After hearing her father’s words, the daughter of the Magistrate of Baiqu County did not say another word. She merely sobbed and wiped away her tears incessantly.
Her father was only a county magistrate. How could he possibly stand against the crown princess?
If she resisted, not only would her own family be implicated, but Zhao Lang’s family would likely be implicated as well.
This time, she was not entering the crown prince's residence, but the gates of hell.
Xu Bao'er lay prone on the eaves and listened to everything. Her elder sister was still the same as before, stopping at nothing to achieve her goals.
She had forcibly torn apart a pair of lovers. What a sinful thing to do.
The next day, as they set out to return to the capital, the Magistrate of Baiqu County fell gravely ill and was unable to see them off.
His daughter had hanged herself the previous night. She would rather die than set foot in the crown prince's residence.
Yet her death caused not the slightest ripple. The crown princess acted as though nothing had happened and happily massaged the crown prince’s legs.
The returning procession set out. Xu Bao'er lay inside the carriage, too drowsy to open her eyes. She had been extremely sleepy lately, constantly feeling exhausted. Her Pregnancy symptoms had already become unmistakable.
Song Xingzhi rode his horse, following beside Prince Duan’s carriage with a desolate look in his eyes. Only now did he realize that his brother A-San was in love with the prince.
The prince must like her as well. Otherwise, why would he share a carriage with A-San?
“Are you feeling unwell?”
Zhou Jin looked at Xu Bao'er worriedly. He had also noticed Bao'er’s recent abnormalities. Like a little cat, she would find any place to doze off, as though she were utterly exhausted.
“There have been too many things happening lately. My body cannot quite endure it, so I’m tired.”
Xu Bao'er did not reveal that she was pregnant. After all, the dates did not match, and she was truly afraid that Zhou Jin would think she had cheated on him.
“Then I won’t bother you tonight.”
Zhou Jin gently kissed Xu Bao'er’s hair, his eyes filled with longing and love. He idly kneaded Xu Bao'er’s hand, which was soft and pliable, wishing he could knead it into their shared bloodline.
“Bao'er, once these matters are settled, this prince will certainly hold a grand wedding Banquet for you.”
Xu Bao'er answered somewhat guiltily, hoping that after Zhou Jin learned her identity, he would remain as calm as he was now.
In the Golden Hall, the emperor lavishly praised the crown prince for his achievements in bandit suppression, commending his outstanding performance while not mentioning Prince Duan at all.
“As expected of my crown prince. I am deeply gratified. The Great Zhou realm has a worthy successor.”
The ministers understood perfectly. The emperor’s heart had favored the crown prince beyond all reason. What if Prince Duan was outstanding? His birth determined that he could never inherit the imperial succession.
Even if the crown prince had a head of straw, he would still have to sit upon the imperial throne.
Upon hearing the emperor’s words, the smile at the crown prince’s lips could no longer be restrained. He had coveted the imperial throne for a long time and wished he could sit upon it that very day.
Then the entire world would be at his mercy. The crown prince could hardly wait for that day to arrive.
Many people secretly glanced at Prince Duan’s expression. After suffering such injustice, he must surely be furious.
Unexpectedly, Prince Duan remained completely composed. Not the slightest displeasure could be seen on his face; he was as calm as ever.
“Imperial father, your son has one more matter to report.”
The emperor’s smile stiffened, then quickly returned.
“If the crown prince has something private to say, speak of it in private later.”
It was obvious that the emperor did not want to hear what the crown prince intended to say next. Although the emperor did not know what it was, he knew all too well that the crown prince often spoke without thinking.
If the crown prince spouted nonsense in the main hall, it would be difficult to resolve.
“Imperial father, this matter is of great importance. Your son must speak.”
Upon hearing that it was of great importance, the emperor’s brows furrowed even more deeply. What exactly did that brat want to say?
He hoped the crown prince would think before speaking this time and, above all, not cause any trouble.
Before the emperor could stop him, the crown prince began speaking at length.
“During my days at Jiulan Mountain, I devoted myself tirelessly to investigating matters. I discovered that the jiulan mountain bandits were not merely bandits.”
By this point, the emperor already sensed that something was wrong. He slowly sat down on the Dragon Throne, resting his hand on its dragon orb. His eyes darkened, and the atmosphere seemed to herald an impending storm.
Unfortunately, the crown prince had no sense of danger whatsoever and failed to notice that his imperial father’s expression had already changed.
“I discovered that someone has been secretly supporting the jiulan mountain bandits.”
“That person is none other than the second prince, my second younger brother.”
The moment the crown prince said this, the entire hall erupted in an uproar.
“You cannot make reckless accusations without evidence.”
The emperor could not be bothered to look at the crown prince, lest he Lose Control and charge down from his throne, disgracing himself. His voice just now had been ominously grim.
“Crown prince, you cannot slander me. I have nothing to do with the jiulan mountain bandits.”
The crown prince could not tolerate anyone contradicting him. He immediately produced the evidence of guilt, feeling at that moment that he was the most impressive person in the entire hall.
“Your son has evidence. These are all records proving that the second prince colluded with the jiulan mountain bandits, along with records of his financial support.”
The second prince had not expected the crown prince to obtain that evidence. His heart trembled, and he did not know how to refute it.
“The jiulan mountain bandits have oppressed the common people and committed evil deeds for many years.”
“As a member of the imperial family, the second prince secretly supported them, stockpiled weapons and treasures, and even killed many court ministers!”
“Your son firmly believes that the second prince intends rebellion. I ask imperial father to decide.”
The Imperial Court fell utterly silent. Rebellion was a grave crime. It seemed that this time, the crown prince was determined to put the second prince to death.
“Imperial father, your son has been wronged! I truly did not…”
Before the second prince could finish speaking, the crown prince pressed him relentlessly.
“Did not what? Did not collude with the jiulan mountain bandits, or did not intend rebellion?”
“Hah. The evidence is conclusive. Stop trying to argue.”
The emperor rubbed his temples, and his headache grew worse. Things had exceeded his expectations, and the situation had instantly become impossible to control.
“Guards, take the second prince away and await disposition.”
Amid the second prince’s wails, the crown prince thrust out his chest, exceptionally pleased with himself. He had certainly stolen the spotlight today.
The crown prince then cast a provocative glance at Zhou Jin, who merely smiled.
Hmph, I know you’re jealous, but you won’t say it. Zhou Jin, you will be this prince’s dog for the rest of your life, never able to rise again.
Zhou Jin looked at the grim emperor on the throne, feeling delighted. The crown prince’s ability to disrupt matters was stronger than he had imagined.
He had not expected the crown prince to expose the second prince’s crimes before all the civil and military officials. Now there was absolutely no room for maneuver.
After the end of court session, Zhou Jin hurried toward Prince Duan's Residence. He could hardly wait to give Xu Bao'er a divorce letter; he had even had someone else write it for him.
That vicious woman. He had endured her for long enough.
Today, they would sever ties completely.
Zhou Jin had not even changed out of his court attire. Wearing a red python-patterned robe, a white jade and black broad waist belt, and black cloth boots, he strode forward at great speed.
“Princess consort, the prince has returned from the end of court session!”
Upon receiving the news, Cuihua ran over, panting as she delivered the warning. The prince’s manner of walking was frightening, and he looked as though he had come to settle a score.
Even more frighteningly, the prince was actually heading toward their courtyard. This was bad. Could he have come to settle accounts with their princess consort?