Meng Qianqian and Lu Yuan rose and left Chen Long’s courtyard.
Under the moonlight, Chen Long’s fingers resting on the stone table slightly twitched.
The news of a traitor within the Twelve Guards spread quickly, and within merely two days, the streets and alleys of the Capital City were all abuzz about Shen Hou’s betrayal.
Alongside this, rumors about Lady Chu’s wrongful accusation began to circulate.
It turned out that Chu Grand Marshal was not killed by Lady Chu, nor was the Chu Family’s residence burned down by her hand.
The real culprit was someone else.
As for whether Shen Hou acted alone or was merely one among several perpetrators, that was still unknown.
The Supreme Emperor placed a white stone on the chessboard and let out a long sigh: "Lu Yuan, Lu Yuan, you really are grilling me over the fire."
Lu Yuan gathered his wide sleeves, his slender jade-like fingers gracefully picking up a black stone from the bowl and placing it on the chessboard with composed elegance.
"What does Your Majesty mean by this? This humble servant is truly bewildered."
The Supreme Emperor sighed deeply: "Don’t feign ignorance before me. Can you honestly say the rumors outside weren’t spread by your manipulation? With your Miao King grandfather backing you, you’re acting without fear."
Lu Yuan already knew his grandfather was the Miao King, but in all honesty, he had made his decisions before learning of his lineage the following day.
Yet, even if he explained this, no one would believe him.
The Supreme Emperor continued, "I honestly didn’t expect you to come from such an esteemed background. Still, no matter how magnificent your pedigree, you cannot drag my son into prison."
He had thoroughly investigated and found that the imprisonment from that night was entirely a scheme concocted by the grandson and grandfather duo. His son had been innocently implicated, becoming the first Emperor in history to be thrown into prison.
Lu Yuan withdrew his hands and knelt, placing them respectfully on his thighs, a posture full of deference: "This humble servant deserves a thousand deaths."
The Supreme Emperor glared at him: "I’m no stranger to you. Where is that arrogance you displayed when you had me under house arrest back then?"
Lu Yuan sighed: "Did I not nearly lose my life at your hands?"
The Supreme Emperor shook his head with a smile: "You are cunning."
Lu Yuan remained silent.
The Supreme Emperor then placed another chess piece and shifted the topic: "You must have long known. It was the Crown Prince who ruined the Chu Family. I refuse to overturn the case—not just out of selfishness as a father but also for the stability of the empire."
Lu Yuan placed another stone: "Has Your Majesty ever wondered how the Crown Prince learned of King Chu’s lineage back then? Or how he managed such far-reaching schemes?"
The Supreme Emperor replied: "You were the Crown Prince’s adviser. You tell me."
Lu Yuan responded, "This humble servant does not know."
The Supreme Emperor fixed his gaze on Lu Yuan. After a moment, he lowered his eyes and placed another chess piece: "Must the case for Lady Chu be reopened?"
Lu Yuan met the Supreme Emperor’s probing stare and declared solemnly, "I wish for there to be no more wrongful cases in this world, and no more injustice in this realm."
The Supreme Emperor looked away: "I almost thought she was someone important to you."
Lu Yuan earnestly said, "I beseech Your Majesty to reinvestigate this case."
The Supreme Emperor had known Lu Yuan for many years. He’d seen Lu Yuan bowing and scraping before others and also witnessed his versatility and charm. Yet, during those times, even when his demeanor was submissive, his spirit remained untamed.
No amount of oppression or humiliation had ever bent his unyielding resolve.
But now, at this very moment, the Supreme Emperor sensed sincerity in this young man’s plea.
No lofty rhetoric, no weighing of pros and cons—there was only his unwavering determination.
He truly intended to overturn the case.
The Supreme Emperor closed his eyes briefly: "If Chu Nan were still alive, he would be about your age. Ten days from now is the grand wedding of the Emperor and Empress. Your Imperial Guard will escort the Empress into the palace. If you can ensure the wedding’s smooth completion, then I will agree to reopen this case."