"This is my own business, so I don't need to trouble you, Prime Minister!" the Crown Prince said unhappily.

Soetu sneered, “His Highness the Crown Prince has grown up and no longer needs servants. He won’t even call me his maternal great-uncle!”

"Your Highness, how do you intend to resolve this matter today?" Soetu was no longer concerned; he felt that the Crown Prince would at least consider the affection between them.

"Prime Minister Suo, let's take a look at this first!" The Crown Prince threw a stack of papers in front of Suo'etu.

Soetu smiled as he took the papers, but upon closer inspection, his face instantly turned deathly pale. "Your Highness... this..."

"How can these demands be explained clearly?"

"This servant...this servant did all this for His Highness the Crown Prince!"

"For my sake? Did I instigate you to buy and sell official positions? Did I instigate you to accept bribes? Over the years, the Liangjiang region has not paid tribute to you, but has a single penny of your ill-gotten gains ended up in my pocket?"

Don't use my name to do these corrupt and illegal things!

I haven't given these things to Father Emperor yet.

You'd better report these things truthfully to Father Emperor, and then resign from your post. That way, you can preserve your dignity to the end!

"Your Highness, you mustn't! This servant is not afraid of losing his official position, or even his life, but this will implicate you!" Soetu said in a panic.

"No matter how Father Emperor deals with me, I will accept it."

Grandfather, you once said that officials should strive for the well-being of the people. When did your original intention change? It seems that time changes, and so do people's hearts!

You are loyal to me, but I am the Crown Prince of the Qing Dynasty and cannot stand by and watch you do things that harm the Qing Dynasty.

I will plead with Father Emperor to spare your life. You can then live out your remaining years in peace in your residence!

"Your Highness, you can't do this!" Soetu exclaimed in shock. "Over the years, I've bribed court officials for you, which is why they are so loyal to you. My loyalty to you is as clear as day!"

"This is not a reason for you to accept bribes. I am the Crown Prince of the Great Qing Dynasty, not the Crown Prince of your Hesheli clan."

The reason I became the Crown Prince is because my father is the current Emperor, and not because of you, Songgotu.

"The reason I have the support of the court officials and the love of the people is not because of you, Suo'etu!" The Crown Prince said, looking at the stubborn Suo'etu.

"When you did these things in my name, did you never think about what Father Emperor would think of me?"

"It was a moment of confusion on my part. Your Highness is becoming more and more decisive in your actions, so I have nothing to worry about. I did as you instructed. This is the last thing I can do for you!" Soetu said with a dejected expression.

"Grand Uncle, rest assured, I will not abandon the Hesheli clan in the future!" the Crown Prince assured him.

"This servant thanks Your Highness!"

"Regardless of whether I knew or not that Xu Yan drugged me, your wife was definitely involved. Out of respect for you, I can let it go. Let her think twice!"

"This servant thanks Your Highness!" Soetu said to the Crown Prince.

He Zhu led his men to Xu Yan's courtyard.

"Eunuch He, what brings you here?" Xu Yun hurriedly came out of the room when she saw He Zhu arrive.

"I am here on the Crown Prince's orders to deliver some things to Xu Yan!"

"What did the Crown Prince send me?" Upon hearing He Zhu's words, Xu Yan immediately ran out of the room.