After listening to Ruan Dafeng's account, the Emperor knew he couldn't say anything in front of his ministers, as this was, after all, a family matter. So, the Emperor didn't say anything, but after leaving the prison, he went to Li Wan and said, "I want you to investigate whether there is any collusion between Hongshi and the Eighth Prince. If you find anything, tell me immediately. Do you understand?"
Li Wan then said, "This humble official understands, this humble official will take care of it immediately! Please rest assured, Your Majesty, this humble official will certainly satisfy you." Afterwards, the emperor got into his carriage and returned to the palace.
Although Li Wan had received the emperor's secret order and boasted before the emperor, he didn't know how to begin the investigation. This task was a hot potato; if he made even the slightest mistake, he wouldn't have enough heads to lose. Moreover, it involved not only the Prince but also the Eighth Prince! Everyone knew about the Eighth Prince; he had fought fiercely with the emperor for the throne back then. Although the emperor ultimately won, it seemed the Eighth Prince still hadn't given up!
This was a royal secret, and Li Wan knew that the burden on his shoulders was even heavier this time. He immediately summoned his trusted confidant to the study to discuss how to proceed.
Meanwhile, Ruan Meiying had been feeling uneasy for the past few days.
In the past few days, she had Hongshi take her to Baixianglou several times, but she never saw Ruan Dafeng. She sent people to inquire, but the news she received was that Ruan Dafeng hadn't appeared for a long time. Ruan Meiying was extremely anxious. She was worried that something had happened to Ruan Dafeng. He was all alone outside, and now he knew the mastermind behind the deaths of her father and fellow villagers. He was impulsive; what if he acted rashly and went to fight someone?
The Emperor returned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, shocked and furious by the incident. He muttered to himself in anger, "That unfilial son Hongshi actually dared to do such a thing! He's so audacious as to collude with the Eighth Prince and local officials in Kaifeng to deceive me. What does he take me, his imperial father, for? How could this child not see that the Eighth Prince was using him! He has truly disappointed me."
And if I'm not mistaken, this was definitely orchestrated by Lao Ba. Hongshi was clearly outmaneuvered. Anyone with eyes can see who's behind Hongshi.
At this moment, the chief eunuch respectfully inquired, "Your Majesty, Consort Xi has arrived. Would you like to see her?"
The Emperor rubbed his eyes and said, "Let her in!"
Lanqin came today to discuss Hongli's wedding. Her son is about to get married and will start building his own residence after the wedding. With his current temperament, Lanqin is afraid that some people will take advantage of him. As long as he is in the palace, he still has the Emperor and Lanqin to guide him. But if he leaves the palace and builds his own residence, he will be much farther away. What will happen then?
As soon as Lanqin entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation, she sensed that something was wrong. Having known the Emperor for so many years, she knew without even looking that he was in a bad mood. She stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I greet you."
The Emperor said, "No need for formalities." Then he said to the chief eunuch, "Let me have some peace and quiet." The chief eunuch understood and bowed as he withdrew, calling out all the servants and then closing the palace doors.
After they left, Lanqin went to the emperor's side and asked with concern, "What's wrong? You seem restless. Is something the matter?"
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