Chu Yuanchen's voice was clear and could be heard clearly by everyone in the surroundings. For a moment, the place was filled with noise.

yes.

Why didn't the late emperor clarify the matter for Xue Chongzhi?

Why didn't the late emperor send someone to investigate?

Why did the late emperor just let it go?

"Could it be that Prince Xue really is..." Someone couldn't help but say this, but was immediately refuted by the people around him.

"How is that possible? Didn't you see the solar eclipse?"

"It seems that even God thinks that Prince Xue is innocent. It's just like the snow in June in the opera! There must be a great injustice, which is why he sent a heavenly dog ​​to eat the sun when the coffin of Prince Chu was carried into the capital!"

"By the way, do you remember that the Ministry of Rites originally set the date as September 23? It even rained heavily that day."

"Yes, yes, yes! God had prepared a rainstorm, but the Ministry of Rites changed the date, so today God deliberately sent the Tengu to eat the sun."

For a moment, it seemed as if everything fell into place!

These whispers became more and more frequent, and the imperial guards were unable to control them at all. Even if the emperor did not want to listen, he could hear them clearly.

"Your Majesty." Chu Yuanchen took another step forward while holding the coffin. His peach blossom eyes turned cold and exuded a murderous aura. "It is because of the fault of the late emperor that Prince Xue has been wrongly accused for more than twenty years."

emperor:"……"

His mind was in a turmoil, the situation was completely out of his control, he wanted to scold Chu Yuanchen severely for his disrespect for the emperor and his treason, and to capture him and dismember him, but he couldn't.

But what will the people think?

How would he explain this to his court officials and the people of the world?

Chu Yuanchen sneered in his heart. Their emperor was just like the previous emperor. He only wanted to be a virtuous monarch and the greatest emperor in history. He would not allow himself to leave any stain. But in reality... haha.

Seeing the emperor's pale face, Chu Yuanchen understood what was troubling him.

Now, he could either order his men to execute him on the spot in public, thus leaving behind a bad reputation for killing a meritorious official.

The only option is to compromise!

With the right time, right place and right people, the initiative is in his and Xiao Shuo's hands.

Chu Yuanchen was not afraid at all, because there was only one chance.

It's either victory or death.

He then said, "It is because of the late emperor that Prince Xue cannot even keep his tomb. Did the late emperor really treat Prince Xue and his heroic spirit well?"

Facing Chu Yuanchen's almost oppressive momentum, the emperor tightened his grip on the reins, and veins popped out on the back of his hand. He couldn't help but shrink back a bit at Chu Yuanchen's murderous intent, and couldn't help but say, "The late emperor was also deceived for a while."

As soon as these words came out, the emperor realized that something was wrong, but it was too late to take them back.

Chu Yuanchen curled his lips, like a beast that had caught its prey, and fought back: "Since this is the case, Your Majesty, please issue an edict of guilt for the late emperor!"

As soon as the three words "Confession of Sins" came out, everyone gasped.

The edict of repentance was always issued when the king committed a serious fault, expressing his remorse to the people of the world.

Everyone's eyes were on Chu Yuanchen. No one thought that he would actually ask the emperor to take the blame for the previous emperor.

The emperor was shaking with anger.

He raised his hand, pointed directly at Chu Yuanchen, and said, "How dare you! Say it again!"

It was difficult to maintain the perfect mask on his face. After the mask broke, a face that was distorted by anger, panic, and helplessness was revealed.

The emperor was breathing heavily.

The late emperor was always wise, capable of both civil and military affairs. He was a benevolent ruler and an emperor of all ages. How could he issue an edict of repentance and leave a stigma on his name just because of such a trivial matter?

If I took the blame for the late emperor, what would I be? I am the son and the late emperor is the father. How can a son point out the faults of his father? If the father has faults, how can I, who was appointed by the father, claim to be the orthodox?

Be brave!

Chu Yuanchen was honest and bold. As a minister, he was so arrogant and bold. He was so angry that his hands were shaking, his lips turned blue and white, and he was unable to speak.

Facing the emperor's murderous gaze, Chu Yuanchen was not afraid at all.

He had come this far by crawling out of a mountain of corpses and a sea of ​​blood. Why would he retreat in panic just because of the emperor's mere anger?

Chu Yuanchen's eyes were clear and bright, and he said without hesitation:

"Your Majesty, the late emperor made a mistake, why can't you issue an edict to accuse him of his mistakes?"

"Prince Xue has suffered an unjust accusation for more than twenty years and has been despised by the people. Isn't this the fault of the late emperor?"

"Could it be..."

Chu Yuanchen moved forward again.

The Jinyiwei drew their weapons and ordered him to retreat, but Chu Yuanchen did not retreat. He just smiled and said, "Could it be that the rumors back then were actually spread by the late emperor?"

When these words were spoken, not only the common people but even the ministers were stunned.

After all, this incident happened more than 20 years ago. If it hadn't been discussed again in the streets of the capital a few days ago, many people would have actually forgotten about it. However, there are indeed many old ministers in the court who have served through two dynasties. They still know a thing or two about what happened back then. Looking back, the late emperor did indeed evade a lot of things at that time.

Whether it was when the rumor first arose or after the tomb was dug up, the late emperor only sighed a few times and left court for several days due to his unwell body.

Could it be that the late emperor...

“Or rather.” Chu Yuanchen smiled, his smile was icy, “The burning of Zhan Ancient City was actually…”

"Shut up!" the emperor shouted with a sullen face.

As expected, Chu Yuanchen did not continue speaking.

He stood where he was, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, please issue an edict of apology on behalf of the late emperor to clear the name of the Xue family."

"This is not..." The emperor wanted to say it was impossible.

But at this moment, he suddenly felt a cool and tingling sensation at the back of his neck, a pain like the pain of being bitten, itchy and painful. He moved the back of his hand and subconsciously reached out to touch it, and something climbed up the back of his hand.

"Your Majesty!" Song Yuan screamed as if he had seen a ghost, "Locusts!"

The sound of "locust" frightened the emperor so much that his hands became stiff. He slowly moved his hand back and saw a dead leaf-colored locust lying on the back of his hand and slowly crawling up to his wrist.

The emperor's heart beat faster. He stared at the locust on the back of his hand without blinking. The most terrifying scene in his mind was replayed again.

He could clearly shake off the locust with just a flick of his hand, but his body was stiff and he dared not move.

"Your Majesty," Chu Yuanchen continued, "On that day, the Xue family was wiped out, and a fire burned down the ancient city of Zhan. Above the ancient city, there was a locust plague that covered the sky. This is the heavens crying out for the injustice done to Prince Xue and his family! Can Your Majesty comfort the heroic spirits on behalf of the late emperor?"

A tiny locust made the people completely angry.

The people of the capital city lived a comfortable life and might not know about foreign affairs. However, in addition to ordinary people, there were also merchants traveling from north to south, veterans who had retired from the army, and scholars who were thoughtful and sensitive. They were the most easily instigated...

Chu Yuanchen's words sounded as if he was just pleading with the emperor to clear Xue Zhongzhi's name, but they left a thorn in everyone's heart.

God has already complained about Prince Xue's wrongdoing, so why did the emperor turn a deaf ear to it? Could there be some hidden story behind what happened back then?

"Heroic spirits are immortal!"

In the crowd, this sentence was heard again from somewhere, and then more and more voices spontaneously gathered together.

The emperor's anger was replaced by panic. He couldn't help but think: If he insisted on not doing it, what would they suspect? Would they also suspect that the previous emperor was responsible? !

There is a reason to eliminate the Xue family because they are colluding with the enemy, but what about the people who died in the fire in Zhan Ancient City? How can we convince the people of the world that they colluded with the Xue family to bring about such a disaster?

Will anyone realize that it was them who ordered the fire?

Anyone who has always abused and killed the people will never become a wise ruler or an emperor of all ages.

The emperor looked at the locust still crawling up his wrist, and a surge of anger rose in his heart. He grabbed the locust and squeezed it hard, causing blood to spurt out.

"The late emperor..." The emperor ignored the mess on his hands, his Adam's apple moved, and he spoke with difficulty, "The late emperor was deceived by others and failed to redress the injustice of Lingnan King Xue Zhongzhi. It is true that he made a mistake. I..."

He took a deep breath and gritted his teeth as he said, "I should issue a... self-criticism edict for the late emperor."

When he said the last three words, he could no longer hold back the fishy-sweet taste in his throat and spat out a mouthful of blood.

The blood dripped onto the bright yellow dragon robe, and it was blindingly red.

"emperor!"

Song Yuan screamed sharply, and the eunuchs hurriedly supported the emperor.

Chu Yuanchen pretended not to notice and bowed, "On behalf of King Lingnan, I would like to thank the emperor for his great grace."

When he raised his head, he looked at Xiao Shuo who was standing at the side. Xiao Shuo had a blank expression on his face, but his slightly raised eyes were inexplicably gloomy.

The two men looked at each other, and Chu Yuanchen suddenly lifted the corner of his robe, knelt down in front of the coffin, and knocked his forehead heavily to the ground.

One, two, three!

Then he stood up and stretched out his hand to the side, and someone immediately handed him a wine bottle that had been prepared long ago.

Chu Yuanchen took the wine pot and poured all the wine in it onto the ground. For a moment, the aroma of wine filled the air.

This is to comfort the heroic spirits.

After finishing the wine, the emperor wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and his expression returned to normal: "Alas, I have been uneasy day and night because of the matter of Mr. Xue, and I have been feeling unwell recently. Now that there is a conclusion, it is really comforting."

Hatred flashed in his eyes, but his words became gentler. He said, "Yuanchen, you pacified Northern Yan this time, and brought Lord Xue's body back to the capital from a long distance. Your contribution is truly extraordinary, and I will definitely reward you greatly."

The emperor's face was filled with deep sorrow, as if the edict of repentance he had just issued was not forced upon him, but something he had issued voluntarily.

However, all those who can serve as officials in the capital are shrewd people. They have clearly sensed that something is wrong from today's scene.

From the previous emperor to the present day, he has always relied heavily on several vassal kings.

After Xue Zhongzhi's death, the late emperor was ill and had to suspend court for several days. Wei Jingyan rebelled, and the late emperor was heartbroken at the morning court. Now he is even more dependent on the Zhenbei Palace, and he has been given gifts from time to time. Chu Yuanchen was made the prince when he was born. Is this all fake?

Could it be that the Zhenbei Palace and Dangjin have already been at odds with each other?

But looking at the emperor and the prince of Zhenbei, they were in harmony with each other. One said that there would be a palace banquet tonight to celebrate his success, and the other said that he wanted to keep Xue Zhongzhi's body in Huangjue Temple first. The emperor also said that he would go with them and burn a stick of incense for Xue Zhongzhi in person. Both of them had smiles on their faces, as if the tension just now was just their illusion.

So, when everyone was still confused, the emperor sent Xue Chongzhi's coffin to Huangjue Temple.

As soon as the emperor's carriage left, all the imperial guards withdrew.

The entire capital city was in an uproar once again, and the people were talking about what had just happened.

Sheng Xiyan withdrew her gaze and smiled at Princess Jingle. The smile was faint, delicate and beautiful.

"Ah, locusts."

A locust caught in a net flew in through the window. Sheng Yan cried out in surprise. He hesitated whether to hit it or not. The locust flew crookedly for a while, then flopped to the ground, dead.

Sheng Xiyan's eyebrows were raised, even she didn't expect that the effect of this medicine would be so good.

This insect-attracting powder is a recipe from my grandfather's notes. According to what my grandfather wrote, adding different medicinal ingredients to it can even attract insects that don't exist.

She had done this once when she had just been reborn, and she had used it in the garden at that time. The small flying insects she attracted looked like black smoke from a fire from a distance.

This time, she increased the dosage of the medicine several times and added a medicine that could attract locusts.

It is early autumn now, which is the season for locusts. Although there is no locust plague in Gyeonggi Province, locusts are not rare.

These medicines were sprinkled in places where locusts appeared, and then led all the way to Shiliting, and a large amount of medicine powder was sprinkled around Shiliting.

She had been staying in the small study for several days to make these medicines.

This medicine can attract locusts, but it also contains a herb that is extremely effective against locusts. Once they are attracted by the medicine, even if no one takes care of them, they will suddenly die one after another within half an hour, so it will not really cause a locust plague that harms crops.

Sheng Xiyan only provided the medicine powder.

Chu Yuanchen's plan required every step to be carried out meticulously. When she saw it just now, her heart was in suspense. Even though she believed that Chu Yuanchen would be able to fulfill her wish, she was still nervous for a long time.

Sheng Xiyan let out a light breath, patted his chest, and then noticed that his sleeve pocket was a little heavy.

Oh! I forgot to throw the purse down for Chu Yuanchen. She has been embroidering for several days.

She felt a little regretful, and then decided to forget about it.

Just forget it, she knows nothing.

"Sister Yan, let's go. Let's go to my house and sit for a while first, and then come to the palace with me later." Jingle stood up. She had just watched a big show and was in a good mood now.

Sheng Xiyan smiled happily, and her little face seemed to be glowing.

She then stood up and smoothed the folds of her skirt.

"Ayan, you can come to my house too." Chu Yuanyi said, "I'll take you back later."

Chu Yuanyi would also be going to the palace later, so they had no classes today. Sheng Yan didn't care at all. He was a person who always took things as they came, and he happily decided to go to the Zhenbei Palace together without any consideration.

As they were talking, they left the private room, and as the door opened, the noise of discussion from outside poured in.

The door of the private room next to it also opened at this time, and Zhao Yuanrou walked out. When she met Sheng Yan just now, she guessed that Sheng Xiyan should be there too. Now that she saw her, she was not too surprised.

Sheng Xiyan didn't even look at her and followed Jingle downstairs. The lobby was full of people, and each of their faces was filled with excitement and excitement.

"...Brother Liu, I am so ashamed. After King Lingnan is buried, I will go to his coffin and kowtow."

"I will go with you then."

The voice sounded familiar. Sheng Xiyan took a quick look and saw that it was the scholar who had solemnly questioned Xue Zhongzhi of colluding with Nan Huai and letting a wolf into the house when they had just arrived. Now, his face was full of remorse and guilt.

Not enough.

It will take until the emperor issues an edict of repentance to the late emperor before the truth is truly revealed to the world.

Sheng Xiyan always believed that the heroes should not die in vain, and at least their achievements should be known to the world.

Sheng Xiyan withdrew her gaze. At this moment, a pitiful sigh came from upstairs: "Alas. As the saying goes: How many men have ever returned from a battle in history?"[1]

Sheng Xiyan's brows furrowed when he heard the tone, and he knew who it was without even turning his head.

"What a great line, 'How many men have ever returned from battles in ancient times'!" The scholar praised it highly, raised his head and asked, "Miss, who wrote this line?"

Zhao Yuanrou smiled proudly and did not answer.

She stood at the railing on the second floor and shook her head secretly in her heart.

The prince of Zhenbei was really putting on a big show, fearing that the emperor would not hate him. But even if he let out a sigh of relief, what would happen? Xue Zhongzhi had been dead for so many years, and the grievances of the past had long since disappeared. Even the late emperor was dead, but he insisted on bringing up the past, which was like digging at the emperor's scars.

Even if the emperor endures it now for the sake of his reputation and fear of gossip, will he endure it forever?

The Prince of Zhenbei is really unwise.

First it was the locusts, then the solar eclipse. They did it so deliberately. Did they really think the emperor wouldn’t notice?

Nothing can be done perfectly. When the emperor recovers, he will send someone to investigate and will naturally find out who is plotting against him.

The Zhenbei Palace is the only remaining prince of Darong, and it also controls a large number of troops. It should be appropriate to be tolerant. He is so high-profile in opposing the emperor and is determined to offend the emperor to death. What good will it do him! ?

Not only that, he also incited public opinion to force the emperor. If the emperor had just ordered him to be arrested or even beheaded, what would he do? In a society with imperial power, it is really stupid to offend the person in power.

At first glance, this scene does seem exciting, but in fact it is a risky move with no courage or strategy.

Everyone says that the Prince of Zhenbei is a rare military talent, but now it seems that he is nothing more than that.

Zhao Yuanrou sighed secretly.

She silently watched Sheng Xiyan leave the tavern, feeling a little mocking in her heart.

Her cousin Yan was really a short-sighted person who thought that by marrying into the royal palace and gaining wealth, she would be able to fly to the top and become a phoenix. But I'm afraid that in the end, she would not be able to escape the fate of being convicted along with the Zhenbei Royal Palace. This was fate.

"Rou'er."

Zhao Yuanrou frowned and walked towards the stairs without looking back.

Zhou Jingxun quickly caught up with her and coaxed her in a humble manner, "Are you still angry?"

Zhao Yuanrou ignored him and didn't even look at him.

Zhou Jingxun felt upset. A few days ago, when Zhao Yuanrou sent a letter saying that she wanted to cancel the engagement, he realized that it was his mother who bullied her. He coaxed her for several days but failed to calm her down. If he hadn't asked Princess Qingping to send an invitation to ask her out today, he was afraid that he would never be able to see her at all.

He had finally waited for the Queen Mother's marriage proposal, and could live with Rou'er for the rest of his life. How could he give up so easily?

"Rou'er, listen to me. I've already told my mother, and she promised not to meddle in other people's affairs in the future. If you don't want to see Nanny Wang, I'll have someone take her to the manor, okay?" Zhou Jingxun chased after her and said, "Don't keep ignoring me. I know I was wrong."

He raised his hand to pull Zhao Yuanrou's sleeve, but was immediately pushed away.

Zhou Jingxun could only hurry up and catch up.

He didn't know if he would be able to see Zhao Yuanrou again if he missed today.

Princess Qingping in the private room stared at the two men leaving one after the other in amazement, and could not help but say, "This Prince Zhou is really a love-crazy man."

"Ms. Zhao is extremely talented and intelligent, and she deserves this love." The son of Duke Cheng'en praised while fanning himself. "The line 'How many men have ever returned from the battles of the past' is absolutely wonderful, so generous and tragic, and so appropriate to the occasion. I never thought it would come from the mouth of a lady from a noble family. Alas, it's a pity that the beauty has been promised to someone else."

There were seven or eight people in the private room. Some of them agreed, some felt sorry, and some did not care.

Qingping curled his lips in boredom and looked out the window, then saw Jingle taking Sheng Xiyan into the carriage. At this time, Zhou Jingxun also came out following Zhao Yuanrou.

Zhou Jingxun had not seen Sheng Xiyan before, but now that he saw her profile, a surge of resentment rose in his heart.

Zhou Jingxun went to ask Nanny Wang and found out that it was because Sheng Xiyan stopped Zhao Yuanrou from inheriting the throne that she was so angry that she wanted to cancel the engagement with him.

They have already called off their engagement, but Sheng Xiyan still keeps staring at Rou'er and grudges her endlessly. I really was right about her. She is indeed a narrow-minded person.

Sheng Xiyan had already boarded the carriage and didn't notice Zhou Jingxun outside. Sheng Yan turned his head to take a look and said with a sneer, "Who do you think you are? It turns out you are just a defeated general who can only cry for his parents." How dare you look at his sister like that! He really wants to beat her up.

The four words "a defeated general" completely hurt Zhou Jingxun. Thinking of what happened last time in Hua Shang Street, all the new and old hatreds came to his mind at once.

Sheng Yan flicked the whip in the air a few times, pulled the reins to catch up with the carriage, and the high ponytail tied behind his head flew up, and the young man was full of energy and vigor.

A hint of viciousness flashed in Zhou Jingxun's eyes, and he stared at Sheng Yan's back.

Only after Zhao Yuanrou had gone far away did he quickly catch up with her and continue to coax her in a low voice.

After leaving Yunlai Restaurant, Jingle's carriage went directly back to Zhenbei Palace.

Sheng Yan went in and out of the palace every day and was already quite familiar with it. Jingle didn't bother to be polite with him. She sent him and Chu Yuanyi to play by themselves, and took Sheng Xiyan to the main courtyard. She said excitedly, "Sister Yan, come here. I asked someone to make you a new dress. See if you like it."

As Jingle spoke, he pulled her into the inner room and helped her try on clothes.

She changed into a bright red pleated skirt with gold flowers scattered on it and wore a set of ruby ​​headpieces. She looked radiant and noble.

"This looks good."

Jingle pulled her to look around, and was extremely satisfied. She praised her, "The red dress suits you. Don't dress so plainly in the future."

Sheng Xiyan also likes the color red, and she agreed with a smile.

After staying in the Zhenbei Palace until noon, Sheng Xiyan went to the Yimen with Jingle.

The carriage was ready. Seeing the man standing beside the carriage, Jingle was stunned for a few breaths, then smiled and said, "Ji Mingyang! You are ready!"