Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 351: Searching the Prince Mansion

"If one’s conduct is upright, one need not fear a slanted shadow. Let the Emperor see for himself how the so-called grace bestowed by Prince Zhan, granting me the position of Princess Consort, truly appears!"

This is the heart-striking blow that Princess Consort Zhan desires.

There’s no need to compare outside with other Princess Consorts; merely looking at her courtyard compared to Consort Wei’s courtyard makes it clear at a glance.

In this world, there’s no rationale in calling black white, nor any rule in falsely accusing white as black.

Today, if she cannot.pull Prince Zhan down, even dying on this grand hall would be something she’d willingly accept!

"Alright, since Princess Consort Zhan and Second Prince Consort have been quite startled today, go and rest in the side hall first. We’ll summon an Imperial Physician to examine Second Prince Consort’s injuries, to avoid any misunderstandings with Xidi."

After the Emperor spoke, the court officials were reminded.

This was no longer merely a family matter, but a national affair being mixed in.

Prince Zhan gritted his teeth in hatred at this moment.

If he had known today would come, he should have delivered a bowl of medicine to send the mother and daughter to Western Heaven back then.

Better than now, when people tread on his sore spot.

Now, the only hope lies with Consort Wei. She is usually extremely cautious; I hope she won’t be deceived.

In front of Prince Zhan Mansion, hundreds of Imperial Guards surrounded the large residence tightly.

Not a single person, not even a dog, could get out.

Fourth Prince led the way; looking at the three words "Prince Zhan Mansion," he felt utter disgrace.

An insult to the Royal Family’s reputation.

Afterward, he solemnly addressed the hundreds of Imperial Guards standing behind him.

"Search! Do not overlook a single place!"

"Yes!"

Lin Xingzhi led the team, being the first to enter the mansion.

The servants who previously looked down upon others now trembled and knelt on the ground after seeing the commotion.

Forget about sending signals; even running a few steps would lead to arrest!

Who would willingly go against their own life?

Thus, when Lin Xingzhi led the search and stormed into Consort Wei’s courtyard, he was indeed taken aback.

Previously he thought Ronghe Hall in the Prime Minister’s Mansion was the pinnacle of luxury, but after seeing his sister’s Yihua Palace, he realized there are mountains beyond mountains, people beyond people.

However, all of these were insignificant when compared to the courtyard of Consort Wei.

The Nine-tailed Golden Carp, which Princess Rongkang cherished immensely, swam in thousands in the artificial mountain pond of this courtyard.

And in the cold of winter, nearing the New Year.

The water was still flowing, indicating it was specially supplied with hot spring water.

Although this might not be much, in Lin Xingzhi’s eyes, something felt different here.

Later, he said to the people beside him.

"Go to the Astronomical Bureau and invite the Director and my father over, saying there’s a matter at the mansion they need to check."

The guards were puzzled, but orders from their leader were always executed wholeheartedly.

So, they hurried out, heading straight for the Astronomical Bureau.

Originally taking a noon nap, Consort Wei was now awakened by the commotion outside.

She called for her maidservants several times, but there was no response.

Her suspicions arose instantly.

After thinking for a while, she activated a few secret mechanisms in the small cabinet by the bedside, then got up to dress.

Indeed, a woman’s intuition is the sharpest.

Once she stepped outside, she saw the courtyard filled with people.

Everyone who came was unfamiliar, but from their clothing, they were surely Imperial Guards from the palace.

Consort Wei and Lin Xingzhi had never met, so they couldn’t recognize each other.

But their reputations were mutually known, so she put on a smile and said.

"I wonder who this gentleman is? Visiting the mansion today, is there any significant matter?"

"I am Lin Xingzhi, an Imperial Guard at the royal court, tasked by the Emperor to inspect some old accounts at Prince Zhan Mansion. We request Consort Wei to facilitate the grouping of the servants. If you encounter any Imperial Guards, don’t blame us for being a bit heavy-handed."

"Of course, since the Emperor has commanded, soldiers should obey. However, the account book is with the steward; please permit me, General, to retrieve it."

Consort Wei truly demonstrated great composure, showing no ounce of fear despite being questioned by such a crowd of strangers.

Still maintaining such courteousness, she truly is formidable.

Lin Xingzhi thought thusly, but he wouldn’t give her any chances to tamper with things inside.

He then respectfully folded his arms and said.

"Please forgive us, Consort. Before coming here, I have already ordered someone to fetch it, saving you the trouble, Consort Wei. You only need to sit quietly and wait for the dust to settle."

Consort Wei was briefly taken aback but quickly composed herself.

She donned a generous smile and said. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

"As the General wishes."

Then she searched for a round stone stool in the courtyard and sat down, so calmly that Lin Xingzhi almost thought that Princess Consort Zhan was mistaken.

She showed no fear of being searched, indicating the account books on the surface must be meticulously done; even if there were a few mistakes, it probably wouldn’t be a major issue.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so composed.

With this in mind, Lin Xingzhi knew he had to continue with appearances.

Thus, he ordered a thorough search.

Today’s Imperial Guards are unlike those of the past; they possess real skills.

Orders executed swiftly and accurately.

Soon, the entire Prince Zhan Mansion was turned upside down.

Except for extravagant items, only about ten thousand taels worth of things were found, nothing remarkable.

A large mansion with some savings isn’t a big issue.

The account books were similarly checked by specially brought accountants, and no discrepancies were found.

Everything matched Lin Xingzhi’s assumptions.

Consort Wei indeed possessed considerable prowess.

Yet on reflection, it makes sense; otherwise, how could she have enjoyed such favor for years?

If these things aren’t found, the heavy charges against Prince Zhan will reduce.

As long as he firmly claims not to have intentionally kicked his own son to death, it seems no one has a way.

Hence, a stalemate appeared.

Lin Xingzhi looked at Consort Wei, who was still calmly drinking tea, and felt a bit of admiration for this woman who remained composed even in danger.

At the very least, her demeanor in the face of peril was far superior to that of Prince Zhan.

Yet such a formidable woman, why did she have to remain below the Princess Consort for many years?

Lin Xingzhi felt confused.

But soon, his confusion had a resolution.

Because Lin Xingzhi’s father, Mr. Lin, the Vice Director of the Astronomical Bureau, arrived.

Upon seeing him, Consort Wei hesitated for a moment with her raised teacup.

Then, without leaving any trace, she continued drinking.

Clearly, the water in the cup was slightly shaking.

The presence of Astronomical Bureau personnel wasn’t inherently significant.

However, Consort Wei was very familiar with Mr. Lin’s reputation.

When Lin Xingzhi spontaneously called him "father," a wave of anxiety passed through her mind.

She had found an expert to set up the Feng Shui Formation, which was unbreakable.