.

What's wrong with their emperor?

Has His Majesty suddenly changed his mind? Could it be that His Majesty is planning to change the Crown Prince?

Upon realizing this, several cabinet ministers immediately knelt down as well.

We can't change the crown prince! Of His Majesty's sons, apart from His Highness the Crown Prince, the rest... are all...

"Your Majesty, please reconsider. His Highness the Crown Prince was made Crown Prince at the age of three. Over the years, he has never caused any trouble. This was an unintentional act."

"Yes, no one is perfect. I hope Your Majesty will stop here."

"As the sage said, 'To know one's mistakes and correct them is of utmost importance. Your Majesty's refusal to release the Crown Prince, without even giving him a chance to make amends, is truly cruel."

The cabinet ministers lived up to their reputation; with just a few words from each of them, they managed to put Emperor Xiao in a difficult position.

It seems that Emperor Xiao's refusal to release the person is his fault.

"I have made my decision. My beloved ministers, rise. There is no need to persuade you any further."