CHAPTER 203: CHAPTER 203: THE XU FAMILY CRIES OUT FOR INJUSTICE

"Send another imperial decree back, elevate Noble Princess Consort Ying to Princess Consort Ying. Set the Investiture Ceremony on New Year’s Eve."

"Yes."

Once the Emperor had completely let go of his thoughts, Dong Yuzhong quietly left.

Noble Princess Consort Ying was elevated to Consort and also gave birth to the Fourth Prince. It seemed like her status would rise significantly, which could slightly balance the situation in the harem.

Dong Yuzhong thought as much.

The Fourth Prince Uncle found it inconvenient to comment on harem matters. He stood quietly by the side, waiting for the Emperor to give orders.

After arranging everything, the Emperor put away the sadness in his eyes and instantly regained clarity.

"I have been waiting here for you, Uncle, for quite some time."

The Fourth Prince Uncle was quite curious upon hearing this. Wasn’t it said that the Emperor had been stalled due to mourning over the death of Consort Lan?

Something about the Emperor’s words seemed off.

Thus, he also adopted a serious expression.

"What does Your Majesty mean?"

"The news of this strange phenomenon in Taishan was spoken about by Prince Zhan. It concerns the fate of Da Wei, and I must personally come. However, some unclear matters have recently occurred in the palace, unresolved for a long time. Hence, I especially invited you, Fourth Prince Uncle, to help investigate."

"What are these unclear matters?"

"Recently, I have acquired a new concubine named Ming, originating from the Northwest but raised in Dengzhou. She poses as Empress Xu, attempting to gain my favor. It’s clearly the handiwork of the Xu Family in Dengzhou. When Empress Xu passed away, the Xu Family was forbidden to send anyone else into the palace, so they did it through Ming for possibly another reason. Therefore, I had the Xu Family of Dengzhou investigated, but unexpectedly discovered the true reason for them sending Ming into the palace."

The Fourth Prince Uncle, observing the Emperor’s deepening frown, was also quite puzzled by these matters.

How could it be linked to the Empress Xu, dead for three years?

"Your Majesty, what is the reason?"

"The Xu Family insists that Empress Xu was murdered."

The Fourth Prince Uncle was greatly shocked.

For a nation’s Empress to be murdered, such an allegation cannot allow for even the slightest error.

If indeed true, then the perpetrator’s entire clan would face execution.

Who would dare, or have the resolve, to commit such an act?

For a while, he also fell into deep thought.

"Does the Xu Family have any evidence?"

"None. At the time, Nanny Lin and Eunuch Sun, who served Empress Xu, had retired; the remaining four Chief Palace Maids entered the Imperial Mausoleum, accompanying the Empress’s phoenix coffin with green lanterns and Buddhist prayers. But a year ago, Eunuch Sun died."

The death of a retired Palace Attendant was not significant.

Why would the Xu Family harbor such thoughts?

"So, did Eunuch Sun leave anything for them before his death?"

The Emperor shook his head again.

He knew little of the matter, most of which had been investigated by the Classical Examination Department.

It was known that the Xu Family had contact with Eunuch Sun, and then began firmly asserting that Empress Xu was murdered.

This led them to make every effort to send Ming Hanzhi into the palace, meant to plead injustice before the Emperor.

However, they didn’t expect that Ming quickly climbed in rank, though merely as a scapegoat.

She couldn’t speak at the imperial court.

Therefore, using the Taishan trip as a pretext, the Emperor intentionally sought out the Fourth Prince Uncle.

For the purpose of avoiding Prince Zhan Mansion and other courtiers, and to investigate the Xu Family’s affairs thoroughly.

If false, then both the Xu Family and Ming must be removed.

If true...

To think that even an Empress could be harmed—does that mean the early deceased Eldest Prince and the poisoned Second Prince might also have been victims?

With these thoughts, the Emperor was filled with rage.

Yet he had to suppress his anger, transforming it all into invisibility.

The Fourth Prince Uncle, seeing the Emperor’s expression, understood a great deal.

He immediately solemnly cupped his fists and said,

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. I will spare no effort to uncover the truth of this matter."

"In that case, I will trouble you, Uncle."

The Fourth Prince Uncle nodded, without a hint of evasion.

Though this surely entailed many imperial family secrets, he was not afraid.

These shadowy tricks were nothing in front of him.

Within the room, the uncle and nephew discussed the Xu Family matter for quite some time.

Outside, the Personal Guards all wore serious expressions and maintained a tight watch.

Since Lin Xingzhi joined the Imperial Armor Army, he finally found a place to demonstrate his skills.

He had garnered the Fourth Prince Uncle’s appreciation several times; otherwise, he would not have risen so quickly.

Though still a personal guard, he already held a minor position among them.

However, compared to the Second Branch, this fledgling rank was still too small.

If he was to support the entire First Branch, he needed to strive even harder.

Standing firm, his expression was exceptionally determined.

Dong Yuzhong watched from the side, finding himself impressed by this Young Master of the Lin Family.

These days, he served by the Emperor’s side, naturally learning much about the Lin Family’s affairs.

The life First Branch led indeed nurtured two promising talents in adversity.

Few were as favored by the Emperor as Lin Guiren.

There were also few noble descendants as willing to endure hardship as Young Master Lin.

Yet, many words must not be said unless the Emperor initiated; he dared not speak lightly.

If accused of currying favor with the powerful, where would his reputation be?

Therefore, he had praise but did not express it.

Lin Xingzhi, though rough on the exterior, was shrewd at heart.

Especially the knack for observing and deducing, honed for years within the household.

Seeing that Mr. Dong gazed at him a few more times.

He felt slightly concerned.

Could it be about discussing Qianqian’s matters in the palace?

In the military camp, he rarely heard about happenings at home, let alone in the palace.

So he thought, if the opportunity presented itself, he should inquire with Mr. Dong to ease his worries.

While thinking, he noticed that the Fourth Prince Uncle came out.

When he entered, he hurried.

Upon exiting, he seemed much more composed.

Lin Xingzhi, lifting his head, met the Emperor’s gaze straight on.

But Lin Xingzhi quickly looked away.

As a mere soldier, how could he have the audacity to stare at the Emperor like that?

Just then, the Fourth Prince Uncle suddenly said,

"Feng Qi."

"At your command."

"For the next few days, lead a team and integrate with the Imperial Guard to protect the Emperor’s safety."

"Yes, I obey the command."

This Lord Feng Qi was the leader of the Green Team during the dragon boat race.

Currently serving as the Personal Guard Captain beside the Fourth Prince Uncle.

Lin Xingzhi and Jiang Huanqing were both his subordinates and naturally followed the order, joining the Imperial Guard together.

This immediately elevated their statuses significantly.

Being part of the Imperial Guard by the Emperor’s side was no trivial matter.

Walking daily before the Emperor, if he favored you, would not a meteoric rise be imminent?

Thus, many nobles crowded their sons and grandsons into the Imperial Guard.

But only a few could become Imperial Guard members.

If one lacked real ability, it wouldn’t be a swift rise but a disaster for the family.