The struggle for the throne among nine princes—I really don't want to be the crown prince.

Chapter 481 The Crown Prince does not oversee the state, but he can still arrest people.

Under the Fourth Prince's piercing gaze, Shen Ye made up his mind:

This matter cannot be left unresolved!

He cleared his throat and said in a deep voice, "Now that we've gathered all the evidence, let's go take a stroll around the Dali Temple!"

After saying that, he turned his head and raised his chin at the Fourth Prince: "Where are Kong Shangde and his gang hiding right now?"

The fourth prince was taken aback by the crown prince's words and weakly replied, "He should... have returned to the Duke of Yansheng's residence."

Shen Ye nodded: "Okay, then let's go visit them first and give them a surprise."

Then, he waved to Zhou Bao, who was waiting beside him:

"Go and call Erlengtai, Orondai, and Tulishen over here."

When the Fourth Prince heard that the Crown Prince had specifically requested this trio, the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily.

Erlengtai is the Crown Prince's personal bodyguard, so he should be considered one of the Crown Prince's own people, which is fine;
But Orondai and Tulishen are Father Emperor's trusted confidants!
Especially Orondai, who was not only Emperor Qianxi's cousin, but also held the title of Duke Feng'en.

This guy is notorious throughout the capital for being a complete scoundrel!

How could the crown prince have an easy time facing two such powerful figures every day?
The Fourth Prince was still pondering this when Zhou Bao led Orondai and the other two in.

Although Orondai has always acted arrogantly, he has recently become smarter.

After all, being beaten by the Crown Prince was pointless; complaining would be pointless.

So as long as the crown prince hasn't fallen from power, even a dragon has to coil up, and even a tiger has to lie down.

"Greetings to the Crown Prince!"

The three guards commanders bowed in unison.

Shen Ye waved his hand dismissively: "Gather your men and follow me out of the palace."

Upon hearing this, Erlengtai immediately prepared to make arrangements without saying a word.

Tu Lishen's lips twitched again, and he silently lowered his head.

Orondai hesitated for a moment, then rubbed his hands together and stepped forward: "The Crown Prince is leaving the palace... should we... should we..."

"Do you want anything?" Shen Ye glanced sideways at him.

Orondai shrank back and quickly changed his mind: "Should we bring more guards? It's chaotic outside, safety comes first!"

"The Crown Prince has caused trouble, so the Emperor will take care of it. Why should I say anything?"

It's like an old man eating poison; he's tired of living!

Shen Ye was too lazy to argue with him and waved her hand: "Fine, then bring more."

The fourth prince watched in astonishment:

You, Orondai!

He acted all high and mighty in front of his father, almost to the point of being arrogant, but after being taught a lesson by the Crown Prince, he immediately became this cowardly.

Sure enough, this thing is like a spring; the weaker you are, the stronger it becomes. It needs to be taught a lesson!

In less than a quarter of an hour, Shen Ye led a large group of people out of the palace.

Orondai dared not approach the crown prince, like a wary fat cat, glancing around before nudging Erengtai on the back and whispering:

"Dude, give me a heads-up, where's the young master headed this time? I'm really worried."

Erlengtai, forcing a smile, moved closer to Shen Ye and asked, "Your Highness, what's going on here?"

Before he could finish speaking, Shen Ye glanced at him and waved his hand, saying:
"Just follow along, why all the nonsense! Are you scared?"

Erlengtai immediately shut his mouth tighter than a clam shell—

He knew that tone of His Highness all too well!
Thus, the group arrived at the gate of the Duke Yansheng's residence in a grand procession.

Right now, the Duke Yansheng's mansion is bustling with activity, with carriages and people coming and going.

Although Kong Yujin had only recently died, and her death was described as a "suicide out of fear of punishment," it didn't sound very honorable.

However, the fact that Kong Shangde was able to emerge unscathed from the three judicial departments sends an important signal:
This shows that the emperor had no intention of uprooting the Confucius family, this "saintly" tree, and did not intend to persecute the Confucius family to death.

Since the emperor's favor has not waned, those astute experts in interpersonal relationships and social dynamics naturally have to come and offer their condolences and care.

After all, this is the "number one in the world," and its potential value should not be underestimated!

Although the Kong family dared not set up a grand mourning hall, they still managed to maintain a very proper pomp and circumstance when receiving visitors.

Several managers greeted and saw off guests at the gate, their chins held higher than the gatehouse, their eyes radiating arrogance.

It's as if it's silently declaring: See?

No matter how strong the wind and waves, I will remain unmoved!
What does it mean to have the profound heritage of a thousand-year-old family? This is the confidence of a family of sages!

Amidst this seemingly peaceful atmosphere, Shen Ye made his appearance with his large entourage.

The swarming guards and the gleaming procession instantly blocked the entrance completely.

The lively conversation abruptly stopped.

Upon seeing Shen Ye's large group, a middle-aged manager's eyelids twitched, and he jogged forward to greet them, his face displaying standard but cautious politeness:

"Gentlemen, what brings you here today?"

Shen Ye didn't even bother to lift her eyelids, only glancing at Zhou Bao beside her.

Zhou Bao had served the Crown Prince for many years and immediately understood.

He immediately stepped forward, straightened his back, and spoke in a loud, clear voice:

"His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived! Tell the person in charge of your household to come out and greet him!"

The manager's face turned pale instantly.

He knew that the mansion had a grudge against the Crown Prince.

Although that sentimental poem failed to cause a major uproar and was temporarily suppressed, the enmity was still there. Even if the men didn't say it, how could they not be troubled inside?

But once the arrow is released, there's no turning back; all we can do is take it one step at a time.

Fortunately, for now, the emperor is still in charge...

The Crown Prince suddenly showed up today with such a large group of people. What good could it be?
The manager was flustered, but dared not say a word. He quickly bowed and saluted, his voice trembling slightly.

"Your Highness, this servant greets you! Please wait a moment, this servant will go and inform you immediately!"

After saying that, he dashed into the mansion.

At this moment, Kong Shangde was having tea with Xu Chunping, the Grand Academician of the Hanlin Academy.

Xu Chunping was a member of the Qingliu faction and had a long-standing friendship with the Kong family.

I came here specifically to say a few words of comfort and to show my willingness to offer help in times of need.

“Shangde,” Xu Chunping said, holding a celadon teacup and slowly skimming off the foam with the lid, displaying the air of an elder and superior.

"It is already extremely fortunate that the three judicial departments were able to show leniency and impose a lighter sentence this time."

"From now on, when you conduct business in this household, remember to keep a low profile and be careful with your words and actions. This is the best way to ensure your long-term success!"

Kong Shangde actually didn't think much of this uncle who always spoke in official jargon.

However, since he had not yet officially inherited the title, he needed someone in court to speak on his behalf, so he could only put on a respectful demeanor and honestly reply:

"Thank you for your guidance, Uncle. I will remember it!"

"I only hope to finish all the matters concerning Master Lian as soon as possible, return to my hometown, and observe the mourning for my father in peace."

Xu Chunping nodded in satisfaction: "It's best that you think that way."

"The most important thing right now is to smoothly take over the title of Duke Yansheng."

"As for other things... well, let's not talk about them for now. There's plenty of time in the future!"

Kong Shangde, however, timely revealed a perfectly measured look of worry and sighed, saying:
"To be honest, Uncle, there are still objections in the court regarding this matter, and there are quite a few who don't want me to inherit the title smoothly..."

"If any unrest or changes occur in the capital during the period of mourning, I hope that you, Uncle, can speak up for justice and say a few words of fairness for my Kong family."

Upon hearing this, Xu Chunping immediately slammed his teacup on the table, displaying a mixture of righteous indignation and mature composure.
"Don't worry, my dear nephew! Since His Majesty has appointed you to the Three Judicial Offices, it means that His Majesty has made up his mind and has chosen you as the heir to the title."

"As long as you behave yourself, no one can take this title away from you."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the pale-faced steward rushed in, stumbling and crawling.

Kong Shangde's face darkened, and he was about to reprimand the steward when he saw the steward, disregarding all etiquette, hurriedly report:

"Young Master! Something terrible has happened! His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived! He's brought a large entourage and is already at the gate!"

Kong Shangde's hand trembled, and he almost dropped the teacup.

The confident assertions made earlier, such as "the Emperor's mind is made up" and "their titles are secure," still seem to be lingering in the air.

But at this moment, the words "The Crown Prince has arrived" were like a loud slap, firmly landing on his face!
Kong Shangde knew, of course, that he had offended the Crown Prince badly.

The Crown Prince also had no good feelings towards the Kong family—the loss of a million ancestral fields and his father's forced suicide were both related to the Crown Prince.

What is the Crown Prince doing here at this critical juncture?

Is he offering a forced smile? Or is he just pretending to mourn?

He didn't want to see either of them.

But the man had already arrived at the door, and he couldn't be refused entry unless he wanted the Crown Prince to trample the gate tower of the Duke of Yansheng's mansion to pieces.

He took a deep breath and looked at his uncle, Kong Yushen, who was also pale-faced:
"Uncle, let's... go together to welcome the Crown Prince."

Then she looked at Xu Chunping with hope in her eyes.

Xu Chunping hesitated for a moment, then quickly regained his composure, which had almost made him lose his composure, and said frankly:
“My family and your family have been friends for generations. My visit to offer condolences today is out of public interest and has no personal connection.”

"Now that the Crown Prince has arrived, I will accompany you to pay my respects, so as not to break the rules."

Kong Shangde, as if grasping at a lifeline, bowed gratefully and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Uncle!"

With this upright and respected official present, surely the Crown Prince should behave himself a bit?

After all, no matter how arrogant the Crown Prince is, he has whipped members of the imperial clan in the street before... Hmm, thinking about it this way, it seems even more unsettling.

The Kong family was very particular about etiquette. In less than a quarter of an hour, Kong Shangde led his entire family to kneel neatly before Shen Ye.

"Your Highness, I pay my respects. May Your Highness enjoy boundless blessings and peace."

Shen Ye looked at Kong Shangde, who was kneeling on the ground, and suddenly laughed: "Get up, don't kneel, the ground is cold."

Kong Shangde thanked the emperor and rose, forcing himself to remain calm, saying, "Your Highness's presence is an honor to my humble abode. May I ask what brings you here?"

Shen Ye smiled and said, "It's nothing serious."

"It's about you instructing your servants to collude with corrupt officials in Taishan to seize farmland—and now the truth has come out."

He gestured with his chin toward Orondai: "Orondai, Tuli Shen, arrest the man and send him to the Dali Temple for questioning."

Kong Shangde's legs went weak instantly, his lips trembled, and he couldn't utter a single word.

Orondai and Tulishen were also stunned—

We were sent by the Emperor to "watch" the Crown Prince. We're here to monitor him and act as informants, not to be constables and do dirty work!
But the Crown Prince had already given the order, and with everyone watching, the two exchanged a glance and had no choice but to bite the bullet and step forward.

Orondai grabbed Kong Shangde's arm and threatened in a low voice, "Behave yourself! Don't force me to use force."

Before Kong Shangde could react, a righteous and furious shout rang out:

"Your Highness! The case of the Kong family has been concluded by the three judicial departments. Although you are the Crown Prince, you cannot fabricate evidence out of thin air, arbitrarily arrest people, or insult the descendants of the sage!"

"Such reckless and unbridled behavior, disregarding the laws of the land, are you not afraid of His Majesty's wrath?!"

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(End of this chapter)