"Oh? Really?" Emperor Wen's voice sounded a little erratic, as if laden with unpredictable emotions. He narrowed his eyes slightly and studied the Third Prince, as if trying to determine the truth of what he said.
After a moment, Emperor Wen sighed softly, with a hint of helplessness in his tone: "It's amazing that you can still consider the face of the royal family! In this case, then go back first." After that, Emperor Wen waved his hand, signaling the third prince to leave.
After the Third Prince left, Emperor Wen asked thoughtfully, "What do you think of what happened today?"
Kong Boda slowly walked out from behind the screen and said in a low voice, "I only know that this is exactly what Your Majesty wants to see!"
Emperor Wen smiled slightly, his lips curled up slightly: "Well! Then go find out who it is and put the account book in the third brother's study!"
Kong Boda hesitated for a moment, but finally decided to tell the truth: "Your Majesty, it is the wise king Chu Shiyou!"
Emperor Wen raised his eyebrows, his tone filled with surprise: "Oh? Does he also want to get involved in this prince's dispute?"
Kong Boda quickly shook his head and explained, "As far as I know, that's not the case. Someone slipped the account book to the virtuous prince the night before last. After reading it, he became restless and lost his appetite. Finally, out of desperation, he ordered someone to hand the account book over to the Third Prince!"
Emperor Wen stroked his chin and said to Kong Boda thoughtfully, "The Crown Prince actually used Li Mingjie to smuggle salt. His purpose is obvious: to stockpile troops! However, simply bringing down one Li Mingjie is far from enough, because there may be countless 'Li Mingjies' lurking in the dark! If we want to thoroughly investigate the stockpiling of troops, we will have no way to start without solid evidence!"
Emperor Wen thought for a moment and said, "Give the account book to Li Mingfu immediately and warn him that if he dares to attack the An family army again, I will not show mercy and will make Li Mingjie pay for his actions!"
After Kong Boda left, Emperor Wen summoned Gao Rui to the palace and said, "Go quickly and invite the virtuous king into the palace!"
Not long after, the virtuous prince arrived at the palace. He was now apprehensive, following closely behind Eunuch Gao, and trembling with fear, he asked, "Eunuch Gao, because the princess is pregnant and the pregnancy is unstable, I have asked Your Majesty for leave to stay home with her. I wonder why Your Majesty has summoned me at this time?"
Eunuch Gao glanced at the virtuous prince, a hint of a smile on his face as he slowly said, "At the morning court today, the Crown Prince and the Third Prince accused each other. I'm sure the virtuous prince is still unaware of this, right?"
When the wise king heard this, he was struck by lightning. His legs became weak and he almost collapsed to the ground.
Eunuch Gao said with a smile on his face, "Oh my goodness! My virtuous prince! You must walk very carefully! Don't fall, or your majesty will blame me for not taking good care of you!"
The virtuous prince wiped the sweat from his forehead with his wide sleeves and bowed to Eunuch Gao to express his gratitude: "Thank you, Eunuch Gao, for your reminder, Shiyou!"
Eunuch Gao stepped aside and humbly replied, "How could this old servant dare to bear such a thank you, Your Majesty? Your Majesty specifically instructed me to convey to you that as an uncle, you should interact more with your nephews! After all, relatives only become closer through frequent visits!"
After hearing this, the virtuous king nodded repeatedly, indicating that he understood: "Shiyou has already remembered it in his heart!"
Upon entering the Imperial Study, the virtuous prince immediately knelt on both knees and kowtowed before Emperor Wen, apologizing: "Your Majesty! I am guilty! I sent someone to place the salt contraband account book in the Third Prince's study. I... truly do not know who could have abandoned this account book in my room in the middle of the night. I... am terrified... I... implore Your Majesty... to punish severely!"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Wen couldn't help but frown slightly. He rubbed his forehead gently with his hand and sighed, "Shiyou! Get up quickly! Has Princess Xian's morning sickness improved? I'll send the imperial physician back with you later to prescribe some medicine to help Princess Xian stay pregnant!"
The virtuous prince still lowered his head, not daring to look up at Emperor Wen, and replied tremblingly, "Your humble servant is terrified!"
Seeing this, Emperor Wen raised his lips slightly and chuckled, "I know you've always been timid and cowardly! Don't worry, get up quickly! I'll spare you the punishment, as I've considered you haven't committed any serious offense this time!"
Upon hearing this, the virtuous king kowtowed repeatedly as if he had been pardoned, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great grace!"
Emperor Wen looked at the virtuous king with a smile and said gently, "Please sit down! It has been a long time since I last chatted with you. Now that you are about to become a father, you must not be so timid in your actions in the future!"
The virtuous prince slowly sat down. Emperor Wen smiled and pushed a plate of steaming hot roasted chestnuts in front of him. "My brother, do you remember how you loved these little snacks when you were little? Come and have a taste! I've specially ordered the imperial chef to prepare them for you!"
The corner of the virtuous king's mouth twitched slightly, but he still replied politely: "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"
Emperor Wen sighed softly and continued, "A while ago, I sent Luo Xiaoliu to the Jiangnan region to search for a miraculous ointment that could heal scars. Yesterday, I received a letter from him, sent by carrier pigeon, saying that he had found this miraculous ointment. With this, Shiyou will no longer need to wear that mask!"
When the virtuous king heard this, tears suddenly sparkled in his eyes, and he shouted with a slightly trembling voice: "Brother..."
Upon seeing this, Emperor Wen couldn't help but burst into laughter: "Since I ascended the throne, it seems you haven't called me 'big brother' like you did when we were children!"
The virtuous king raised his hand and quickly wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes. He responded in a serious tone, "There is a difference between the ruler and the subject! I, your humble servant, would like to express my gratitude to Your Majesty for your great grace!"
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