Mount Li.
The hunt was forced to be suspended due to the crown prince's coma and the disappearance of several ladies.
After "resting" for several hours, Emperor Rongcheng had no choice but to come out and stabilize the situation.
"Your Majesty, several ministers have come to report that they have discovered that the disappearance of several ladies may be related to the Crown Prince's murder."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Rongcheng gave a faint "hmm".
"Is there any progress in the investigation into the Crown Prince's murder?"
Dexi replied, "We found that one of the palace maids at the banquet was missing, which must be related to her, but we haven't found any other clues."
"but……"
Dexi paused for a moment after saying this.
"But what?"
Emperor Rongcheng gave a soft snort.
"Do you suspect that Prince Rui is involved in this matter?"
Upon hearing Emperor Rongcheng's gloomy tone, Dexi immediately knelt down.
"No, this old servant wouldn't dare, this old servant just..."
"snort!"
Emperor Rongcheng gave him a cold look.
"You old codger, don't think I don't know what you're thinking."
"how?"
"You also think that I have favored Prince Rui and mistreated the Crown Prince?"
Dexi quickly shook his head.
"How dare this old servant discuss His Majesty's affairs? His Majesty's decisions and methods must have their reasons."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Rongcheng sighed slowly and softened his tone.
"Get up!"
"At your age, stop kneeling all the time. If you keep kneeling, can your knees take it?"
Upon hearing this, Dexi's eyes welled up with tears, and she almost shed one.
He quickly wiped away his tears with his sleeve.
Emperor Rongcheng sighed softly.
"Investigate."
"Issue my decree: have the Imperial Guards investigate, but be careful to do so discreetly."
Dexi agreed and immediately went to make the arrangements.
Although Emperor Rongcheng was somewhat worried about Shen Hechuan's coma, he wasn't too concerned.
More than anything, it was resentment and dissatisfaction towards Shen Hechuan.
He wanted to know why Shen Hechuan hadn't gone hunting but instead ended up in that remote camp.
He was also annoyed by the disappearances of those ladies.
He was getting on in years, and after all that "exercise," his body couldn't take it anymore.
But Shen Hechuan had an accident at this very moment.
Otherwise, these matters would inevitably be handled by Shen Hechuan.
Why should he work so hard?
Dexi acted quickly, and returned immediately after arranging everything.
Emperor Rongcheng couldn't help but ask another question.
"How is the Crown Prince?"
Dexi paused for a moment before saying, "The news that just came back says the person is still unconscious."
De Xi glanced at Emperor Rongcheng's expression before tentatively speaking.
"Your Majesty, would you like to... go and check on His Highness the Crown Prince's condition yourself?"
"This old servant heard that Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has already gone there."
Emperor Rongcheng snorted coldly upon hearing this.
"Don't worry, that guy isn't going to die."
He knew this guy perfectly well.
He appears to be unassuming, possessing both virtue and talent, and of noble character.
In reality, he is ruthless and calculating at heart.
In a place like a spring hunt, where everyone is watching, one would certainly not rashly put oneself in danger; there must be a backup plan.
He didn't want to go, but then he remembered that Shen Hechuan was, after all, the Crown Prince.
If he acts as if he doesn't care at all, he will inevitably be criticized by the ministers.
Furthermore, he will inevitably be scolded by the Empress Dowager in the future.
So, after thinking about it, he finally got up and prepared to check on Chen Hechuan's condition.
However, to his utter surprise, Dexi had not yet announced his arrival at Shen Hechuan's tent.
Suddenly, someone rushed out from inside.
Emperor Rongcheng was startled and instinctively took a step back, only to see Shen Hechuan rush out like a gust of wind.
He moved with lightning speed, leaping onto the horse's back and galloping off, gripping the horse's flanks tightly.
Emperor Rongcheng was so fast that he didn't even have time to speak before Shen Hechuan had already walked away.
He pointed in the direction Shen Hechuan had left, his face extremely dark.
"This...this..."
"This is what you meant by being unconscious?"
De Xi, equally shocked, looked completely bewildered.
"This...this old servant...this old servant doesn't know either!"
Dexi was about to explain when he heard a dignified, aged voice.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
The Empress Dowager drew out her words.
"Since Your Majesty has arrived, why don't you come in and have a seat?"
Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words, Emperor Rongcheng had no choice but to go inside.
As soon as she entered, the Empress Dowager went straight to the point: "I thought His Majesty would pretend not to know about the Crown Prince's poisoning."
The Empress Dowager's tone was somewhat sarcastic, but Emperor Rongcheng only kept a cold face and said in a cold voice, "If I had known that my rebellious son was so full of energy, why would I have bothered to make this trip?"
Upon seeing this, the Empress Dowager also let out a cold snort.
"So Your Majesty believes that the Crown Prince has not been poisoned?"
"Isn't that right?" Emperor Rongcheng said, standing up. "Look at her, where does she look like she's been poisoned?"
The Empress Dowager snorted coldly.
"What if he is trapped in the 'Eternal Night'?"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Rongcheng was greatly alarmed.
The Empress Dowager continued, "Your Majesty is no stranger to this medicine, is he?"
Seeing Emperor Rongcheng's expression, the Empress Dowager continued, "How long are you going to indulge her?"
She even dares to use 'Eternal Night' on the Crown Prince now. Do you really want her to kill someone on the Crown Prince's head before you're satisfied?
Upon hearing this, Emperor Rongcheng immediately retorted, "Mother, this matter has nothing to do with her. She is not that kind of person."
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