Masquerade in Bridal Attire and Marry the Prince

214. A Frame-Up

Translator: Bryan

Du Chuxuan sneered inwardly. Finally, the man got to the point. He cleared his throat and exclaimed with feigned panic, “His Highness? I don’t know! I really don’t know. Two days ago there was a big fire in the East Palace! There were flames everywhere. And there was an assassin too! Your Majesty! There’s an assassin! He wants to kill me!”

With that he threw himself at the table of the Emperor. He did it with such great strength that several old courtiers on the side were taken aback and jumped. They looked at Du Chuxuan and found that he seemed as if he were seeing someone horrifying.

The Emperor had a somewhat odd look on his face. He had indeed devised this plan with Yuxing Tianrui, but he really didn’t know whether his son had told Du Chuyue about it. However, was it normal for a woman to be scared to such an extent by an incident like that? He felt that something was not quite right.

After all, it was Old Master Zhao’s words that had caused Du Chuyue to act like that, so a courtier gave him a push. “Lord Zhao, what you just said wasn’t exactly true. His Highness did that only because he wanted to ensure eternal peace for this country. In the final analysis, his actions were beyond reproach except for that he dispatched the troops without authorization.”

Old Master Zhao found it humiliating that someone interrupted him like that. He swiveled his head aside and saw that it was a member of the Wang family. He instantly came to realize that the Wang family was trying to take advantage of the situation to pin the blame on him. He sneered and was just about to speak when Yuxing Wei on the side said in an effort to stick up for him, “You two are both pillars of the court. There’s no need to quarrel over this matter.”

“We will never forget what my brother did for Shenglan, but what we’re discussing is a different matter. My brother did ignore my father’s authority, and my father is just stating the facts.”

Old Master Wang frowned slightly. The third prince’s remarks sounded flawless, but he felt that the prince was defending the Zhao family. He was just about to say something else when Yuxing Wei continued speaking.

“There’s no need to panic, Chuyue. You’re brought here only because my father’s worried about my brother’s safety and he wants to get some information from you.”

The Emperor nodded. It struck him that Yuxing Wei was being more astute and pleasing than ever. Therefore, he didn’t contradict Yuxing Wei’s words. Yuxing Wei was very good at gauging people’s mood by observing their facial expressions. He naturally perceived the change in his father’s attitude towards him. He was secretly delighted.

“Father, I was worried about my brother in the past few days so I secretly did some digging. Please forgive me for not having told you about it sooner. Fortunately, I’ve ascertained who the culprit is!”

His words made everyone gasp. Everyone present had heard some of the rumors circulating in the city, but the Emperor allowing Yuxing Wei to attend court meetings proved that he believed Yuxing Wei was not the mastermind.

If Yuxing Wei caught the culprit, he would become a hero. No matter how much the matter of Yuxing Tianrui annoyed the Emperor, Yuxing Wei would definitely stand to benefit a lot from it. Many of those present immediately began to ponder.

The Emperor was no spring chicken. Though Yuxing Tianrui was the apple of his eye, emperors’ desire to retain their power grew with their age. This time around, the Crown Prince had indeed crossed the line, which was why the Emperor was making such a big deal out of it. The courtiers felt that this indicated the Emperor’s intentions.

If the third prince found favor with the Emperor because of this matter, the Emperor might directly make him the new Crown Prince. However, there was no telling what the Emperor’s next step would be. If he wanted to appoint a new crown prince, it wouldn’t be easy for him to pacify the commoners.

All the courtiers had their respective thoughts, but none of them let anything show on their faces. As for how many of them would privately try to strike up a relationship with Yuxing Wei, it was up to them. Taking sides was very common in all countries when it came to the imperial heirship.

“That’s right. I’m impressed, son. Previously I thought you’re just average, but now it seems you’re outstanding.” It was a very favorable remark. The Emperor nodded, an approving look in his eyes.

“Father, that guy’s a spineless worm. After my men threatened to give him the third degree, he made a full confession.” With that Yuxing Wei requested permission to bring the man to the study. The Emperor, naturally, granted his request. He had Dongxiang supported the groggy Du Chuxuan to the side. Before long, a prisoner was marched into the study.

“You’re the one who made an attempt on my son’s life?” The Emperor was sitting there with a commanding air about him, his eyes glinting so piercingly that nobody dared look at them.

The man kneeling on the floor was trembling violently. His face was pale, but Du Chuxuan knew that the man’s whole body was probably covered with cuts and bruises.

“I’m guilty! I’m guilty! But the Crown Prince said he would have my whole family executed unless I did as he said! I didn’t have a choice!”

The moment he said that, everyone was shocked. Several old courtiers jumped. Du Chuxuan knew that those people had been on Yuxing Tianrui’s side all along. He was pleased to see that these people were still so loyal to Yuxing Tianrui.

“Outrageous! How dare you slander His Highness like that?! His Highness is among the most highborn people in the whole country. Why would he want to kill your family?”

The man flinched at the rebuke, looking horrified. “I’m telling the truth. I used to trade between Shenglan and Turk, and I saved some money by selling things that were scarce in Turk.

“But one day His Highness’s men saw me. They accused me of colluding with Manlou or something. They tortured me. I couldn’t stand it so I admitted it. I just wanted a quick death, but unexpectedly, after I admitted it, His Highness had my whole family arrested, threatening to execute them!”

The man had tears in his eyes and his hoarse voice made his story sound more convincing. The couple of old courtiers on Yuxing Tianrui’s side, naturally, didn’t believe him. They insisted that the man provide evidence.

Du Chuxuan glanced at the Emperor who had been silently sitting there. Having noticed that the Emperor also looked a little surprised, he came to realize that Yuxing Wei, in order to get the job done and claim credit, had actually kept the Emperor in the dark. It seemed that Yuxing Wei was indeed going to get the credit he didn’t deserve.

“I don’t dare lie about it! Although I was blindfolded when they took me to the East Palace, I remember being directly taken to a sumptuous bedchamber, and His Highness’s concubines seemed to be in there. I overheard His Highness say the concubine’s butterfly-shaped marking was very pretty!”