Chapter 333: It Ends Here
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The white cloth was quite long, detailing all the crimes committed by Fifth Prince Qitian Yu.
The words seemed to cry out in blood, and there were many handprints covering the blank spaces.
Gu Qingluan explained, “Originally, with the Fifth Prince’s death, and out of consideration for the reputations of these young ladies, I didn’t want to reveal their involvement. However, Duke Dingbei and General Liu are pressing aggressively in favor of the Fifth Prince. Regrettably, 1 have no choice but to present this blood-written testimony to Your Majesty.”
Emperor Xuanzong descended from his dragon throne and examined the blood-written account with utmost seriousness.
The more he read, the darker his expression became, and his eyes nearly bulged out.
Liu Miaowu, suppressing his panic, coldly remarked, “What a joke! These things are the easiest to fabricate. Do you really think you can accuse the Fifth Prince solely based on this?”
As Emperor Xuanzong began to regain his composure, he replied ambiguously, “General Liu has a point. Gu Qingluan, do you have any other evidence?”
“I can arrange for representatives among those imprisoned women to testify.” “That could easily be people you’ve chosen!” Liu Miaowu retorted immediately.
Gu Qingluan nodded knowingly. “Indeed, that’s a possibility. Whether you believe it or not is up to you. However, I must remind you both: if these imprisoned women, some of whom come from prestigious families, learn that the Fifth Prince, who harmed them, hasn’t received the punishment he deserves and is even being protected, they will undoubtedly feel aggrieved, possibly losing their rationality. Whether this poses a threat to the Chengyuan Kingdom is yet uncertain, but Duke Dingbei and General Liu will certainly face suppression or even annihilation.”
She smiled faintly, appreciating the drastic change in Duke Dingbei and his son’s expressions. “I’m merely offering a friendly warning. If you have nothing to fear, then you can ignore my words. In any case, I’ve presented the evidence. Whether you believe it or not is your choice.”
Duke Dingbei exchanged glances with his son.
He was completely unaware of Qitian Yu’s actions, but judging from Liu Miaowu’s reaction earlier, it seemed like he knew something.
If what Gu Qingluan said was true, they would have to carefully consider their next steps.
The Dingbei Residence couldn’t be ruined because of one person, even if that person was his grandson.
Liu Miaowu’s eyes flickered, and he dared not meet his father’s gaze.
Now, Duke Dingbei understood everything. His son and grandson had done something incredibly foolish without his knowledge.
Why didn’t you tell me sooner?!
Duke Dingbei glared at his son, filled with frustration.
If he had known earlier, he could have made preparations in advance, avoiding the current predicament.
In his heart, Liu Miaowu thought, “How could I dare to inform you, Old Master? If you knew, you might have broken our legs.”
With matters having come to this point, saying more was pointless.
Duke Dingbei closed his eyes, and in an instant, he seemed to age several years.
After a moment, he opened his eyes, no longer as sharp as before.
“Whether this matter is true or false cannot be determined based solely on Miss Gu’s words and a mysterious blood-written letter. The person in question has already passed away, and pursuing this matter further won’t bring them back to life. Therefore, let this matter rest here!”
“Dad…” Liu Miaowu was shocked. His father was giving up on seeking revenge?
Duke Dingbei looked at his son with iron-like eyes, expressing his displeasure.
Realizing his father’s resentment towards him, Liu Miaowu shrank back in fear.
Emperor Xuanzong wasn’t foolish; he understood Duke Dingbei’s attitude and knew that what Gu Qingluan had said was true. He was also deeply angered at the Fifth Prince.
However, the person was already dead, and pursuing it further would yield no results.
Moreover, if this matter were to be made public, it would deal a significant blow to the royal family’s reputation. It was better to keep it hidden.
Emperor Xuanzong looked at Gu Qingluan and said, “Gu Qingluan, since Duke Dingbei has decided not to pursue this any further, what should we do with this blood-written letter?”