After Li Mu's downfall, Chancellor Lu Chuan was the sole remaining high official, effectively leading the ministers with unparalleled authority.
His reasoning and forceful approach compelled Emperor Chengjing to agree, despite any reluctance.
"Rest assured, Chancellor Lu, I will send a full search party for the Crown Prince. If anything happens to him, I wouldn't face the late Emperor or our ancestors."
"Your Majesty is wise!" Lu Chuan bowed respectfully. "I suggest sending Hu Daixu, Commander of the Capital Guards, known for his prudence, to lead the search."
Empress Li immediately signaled King Ming.
"Father, I am also willing to lead the search. The Crown Prince is my brother, and I am deeply worried," he said.
The Crown Princess stepped forward softly, "King Ming's intentions are kind, but the Crown Prince's uncertain fate already worries the Emperor and Empress. It's unwise to risk King Ming's safety. Commander Hu is reliable; he can handle the search. Besides, the cause of the horse's madness on the bridge must be investigated."
The sudden frenzy of the horse on the bridge, causing multiple carriages to topple and break the bridge, including those of Pei Yao, Fang Yun, and Hu Liangdi, necessitated an inquiry. Quick responses from the guards saved many lives.
But Hu Liangdi's maid, Xiaorong, wasn't retrieved, and other casualties were yet unaccounted for.
Such a significant incident required thorough investigation.
With the Crown Prince and Fang Yun missing, suspicion naturally fell on several individuals, including Empress Li, the Third Princess, King Ming, and even Emperor Chengjing.
When the Crown Princess suggested investigating the incident, the atmosphere shifted noticeably.
Empress Li glanced at the Crown Princess, then at King Ming, before quietly suggesting to Emperor Chengjing, "Your Majesty, the Crown Princess is right. The Capital Guards are reliable, and we should dispatch more personnel. This isn't a suitable place to stay. Let King Ming escort you back to the palace."
Emperor Chengjing, eager to leave and avoid further complications, nodded. "Very well, as the Empress suggests."
"Your Majesty, it's wise to return to the palace. I'll handle the search for the Crown Prince and accompany the injured Crown Princess," Lu Chuan proposed.
Emperor Chengjing hesitated, torn between eliminating Pei Yao and preserving his reputation. Looking for guidance, he turned to Empress Li, but Rui Pin spoke first.
"Your Majesty, Chancellor Lu is a reliable and experienced minister, and as the Crown Prince's father-in-law, he'll handle this matter with diligence. This will also prevent unwanted interference and speculation. Your Majesty's health is paramount; please return to the palace."
Rui Pin, with her gentle demeanor, persuaded the anxious Emperor Chengjing, who nodded.
"Very well, Chancellor Lu will handle this. I'll return to the palace."
Empress Li frowned but stayed silent. Once Emperor Chengjing boarded his carriage, she coldly admonished Rui Pin.
"The harem must not meddle in state affairs. Do not break this rule again."
"Thank you for the reminder, Your Majesty. I thought the rule no longer applied, seeing Your Majesty's involvement," Rui Pin replied nonchalantly, boarding her carriage.
The Third Princess, furious, whispered to Empress Li, "That brazen fox!"
"Your father's favor emboldens her. But we must focus on the Crown Prince now. Summon your brother to my carriage," Empress Li instructed.
Shortly, King Ming joined her.
"Mother, I've dispatched men to kill the Crown Prince, but there's no news yet," he reported.
Empress Li nodded, "This is fortunate. We only intended to scare Fang Yun but caught the Crown Prince instead. This is our chance to eliminate him quietly."
The plot to frighten Fang Yun spiraled out of control, causing serious damage and leading to Pei Yao and Fang Yun's fall into the river. Seizing the opportunity, Empress Li and King Ming aimed to kill Pei Yao.
As guards rescued the victims, Empress Li secretly ordered King Ming to send assassins to finish the job.
Pei Yao, recognizing the assailants, grew wary due to their association with King Ming.
Unaware that the assassins were already dead, Empress Li and King Ming continued plotting.
"Mother, Chancellor Lu is investigating the incident and sent Hu Daixu to search. His sister is the Crown Prince's concubine, so he'll side with him," King Ming worried.
"You must find and kill the Crown Prince first," Empress Li ordered coldly. "This is a rare chance. Hu Daixu is still in the city. You have time. The search party is led by our men under Chancellor Lu's command. You have over an hour."
King Ming nodded, but Empress Li grabbed his wrist, warning him sternly.
"Remember, kill Pei Yao immediately. No hesitation. Success requires ruthlessness. Reputation and appearances are secondary. Once you're Emperor, history will be written by you. Don't be indecisive like your father!"
"I understand, Mother!" King Ming, eyes gleaming with ambition, left to mobilize his men.
Meanwhile, a curtain in King Dun's carriage, following behind, was quietly lowered after King Ming departed.
YOU ARE READING
The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)
RomanceAuthor: Huatang Xiuge Translator: Me (Xiaobai) 东宫掌娇 Upon entering the Eastern Palace, Fang Yun lived cautiously, burdened by the label of a substitute bride and daughter of a traitor. She knew well that, as a daughter of low birth, she had been cas...
