Chapter 542 The Crown Prince is Kidnapped
Consort Li was stunned. Looking at the emperor who had said such words, her eyes were filled with fear.
The emperor suddenly grabbed her hand and said, "Am I very wicked?"
Consort Li remained silent and did not reply immediately. Seeing that the Emperor's face was about to show anger, she quickly said, "It's not malicious. No man could stand this. It's understandable that you say that."
In fact, many of them believe that when the emperor deposed the empress, she died unexpectedly on her way to exile.
The real empress is long gone, and the Zhou family woman from Changliu Village and the emperor are no longer husband and wife.
It's just that the emperor himself didn't want to believe it.
Consort Li outwardly agreed with the Emperor's words, but inwardly she was filled with contempt for him.
The Emperor loved hearing her flattery, and in his delight, he said a few more words: "After the Empress returns to the palace, I will give her the best of everything, and then our family will be just like before, living in harmony and happiness."
Consort Li looked at the smiling Emperor in front of her, a mocking smile appearing in her eyes.
He says he loves the Empress, but he's really just nostalgic for how good she was back then.
In the harem, everyone was vying for power and status; no one could be as open and honest with him as the Empress of the past.
Now he understands, but it's too late.
Consort Li asked him several more times, but still could not find out where the Empress was.
She gradually realized that even the Emperor didn't know where the Empress was.
That way, she can rest assured.
After leaving the Emperor's palace, Consort Li specifically sent people to keep an eye on the Emperor's secret guards, instructing them to inform her of any news they might have.
The next day, just as dawn broke, the court officials all gathered at the palace gate.
They were all waiting to see the Crown Prince who had been missing for many years.
As the morning court session began, the ministers started discussing among themselves.
"Who could this Crown Prince be?"
"I heard that he has been living in the capital all these years."
"You've been in the capital the whole time, how could the Emperor not recognize you?"
"I heard it was a disguise."
While they were discussing this, the emperor, who was still in his bedchamber, suddenly heard a message from his subordinates.
"Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! Lord Zhou was kidnapped on his way to the palace today!"
Just half an hour ago, Zhou Ruiyuan had dressed and was preparing to enter the palace for the morning court session.
The carriage suddenly stopped halfway through its journey.
When he came to his senses, he found himself dizzy and confused as a group of men in black tied him up.
The emperor was shocked upon hearing this, "What did you say? The crown prince has been kidnapped?"
"By whom?" he asked the guards sternly.
The guard bowed his head and replied, "We don't know, Your Majesty. Please don't worry, we are investigating."
The emperor slammed the things on the table over. “They’re all worthless things! They can’t even keep an eye on one person! Find them for me! If you don’t find them by today, get out of here!”
"Yes, Your Majesty." The guards lowered their heads, not daring to speak, and then withdrew.
The emperor felt his legs go weak and he was about to collapse.
The eunuch beside him supported him and said, "Your Majesty, don't worry. His Highness the Crown Prince must still be in the capital. Those people are really bold. They probably won't take his life."
The emperor fell into deep thought. "Quickly, investigate for me! Start with the remnants of the Wu family, and also the Yang, Yuan, and Shi families!"
He knew best which ministers did not want Zhou Ruiyuan to return.
Naturally, it was the same group of people who had conspired with him to murder Lord Lu back then.
They dared not allow Zhou Ruiyuan to return to the Eastern Palace. The Emperor was currently ill at home, and if he died, Zhou Ruiyuan would become the next emperor.
Once he ascends to the throne, will he still let them go?
They are doomed.
Therefore, they had to act before that, killing the Zhou family and Zhou Ruiyuan.
In a small, dilapidated temple more than ten miles away from the palace.
Zhou Ruiyuan slowly woke up, opened his eyes and looked up, only to see Yi'er and Yu'er.
Behind them was Hai Qingyang, dressed in black.
Yi'er and Yu'er asked with smiles, "Father, how was Mr. Qingyang's performance just now?"
Zhou Ruiyuan reached out and hugged them both, saying, "Good, you both acted well."
Mr. Yuan, dressed in black, walked over and said with a smile, "And what about me? How do I look kicking down the carriage door?"
Yi'er turned around and laughed, "They're just like an assassin."
When Lord Yuan heard the praise, he scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
The so-called kidnapping in the street today was nothing more than a show directed and acted by Zhou Ruiyuan, whose purpose was to watch them fight like dogs.
Du Wanchun entered carrying food. "Alright, all of you be quiet. Don't let anyone see you."
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