Chapter 451: Announcement
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The Emperor shared the investigation’s findings with the elderly duke. The elderly duke’s sentiments echoed those of the Empress Dowager, but his manner of expression was more tactful, given his status as a minister. He acknowledged that he couldn’t compare to the Empress Dowager in influence.
The elderly duke earnestly reminded the Emperor, “Your Majesty, do you still recall that before your ascension to the throne, you ordered the death of the General Manor’s grandson? I played a significant role in that matter.”
The General Manor’s grandson, who was also the Emperor’s fifth brother, had been a formidable contender in the succession battle. With the assistance of the elderly duke, the Emperor had orchestrated an assassination against him. At the time, the General Manor had suspicions but lacked concrete evidence pointing to the Emperor’s involvement. Eventually, by marrying a young lady from the General Manor who bore the Third Prince, some tensions were alleviated in their relationship.
However, following the death of the Third Prince’s mother and the ongoing mystery surrounding the Third Prince’s health, the General Manor’s faith in the Emperor had waned significantly. A hint of animosity had even developed. The Emperor nodded in acknowledgment and admitted, “I do remember.”
The elderly duke continued, “Then you can comprehend the reasons behind the Crown Prince’s actions. He had no choice but to prioritize his goals over fraternal bonds.’
After a brief moment of reflection, the elderly duke proposed a new idea. “I believe that you should not overly favor the Third Prince. It might be wise to send him outside for training.”
“I should refrain from remaining in the capital and overseeing his affairs.”
“I’m concerned that if the Third Prince gains influence, it could lead to divisions within the court.”
“You yourself might even become his adversary.”
The Emperor found the elderly duke’s words to be reasonable. Given that the Third Prince had no desire to remain in the capital, it seemed prudent to permit him to go where he wished, thereby removing him from the tumultuous political environment.
“Very well, I will arrange for the Third Prince’s departure tomorrow.”
The elderly duke offered a reminder, “You must also consider the Crown Prince and the Empress.”
As for how to handle the fifth princess, that matter was not his concern. The Public House’s primary objective was to protect the Crown Prince.
However, the Emperor did not immediately acquiesce to the elderly duke’s suggestion regarding the departure of the Crown Prince and the Empress. “We can discuss their situation in a few days.”
The enigmatic Black Panther Hall posed a considerable challenge, as it remained well-concealed. Eradicating its members was a daunting task, and the Emperor couldn’t help but feel a sense of frustration when considering the possibility that the master of the Black Panther Hall might be a remnant of the previous dynasty.
Two days later, the royal family released the investigation results and issued a public announcement.
The announcement revealed that the fifth princess had been set up by unknown parties, and she had no connection to the man in question.
Concerning the allegations surrounding the fifth princess’s tumultuous personal life, the claims were discredited as baseless rumors.
It was disclosed that the party responsible for harming the fifth princess was none other than the Black Panther Hall, which had connections to remnants of the previous dynasty. Their actions were, in reality, a provocative act against the imperial family.
The fifth princess vowed that, once the culprit was apprehended and brought to justice, she would willingly embrace a life of monasticism, dedicating herself to the path of virtue.
The public announcement effectively elicited sympathy for the fifth princess from a portion of the populace.
Conversations circulated widely.
“We spent days discussing the fifth princess’s supposed chaotic personal life, but now the truth has come to light.”
“It turns out the fifth princess is the true victim here.” “This just shows that we shouldn’t readily believe in rumors.” “The fifth princess has truly been plagued by misfortune.”
“She was the unfortunate target of the schemers.”
“In reality, this is not the fifth princess’s fault, and there’s no need for her to take vows as a nun.”
“But the official announcement states that the fifth princess has made that decision.”
In the midst of these discussions, there were individuals who found amusement in the situation.
The royal family seemed to possess the remarkable ability to alter the narrative entirely.
People recalled the fifth princess embracing the handsome man at the time, praising his performance and declaring, “You were outstanding today. I’ve decided to keep you!”
Her previous harsh words now seemed ironic, given her current status as a victim..