Chapter 686 - Chapter 686: Chapter 687: Accusing of Darkness

Chapter 686: Chapter 687: Accusing of Darkness

Perhaps because of the New Year, the Emperor seemed unusually spirited. He put on his emperor’s robe, sat upright, and was surrounded by his imperial concubines, who chatted with him warmly and humorously. The lively atmosphere cheered him up considerably.

Concubine Yu brought the Sixth Imperial Prince over. The little fellow was half a year old, puffy face and wide-set eyes peeking out from the crimson swaddling cloth, looking adorable and charming.

After all, the child was his own. The Emperor broke into a rare tender paternal smile, playfully teased him for a while, and bestowed many gifts upon the Sixth Imperial Prince.

The other concubines watched in sheer envy.

The Emperor was growing older, his energy subpar and his physical strength deteriorating. The odds of him fathering another child with his concubines were getting slimmer by the day.

Concubine Yu was truly fortunate.

The other concubines might never be able to harbor the hope of having their own children in this lifetime.

As women, how could they not yearn for children, or wish to conceive offspring of their own?

Regret was all they had, nothing more.

In such a harmonious atmosphere, a eunuch arrived, announcing that Prince Xinhai of Silla was seeking an audience.

The Emperor had anticipated the reason for his visit. However, considering his good mood that day, and the fact that he had yet met this prince from the Silla Kingdom, he waved his hand dismissively: “Let him in.”

As soon as Prince Xinhai entered, he was engulfed in the scent of various beauties’ makeup.

Regardless of his young age, Prince Xinhai was no stranger to the fairer sex.

He had come seeking justice, to play the victim. To his surprise, the first thing he saw was a large group of various kinds of beauties.

This left him stunned.

These were the Emperor’s women.

Handpicked through numerous selection processes, these women, regardless of their appearances and figures, represented every kind of beauty one could imagine.

As a connoisseur of beauty, Prince Xinhai was overwhelmed by the sight in front of him.

He found himself wishing he could draw a few of these imperial women closer, to physically appreciate their charm.

Of course, this only remained a fantasy.

Although lecherous, not to mention his heart being completely occupied by the Princess Consort, he recovered from the momentary confusion promptly. Lowering his head, he respectfully knelt and paid his homage to the Emperor.

The Empress, getting the hint, promptly rose, leading the group of imperial concubines out.

The Emperor stared at Prince Xinhai, glancing at the wrapped hand, and gently asked: “What brings you here, Prince Xinhai?”

Prince Xinhai bowed his head: “Your Majesty, I beg for your justice.”

“What justice do you seek? Get up and speak your mind.” The Emperor waved his hand, ordering a eunuch to bring a chair for Prince Xinhai.

Prince Xinhai did not sit. Instead, he remained kneeling, expressing sorrowfully of the injustice he had suffered.

He traveled all the way to Great Sheng as an envoy, with the intention to facilitate mutual cooperation, only to be repeatedly humiliated by the Crown Prince and the Princess Consort. How could this be tolerated?

He insisted that once word of how Great Sheng had treated the Prince of Silla got back to Silla, it would be sure to dishearten the people of Silla!

Perhaps Silla would then have to reconsider its relationship with Great Sheng.

The Emperor’s brows furrowed into a frown: “What? There is such disrespect for the prince in Chang’an City? Do not worry, Prince Xinhai. I will thoroughly investigate this matter and punish the instigator severely. I promise you justice!”

Prince Xinhai thought to himself, are you playing dumb? Didn’t I mention the Crown Prince and the Princess Consort as the perpetrators?

Are you feigning ignorance or did you actually overlook that?

“Come here.” the Emperor called upon a eunuch, “call for the Crown Prince. Command him to thoroughly investigate this matter…”

“Your Majesty, I beg your pardon!” Prince Xinhai quickly interjected, “How could he investigate himself?”

“Oh? In your opinion, who should be assigned the investigation?”

Prince Xinhai, quick with a reply, turned his gaze: “I believe the Prince of Zhao is a suitable candidate.”