Chapter 89: Finding out. This assassination at the hunting ground was the work of the Fourth Prince...
Pei Ji mentioned the Fourth Prince deliberately.
In order to avoid suspicion, the Fourth Prince cleared himself of the matter completely. However, it was because he was too clean, without even a trace of father-son affection, that made Emperor An even more suspicious of him.
Not to mention that if this matter could really be accomplished, the only one who would benefit would be the Fourth Prince. He was already a highly valued prince, and his mother was a noble lady, so it was natural for him to become the regent, and he could naturally ascend the throne and become emperor.
Emperor An was obviously suspicious of him. Only the princes could carry out such a blatant assassination!
Pei Ji said in a deep voice, "We've already traced the wolves' origins. There are traces of them on a path three miles from the hunting grounds. It's clear they were lured there by someone. Furthermore, the coroner has discovered a special drug in the wolf carcasses that can drive animals mad. This drug is also in the sachet Your Majesty carries."
Emperor An didn't need to make any arrangements for this matter, as his subordinates had already informed him of it. After all, he had also suffered greatly from the wolves.
Hearing him say this, Emperor An felt even more uncomfortable. This man was truly cunning and cruel. He had actually done all of this in advance. What a good plan!
"You must investigate this matter thoroughly!" Emperor An was furious.
"Assassinating Your Majesty is a capital crime of treason. We, your humble servants, will investigate this matter thoroughly," Pei Ji said in a resounding voice. Then he thought of something else, "Your Majesty is clear about rewards and punishments. What about the others..."
Emperor An said, "I understand your concerns. I will reward those who have rendered meritorious service in protecting me. Even a title of nobility would be appropriate. However, we must wait until this matter is thoroughly investigated!"
Pei Ji was immediately relieved. "Thank you, Your Majesty. If you have no other instructions, I will go and investigate the case."
"Back off."
"yes."
Even though they already knew who did it, they couldn't present the evidence at this time. They still had to pretend to conduct a thorough investigation, otherwise Emperor An would probably suspect them.
The matter of the wolf pack was easy to investigate, and he didn't even need to do anything, the matter had already been investigated.
As for the assassin, Pei Ji would never give the Fourth Prince another chance to clarify.
"We have to send someone to keep an eye on him." Pei Ji said in a low voice.
"His Majesty is still recuperating in the hunting ground. He won't leave quietly and escape. Why do we have to keep an eye on him?" Yan Qi asked this, but he had already raised his hand to let his subordinates arrange this matter.
Pei Ji said: "I'm afraid he will find a way to destroy the evidence."
Yan Qi was somewhat shocked and still a little bit incredulous. "Could he really be so bold? This matter is so serious that it is already under strict investigation. If his movements lead to errors in the evidence, then it would further prove that he was responsible. He can't be so stupid, right?"
Hearing his analysis, Pei Ji laughed heartily, "I didn't expect you to be able to think of this. You should use your brain. I don't know if it's possible, but you should be on guard."
This makes a lot of sense.
Yan Qi did not ask any more questions. Now that they had protected the emperor effectively and had won his majesty's favor and appreciation, it would be extremely beneficial to all of their families.
Moreover, Pei Ji was even more astute. The people he brought with him during the hunting trip were all inconspicuous but trustworthy, which made them also have the merit of protecting the emperor. If His Majesty rewards him in the future, the people he praises will be his own people.
It feels so good just thinking about controlling court officials and using them for your own benefit.
In the past, court officials were so angry with Pei Ji that they dared not speak out, and even wanted to avoid him when they saw him. After all, this man was so domineering that he didn't even give face to the princes. But now they think he is the best person.
Pei Ji never wrongly accused anyone in any of the cases he handled. He was able to find out the truth every time, and those who were not involved would never be wrongly accused.
The fact that he was investigating the assassination case this time actually made the officials feel extra relieved. After all, no one wanted to be accused of regicide for no reason, as this was a crime that would punish the entire clan!
As soon as the two men came out of Emperor An's tent, they were surrounded by officials in the dark.
"Master Pei, General Yan, you two seem to be in a hurry, but where are you going?"
Pei Ji and Yan Qi stopped and looked at them. They knew what these old guys were thinking without asking. They just wanted to find out the situation, but they didn't dare to ask directly.
Pei Ji was in no mood to argue with them, so he asked bluntly, "The two of us have been ordered to investigate the assassination. Are you intercepting them here because you were involved in it?"
"Don't you dare say that! That's simply outrageous!"
"We're just here to snoop around, and it's for our own good. Why bother saying it so harshly? If you don't want to talk, then don't. Why are you trying to scare us?"
“…”
Pei Ji sneered and said in an extremely nasty manner, "If you weren't involved, don't ask. We will naturally investigate whether you did it or not. It's really superfluous for you to ask."
"Hey, what are you saying?" A little old man blew his beard and glared. Seeing Pei Ji's gaze sweeping over, he quickly stroked his beard and finished his words, "That's right. We didn't participate, so naturally we have a clear conscience!"
Pei Ji smiled: "This period of time will be extremely busy. You gentlemen can also compete to tell other gentlemen not to move around casually. If you make me unhappy, even if you have nothing to do with this matter, you will be considered to be related."
After he finished speaking, he took Yan Qi away. The group of old men felt guilty all day long, even for things they had not done, for fear that the fire would burn them.
Several old men who were frightened by him pointed at his back and muttered, "Who are you trying to scare!!!"
Pei Ji and Yan Qi returned to their respective tents. As soon as they returned to the tent, they saw the imperial physician inside.
He Zhiliao immediately stood up to greet him, "You're back just in time. I just called the imperial physician over. You should change your medicine."
Hearing him say this, Pei Ji immediately smiled. He was thinking about him all the time, so how could he not be happy?
The injuries on his body were concentrated in his arms. Although they were not serious, they were numerous.
He Zhiliao didn't believe that he didn't feel any pain when moving his hands around, so he would always endure it in front of him, and would say nothing if asked.
The imperial physician examined his wound, quickly changed the dressing and bandaged it, then said with a smile, "Master Pei is young and strong, so the wound is healing well. However, you still need to be careful not to let it break open."
Pei Ji nodded slightly, without even looking at He Zhile, who was staring at his wound. The more he looked at his darling, the more he liked her.
Why doesn’t this annoying old man leave yet?
Pei Ji sighed softly, "The medicine has been changed. Doctor Liu should hurry to His Majesty's side and serve him."
"Yes, I'll take my leave."
Doctor Liu immediately picked up his medicine box and left with his apprentice and attendants.
As soon as he left, Pei Ji immediately pulled He Zhiliao into his arms and showed him tenderness and intimacy. He kept moving his newly bandaged arm around He Zhiliao, touching his face, pinching his waist, and pinching his fingers, as if he wished he could grow on his body.
He Zhiliao was a little ticklish and shrank back, but the smile on his face did not fade. "It's so itchy, please stop pinching me... How are things going?"
He was afraid that Pei Ji would continue and the two of them would engage in sexual intercourse in broad daylight again, so he quickly brought up the assassination to ruin the atmosphere.
Pei Ji sighed softly. These words did ruin the atmosphere, but they also made him sober up. After all, the hunting ground was not at home, so he naturally couldn't go too far.
He sucked on He Zhiluo's neck, watching the red plum blossoms bloom there, and then he said softly, "Your Majesty has entrusted this matter to me and Jiang Shu to investigate. Although there is already sufficient evidence to prove that it was the Fourth Prince who did it, we cannot submit the evidence today."
He Zhiliao understood his intentions. If the matter was really that simple, why would he hand it over to Pei Ji to investigate?
What's more, since Emperor An has not really gotten into trouble, the Fourth Prince must have been frightened a long time ago. Otherwise, he would have killed him again. Otherwise, when Pei Ji finds out the truth about this matter, he will have no way out but death. It is better to be more ruthless.
"How is Your Majesty?" He Zhiliao leaned close to his ear and asked softly.
The imperial physician naturally would not tell the truth to the court officials. After all, this was a serious matter. If the court officials had the intention of rebellion, wouldn't that be giving them an opportunity?
But it seems that this matter cannot be hidden from Pei Ji. After all, the situation in the court is now clear, and Pei Ji is undoubtedly the top celebrity around Emperor An. Anyone with discerning eyes will not hide it from him.
Pei Ji also whispered in his ear, "Although the wound isn't deep, it has damaged his heart. Furthermore, he's already getting older, and the immortal pills he took before were slightly toxic. This injury has caused the poison to explode in his heart. The doctors don't dare to speak out easily, so they can only keep him alive with medicine."
That means he won't be alive for long.
Although this matter cannot be concealed, it should be concealed for as long as possible. Moreover, even if the imperial physician really doesn't say it, I'm afraid Emperor An has some awareness of his health.
He Zhiliao whispered, "Have you sent someone to keep an eye on the Fourth Prince? If he really did this, and His Majesty is safe and sound, who knows, he might have a backup plan."
If Emperor An gets into trouble again under the care of Pei Ji and Yan Qi, the two families will inevitably be affected. By then, the merits and demerits will offset each other, and the merit of protecting the emperor will probably be completely repaid.
Pei Ji nodded, "Don't worry."
These matters should have been handled by him, but it made the other party worry with him. When Emperor An gave the award, he would definitely tell him that his little Zhiliao had also killed the assassin. He had to ask for the imperial edict and more things to save his life.
He Zhiliao naturally had nothing to worry about as he was doing his job, so the two continued chatting and the conversation gradually turned to his health.
Pei Ji gently stroked his knee, "It must have hurt more these past two days. I was scared when you rolled off the horse that day."
He Zhiliao moved slightly and said, "If you don't touch it hard, it won't hurt. It's just a superficial wound, so you don't even need to apply medicine."
"Are you feeling any other discomfort?" Pei Ji asked.
"I'm not feeling unwell." He Zhiliao nudged him with his elbow. "You keep asking me the same old questions over and over again every day, but I'm fine."
Pei Ji pinched his face and said, "I can't even show my concern for you. I asked the imperial physician to take a look, but you refused. You are hiding your illness and are afraid of seeing a doctor. You deserve a spanking."
He Zhiliao curled his lips, "Have you fought less?"
Every time he went on a rampage, he would be beaten, and the already strange noises would become even stranger. He was not allowed to hide, or he would be beaten even more fiercely.
In comparison, I just don't want to drink those bitter medicines, it can't be better!
Hearing him say this, Pei Ji couldn't help laughing out loud, and his palm unconsciously moved to that place and rubbed it gently. He always couldn't help it, and this was indeed not a good habit.
Before they had talked for long, Pei Ji was ready to continue working. This matter had to be resolved as soon as possible, and the people serving Emperor An had to be alert.
There is a process to investigating a case. Even if he already knows the real culprit behind the scenes, he has to follow the procedure.
But the more he investigated, the more he felt that the Fourth Prince was truly an idiot.
"These assassins all had residual poison in their mouths. According to the examinations of the coroner and the imperial physician, these poisons are the same as those in the corpses previously stored in the patrol camp." Yuan Ming said in a deep voice. He did not expect that these assassins would be mixed up with those before.
Furthermore, those assassins were originally sent by the Fourth Prince to kill Pei Ji and the others. Could it be that this time, they were also...
After all, it was just his own idea. He didn't dare to speak carelessly without any evidence. Even such thoughts were quickly eliminated from his mind.
Pei Ji pretended to be surprised when he heard this and asked, "If that's true, have you found similar tattoos on their bodies?"
Yuan Mingdao said, "The coroner is investigating this matter. Sir Pei, if it is really an exact replica, what should be done about this matter?"
Privately, he thought this kind of assassination was normal.
But when he really had to face it, he found it terrifying.
Tianqi has always valued and advocated filial piety. If this was really done by the Fourth Prince, then he would be a disloyal and unfilial person who plotted rebellion!
Pei Ji tilted his head to look at him, "What? Of course, do what you have to do. Once the coroner has checked, you'll know what to do."
Yuan Ming was a little confused, but he also knew what the other party meant. No matter who did it, as long as it was discovered, it must be reported to the emperor. If anyone deliberately concealed it, it would be a crime that would implicate the entire clan, and no one dared to take the responsibility easily.
He was a little bit unable to accept these things at the moment, but to him it was just someone else's family affairs, and all he had to do was to do his own thing well.
What's more, the purpose of serving as an official in the court is to get promoted and make money, and this opportunity will only come if you do your job well.
He really didn't have to think about anything, he just had to follow Lord Pei's arrangements.
The coroner dissected the bodies according to his usual method, and then found the same things and tattoos in their bodies as those of the previous assassins.
Now the matter is settled. As long as all the evidence is reported to His Majesty, the matter will be resolved.
Yuan Ming looked at Pei Ji and said, "Sir Pei, I will report this matter to His Majesty right away!"
"Wait a little longer. Spread the word first and say that evidence of the crime is about to be found." Pei Ji said.
"yes."
Although Yuan Ming didn't understand what he was going to do, he still did what he said and spread the news that day. The Fourth Prince on the other side was indeed anxious.
Although he has tried his best to clear himself of all charges, those assassins are his men after all, and His Majesty must not know about it no matter what.
Now Pei Ji has some evidence in his hands. Even if he is unwilling to admit it, he has to admit that Pei Ji does have some tricks. He must find out the truth of this matter as soon as possible, otherwise if his father blames him, he will be really finished.
"Mother, you have to help me!"
He found Deguijun and wanted him to help him with this matter, but he didn't know that Deguijun was more anxious than him.
Deguijun: "What on earth is going on? Such an important matter, yet they were able to find clues!"
The Fourth Prince was also a little annoyed when he heard his accusations. "How should I know? I don't know if they really found evidence or are just trying to scare us. Mother, this matter can't be delayed any longer!"
"What else can we do? His Majesty is surrounded by guards now. If something happens to him under my nose, both you and I will be doomed!" Deguijun was also afraid. He had worked so hard to get to his current position and had never made any mistakes in all these years. Why did he start to have bad luck in the past two years!
"No matter what, we can't let Father know the truth about the assassination!" The Fourth Prince gritted his teeth and whispered, "Now there is only one way, and that is to make sure Father never hears it again!"
Deguijun's face changed drastically, "You mean - how can this be done?!"
The Fourth Prince said, "You are the head of the concubines, so naturally you can bring ginseng soup and tonic medicine to see the emperor. Who dares to stop you?"
"My son is really cruel." Deguijun stroked his face and said softly, with an inexplicable loss and disappointment in his eyes.
But the Fourth Prince couldn't see it, or even if he could see it, he could only pretend not to understand.
Deguijun closed his eyes and stretched out his hand to him, "Give me the things."
The Fourth Prince was stunned for a moment and handed over the things he had prepared long ago. He had thought of everything before coming. If his mother could really help him solve the problem, he would definitely welcome her out and honor her as the Queen Mother when he ascended the throne in the future.
Lord Degui said nothing more, only told them to make good preparations, and then drove the Fourth Prince away.
"Sir, do you really want to do this?" His maid walked up to him and asked worriedly.
If this fails, we will be in real trouble.
Lord Degui smiled bitterly at the mirror. "My son has already arranged everything, so naturally I have to do it. If he can become the emperor, he will certainly not treat me unfairly. I just didn't expect that he would not even be willing to discuss it in advance..."
The maid sighed softly, "Your Excellency has worked hard."
The hardship was not in these matters, but he did not expect that his son could take advantage of him to this extent.
He sighed softly, prepared the things given by the Fourth Prince, asked the kitchen to make a bowl of soup, and then went directly to visit Emperor An.
When Deguijun arrived, only the imperial physician was busy in Emperor An's tent, and Emperor An was reading memorials.
Most of the memorials were concerned greetings from some officials, as well as overt and covert inquiries. He took them all seriously and was not very willing to pay attention to them.
"Your Majesty, I need to check this ginseng soup." The imperial physician reminded in a low voice, "Your Majesty is taking a lot of soups and medicines these days. If any of them clash, it will be bad."
Deguijun calmly handed the medicine over and let them check it, but his eyes were always fixed on the inside. How could he put drugs in the medicine? That was simply too stupid.
As expected, the imperial physician found nothing in it, so he returned the ginseng soup to him.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you."
"You're here, get up." Emperor An tilted his head to look at him, his eyes falling on the ginseng soup he brought, his expression gloomy.
Deguijun thanked him and stood up, sitting beside the couch. She held up the ginseng soup and was about to feed him, "This is the ginseng soup that I asked the kitchen to make specially. Your Majesty, please eat more to replenish your body."
Emperor An naturally wouldn't drink it. He said softly, "Put it down first. Drink it later."
"Okay." Deguijun didn't dare to force himself, so he put the bowl back and gently massaged Emperor An's legs. "Your Majesty, are you feeling better? I was very worried."
"Don't worry about it. I'm in good health." Even though Emperor An never looked at him again, he could still vaguely hear the wind blowing past his ears. Even if he didn't say anything, he could guess it.
"Then I am relieved. The Fourth Prince was so preoccupied with hunting this time that he didn't even consider your safety. I've already reprimanded him. I'll have him pay his respects to you tomorrow." Deguijun spoke softly, turning to look at the tea not far away. "Your Majesty, have a sip of tea."
The tea was from Emperor An, and Lord Degui had never touched it before. Emperor An was naturally relieved and agreed.
Deguijun carefully held the teacup in his hand, then slowly handed it to Emperor An and served him tea. There was nothing wrong with his words and actions.
Emperor An did not doubt it and drank the tea from his hand.
At night.
Emperor An's tent was brightly lit, and the imperial doctors were working diligently inside, while Degui Jun and the Fourth Prince were detained and knelt beside him.
The Queen stood before Deguijun and slapped him hard, "Bitch! How dare you poison His Majesty! I don't even need to report this to His Majesty. I can hang you immediately!"
"I have never poisoned Your Majesty. Please investigate clearly, Your Majesty. The ginseng soup I brought has been checked by the imperial physician and there is no poison in it!" Deguijun said in a resounding voice. No one could make him admit to something he didn't do!
"You're the only one who's been here today, His Majesty, and His Majesty drank the tea you offered him. Who else could have poisoned him if not you?" The Queen sneered. "I think you're plotting with the Fourth Prince to seize the throne, and that's why you're using such a vicious and sinister trick to persecute His Majesty!"
Seeing that she couldn't get through to him, Deguijun cried out at the top of her lungs, "Your Majesty, please investigate. I really didn't poison you! I don't know why something bad happened to you after you drank that cup of tea! This is all because someone deliberately framed me!"
The Queen's eyes flickered slightly, but she rebuked him harshly, "His Majesty's life is at stake, and you still dare to act recklessly here! Come! Take him away to me! We will deal with him after His Majesty wakes up!"
"yes!"
"Your Majesty! It's really not me! Your Majesty, please investigate!"
"take away!"
The Fourth Prince stood up to stop her, "Mother, this matter has not yet been decided. Even if the cup of tea is poisoned, it doesn't prove that Mother was the one who poisoned it. Those imperial doctors and servants are all suspects!"
The Queen stared at him and sneered, "Fourth Prince, it's not your turn to make decisions about the harem!"
"Who can make the decision then?"
"Of course it's me—Your Majesty?!"
The queen was shocked and turned around immediately, only to see that Emperor An actually got up from the ground and walked towards her. I was startled and immediately knelt down to pay my respects.
Emperor An lowered his eyes to look at her, "I'm not even dead yet, yet the Empress is already so impatient."
The Queen was horrified. "I don't know what you are talking about, Your Majesty."
"Pei Aiqing."
"Yes." Pei Ji approached from outside and bowed lightly to the Queen. "I have already found out that the poison placed in the teacup was done by the Queen through bribery of the imperial physician."
The Queen immediately raised her head and shouted angrily, "Pei Ji! Stop your nonsense! When have I ever done such a thing?"
Pei Ji said calmly, "Even if the Queen refuses to admit it, the maidservant beside you has told us everything. We have already investigated the matter. The remaining poison was also found in your palace."
The queen lost her strength and fell to the ground. She had originally intended to use the remaining poison to dispose of Deguijun.
Seeing that things were looking up, Deguijun immediately cried out for justice, "Your Majesty, I am truly wronged."
"You are being wronged?" Emperor An sneered, "Lord Pei, please continue!"
Pei Ji continued, "This assassination at the hunting ground has been investigated by General Yan and the patrol battalion. The assassin this time is exactly the same as the one the Fourth Prince sent to assassinate me previously."
The Fourth Prince was shocked. "No! I didn't do it! Father, it was Mother who ordered me to do it!"
Deguijun even forgot to cry.
Emperor An closed his eyes in disappointment.
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The author has something to say: Please give me some nutrient solution (reach out) [kiss][kiss][kiss]
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