"The Empress is devastated by the death of the Crown Prince, and I too am deeply distressed. From yesterday to today, I have had all the ministers accompany me in a tireless investigation to ascertain the cause of the Crown Prince’s death, leaving everyone physically and mentally exhausted. Now, the matter of the Crown Prince’s death will be handled by the Imperial Censorate."
All the royal family members and high officials knelt on the ground, saying, "Please, Your Majesty, take care of your health."
Xiao Zhanping nodded and then commanded sternly, "The funeral of the Crown Prince shall be managed by the Minister of Rites and be conducted with the grand rites of Daxuan. The Crown Prince had no children, let Chen Wang and Prince Xiao Jinyu guard the spirit of the Crown Prince, and let the whole nation mourn!"
"This son obeys the decree."
"Your servant obeys the decree."
After issuing the commands, Xiao Zhanping stood up from the Dragon Throne.
All knelt, bidding farewell to the Emperor, "Long live the Emperor, may he live for ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years."
When leaving, Xiao Zhanping spontaneously took Qingyuan’s hand and left together.
The relationship between the Emperor and the Empress over the years has been subtle and rare; seeing this scene is unusual.
It looked like the Emperor was showing affection to the Empress, but in reality, it was to let everyone know that he would not favor anyone in this matter with the Crown Prince and would certainly give the Empress an explanation.
Qingyuan naturally understood Xiao Zhanping’s intention; his display of affection was merely to persuade her to forgive Xiao Jinsen.
Not even think about it.
She would make Zhao Mengyu experience the same pain, having lost her son.
She absolutely would not let Zhao Mengyu trample over her!
The Emperor and Empress, along with their entourage, left.
The other important officials also left in order of seniority and importance.
Exiting the grand hall.
"Your Highness Chen!" Bai Mowan quickly approached Xiao Jinxing.
The two of them, naturally, must maintain a distance in the Imperial Palace.
"How are you feeling?" Bai Mowan asked anxiously.
Seeing the fresh blood on his back made her heartache endlessly.
"I’m fine," Xiao Jinxing said lightly.
His voice did not betray his discomfort.
"It hurts me to see you ," Bai Mowan said, her eyes reddening.
Xiao Jinxing chuckled reassuringly, "It’ll be better in a few days."
"But the Emperor is now commanding you to guard the spirit of the Crown Prince, when will you have time to tend to your wounds, when can you rest properly?" Bai Mowan argued somewhat agitatedly.
"Don’t worry, I will be fine."
"If something happens to you, I won’t live either," Bai Mowan said a bit petulantly.
Xiao Jinxing gave a warm smile, feeling somewhat comforted.
Ever since they were small, it has always been Wan’er who brought warmth to him.
"Promise me, never act so impulsively again in the future," Bai Mowan instructed, adding with a slight emotion, "You’re almost not the Brother Xing I know anymore."
Her memory of Xiao Jinxing certainly wouldn’t have him acting rashly, nor being so soft-hearted towards anyone, and even less likely to show his emotions openly.
Xiao Jinxing slightly pursed his lips, concealing some feelings.
"Alright, I won’t hold you up from going to guard the Crown Prince’s spirit any longer. The Emperor is still angry, if he takes it out on you again, I’d be heartbroken. You better go now," Bai Mowan urged.
"Alright," Xiao Jinxing nodded.
Then he turned around and left.
Bai Mowan watched Xiao Jinxing’s retreating figure, seeing the bloodstains behind him, her heart ached anew.
But recalling that they had killed the Crown Prince and framed Prince Chu, her heart felt somewhat relieved.
Not to say that Xiao Jinsen will definitely be found guilty, but having him go to the Imperial Censorate, making the Emperor wary of Xiao Jinsen, that’s considered a great success.
She turned and left the Imperial Palace.
Wu Xufan and Xiao Hezhen also left the Imperial Palace together.
After yesterday’s hunting combined with the Emperor’s inquiry into the Crown Prince’s death cause, everyone was utterly exhausted, naturally including Xiao Hezhen.
He dreaded that if he stayed in the grand hall any longer, he might faint.
Following Wu Xufan’s steps, they walked out of the Imperial Palace.
Just as they stepped out.
They saw a familiar figure.
Xiao Hezhen’s footsteps halted.
Wu Xufan also stopped, looking at Yuan Wenkang and then glancing back at Xiao Hezhen.
Xiao Hezhen quickly shifted his gaze away.
Not daring to take another look, he bowed his head and started to move past Yuan Wenkang.
Yuan Wenkang naturally saw both Wu Xufan and Xiao Hezhen, and he also dared not look around.
Moreover, at this moment, he was detained, unable to look around freely.
Since he had helped Prince Chen to injure the Imperial Guard and leave the palace, Prince Chen was flogged twenty times, and he suffered an even harsher punishment, now bearing wounds all over his body, drenched in blood. Of course, that was not enough; he was also to be taken into custody for further trial.