Su Rong sat in Yan Huisheng’s carriage, traveling with him to the Sky Prison of the Ministry of Justice.
The crime committed by Imperial Concubine Zhen was heinous. The emperor had decreed her death, with the Minister of Justice putting his own head on the line. Hence, no one could enter the Ministry without an imperial edict, not even a fly.
Crown Prince Yan Huisheng naturally has the imperial edict. Upon his arrival at the Sky Prison, the Minister of Justice personally received him.
The Minister of Justice has been practically living in his office, having dared not to even return home. His department had been held responsible for a death in the Sky Prison, causing even the Duke Residence and Rui’an King Residence to distrust him, along with the Dali Temple and the Capital Government Office. His official hat was hanging by a thread, and if he wished to keep his position, he had to go all out.
As such, he had taken control of his department, removed obstacles, and personally held strong.
Indeed, his actions had been effective. Imperial Concubine Zhen was still alive, and she could not die unless the emperor decreed so.
Having confirmed the emperor’s edict, the Minister of Justice returned it to Yan Huisheng and respectfully gestured them forward, "Please, Crown Prince, Lady Su Qi."
He led the way, accompanied them personally to the prison cell of Imperial Concubine Zhen.
Even if Imperial Concubine Zhen was imprisoned, the items in her cell were of high quality, befitting her status. Her cell was top-tier, neither damp nor cold, and had a charcoal brazier to keep it warm, making it similar to a lady’s boudoir.
Upon seeing her visitors, Imperial Concubine Zhen raised her eyes for a glance but remained impassive and uninterested.
Standing with his hands behind his back, Yan Huisheng looked at Imperial Concubine Zhen and said, "His Majesty stated that he won’t see you again. Your case will be presided over by me. Is there anything you would like to say? If not, I will pass judgment based on the evidence I have gathered."
If she were to be convicted, given the severity of her crime, Imperial Concubine Zhen would inevitably face capital punishment.
It was only then that Imperial Concubine Zhen showed some emotion, stating to Yan Huisheng, "I am pregnant."
Yan Huisheng’s countenance faltered for a moment.
Su Rong thought to herself, the wife of the Crown Prince was pregnant, carrying royal heirs, and now, Imperial Concubine Zhen was also pregnant. Pregnancy itself was a staying of execution. Everyone was rushing and jostling for this privilege.
"So?" Yan Huisheng maintained his composure, "Do you want me to inform His Majesty about it? To save you from your death sentence? To let you bear His Majesty’s heir in peace?"
Imperial Concubine Zhen replied, "Am I not supposed to inform His Majesty of my pregnancy?"
Yan Huisheng shook his head, "His Majesty has already handed your case over to me. So, whether I tell His Majesty or not depends on your cooperation. If you confess and reveal the person behind the scenes, I can provide clemency due to the fact that you recognize your crime and carry royal offspring, and report it to His Majesty."
"Are you hoping I give birth without letting His Majesty know?" asked Imperial Concubine Zhen.
Yan Huisheng laughed lightly, "You overthink it, Imperial Concubine. I have many brothers. I do not need the one you are carrying. If you wish to use him to save your life, it’ll depend on whether you choose to cooperate."
"Are you threatening me?" asked Imperial Concubine Zhen as she looked at Yan Huisheng.
"You could see it that way," replied Yan Huisheng with a nod.
Imperial Concubine Zhen turned to look at the Minister of Justice behind Yan Huisheng, "Mr. Li, I just said that I’m pregnant. Are you deaf?"
The Minister of Justice remained unmoved, acting as if he hadn’t heard and was genuinely deaf.
Imperial Concubine Zhen coldly laughed, "Mr. Li, a third-rank official in the court, are you now siding with the Crown Prince? Does His Majesty know?"
The Minister of Justice remained silent, seemingly oblivious. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚
As long as he was not a fool, it should be clear to him that the Crown Prince’s position was on the rise. His Majesty even handed over Imperial Concubine Zhen’s case to the Crown Prince to preside over. Most of the court officials were already siding with the Crown Prince. So, if he wished to keep his position, he naturally had to listen to the Crown Prince. As the saying goes, those who understand the times are the real heroes.
Imperial Concubine Zhen then turned to Su Rong, "Su Rong, do you want to see me die?"
Su Rong smiled intriguingly, "Imperial Concubine forgets easily that you and my master have severed ties. Hence, we practically have no relationship. Why can’t I watch you die?". She then continued, "However, you don’t have to die. The only one who can save you is yourself," she added, "That is if you can’t bear to part with the child you are carrying."
Imperial Concubine Zhen put her hand on her stomach, "I haven’t been pregnant for ten years. Do you know why?"
No one answered.
Imperial Concubine Zhen continued by herself, "That’s because I didn’t want to be."
Yan Huisheng spoke in a calm voice, "Imperial Concubine was saved by Zhang Ping. Even if you repay your life-saving favor, ten years is enough. Due to your influence, Zhang Ping has profited massively over the years. With His Majesty’s secret orders, he has been amassing troops and buying horses. His Majesty believes Zhang Ping is loyal. My second brother believes that his father-in-law is supporting his ascension. Little do they know, they are all wrong. General Zhang harbors ambitions of his own; his goal might be the throne of Daliang. While you appreciate Zhang Ping for saving your life, little do you know that what you consider a life-saving favor was part of his scheme. The man you like, Duan Xiao, already has a family and concubines. The two of them were using your favoritism—one for ambition and the other for wealth and glory. Only you, Imperial Concubine. You exhausted your mind but ended up here in the Sky Prison, with no one to rescue you. Perhaps, they can’t wait for your death. Are you sure you don’t want to live?"
The expression on Imperial Concubine Zhen’s face finally changed, "I don’t believe a single word you said."
Yan Huisheng took out a file from his sleeve and passed it to Imperial Concubine Zhen, "If you don’t believe me, have a look yourself!"
Imperial Concubine Zhen didn’t want to accept it, but as if under a spell, she still reached out and took it.
The case file Yan Huisheng handed her was not thick, just a few pages, but it detailed the facts that his subordinates had investigated. In her youth, Imperial Concubine Zhen had fallen in love with a poor scholar. The two were mutually attracted. When her father disapproved, Imperial Concubine Zhen was ready to cut off her relationship with her father just to marry him. They did marry soon after, and their marriage was blissful. Nevertheless, their happiness was short-lived. Half a year later, her husband got into a dispute while selling his paintings and ended up in legal trouble. Imperial Concubine Zhen was in desperate need of help and, at one point, nearly fell prey to an assault in a dark alley. It was Zhang Ping who happened to pass by and saved her. She seized the opportunity to request Zhang Ping to save her husband. Zhang Ping agreed but on one condition, she had to repay his kindness by participating in the selection process for the beauties of the royal court.
To save her husband, Imperial Concubine Zhen tearfully accepted, under the condition that her husband, despite his ambitions, was overlooked and asked Zhang Ping to give him an opportunity. Zhang Ping also agreed.
Zhang Ping was fixated by Imperial Concubine Zhen’s beauty, and she did not disappoint. She ended up becoming the most beloved Imperial Concubine Zhen.
It sounds simple, but Zhang Ping had made considerable efforts back then to trap Imperial Concubine Zhen. Otherwise, considering she was skilled in martial arts, it would have been impossible for her to be nearly assaulted in a dark alley.
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