Chapter 113 The Abandoned Eldest Daughter Makes a Comeback (37 chapters)
Seeing the three of them arguing back and forth, I felt an uncontrollable rage and could no longer tolerate it.
Xiao Chengjin suddenly stood up: "Father, I would also like to offer you a toast."
Xiao Yuheng glanced at him but did not refuse.
He took a small sip: "Your Highness is very thoughtful."
Xiao Chengjin smiled, staring intently at Shen Yunzhen, and downed the wine in his glass in one gulp.
The music was melodious, and the dancers' movements remained graceful, but the atmosphere inside the hall was inexplicably tense.
Just then, a dancer suddenly pulled a gleaming dagger from her sleeve and pounced on Xiao Yuheng with lightning speed!
"Your Majesty, be careful!"
A sharp-eyed person noticed the anomaly immediately and exclaimed in surprise.
"Help! There's an assassin! Help the emperor! Help the emperor!"
Xiao Yuheng reacted extremely quickly, almost instinctively lunging towards Shen Yunzhen and shielding her behind him.
Shen Yunzhen was startled by his actions, but then she reacted and instinctively raised the wine glass she was holding, ready to throw it at the assassin.
She had spent many years in the Tree Spirit World and had learned some skills.
However, Xiao Yuheng's figure completely blocked her, and she couldn't find an opportunity to make a move.
At the same time, Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Chengze rushed up instantly, their faces full of terror.
"Yun Zhen—"
However, they were a step too slow. Just as the gleaming dagger was about to pierce Xiao Yuheng's heart, the Empress suddenly grabbed a fruit plate from the table and smashed it at the assassin.
"Bang!"
The fruit platter struck the assassin's wrist precisely, causing the dagger to deflect by an inch.
In that instant, Li Guide rushed out from the side and grabbed the assassin's hand that was tightly gripping the dagger, holding her wrists tightly with both hands.
"Outrageous! How dare you attempt to assassinate His Majesty!"
The assassin struggled violently, and with his other hand pulled a hairpin from his hair, intending to stab Xiao Yuheng haphazardly.
At the critical moment, Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Chengze finally arrived, rushing to Xiao Yuheng's side almost simultaneously.
Xiao Chengxu reacted quickly, grabbing the assassin's hand that was holding the hairpin and twisting it hard, causing the hairpin to fall to the ground.
Xiao Chengze then kicked the assassin in the knee from the side, causing the assassin to stagger and fall to his knees in pain.
The guards inside the hall finally rushed forward and surrounded the nobles.
Several guards took over and pinned the assassin firmly to the ground, rendering him unable to move.
Just as the guards pinned the assassin firmly to the ground, the assassin suddenly stopped struggling, a desperate smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
"Oh no! She's going to commit suicide!"
Xiao Chengxu keenly sensed the assassin's unusual behavior and hurriedly reached out to pinch her chin, trying to stop her from biting the poison.
However, it was too late.
The assassin snapped her teeth shut, and the poison sac hidden in her mouth ruptured instantly, black poisonous blood spilling from the corner of her lips.
Her body trembled violently, then collapsed to the ground, her eyes quickly glazed over, and in an instant, she was lifeless.
The hall was deathly silent; everyone was stunned by this sudden turn of events.
Xiao Yuheng's face was terribly gloomy, his gaze fixed on the assassin's corpse, his eyes filled with anger and coldness.
"Investigate! Investigate thoroughly for me!"
After a pause, Xiao Yuheng added in a cold voice, "Focus on investigating how she infiltrated the palace."
The guards immediately responded and quickly dragged the assassin's body away.
The atmosphere inside the hall was extremely heavy. Everyone looked at each other, still shaken.
No one was watching, and Xiao Chengjin, who was standing to the side, breathed a sigh of relief when he saw this scene.
Xiao Chengxu crouched down and carefully examined the assassin's mouth and fingers, his brows furrowed.
"Father, the poison sac in the assassin's mouth was specially made; once bitten, it's instantly fatal. Her fingers and the base of her thumb had thick calluses, indicating she was a highly trained assassin. Such meticulous actions must be investigated; we must find the person behind it before we can have peace of mind!"
Xiao Chengze nodded in agreement: "Father, I also find this matter suspicious. The assassin was able to infiltrate the palace and even blend in with the dancers. There must be an inside accomplice. If we do not investigate thoroughly, I am afraid there will be endless troubles in the future."
Thinking of how Yunzhen had just faced the assassin head-on, and how both of them were still weak in the knees and mentally broken, they were filled with hatred for the person behind them.
Xiao Yuheng nodded coldly, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall, his voice carrying a hint of murderous intent.
"By imperial decree, seal the palace gates and thoroughly investigate all suspicious persons. Anyone implicated will be severely punished without exception!"
"Yes!" everyone responded in unison, their hearts filled with unease.
The Empress stood to the side, a hint of panic on her face. She gently straightened her sleeves and bowed to apologize.
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty. It was my poor judgment in judging people that almost led to such a disaster."
If something were to happen to His Majesty, the Crown Prince would be the prime suspect, which is why she reacted so quickly just now.
Xiao Yuheng raised his hand, gesturing for her to stand up.
"Your Majesty need not blame yourself; this matter has nothing to do with you. The fact that the assassin was able to infiltrate the palace clearly indicates that someone meticulously planned and orchestrated the operation, something that you could not have foreseen or prevented."
The Empress felt relieved: "Your Majesty is wise. I was only worried about the safety of the palace. If needed, I am willing to do my best to assist."
Xiao Yuheng nodded lightly, but his gaze did not linger on her. Instead, he looked at Shen Yunzhen, his expression softening instantly. He said with self-reproach, "Yunzhen, you must have been frightened by what happened today. Let me take you back to rest, okay?"
Shen Yunzhen shook her head. "No need. I'll go back after this is all over."
Xiao Yuheng considered it for a moment and did not refuse.
After something like this happened, nowhere is safer than being by his side now.
Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Chengze thought the same way, so they didn't try to dissuade them.
"Today's events have startled you all, and it is my fault. However... the person behind this has truly surprised me."
Xiao Yuheng's gaze slowly swept over everyone in the hall, finally landing on Xiao Chengjin, his eyes icy cold.
Everyone was even more shocked and subconsciously turned their heads to look in the direction Xiao Yuheng was looking.
Xiao Chengjin sat to the side, seemingly calm, but cold sweat was already seeping from his forehead.
His fingers unconsciously rubbed the hem of his clothes, his heart filled with anxiety.
Noticing Xiao Yuheng's gaze, he quickly forced a joyful smile, patted his chest, and pretended to be scared.
“This assassin is truly despicable. Fortunately, Father Emperor was not injured, otherwise I would have been guilty of a thousand deaths.”
No one answered; only his voice echoed in the hall.
Xiao Chengjin's smile slowly faded, becoming forced.
"Why are Father and everyone else staring at me like that?"
Xiao Yuheng gave a cold laugh, his voice sharp and authoritative: "You seem somewhat restless, are you waiting for someone?"
Xiao Chengjin's heart tightened, and he forced a smile.
"Why do you say that, Father? Your Majesty, I was just shocked by what happened and was unable to recover for a moment."
Xiao Yuheng's gaze was sharp as he stared directly at him: "Is that so? Aren't you wondering why the troops you arranged outside the palace haven't arrived yet?"
Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall was shocked and turned to look at Xiao Chengjin.
Xiao Chengjin's expression changed drastically, and he subconsciously took a step back. The chair behind him was kicked over with a loud crash.
"Father...Father, what do you mean? I don't understand..."
Xiao Chengjin tried to remain calm, but his voice was already trembling.
Xiao Yuheng sneered, his tone laced with sarcasm.
"Don't understand? Then let me put it more clearly. You secretly colluded with military generals in the court, mobilized troops, and intended to force the emperor to abdicate on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Am I right?"
Xiao Chengjin's face was pale, and cold sweat slid down his cheeks.
Indeed, according to his plan, a large number of troops should be rushing into the palace at this moment. After his father is assassinated, he can then deal with Xiao Chengxu and ascend the throne. Even if his father survives by chance, he can make his father write an abdication edict, since he won't live much longer anyway.
He had heard from his mother that his father was seriously ill and would not live much longer.
As for how the mother knew, it was because one of the imperial physicians she was on good terms with happened to be in charge of preparing medicine for Xiao Yuheng.
Upon learning this news, Xiao Chengjin was instantly filled with excitement and eagerness. His desire for power overwhelmed everything, and he made his choice almost without hesitation.
The assassination attempt failed, and the assassin died on the spot, while outside the palace, all remained silent and still.
Xiao Chengjin stepped forward abruptly, his voice loud and righteous.
"Father! This is a frame-up! Your son is loyal to you without reservation, Heaven is the witness, how could I have done such a treasonous thing!"
Xiao Yuheng remained unmoved and said calmly, "Is that so? Then I ask you, what is the explanation for the weapons and armor you have secretly hoarded in your residence? And what is the explanation for your secret letter with the city's garrison commander?"
Li Degui produced a thick stack of letters from who-knows-where, placed them on a tray, and stood respectfully beside Xiao Yuheng.
Upon seeing this, Xiao Chengjin was struck dumb, frozen in place, speechless for a long time.
Little did he know that his every move had already been monitored by Xiao Yuheng.
Xiao Yuheng looked at him, his tone tinged with disappointment: "I originally thought that although you are ambitious, you are still my son and would not do such a heinous thing. Unfortunately, I overestimated you."
Xiao Chengjin's face was deathly pale, his eyes filled with despair and madness.
He suddenly looked up, his voice hoarse: "Father! Since you already knew, why didn't you punish me sooner? Why wait until today!"
Xiao Yuheng said calmly, "I gave you a chance, hoping you could pull back from the brink. Unfortunately, you have ultimately disappointed me."
Xiao Chengjin was struck dumb, collapsing to the ground, his eyes filled with despair.
He murmured, "Father, how cruel you are..."
When Xiao Yuheng learned of this matter, he did choose to stand by and do nothing, but...
"This is your own choice; no one forced you."
Xiao Yuheng waved his hand: "Guards, take the eldest prince away and keep him under strict guard."
The guards responded and dragged Xiao Chengjin away.
At this moment, Consort Shu suddenly rushed out from the crowd, knelt down with a thud, and her voice trembled and was filled with sorrow.
"Your Majesty! Please have mercy and spare Chengjin! There must be some misunderstanding. Please have mercy."
"Misunderstanding? With such conclusive evidence, how can there be a misunderstanding?"
Xiao Yuheng frowned, grabbed the stack of letters from Li Degui's hand, and slammed them hard onto Consort Shu's face.
The letters fluttered and scattered in an instant, covering a large area.
"Take a good look, is this a misunderstanding?"
Consort Shu burst into tears and kowtowed forcefully: "Your Majesty, Chengjin was only confused for a moment and was deceived by villains, which is why he committed such a treasonous act. I beg you to spare him for the sake of his flesh and blood! I promise with my life that he will never dare to do it again!"
Xiao Yuheng's gaze was icy, his eyes showing no emotion whatsoever.
"Consort Shu, do you know that what he did today is not only treason, but also an attempt to murder his father and seize the throne? How can you expect me to forgive him?"
Consort Shu's face turned deathly pale, and her body began to tremble, but she was still unwilling to give up and continued to plead.
"Your Majesty, Chengjin was just confused for a moment. He... he is, after all, your eldest son! Do you really want to punish your own son? Please give him a chance to repent. I am willing to take the punishment in his place, and I will have no complaints no matter how you decide to punish him!"
A hint of mockery flashed in Xiao Yuheng's eyes.
He was aware of Consort Shu and her son's intentions, but since the Crown Prince's position was secure, they were destined not to cause any major trouble, so he did not deliberately make a fuss about it. Who knew that this leniency would be taken as kindness and weakness by them.
How could someone say something like that at a time like this?
No complaints whatsoever?
What a wonderful statement: absolutely no complaints.
Xiao Yuheng hadn't thought of her before, but since she had come forward, he would deal with her as well.
"By imperial decree, Consort Shu is guilty of failing to properly educate her son, Xiao Chengjin, and has allowed him to plot rebellion and murder the emperor. Her crime is unforgivable. Considering her many years of service in the palace, she is spared the death penalty but is demoted to a commoner and imprisoned in the cold palace forever."
Xiao Yuheng's voice was as cold as ice, each word like a knife, piercing Consort Shu's heart. She was instantly drained of all her strength and collapsed to the ground.
She never imagined that all the hard work she and her son had put into their business over the years would end up like this.
Consort Shu was stunned for a long time before bowing deeply and weeping bitterly.
"Your Majesty, I know I was wrong. I only beg you... I beg you to forgive Chengjin..."
Xiao Yuheng stared at her coldly, his eyes showing no emotion whatsoever.
"Guards, take Liu Shuren away."
Several eunuchs stepped forward and quickly dragged Liu Shuren away.
"Your Majesty, please forgive Chengjin, Your Majesty—"
Consort Shu's voice gradually faded into the distance, and the palace was once again filled with deathly silence.
Everyone stared blankly at the scene, never expecting that someone would take advantage of an ordinary Mid-Autumn Festival banquet to rebel, especially since this person was the eldest prince, who was always respectful and courteous to scholars.
Xiao Yuheng slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.
"I hope you will all take today's events as a warning. I will show absolutely no leniency to anyone who harbors disloyal thoughts!"
Everyone bowed their heads in agreement, each with their own thoughts and concerns.
"Let's conclude this banquet here today. All of you, please return home."
Xiao Yuheng announced the end of the banquet and then ignored everyone else.
He looked at Shen Yunzhen again and said softly, "Yunzhen, shall I take you home?"
Shen Yunzhen nodded: "Let's go."
"Chengxu, Chengze, you two escort the Empress and Consort Xian back."
"yes."
The two men, who had been about to lift their feet, stood up again, and could only watch Shen Yunzhen leave with reluctance and worry.
Under such circumstances, it was indeed not feasible for them to simply leave.
After sending Shen Yunzhen back to Lanyue Palace, Xiao Yuheng said apologetically, "I'm sorry, it was my oversight today. I didn't expect an assassination attempt to happen and I'm sorry to have frightened you."
He was already aware of Xiao Chengjin's scheme, but at that time he had already invited Shen Yunzhen to the banquet. Confident that everything was under control, and unwilling to disappoint Yunzhen, he decided to proceed with the original plan after weighing the options.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
