After entering the book, the cold prince begs for favor

Chapter 400 Just to annoy the Crown Prince

The summer sun was scorching, cicadas chirped incessantly outside the palace, and even the white marble steps were steaming with heat.

The prince wore a moon-white gauze robe, with a jade belt around his waist. A mutton-fat jade pendant was tied to the hanging silk ribbon, the jade's warm and lustrous color making him appear even more noble and composed.

He walked steadily to the palace gate, paused slightly, raised his hand to straighten his clothes, and when his fingertips brushed against his collar, the movement was gentle and slow, without the slightest impatience.

"Your Highness," a young eunuch bowed, his voice extremely low, "His Majesty didn't even have lunch because of the Duke of Wei's matter. You... please be careful."

The prince nodded slightly, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the dragon pattern on the jade pendant inside his sleeve.

The palace doors opened, stirring a breeze. He stepped inside, his gaze slightly lowered, his expression respectful yet not servile. "Your subject greets Your Majesty."

The emperor looked up from the pile of memorials, a hint of displeasure in his eyes: "What brings you here at this hour?"

The voice was somewhat cold, like an ice cellar in summer.

The emperor placed the vermilion brush on the edge of the inkstone, and a drop of vermilion slowly slid down the tip of the brush, spreading a dazzling red on the Xuan paper.

The Crown Prince was clearly unfazed by his imposing manner, and calmly said, "Regarding the night my cousin Sun was abducted, there are still some hidden details that I haven't yet revealed."

"oh?"

The emperor's expression was inscrutable. He glanced at the crown prince, whose posture was upright and sturdy like a pine tree. "What's the secret?"

The Crown Prince raised his head, his gaze clear and upright. “Yesterday, Sun Huanzhi visited the Eastern Palace and told me that on the night Haining was kidnapped, it was Liang Nian from the second branch of the Liang family who risked his life to tell me about the poisonous plot of the first branch of the Liang family. It was also he who helped Sun Huanzhi capture Liang Zhong, thus ensuring Haining’s safety for one night.”

The Emperor asked indifferently, "Is that so?"

"Your Highness, what brings you here?"

The Crown Prince calmly said, "Sun Huanzhi wants me to plead for the second branch of the Liang family and begs Your Majesty to treat them leniently."

The emperor suddenly sneered: "Do you know that Liang Jingyou was just here in the hall, holding the imperial pardon bestowed by the late emperor, threatening me to release the second branch of the Liang family? What a coincidence, he threatened suicide, and you've already arrived?"

The paperweight on the dragon throne was slammed down with a deafening sound. "Your Highness, I had no idea you were so benevolent."

"Your subject does not know."

The Crown Prince stood ramrod straight, but anger rose between his brows. "So Liang Jingyou actually committed suicide for this? It's utterly shameless! The crimes committed by the Liang family are too numerous to count. On what grounds does he plead for the Liang family?"

"What's more, they even caused the death of the Empress Dowager..."

The words abruptly stopped, and the Emperor saw the Crown Prince's clenched fist, his knuckles white.

The emperor narrowed his eyes: "So, aren't you pleading for the second branch of the Liang family right now?"

His gaze swept across the prince's face, as if trying to see through his calm demeanor to discern his true emotions.

The Crown Prince lowered his eyes, his voice low and restrained: "Haining is the only legitimate daughter of the Sun family, my cousin, and my grandmother has always doted on her."

He paused, his knuckles tightening slightly. "If something had happened to her that night, the Sun family, the Empress Dowager, and... if my mother were still alive, she would surely be heartbroken."

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly froze when the late empress was mentioned.

A dark glint flashed in the emperor's eyes as his fingertips unconsciously traced the dragon pattern on his desk.

The Crown Prince raised his eyes, his expression calm to the point of indifference: "In any case, I will remember the kindness shown by the second branch of the Liang family."

He paused slightly, his tone indifferent, "As for Father's decision, I dare not offer my opinion."

The emperor stared at him intently, then suddenly chuckled softly, "Your plea is rather perfunctory. If Sun Huanzhi knew, he would probably blame you for not being thorough enough."

The Crown Prince's lips twitched slightly, but there was no smile in his eyes: "Your subject promised him, and he did. As for the outcome, it is entirely up to Your Majesty's judgment. Your subject... has no power to change anything."

The emperor stared at him for a moment, and suddenly understood something.

Over the years, the Crown Prince has had frequent interactions with the Liang family because of Consort Liang.

But now that he knows the truth about the late empress's death, how could he not hate her?

The Crown Prince probably wishes he could get rid of anyone, whether they were from the first or second branch of the Liang family or anyone else who had even the slightest connection with Consort Liang.

The emperor felt relieved, and even a little pleased.

Liang Jing was sensible; his own death saved him trouble.

As for the second branch of the Liang family, they are nothing but a bunch of mediocre people who can't cause any trouble.

Keeping them around will actually keep the crown prince constantly alert and temper his character.

"I hesitated before, fearing that pardoning the Liang family would displease you." The emperor's tone softened, as if he were testing the waters.

The crown prince's expression remained unchanged, and he only whispered, "Your subject dares not."

The emperor smiled with satisfaction: "Since you are so clear about your grievances, then I will grant your request."

He picked up the vermilion brush and wrote in a bold stroke, "Before his death, Liang Jingyou wrote a document dividing the family property. The second branch of the Liang family was completely unaware of the treasonous plot and, having made meritorious contributions in exposing it, is hereby released without charge."

The crown prince felt a sudden sense of relief, but his face twitched uncontrollably, as if he had a moment of resentment.

He quickly composed himself and said in a wooden tone, "Father is benevolent."

The emperor looked at him, his smile deepening.

—Very well, the Crown Prince is still the same Crown Prince after all.

No matter how deeply you hide your hatred, it can't escape his eyes.

-

That night, it did rain.

Water droplets dripped from the eaves, making a crisp sound as they tapped on the bluestone slabs.

Yuan Wanru leaned against the window, looking at the dense rain outside, a slight smile playing on her lips.

"The second wife is about to be released from prison..." she murmured softly, a long-lost sense of relief appearing in her eyes.

But the smile vanished before it even reached his eyes.

With the case of Consort Liang nearing its conclusion, Tang Bo's death is likely not far off.

Just as he was pondering this, Lu Jiangnian walked in: "Today, Su Shaodong sent a message to Xuan Ying, inviting you to Qihuangzhai tomorrow."

Yuan Wanru's eyes flickered slightly, and her fingertips curled up gently. It seemed that there was news from Su Shaodong's side.

"Fortunately, I hope it's not too late."

Lu Jiangnian knew what she was worried about; whether Tang Bo was alive or dead, they didn't really know.

Let's take a gamble; he's still alive.

Lu Jiangnian wrapped his arms around her from behind, gently resting his chin on the top of her head: "My wife, I think you've always been very lucky, and this time will be no exception."

"Tang Bo is already in the Emperor's hands. He probably isn't in such a hurry to kill anyone. He'll probably deal with Consort Liang and her son first before it's Tang Bo's turn."

She nestled into his arms, relaxed: "I hope so."

"You've been right about eight or nine out of ten things before, and hopefully this time will be the same."

Lu Jiangnian squeezed her hand: "What, you don't believe me?"

Yuan Wanru smiled faintly: "I believe you. Look, Liang Nian and the others will be released from prison soon."

She paused, her voice lowering slightly, "If he hadn't been alert and sent a message to Xuan Ying in time, the Liang family's mission to Nanjiang County might have ended in disaster..."

Before he could finish speaking, Lu Jiangnian tightened his grip on his arm.

Yes, if something happens to the Yuan family because of this, I'm afraid my wife will never be truly happy for the rest of her life.

fortunately.

“Let them leave the capital.” Lu Jiangnian kissed her temple. “Once this matter is settled, this place is no longer a place for them to stay.”

Yuan Wanru nodded: "However, since the Liang family's entire estate has been confiscated, we should still prepare some travel expenses for them."

Before he could finish speaking, Lu Jiangnian chuckled softly, "You underestimate our Emperor."

He twirled a strand of her hair between his fingers. "Since he's willing to release her, he won't make things too ugly, especially since Liang Jing has that document detailing the division of the family property."

"Of course he's generous."

Yuan Wanru sneered, a hint of mockery flashing in her eyes, "Keeping the second branch of the Liang family to cause trouble for the Crown Prince, such a 'favor' is quite fitting for his character."

This reason is both laughable and pathetic.

Lu Jiangnian turned her around and cupped her face in his hands: "He is an emperor, but he is also a mortal."

His thumb gently traced the furrow between her brows. "In this world, who doesn't harbor some secrets they can't bear to see the light of day?"