Chapter 431

Looking at his obedient children hugged by Shen Ninghua, Baili Junyi couldn’t help but smile. The situation in the capital was an ugly sight, and the officials in the court were treacherous. Only a child’s thoughts were the purest and harmless things, which made one relax unconsciously.

He went forward to help Shen Ninghua up and then picked up the children. “Alright, let’s go back into the mansion first. We can talk later after we’re inside.”

When Baili Junyi and Shen Ninghua entered the mansion, the spies hiding in the surroundings hurriedly sent the news back to the imperial palace.

At this time, in the imperial palace, the Crown Prince ordered everyone to leave and walked up to Chengqian Hall alone. He raised his head to look at the mighty throne with his eyes filled with a determined gaze. He walked step by step toward the throne on the staircase carved with auspicious dragon designs. He seemed to be able to hear the sound of people bowing and congratulating him. His blood boiled with passion as the feeling of being on top of the world and controlling life and death consumed him.

His usual gentle smile slowly disappeared and was replaced by an evil and ruthless one. To get this position, he had disguised himself thoroughly. He needed to be a qualified Crown Prince in front of Baili Qingcang and a respected Crown Prince in the eyes of the public. Everything was well-hidden. Baili Qingcang trusted him, and the people of the world respected him. Unfortunately, everything changed after Baili Junyi appeared.

First, Mother Empress was in trouble. Then, he was incriminated repeatedly, to the point where he almost lost his position as the Crown Prince. Therefore, he could not wait anymore. Father Emperor had lived for long enough, and it was time for him to hand over the power. If he had not been forced to this stage, he would not have gone this far as to kill his Father Emperor. It was a pity how destiny made fools out of people…

He flung his robe and turned to sit on the throne. The sparkle in his eyes was unparalleled. He raised his hand and made a gesture for all the officials to rise from their bows. Then, he slowly smiled. After sitting on the throne for a long time, he finally sat up and tidied his clothes. He put on a gentle and polite smile once again and slowly walked out of Chengqian Hall.

Meanwhile, his subordinate was already waiting in the Crown Prince’s palace.

“Greetings, Crown Prince.”

“You may rise. Any news?”

“Your Highness, the Fifth Prince and Princess Zhaohua went back to the mansion straight away, and they didn’t contact anyone. However, the others and I couldn’t hear anything from the inside.”

Baili Jinyi frowned. “You can’t hear anything?”

“Yes. After the two returned to the mansion, many skilled assassins suddenly appeared. The spies I sent were all killed, and it was impossible to get close now.”

“Skilled assassins?” Baili Jinyi sneered, “It seems that Fifth Brother has hidden his true self well. Considering how he showed his loyalty to Father Emperor before, I really thought he was extremely loyal. I didn’t expect him to have so many thoughts in him. Hmph. Send a group of Qingtian Pavilion’s people to his place. I don’t believe his mansion is like an undefeated fortress.” Then, Baili Jinyi thought, “Were the skilled assassins Baili Junyi’s way of showing his force? Haha. Let’s wait and see who will be the last survivor at the end.”

“Duly noted, Your Highness.”

When the subordinate retreated, Baili Jinyi revealed a sneer. “Since Fifth Brother has already started to put on a show of force, l shall start with him.”

In the Fifth Prince Mansion, Hong Ling reported the death of the spies to Baili Junyi. Shen Ninghua frowned slightly. “It seems that the Crown Prince wants to start with us first.”

“Yes.” Baili Junyi nodded. “Unfortunately, Father Emperor is unconscious now. The Dragon Scale Army and Imperial Guards are trapped in the palace. The Stealthy Guards can’t do anything without orders. Our plan is almost completely disrupted.”

“Our plan getting disrupted isn’t the worst thing. I’m worried that the Crown Prince will exaggerate the matter with the Xia Family and kill all of us. Once we leave the capital, Father Emperor will be in danger.”

“He is surely heartless enough to do such a thing.” Then, Baili Junyi continued coldly, “We can leave in secret for the time being, but Father Emperor is still in the palace. We can’t let anything happen to him.”

Shen Ninghua raked her brain and thought of a way. However, she was afraid that Baili Junyi would not agree to this plan even if she said it out loud. She decided to wait out and observe the situation. They could only fight with their lives if there wasn’t a better way.

The next day was the first day of the Crown Prince being the country’s deputy. He replaced Baili Qingcang in the morning court to deal with the government affairs that had accumulated over this period of time.

Xiao Jingran was the first to step out. “Crown Prince, I heard that His Majesty had fainted because he heard that Princess Zhaohua had sent people to assassinate him. He was heartbroken to the point he fell ill. Is this true?”

Baili Jinyi had a troubled expression. “This matter has not been thoroughly investigated. Many of the officials present witnessed the scene at that time. Father Emperor said he believed Princess Zhaohua would not do such a thing. This matter seems to have nothing to do with Princess Zhaohua, after all.”

“Your Highness, this matter concerns the safety of His Majesty. How can you take it so lightly? It is better to investigate it properly. I heard that the most crucial witness is Princess Zhaohua’s Aunt, Madam Xia. I suggest we interrogate Madam Xia immediately and find out the truth. We should punish the culprit who assassinated His Majesty. Only then can His Majesty be at ease and wake up as soon as possible.”

As soon as Xiao Jingran finished speaking, many officials echoed his words, “I can’t agree with what Old General Xiao said more.”

“I have the same thought too.”

“Your Highness, please find out who the murderer is and help His Majesty be at ease as soon as possible.”

Baili Jinyi nodded. “Alright. Since all of you made the same request, I will investigate this matter first. It’s just that Noble Consort Qi had sent someone to watch over Madam Xia. How about this? My brothers, Old General Xiao, and the three ministers will stay after the morning court is dismissed. I will send someone to summon Noble Consort Qi and Madam Xia over. After that, we will investigate this matter thoroughly.”

Since Xiao Jingran’s wish had come true, his eyes beamed with joy. He turned to look at Baili Junyi with a smirk. “Fifth Prince, we still need to invite Princess Zhaohua over on this occasion. You wouldn’t mind, right?”

“If it is necessary, Ninghua will be happy to cooperate. We’re doing this for Father Emperor, isn’t it?” Baili Junyi deliberately emphasized the word Father Emperor, but his heart was full of sarcasm. These ministers kept saying they were doing this for His Majesty and helping His Majesty to be at ease, but they were all birds of the same feather. They were all helping Baili Jinyi to seize the throne. Did they think that they would receive merit if Baili Jinyi won? They were too naive! At that time, the first batch of people to be executed would be these so-called “meritorious officials”!

Xiao Jingran laughed impudently. “That’s good. I was worried that a commotion would arise again if the Fifth Prince refused to cooperate. After all, the Fifth Prince even dared to disobey the imperial edict for Princess Zhaohua!” By revealing Baili Junyi’s history in advance, he would have the best evidence to execute him once he risks his life to protect Shen Ninghua if they decide to kill her. After all, Baili Junyi had disobeyed the imperial edict for Shen Ninghua back then. Wouldn’t it be reasonable for him to commit treason because of Shen Ninghua?

Many government affairs accumulated during the autumn hunt, but not many were difficult to deal with. The affairs were also resolved quickly. Soon, the officials who finished their business left Chengqian Hall in a hurry, only leaving the people who had been mentioned by the Crown Prince before.

The Crown Prince turned around and ordered the eunuch on the side, “Summon Noble Consort Qi and ask her to bring Madam Xia over.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” With that, the eunuch hurried away.

When Noble Consort Qi heard the summon, she couldn’t help but sneer. She looked at Xia Jingqiu, who was kneeling on the ground. “Madam Xia, I wanted to give you a few words of advice at first, but now it seems to be redundant now. No matter who your supporter is, I’m afraid you won’t have a chance to get out of Chengqian Hall alive. Take care.”

Xia Jingqiu’s heart trembled, and hesitation arose in her. She was not a particularly determined person. Previously, she had relied on resentment to keep herself going. Later, when she saw that things had developed far beyond her expectations, she vaguely realized that she had been used. However, now that things had developed to this point, it was impossible for her to escape unscathed.

“Thank you, Noble Consort Qi, for your advice. I know what to say.”

Seeing Madam Xia still kept her supporter’s identity a secret, Noble Consort Qi sneered internally. Noble Consort Qi thought, “She must be really blinded by wealth. There were many things that she needed to be alive to enjoy. I do not understand how a smart person like Shen Ninghua could have a dimwitted aunt like her.”

At the same time, Shen Ninghua also received a decree summoning her to the palace. Qing Que, Hong Ling, and the others looked at her worriedly. They were so anxious that they almost shed tears. “Miss…”

Shen Ninghua smiled and reached out to pat her belly. Her gaze was firm as she felt the slight movement from the fetus. “Don’t worry. Nothing bad will happen to me.”

With Ye Yi guarding the mansion, Qing Que and Hong Ling accompanied Shen Ninghua into the palace. They followed behind Shen Ninghua and made a plan. If the Crown Prince decided to hurt Shen Ninghua in the palace, they would risk their lives to protect Shen Ninghua and help her escape!

Noble Consort Qi arrived first with her people, and Shen Ninghua arrived later.

When everyone was here, the Crown Prince said, “Today, we are here to investigate Madam Xia and the truth of Father Emperor’s assassination upon the officials’ request. It also serves as an explanation to our people. Madam Xia, you said that the person who assassinated you had an azalea flower embroidered on the sleeves. It is a unique symbol of the Xia Family. Is it true?”

Xia Jingqiu raised her head to look at Baili Jinyi. Her thoughts gradually became firmer when she saw him nodding with a gentle gaze. “Yes. I am from the Xia Family and have lived with Xia Jingyan for many years. Everything that she likes has a special azalea mark, including even her furniture and jewelry. I won’t be mistaken!”

Then Crown Prince looked at Shen Ninghua. “Fifth Sister-in-law, this matter really puts me in a tough spot. This…”

Xiao Jingran suddenly stood up. “Your Highness, since this matter has made things difficult for you, why don’t you let me ask a few questions on your behalf?”

Baili Jinyi nodded. “Alright.”

Xiao Jingran looked at Shen Ninghua, and the corner of his eyes twitched uncontrollably. “Princess Zhaohua, is the azalea flower your mother’s favorite emblem?”

Shen Ninghua looked calm, and her dark eyes seemed bottomless with a faint coldness. “Yes, my mother particularly likes the azalea flower, but what is wrong with that? This is a well-known secret. Who knows if it is fake or not? Who can prove that what Madam Xia said is true? Must I use the azalea flower as the assassin’s symbol just because my mother likes it? If that is the case, many people will lose their lives!”