Chapter 55 My Most Outstanding Son
"Injustice?" The emperor sneered, picked up the stack of evidence, and slammed it in front of him. "What connection does this pharmacy have with your concubine's family? Why is this palace maid related to the head of your estate? And what is the relationship between those two suspicious people in the hunting grounds and the Duke of Anguo's mansion? Do you dare say that the 'Wild Beast Powder' used by that idiot Li has nothing to do with you?!"
With each word he spoke, Xiao Jingxuan's face paled further, and cold sweat poured down his back. He hadn't expected his father to have investigated so thoroughly! He had thought that using someone else to do his dirty work was foolproof...
"Father! Your son... Your son was confused for a moment! It was that Lady Li who was jealous of Lady Su and begged your son to find medicine. Your son... Your son was just deceived by her and had no intention of harming the Crown Prince, Father!" Xiao Jingxuan cried as he tried to explain.
"Deceived?" The emperor's eyes were filled with disappointment and disgust. "Whether you were deceived or harbored malicious intentions, you know yourself! Last time you failed to frame Su Mingyuan, and this time you've gone even further, daring to make a move right under my nose, during the Spring Hunting Ceremony! You're plotting against the imperial heir, the crown prince's heir! And even more so, my grandson!"
The emperor grew angrier with each word, his voice suddenly rising: "You think I don't know what you're thinking?! You think Zhan'er doesn't know?! He found out, but didn't report it directly to me, out of consideration for your brotherhood! But what about you? How have you treated him? Time and again you've attacked him with treacherous schemes, your heart is so vicious!"
Xiao Jingxuan collapsed to the ground, his face ashen. So… the Crown Prince already knew. The Emperor knew too.
The Emperor wearily rubbed his temples, a hint of desolation in his voice: "The Crown Prince is kind and forgiving, remembering you are his brothers. He has repeatedly shown leniency. He is skilled in both literature and military affairs, and cares deeply for the people; he is praised throughout the court and the country, which greatly pleases me. He has never actively suppressed you brothers. Even last time when you framed Su Mingyuan, he only gave you a warning, not a fatal blow. But what have you done in return? Jealousy! Schemes! Fratricide!"
"Do you think I don't know what you're thinking? Do you think I favor the Crown Prince?" The Emperor's gaze was sharp as he stared directly at him. "Let me tell you, I can only feel at ease entrusting this empire to Zhan'er! His character, ability, and magnanimity—in which aspect can you compare?! If he wanted to deal with you, do you think you would still be standing here safely?!"
Xiao Jingxuan trembled all over and couldn't say a word.
"But what did he do?" the emperor cried out in anguish. "He presented the evidence before me, asking me to decide his fate, thus leaving room for me and for you! But you... you have disappointed me greatly!"
The hall was deathly silent, save for Xiao Jingxuan's suppressed sobs.
After a long silence, the emperor sighed deeply, as if he had aged considerably in an instant. Looking at his good-for-nothing son, the last trace of warmth in his eyes vanished.
"Issue my decree." The Emperor's voice regained its icy chill. "The Third Prince, Xiao Jingxuan, is of questionable character and moral failings. He framed his brothers and plotted against the imperial heir. He is hereby stripped of his princely title and reduced to a commoner. Effective immediately, he is exiled to the bitterly cold northern frontier, 'Blackwater City,' and shall never return to the capital without imperial decree! His mother, Consort De, failed in her duty to raise her son; she is demoted to a lower-ranking concubine and relocated to the Cold Palace. The Duke of Anguo's family was found to have neglected its duties, allowing his son to commit such a heinous act; their titles are stripped, and the entire clan is exiled!"
"Father! Father, have mercy! Your son knows he was wrong! Please, Father, forgive your son! Blackwater City is bitterly cold; if I go there, I will never return, Father!" Xiao Jingxuan was struck dumb, rushing forward to hug the Emperor's leg, wailing and weeping. Blackwater City was the northernmost, bitterly cold land of the Great Sheng Dynasty, a place of exile for border soldiers. Going there was tantamount to death, completely severing all his hopes!
The emperor kicked him away, his eyes now devoid of any emotion: "Take him away!"
The guards stepped forward and dragged the limp, wailing Xiao Jingxuan away. The crying gradually faded into the distance and eventually disappeared.
Inside the imperial tent, the emperor slumped back into his chair, closing his eyes for a long time. The chief eunuch cautiously stepped forward: "Your Majesty, please take care of your health."
"Zhan'er...can you wait outside?" The emperor's voice was weary.
"His Highness the Crown Prince has been waiting outside for quite some time."
"Summon him in."
Inside the hall, the air was thick with the scent of sandalwood, yet the atmosphere was heavy and oppressive.
The emperor stood with his hands behind his back before the desk, his bright yellow dragon robe making his expression even more solemn. Crown Prince Xiao Jingzhan stood below with his hands at his sides, his posture upright, his black python robe motionless, awaiting the emperor's decree.
"Zhan'er," the Emperor slowly turned around, his gaze piercing as he looked directly at his eldest son, "Regarding the third prince, I have made my decision: strip him of his title and exile him, never to be recalled. Do you... have anything to say?"
This question is both a test and a consideration.
Xiao Jingzhan met his father's gaze, but did not answer immediately. Instead, he lifted his robe, knelt down properly, and performed a grand salute, his forehead touching the ground. His voice was calm and clear: "Father is wise. My third brother... has gone astray. As his elder brother, I failed to correct him in time and am also responsible for my oversight. I beg Father to punish me."
Upon hearing this, a barely perceptible ripple flashed in the emperor's eyes. He disregarded his own grievances and his brother's mistakes, first admitting his own dereliction of duty—such magnanimity and composure…
"Stand up and speak." The emperor's tone softened slightly. "The fault lies with Jingrui. What does it have to do with you? He was malicious and incorrigible. He deserved his fate."
Xiao Jingzhan rose as instructed, but did not immediately accuse him. Instead, he lowered his eyes slightly, his tone carrying a barely perceptible sorrow and regret: "Father, you are wise. My third brother is young and impetuous, and was misled by others, committing this grave mistake. I... am also heartbroken. The northern frontier is bitterly cold; I hope that through this hardship, he can repent and reform, and not fail the kindness of Father in raising him." He stopped there, without expressing resentment, only mentioning "misled by others," thus preserving the dignity of the royal family while expressing his regret and expectations as an elder brother—kind yet measured.
The emperor gave him a deep look. This son's meticulousness and composure far exceeded his expectations. He walked to the desk, picked up the secret report about the pharmacy and the palace maid, and then put it down again.
"Lady Li is unfit to be the future Empress, and has been deposed." The Emperor changed the subject, his gaze falling on Xiao Jingzhan. "Lady Su is gentle and virtuous, and has rendered meritorious service in giving birth to the Imperial Grandson. She has also suffered a great injustice this time. Once she has fully recovered from childbirth, let the Ministry of Rites prepare for the investiture ceremony and establish her as the Crown Princess. What do you think?"
This is not an inquiry, but an instruction, and also a grace.
Xiao Jingzhan's heart was filled with emotion, but his expression remained calm. He bowed again, his words earnest: "Your subject, on behalf of the Su family, thanks Your Majesty for your great favor! Your Majesty's kindness is deeply appreciated by your subject and the Su family. However..."
He paused briefly, then looked up at the Emperor, his gaze clear and sincere. "The establishment of a consort is a grand ceremony of the state, concerning the very fabric of the nation. Although Lady Su is favored by Father and Empress, and I also love her dearly, she is ultimately still inexperienced. I implore Father, that the investiture be postponed until the turmoil of this matter has completely subsided and the court and the country are at peace, to show the solemnity of the occasion. Furthermore, Lady Su is currently six months pregnant and should prioritize rest and a healthy pregnancy. I do not wish for her to be burdened by the ceremony too early. Everything is left to Father and Empress to decide."
Upon hearing this, the emperor finally showed a look of satisfaction and even admiration in his eyes. This son was neither arrogant nor impetuous, thoughtful and considerate, always prioritizing the overall situation, yet never forgetting loyalty and affection—truly a model heir apparent!
"Good! Good! Zhan'er, I am so pleased that you think this way!" The Emperor clapped his hands, his gloom of the past few days vanishing. "It will be as you say. After Lady Su gives birth and the court is stable, we will proceed with the investiture. At that time, I will personally preside over the ceremony for the two of you!"
"Your subject will obey your father's teachings!" Xiao Jingzhan bowed deeply once again.
"Go," the emperor waved his hand gently, "and comfort Lady Su well. You are my most outstanding son."
"Your subject takes his leave." Xiao Jingzhan respectfully withdrew from the imperial tent.
The emperor watched his son's tall, departing figure, remaining silent for a long time before finally letting out a sigh of relief. To have such a son is a great blessing for the nation.
In the Eastern Palace, Xiao Jingzhan walked steadily toward the Liuli Pavilion. Deep in his phoenix eyes was a calm confidence and a gentle tenderness at the prospect of his wish being fulfilled.
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