FIMA Ch96: Establishing the Crown Prince

As these words fell, the Emperor and the Empress Dowager hadn’t had time to speak when a shout rose from the officials behind them.

Then, a figure rushed out, grabbing the eunuch by the collar and shouting, “Who got hurt? How could it be my Yuanyuan? What happened?”

After shouting, he turned and knelt before the Empress Dowager, crying, “Empress Dowager, you must seek justice for our Yuanyuan!”

This man was the eldest of the Jiang family from the Duke of Cheng’en’s household, the Empress Dowager’s own nephew, and Emperor Jianzhao’s cousin.

The Empress Dowager, her head aching from the noise, had to take this seriously as Jiang Yuanyuan was also her favorite junior. This matter had to be resolved properly.

She raised her hand and said calmly, “Consort Lu’s messenger suggested that the Emperor and I go to Linxi Pavilion to see for ourselves. Whatever happened, I will ensure justice for the Jiang family and Yuanyuan.”

Though these words were addressed to the eldest Jiang, they were meant for Emperor Jianzhao to hear.

Without needing to see, the Empress Dowager could already guess what had happened. Emperor Jianzhao, no fool, could also guess.

Matters between men and women were always the same.

Especially since Gu Siyuan had mentioned a woman’s reputation and honor, something that would make a girl defend her purity to the point of hitting her head on a pillar.

Supported by a nanny, the Empress Dowager said slowly, “Let’s go, Emperor. Let’s see what trouble your good son and the Jiang family’s daughter have caused.”

Emperor Jianzhao’s face turned extremely ugly.

But at this moment, with the concubines, civil and military officials, and the King of Northern Border present, he had no choice but to go.

When they reached Linxi Pavilion, Consort Lu was leisurely drinking tea, opposite her the disheveled and haggard Fourth Prince Xie Huan.

On the ground, as the eunuch had said, were patches of blood.

Seeing the Empress Dowager and the Emperor arrive, Consort Lu stood up from her chair and greeted them.

Xie Huan also looked up at Emperor Jianzhao, his eyes full of injustice and pleading.

Emperor Jianzhao nodded.

The Empress Dowager ignored the father-son exchange and asked Consort Lu warmly, “I heard from your messenger about Yuanyuan. Where is she now?”

Consort Lu slightly lifted her chin, indicating the screened-off area in the corner.

“Miss Jiang hit her head so hard she fainted. I was terrified and quickly called for the imperial physician. She’s inside being treated, and I don’t know if she’ll make it.”

Linxi Pavilion was a viewing pavilion, not very large, with a main hall for viewing the scenery and a small room for resting.

Xie Huan and Jiang Yuanyuan had a relationship there, and now Jiang Yuanyuan is lying inside, her life or death unknown.

The Empress Dowager frowned deeply. After a long while, she helplessly asked, “How did it escalate to this, even causing a death? What exactly happened?”

Consort Lu, with her beautiful phoenix eyes, glanced at Xie Huan, who was lost in thought on the opposite chair, and fiddled with her bright red nails. “It’s better to let the Fourth Prince speak first. If I say anything, and the Fourth Prince is unhappy and denies it, I’ll be blamed.”

The Empress Dowager glared at her and then solemnly looked at Xie Huan. “Huan’er, tell me what happened.”

“I am truly innocent…” Xie Huan glanced at his father, then at the King of Northern Border, whose face was extremely grim, unable to speak.

Seeing this, the Empress Dowager’s gaze became sharp. She had experienced countless battles in the deep palace and her aura instantly became intimidating.

She slapped the table and coldly said, “Xie Huan, you are the only conscious person involved and a grown man. Is there anything you can’t say? Why are you looking at your father? As a prince, can you not even take responsibility for your own actions? How can you be expected to handle anything in the future? What can the Emperor hope for from you?”

The Empress Dowager’s words were sharp, practically calling him unmanly and unfit to aspire to the throne.

Xie Huan’s face turned pale and gloomy.

Emperor Jianzhao also felt that his mother was a bit harsh, but those around them, especially the King of Northern Border, clearly agreed with her words.

Emperor Jianzhao lightly coughed and said, “Huan’er, speak up. I am here to listen. If there are misunderstandings or injustices, I will ensure you are vindicated.”

Xie Huan, knowing he could no longer avoid it, closed his eyes briefly and began to speak slowly.

According to him, because his clothes got wet at the banquet, he sent a servant to fetch a change from his mother’s Feihong Hall and went to rest at Wensi Hall behind Wuying Hall.

However, Feihong Hall was remote and far from there.

Having drunk too much and feeling uncomfortable in his wet clothes, he went to the observation deck at Wensi Hall for some fresh air.

While standing on the deck, he vaguely saw someone viewing the night scenery from the window frame of Linxi Pavilion across the plaza in Ning Shou Garden.

Being Mid-Autumn Festival, encountering someone enjoying the scenery in the palace was normal.

Feeling bored waiting alone at Wensi Hall, he impulsively went down and walked toward Linxi Pavilion. Upon arrival, he found it was a woman.

As the Fourth Prince and knowing Jiang Yuanyuan, the Empress Dowager’s niece who often visited the palace, they casually exchanged a few words.

However, as he was about to leave, he smelled a strange sweet scent and felt unwell. He didn’t remember anything after that.

When he regained consciousness, Jiang Yuanyuan’s maid had found them both naked together and screamed.

“That’s how it happened…” Xie Huan finished and solemnly looked at Emperor Jianzhao. “Father, I didn’t do it intentionally. That strange scent… I was definitely framed. I am not someone who loses his senses over lust…”

Hearing his words, it was clear he did not want to take responsibility.

Immediately, the Empress Dowager sneered, “You say it was unintentional? Framed? But you went to Linxi Pavilion on your own. I thought someone knocked you out and brought you there.”

“Grandmother… I was just walking around and didn’t expect…” Xie Huan explained awkwardly.

Hearing this, Consort Lu couldn’t help but sneer, her voice languid. “Walking around, but heading to a young lady’s place in the middle of the night. Don’t you understand the principles of propriety? Fourth Prince, didn’t you know if there were men or women at Linxi Pavilion before you went? At such a late hour, with guards at fixed posts, how could there be men in the harem? Did you go there hoping to find a eunuch to compose poetry and admire the moon?”

“Consort Lu, you…” Xie Huan’s face changed dramatically.

Xie Xuan glanced at him and coldly said, “My mother is your elder, Fourth Brother, watch your words.”

Emperor Jianzhao also disapproved, glancing at Xie Huan.

Although he didn’t think much of Consort Lu, she was still Xie Huan’s elder, and Xie Huan’s open defiance only worsened his reputation.

Xie Huan’s face turned gloomy.

Partly because he was in the wrong, and partly because he didn’t know how to argue.

He knew the person at Linxi Pavilion was a woman, which was why he went, even recognizing Jiang Yuanyuan.

He and Jiang Yuanyuan had secret feelings for each other. After drinking too much, seeing a beautiful silhouette, his lover, he couldn’t help but go over to get close.

Though knowing it was improper, his desire overcame him, and things escalated uncontrollably, resulting in their relationship being exposed by her maid.

At this moment, the King of Northern Border, who had been silent, suddenly stood up and said to Emperor Jianzhao, “Regarding the engagement between my daughter and the Fourth Prince, I believe we were too hasty in deciding. Let’s cancel it. I hope Your Majesty will allow this.”

Emperor Jianzhao and Xie Huan’s faces changed dramatically. Although they anticipated that this incident would leave a bad impression on the King of Northern Border, they didn’t expect him to be so intolerant and want to cancel the engagement.

Emperor Jianzhao forced a smile and advised, “King of Northern Border, this matter concerns the alliance between our two nations, so it is best to discuss it cautiously. Moreover, Huán’er mentioned a strange scent, indicating that he must have been framed. Why not wait for me to investigate further before making a decision?”

The King of Northern Border shook his head, “No need, Your Majesty. I believe in the sincerity of the alliance between Liang and the Northern Frontier. Even without the marriage bond, we will still cooperate happily.”

At this moment, Xie Xuan, who had been relatively silent, suddenly chuckled softly and said leisurely, “As the King of Northern Border said, I also believe that there is no need to investigate further. This is most likely similar to the tiger incident at the training ground a few days ago, possibly another conspiracy by the people from the grasslands aimed at sabotaging the friendship between Liang and the Northern Frontier. However, thanks to the King of Northern Border’s deep sense of righteousness, even if the marriage agreement is canceled, our friendship remains strong. Truly a relief.”

With these words spoken, Emperor Jianzhao immediately stared intently at Xie Xuan, realizing that this matter was most likely related to him. That day at the training ground, he had given Xie Xuan the results of the investigation into the tiger case. Now, it seemed Xie Xuan was using the same method to counter him, trying to trap him.

The King of Northern Border, unaware of the dispute between father and son, nodded and smiled, “The Sixth Prince speaks reasonably. Liang and the Northern Frontier are best friends. No matter how others create chaos, it will not break our alliance.”

Emperor Jianzhao could not say anything unpleasant in front of the King of Northern Border, so he could only frown and confirm again, “King of Northern Border, are you really not reconsidering?”

The King of Northern Border nodded affirmatively, “As you people of Liang say, a gentleman’s word is his bond. We Northern Frontier people are the same. Originally, I was reluctant to let my daughter marry far away. Now that such a thing has happened, I am no longer conflicted. I will take her back to the Northern Frontier to find a good man who is truly devoted to her.”

At this point, Emperor Jianzhao fell silent. As the Son of Heaven, he naturally did not have the habit of flattering others.

The King of Northern Border was almost directly saying that he believed his son was not a suitable match.

Xie Huán, being directly involved, naturally understood the meaning behind these words but could not defend himself. His face instantly darkened to the extreme, almost dripping with water.

The Empress Dowager glanced at the people present and said calmly, “Since the Northern Frontier marriage is canceled, then Huán’er’s matter should be easier to handle.”

Emperor Jianzhao suddenly looked up, “Mother, you mean…”

The Empress Dowager said calmly, “Naturally, we should handle it as it should be. Both are unmarried, and Huán’er is well-known and is the eldest legitimate daughter of the Duke of Grace. Is she not worthy of being the emperor’s son’s wife?”

Emperor Jianzhao hesitated.

In terms of status, Jiang Huán’er was naturally not lacking. Although the Duke of Grace’s mansion was the Empress Dowager’s natal family, it had not produced any remarkable individuals. The Duke himself was considered reliable, but Jiang’s eldest and second sons were typical of those who were neither accomplished in literature nor in martial arts, relying only on their status as relatives of the royal family. They provided no substantial support for Xie Huán’s bid for position.

Seeing him like this, the Empress Dowager’s face turned extremely grim, and she immediately became furious, “Emperor, do you intend to let Huán’er carry this reputation and die, turning the Jiang family into a laughingstock in the capital? Do not forget, your mother is also a Jiang, and you have Jiang family blood in your veins!”

Emperor Jianzhao had not seen the Empress Dowager so angry for a long time, especially in front of the civil and military officials. He could unintentionally bear the reputation of being unfilial and had to apologize repeatedly.

Xie Huán knew he was most likely going to marry Jiang Huán’er.

When he first woke up, he suspected Jiang Huán’er of deliberately setting this up because she wanted to marry him.

However, later, when he saw Jiang Huán’er desperately trying to hit the wall, he became uncertain.

This woman, Jiang Huán’er, had always been very good to him. She was even willing to marry Xie Xuan to act as his inside agent. If Xie Xuan had not refused the marriage…

Thinking of this, Xie Huán’s eyes once again swept towards Xie Xuan, full of resentment.

If Xie Xuan had not refused Jiang Huán’er, today’s events would not have happened, ruining his reputation and leaving him with no way out.

Moreover, when Xie Xuan mentioned the tiger incident at the training ground, he was certain that today’s matter was Xie Xuan’s deliberate design, a premeditated revenge.

Damned thing!

Xie Xuan acted as if he did not see it, feeling gloomy inside: He wished today’s mess would end soon so he could go back and spend the Mid-Autumn Festival with General Gu.

As expected, under the pressure of the Empress Dowager, the matter was settled.

Everyone present was instructed to keep silent. Royal family gossip was not easy to spread.

In a few days, Emperor Jianzhao would bestow the marriage between Xie Huán and Jiang Huán’er, and then they would marry as soon as possible to avoid any complications if she were to become pregnant.

…

Late at night, the civil and military officials left the palace.

Xie Xuan also returned to the Sixth Prince’s mansion.

However, the lights in the Emperor’s Hall were still bright.

Emperor Jianzhao and Xie Huán were inside, summoning Gu Siyuan and the Yulin Guards.

Emperor Jianzhao first looked at the Yulin Guards, “Has there been any movement in the Sixth Prince’s mansion recently? This time Huán’er’s matter was definitely done by him.”

The leader of the Yulin Guards immediately replied, “Your Majesty, recently the people of the Sixth Prince’s mansion have been secretly investigating the tiger case. I have been keeping a close watch on them.”

Emperor Jianzhao frowned slightly and then nodded, “Now he has directly acted against Huán’er, surely having found something. His people are quite capable. What else…”

The leader of the Yulin Guards looked at Emperor Jianzhao carefully and then said cautiously, “Not only that, but the people of the Sixth Prince’s mansion have also been investigating the Feihong Hall.”

“He seeks death.” Emperor Jianzhao’s eyes immediately turned cold.

Xie Huán also sneered. His mother’s identity was a sensitive spot for his father. Xie Xuan investigating this was truly seeking death.

However, on the surface, Xie Huán immediately pretended to be anxious and said, “Father, if Xie Xuan finds out about Mother’s identity, will he use it to blackmail you… What should we do then?”

Emperor Jianzhao’s gaze turned colder, as sharp as an arrow.

He looked at Gu Siyuan, who had been standing silently nearby, and asked, “Siyuan, a few days ago I had you keep a close watch on that mysterious expert in the Sixth Prince’s mansion. Have you made any progress recently?”

Gu Siyuan nodded, “Some progress, indeed.”

Emperor Jianzhao squinted, “Speak.”

Gu Siyuan casually made up a story, “The night before last, I followed that person in the Sixth Prince’s mansion. Although I still haven’t determined his exact identity, I can infer something from the places he visited.”

Emperor Jianzhao: “Where did he go?”

Gu Siyuan replied coldly, “The Jingwei Command Office.”

The Jingwei Command Office guards the capital and oversees all military and political affairs within the city, including the management of agricultural fields, patrols, transportation, defense, reconnaissance, garrison duties, and military equipment. (Note 1)

In the previous dynasty, even the Imperial Guards in the palace were under the jurisdiction of the Jingwei Command Office.

In the current dynasty, with the centralization of imperial power, the Imperial Guards were separated to be directly controlled by the emperor.

Hearing the words “Jingwei Command Office,” Xie Huan’s eyes were filled with both surprise and joy.

He was surprised that Xie Xuan had connections with the Jingwei Command Office, and joyful because a prince secretly colluding with military officials was almost tantamount to treason.

Emperor Jianzhao’s expression instantly turned as dark as water, “Is he planning a rebellion?”

Xie Huan said, “No wonder Xie Xuan has been acting so recklessly lately; he must be planning to go for broke.”

Emperor Jianzhao laughed coldly, “Planning a rebellion, very well, very well. Then I shall help him! Spread the word that I’ve been feeling unwell recently and have decided to announce the crown prince on my birthday in October!”

…