Turning around, I saw it was that good-for-nothing Crown Prince.
Prince Jing felt inexplicably annoyed and said irritably, "Father is not dead yet, isn't it a bit too early to start mourning?"
Prince Lin pulled him up and said, "Sixth brother, watch your mouth."
"Did I say something wrong? He's not acting like a crown prince at all. He entrusted such a big matter as Father's accident to the third prince, which shows that Father still favors the third prince. Humph!"
In a short while, Prince Jing had figured out why Prince Chen was allowed to leave. Just two days ago, the third prince had gone to comfort him, and now that something had happened, he would definitely come to him. If he could handle things well this time, the position of crown prince might change.
He would be happy to see the position of Crown Prince changed, but he would not be happy if it were Prince Chen who took the position.
He did not think he was inferior to Prince Chen.
"Sixth brother, I'm grieving for Father, so please don't kick him when he's down!"
The crown prince wiped away his tears, his voice choked with emotion, and said, "Father has been a follower of Taoism all these years. He finally found a reliable Taoist priest, and now this has happened. Father must be very upset. You would never understand this feeling!"
The moment the Crown Prince opened his mouth, it was as if he could read the old emperor's mind, every word he uttered resonating with the old emperor's heart.
Prince Jing, however, was not buying it: "Father is inside. It's better to save these kinds of words for him!"
They all knew that the reason why the Crown Prince was so favored despite having no real skills was entirely because he knew how to please the old emperor. No matter what the old emperor said, the Crown Prince would obey without question and would never disobey the old emperor. It would be strange if such a person was not favored.
But he just couldn't stand the Crown Prince's hypocritical attitude.
Prince Lin tugged at him again and said, "Sixth brother, say less."
Prince Jing usually listened to Prince Lin's advice because the two had a good relationship since childhood, but today's incident was really unpleasant. He shook off Prince Lin and said, "I'm going to see my father!"
As he spoke, he got up and was about to walk inside. The eunuch guarding the gate tried to block his way, but he pushed him away with one hand and he fell to the ground at the door, causing some chaos at the entrance.
Prince Lin sighed and said to the Crown Prince, "Sixth Brother is just so impatient, why do you have to provoke him like this, Elder Brother?"
In Prince Lin's view, the Crown Prince's actions showed that he understood the trick and the Sixth Prince was easily fooled. The Sixth Prince was straightforward and not very bright.
The Crown Prince sniffed, feeling somewhat aggrieved, and said to Prince Lin, "Fifth Brother, you really misunderstand me. I'm just sad for Father. Without Dao Ping Zhenren, I don't know when Father will be able to find a kindred spirit again. Alas!"
Prince Lin pursed his lips, unwilling to continue the conversation. The Crown Prince's acting was good, but he didn't quite capture the essence of the role.
The problem now is that the old emperor has been poisoned by the elixir given to him by Daoping. He should be lamenting the old emperor's damaged health, not sighing that a true friend is hard to find.
This prince is truly brainless.
Prince Lin felt that kneeling next to him would affect his intelligence, so he decisively kept a large distance between himself and him.
Meanwhile, Prince Jing's matter had already reached the old emperor's ears.
The old emperor had already heard the commotion at the door and was about to lash out, but fortunately, Consort Liu persuaded him to hold back. Only when Prince Jing knelt down in front of the bed did he ask in a cold voice, "Sixth Prince, what are you doing now?"
"Father, I also wish to investigate the Daoping case for you and help you resolve your worries!"
His face was resolute, and he looked righteous.
The old emperor initially wanted to refuse, but then he thought that if the whole matter were handed over to Prince Chen to investigate, Prince Chen might show favoritism and deliberately punish Daoping even though he was innocent. However, if Prince Jing were added to the investigation, there would be checks and balances, and there would be little chance for him to play tricks.
Moreover, if Prince Chen were to claim all the credit for this matter, it would completely overshadow the Crown Prince's brilliance. No, it absolutely must be suppressed.
After careful consideration, he said, "Then let's summon the Crown Prince, and the three of you will investigate this case together!"
Prince Jing immediately became displeased and said, "Father, the Crown Prince should stay by your side and be looked after. He's crying outside with snot and tears all over his face!"
"Nonsense! How can the Crown Prince of a nation cry like this? Bring him in, I'll say a few words to him!"
Prince Jing: ...
He didn't want to move at all!
He just couldn't understand why the old emperor favored the crown prince so much, given that the crown prince was so incompetent.
The opportunity to investigate the case with Prince Chen was clearly one he fought for, while the Crown Prince outside didn't say a word, yet he obtained it so easily.
"Father, Fifth Brother is also kneeling outside. Shall we invite him in to see you as well?"
He gritted his teeth, determined to cause trouble together and prevent anyone from having peace.
The old emperor thought the suggestion was good. He liked to see his sons fight, because only when their powers countered each other could he hold onto his throne for a long time.
"Alright, then let them all in!"
Consort Liu was speechless. The old emperor didn't do any real work; he just liked to torment his sons.
No, to be precise, he likes to torment Prince Chen.
Sending these people now is clearly just to cause trouble for Prince Chen.
But she didn't show any dissatisfaction. Instead, she smiled sweetly and said, "Our Emperor treats all the princes equally. The Emperor is good to the princes, and the princes often think of the Emperor. That's what it means for a family to prosper!"
Prince Jing, who was standing to the side, listened to her rambling with a dark face the whole time. On the contrary, the old emperor was very pleased. He also felt that he had done a fair and impartial job, letting them fight it out themselves. How wonderful!
A short while later, the Crown Prince and Prince Lin entered. Prince Lin was somewhat better, bowing as usual.
The Crown Prince was different. As soon as he entered, he rushed to the old emperor's bedside and burst into tears: "Father, your son is unfilial, causing you to suffer so much. If I could, I would suffer in your place! Waaaaah..."
Prince Jing and Prince Lin: ...
Consort Liu: ...
The old emperor was pleased. He patted the boy's head and pretended to be angry, saying, "Alright, thankfully it was discovered early, I won't die. You're such a grown man, crying like this, aren't you afraid of being laughed at? Just now, Sixth Prince told me that he wants you all to help Third Prince investigate the case..."
"No, Father, I won't go. I only want to be by your bedside to fulfill my filial duty... Waaah..."
"Nonsense! You are the crown prince of a country, how can you do nothing? If you continue like this after you ascend the throne, who will obey you?"
The Crown Prince shook his head vigorously: "No, I will not ascend the throne. I only wish that Father Emperor is well and that Father Emperor will live a long and healthy life, and forever hold this throne!"
These words pleased the old emperor greatly; that was exactly what he thought!
Then came another round of sickeningly sweet, lovey-dovey conversation, which made Prince Jing roll his eyes.
This is what Father Emperor meant by calling the Crown Prince in for a few words of instruction.
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