Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 350: The Final Strike

Seeing this, the people of Prince Zhan’s faction felt a sense of inevitable doom.

There were one or two who wanted to step out and make a desperate struggle, but were reprimanded by the Fourth Prince!

"Our dynasty has always governed the empire with filial piety. People say fatherly kindness engenders filial children, yet as a prince of Da Wei, Prince Zhan not only failed to set an example but also acted inhumanely, kicking his own son to death—a truly unheard-of scandal!"

"Not only that, Prince Zhan, in front of many citizens, whipped the mother of my wife. If my wife hadn’t intercepted the whip, her mother wouldn’t have lived to see the Emperor today. I implore the Emperor to act on behalf of my wife and her mother!"

The speaker was Yu Wenjie.

Her body was also covered in bloodstains, but until now, no one had focused on her.

However, at this moment, the horrifying whip wounds were visible.

The brutality was evident.

Prince Zhan was indeed accustomed to wielding power recklessly, without any discretion.

Otherwise, people wouldn’t consistently gather evidence against him and reveal everything at once.

Now, the proof is irrefutable.

Even if he wants to deny it, he cannot.

"Prince Zhan, do you acknowledge your crimes?"

Prince Zhan fervently shook his head; the more he shook, the more it hurt.

But at this moment, preserving his life was more important than considering the pain.

The Emperor glanced at Lin Xingzhi, then released the acupoint fixation.

Prince Zhan gained his freedom and finally spoke.

He repeatedly addressed the Emperor.

"I am wronged, ever since the marriage alliance with Shunyi Earl Mansion, my household disputes have never ceased. First, my elder sister was insulted, then my father was infuriated to the point of coughing blood. All these things were caused by Shunyi and Rongchang families. How can I not be benevolent for allowing such an enemy’s daughter to live and retain the position of Princess Consort?"

"Moreover, sending my daughter into the palace to marry on behalf of the Princess was approved by the mother and daughter themselves. If they objected, why didn’t they protest then? Now they bring it up to purposefully set me up!"

"I went to the post station intending to bring the Princess Consort back home, but who knew that unworthy descendant would use these so-called evidences to threaten me, forcing me to divorce, resulting in my accidental kicking of him. Even a tiger does not eat its own cubs; I am not cruel-hearted enough to intentionally kick my own son to death."

"And those so-called evidences are baseless accusations, wrongly charging me! Shunyi and Rongchang families have disliked Prince Zhan Mansion for not just a day nor two; they are the ones instigating this from behind! I beg the Emperor to discern wisely!"

He indeed had skilled debating abilities.

Responding to each accusation, he attributed all affairs to past grievances. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Furthermore, he took advantage of their past reluctance, using it to rub salt in their wounds.

Upon hearing his "explanation," Prince Zhan’s faction also began to speak in his favor.

One moment praising Prince Zhan’s dedication to the country over the years, another moment recalling the past favor and royal grace towards Prince Zhan Mansion.

In summary, they endlessly lauded past achievements, hoping to solicit mercy from the Emperor.

Not realizing, their words were accelerating Prince Zhan’s downfall.

In the Emperor’s heart, he deeply disliked this segment of the past.

But they were unaware.

Observing the few who stood up to speak for Prince Zhan, the Emperor had his resolution.

Previously not exterminating Prince Zhan’s faction was intentional.

He aimed to avoid alerting the enemy prematurely.

Today, more undiscovered faction members were fished out, yielding substantial gains.

The Emperor had not responded; Princess Consort Zhan became anxious.

She could not accept sacrificing her son’s life and future prospects for such a result.

Unconvinced, she continued pleading.

"Emperor, there is yet another matter unspoken. Prince Zhan Mansion has a private vault managed by Consort Wei. The specific amount of gold and silver stored is unknown to me, but years ago, I inadvertently found an account book showing a deposit of 1,460,000 taels on July 26th of thirteen years ago. The enormity of the sum is imaginable, I urge the Emperor to investigate, granting justice for my family and the people!"

This issue had been buried in Princess Consort Zhan’s heart for years.

It was precisely this unintentional discovery that revealed Prince Zhan Mansion’s illegitimate dealings.

However, constrained by her lack of power and connections, merely knowing the amount and date was of little use.

Yet today in court, she divulged everything, aiming to nail Prince Zhan.

Thus, the more charges the better!

Given his inflated ambition, there may be more sordid matters in the household!

If given a reason to investigate Prince Zhan Mansion, she believed various flaws would surface.

Upon hearing this, Prince Zhan’s expression indeed darkened.

When he arrived, he had not expected to be brought directly to the palace, thus leaving many matters unarranged.

If a thorough investigation were conducted, troubles might ensue.

The Emperor keenly observed Prince Zhan’s changing expressions, understanding internally.

The investigation’s results were secondary; obtaining the legitimate opportunity to search the mansion, provided by Princess Consort Zhan, was crucial.

At that point, pertinent or impertinent evidence will easily "surface."

Just like when he manipulated all the blame onto the Lan Family—it’s the same principle.

Using one’s tactics against them.

The Emperor was even more adept in handling such matters!

After a long silence, he finally spoke.

"Fourth Prince Uncle, Yulin General, Prime Minister Lin."

"I am present!"

"I am present."

"I am present!"

"To prevent national pillars from wrongful accusation, I command you three to examine Prince Mansion. Make sure not to overlook any evidence nor falsely accuse anyone from Prince Zhan Mansion, understand?"

"Yes, we obey the decree."

Among the investigators, the Fourth Prince had always clashed with Prince Zhan.

However, Prime Minister Lin was Prince Zhan’s brother-in-law, and Lin Xingzhi was his grandson.

These entangled relationships left the courtiers unable to discern.

Was the Emperor truly intent on investigating Prince Zhan Mansion or letting him go?

Soon, those who rushed to take sides became anxious.

Regretting their impatience; should they be implicated, it’d be their own doing.

Foolish!

Tremendously foolish!

Therefore, those who were bold in integrity withdrew a few steps.

Only to find surrounding courtiers deliberately distancing themselves.

Leaving them conspicuously isolated.

This left them without even a place to mourn.

Upon hearing the decision to search the mansion, Princess Consort Zhan promptly proposed.

"Why not start the search from my courtyard, Emperor?"