Moreover, the Crown Prince was quite certain that the person that night could not possibly be Xu Xingfeng. He had known Xu Xingfeng for many years, and if the person that night was Xu Xingfeng, how could he not recognize him? The person that night did not resemble Xu Xingfeng in any way.
“Father, I can testify that the assassin that night was definitely not Xu Xingfeng. I grew up with Xu Xingfeng almost since childhood. If that person was Xu Xingfeng, how could I not recognize him?”
"Moreover, my relationship with Xu Xingfeng has always been very good. Over the years, there have been almost no misunderstandings or arguments. How could he suddenly do such a thing?"
The crown prince also knelt down and hurriedly explained for Xu Xingfeng.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor gave the Crown Prince a disappointed look, then turned to He Liufeng, who had been almost silent, and asked, "Liufeng, what do you think?" He had actually passed the buck to He Liufeng.
“Your Majesty, I served in the same court as Xu Xingfeng. Although we didn’t have much contact, I know that Xu Xingfeng is not that kind of person.”
In terms of motive, Xu Xingfeng had a good relationship with the Crown Prince and was also related to him, so Xu Xingfeng had no motive to take action.
Regarding the timing of the crime, Liu Xing from Yichunlou just testified that Xu Xingfeng was at Yichunlou the whole night and did not leave, so Xu Xingfeng did not have the time to commit the crime.
However, in terms of evidence, Xu Xingfeng's personal jade pendant was found in the Crown Prince's residence, and now he has medicinal powder on his body. All the evidence points to him, but the timing and motive are missing, which is very contradictory.
He Liufeng's description was very objective, summarizing everything that had just happened without bias or personal feelings being added.
Xu Ding was slightly taken aback when he heard He Liufeng's words. He had thought that He Liufeng would kick someone when they were down, but he did not expect that He Liufeng would just state the facts objectively.
The Emperor was taken aback when he heard He Liufeng's words. He hadn't expected that He Liufeng wouldn't take advantage of the situation. He had originally thought that if He Liufeng said that Xu Xingfeng was very likely the person from that night, he would send someone to arrest Xu Xingfeng.
In that case, the Xu family wouldn't blame themselves too much, but would instead hate He Liufeng, since everyone knows that he has always favored his younger brother.
He Liufeng's sudden statement caught the Emperor off guard. He had hoped to use He Liufeng to weaken the Xu family's power, but now it seemed he would have to think of another way.
The reason the Emperor summoned He Liufeng today was precisely this: he wanted to reduce the Xu family's power, but he couldn't let the Xu family hold a grudge against him. Therefore, He Liufeng was the perfect scapegoat.
Previously, the Emperor would intentionally or unintentionally reveal to He Liufeng that the Xu family was suppressing him. In everyone's eyes, including He Liufeng's, the Emperor had always doted on his only younger brother.
He Liufeng had previously targeted the Xu family both openly and covertly because of the Emperor's affairs. The two sides had always been in a state of opposition, with the Emperor being the one who appeared to be in a difficult position but actually reaped the benefits.
In the past, if something similar happened, He Liufeng would definitely take advantage of the situation and make the Xu family suffer a heavy loss. But who would have thought that today, with such a good opportunity right in front of him, He Liufeng would turn a deaf ear and ignore it.
Not only the Emperor, but also the Xu family father and son and the Crown Prince were surprised by He Liufeng's attitude today.
"In that case, Xu Xingfeng, you should stay at home for the time being. I will arrange for someone else to temporarily fill your position in the Ministry of Personnel. We will make further plans after this matter has been investigated and clarified."
Since He Liufeng refused to be the first to step forward, the Emperor had to do it himself. However, the Emperor did not make any absolute statements, leaving them some room for maneuver.
Regardless of whether the person that night was Xu Xingfeng or not, the Emperor would not let go of this great opportunity.
"Your Majesty, I obey your command." Xu Xingfeng closed his eyes slightly and kowtowed to the Emperor.
Xu Ding glanced at the Emperor but said nothing more.
After the Xu family and the Crown Prince left, the Emperor smiled slightly and looked at He Liufeng, "What's wrong with you today?"
"Your Majesty, I am fine." He Liufeng shook his head slightly, his face expressionless.
"Are you blaming me for suspecting your princess consort that day when I was here?" The Emperor picked up his tea and took a sip, his tone relaxed.
"Your subject dares not," He Liufeng said, bowing.
"Dare not? Liu Feng, when did you become so distant with me?" Upon hearing this, the Emperor frowned and looked at He Liu Feng. He Liu Feng was acting very strangely today.
“Your Majesty, Qu Qingxi is my lawfully wedded wife. She was framed without cause. Although it was eventually proven that she had nothing to do with it, I still feel guilty for not protecting her.” He Liufeng lowered his head, knowing that the Emperor was puzzled by his behavior today, so he explained.
"I see." The Emperor nodded in understanding, and breathed a sigh of relief. He had thought that He Liufeng had discovered something. If it was just because of this matter, then it was nothing.
"Princess Nanqing has suffered an undeserved calamity in this matter. I will make it up to her properly. I know you are soft-hearted and willing to protect your princess. That's good. As long as you live well, I can rest assured. I believe that my father and mother in the afterlife will be at peace if they see this."
He Liufeng nodded and didn't say anything more, but his complexion was noticeably better.
Seeing this, the Emperor no longer suspected anything, simply assuming that He Liufeng had truly fallen in love with Qu Qingxi. However, this had no impact whatsoever, as He Liufeng suffered from infertility, and no matter what, he would never have his own child, posing no threat to his current position.
"Alright, after the Zhou envoy leaves, I'll give you a few days off so you can spend some quality time with your queen." The emperor said with a smile, his tone slightly teasing.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." He Liufeng glanced gratefully at the Emperor.
After He Liufeng left, the Emperor slightly raised his hand, and someone quickly appeared beside him. "Go, investigate Qu Qingxi's matter thoroughly again."
The man didn't speak, but simply bowed to the emperor before disappearing instantly.
"Liufeng, I will only investigate this once more. As long as Qu Qingxi truly has no other problems, I will not touch her again." The Emperor stared at the Boshan incense burner beside him, white smoke rising and dissipating in the imperial study.
Back at the Xu residence, Xu Xingfeng followed Xu Ding immediately to the study. After closing the study door, Xu Xingfeng looked at his father in alarm, "Father, what exactly happened? My personal jade pendant was lost before, so why did it suddenly appear in the Crown Prince's residence? Could it be that the person who stole from the residence and the assassin who broke into the Crown Prince's residence that day is the same person?"
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