Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1368: Stirring

Editor: Henyee Translations

The Fourth Prince remained hesitant. To his surprise, this rumor had actually spread among the princes, kings, monarchs, nobility, and important ministers.

The Fourth Prince was unshaken by the development, and he dared not voice the allegations personally, as it might seem like he was further maligning the Crown Prince.

Since the matter had already disseminated widely, concealing it was futile and unnecessary. Consequently, he instructed an imperial censor to lodge a formal impeachment. He decided to bring the issue into the open, allowing people to see that the laws of the Great Qin Empire were rigorous, even when it came to the punishment of royal transgressors.

Unexpectedly, after the Emperor conducted a thorough investigation, it transpired that the Crown Prince had been wronged— he was innocent!

“Your Majesty!” Honored Princess Mei exclaimed, “The Fourth Prince was truly terrified. He had genuinely received a report from his subordinates, believing that the Crown Prince had embezzled funds from the national treasury. Therefore, he secretly initiated an investigation. I’m unclear why the report he received was accurate. This is truly, truly…”

“These officials were extraordinarily audacious to deceive the Fourth Prince! How did the situation devolve to this point? The Fourth Prince is so shocked, terrified, and at a loss that he cannot face Your Majesty. As his mother, I must summon the courage to clarify matters before Your Majesty, so that Your Majesty can temper your anger.”

“This child acted too impulsively and erratically this time. I won’t intercede on his behalf at all! I only hope Your Majesty comprehends the intricacies of the situation. That disobedient son of mine would be content.”

“Your Majesty is sagacious. Please be merciful!”

The Emperor gazed coldly at Honored Princess Mei, who knelt on the ground and wept. He offered no response, maintaining his stern demeanor.

Daoist Shang Zhen, seated on a futon, holding a Buddhist relic in hand, cleared his throat gently. “Your Majesty, remain composed. Anger consumes the liver and damages the internal organs. It does not benefit your cultivation…”

The Emperor closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and endeavored to regain his composure. Upon reopening his eyes, his countenance exhibited a hint of softening.

“Is that so?”

“Your Majesty, I would never dare to deceive you.”

“Hmph, Fourth Brother is far too meddlesome. This matter concerns the Crown Prince. He didn’t bring it to my attention first, yet he had the audacity to conduct a secret investigation. Quite audacious!”

Honored Princess Mei kowtowed, her hairpin faintly clinking as it touched the ground. “I beseech Your Majesty’s forgiveness!”

The Emperor’s voice remained cold as he stated, “If I don’t reprimand him, it would diminish the Crown Prince’s standing. Instruct him to offer an apology to the Crown Prince and reflect upon his actions in seclusion.”

“Yes, I convey the Emperor’s gratitude on behalf of the Fourth Prince.”

Honored Princess Mei kowtowed, her eyes moist with tears. Internally, she heaved a sigh of relief. It appeared that the Emperor accepted her account.

After all, it was not the Fourth Prince who had orchestrated this personally. It sufficed to offer up a scapegoat to shoulder the blame.

However, this approach resulted in the Fourth Prince receiving a reprimand and punishment from the Emperor, significantly diminishing his prestige and placing him below even the Crown Prince…

Honored Princess Mei, who had just narrowly escaped crisis, was once again consumed by resentment.

The Emperor still held great affection for Honored Princess Mei. Observing her on her knees, tears in her eyes, he felt a pang of sympathy. He sighed and uttered, “I’m baffled by your involvement in this matter. Rise. I know you are devoted to me.”

“Yes, I am deeply grateful for the Emperor’s benevolence. My unwavering loyalty to the Emperor is evident to all. Due to this, as the mother of the Fourth Prince, I feel all the more ashamed…”