The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 246 - Punishment by Law

"Prince... Crown Prince," Emperor Chengjing stammered, his voice trembling.

Pei Yao respectfully bowed, "Your nephew greets Your Majesty."

Hearing Pei Yao's familiar voice, Emperor Chengjing finally believed Pei Yao had truly returned unharmed. His legs wobbled, almost collapsing, but the quick reflexes of the nearby eunuch prevented him from falling.

Steadying himself, Emperor Chengjing tried to mask his real emotions, adopting an expression of long-held worry and letting out a sigh of relief.

"It is good, very good, that you have returned safely. I have been unable to sleep, constantly worried about how I would explain to the late Emperor if something had happened to you. But why did you not inform me first and come directly to the court?" Emperor Chengjing said, trying to hide his true feelings.

Pei Yao had been waiting for this question. He replied, "Your Majesty, you care for me, but you do not know the hardship I have endured. Someone took advantage of the chaos to attempt to take my life!"

By now, all the civil and military officials had gathered in the hall for the morning court session. They were stunned to see Pei Yao and even more shocked by his accusation, turning their eyes towards King Ming.

King Ming felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles, trying to appear calm but looking stiff and uneasy.

Emperor Chengjing, too, felt the tension. He scanned the gathered officials, then ascended the steps and took his seat on the dragon throne, trying to regain his composure.

"Such a serious matter cannot be concluded lightly. Explain what happened in detail," Emperor Chengjing demanded, though Pei Yao could sense his distaste.

Pei Yao glanced at King Ming, then, with a sorrowful expression, spoke loudly, "Your Majesty, King Ming took advantage of my fall into the river to attempt to murder me. I have both physical evidence and witnesses. Were it not for King Ming's interference, I would have returned to the capital days ago. I plead for your clear judgment!"

Emperor Chengjing's face paled, while King Ming immediately stood up, pointing at Pei Yao and shouting, "You lie! You have always seen me as an enemy, plotting against me. I had no part in your fall. How dare you accuse me of such a crime!"

Chancellor Lu stepped forward and proclaimed, "Your Majesty, I have evidence. While searching for the Crown Prince, I found guards not sent by myself or Commander Hu. Upon investigation, these were indeed King Ming's guards. You appointed us to oversee the search and the investigation of the incident. Why would King Ming secretly send his men?"

Commander Hu followed, "Your Majesty, during the search, I found signs of a struggle and uncleaned bloodstains in the woods by the Xiang River. However, no one was injured on the spot, indicating someone cleaned up. According to the Crown Prince, he and Fang Liangdi were attacked by four of King Ming's guards upon reaching the shore, narrowly escaping. These accounts match."

The increasing testimonies from Chancellor Lu and Commander Hu stirred murmurs among the officials.

Seeing this, Minister Liu Minghe, King Ming's father-in-law, stepped up, "Your Majesty, King Ming has always respected the Crown Prince. He was the first to lead a search party when the Crown Prince fell into the river. His intent in sending men was surely to assist, not harm. Commander Hu's claims lack concrete evidence and seem hasty."

Following closely, Fang Hongshen also spoke.

"Crown Prince, though you faced danger, you mustn't hastily accuse King Ming of attempted murder. Chancellor Lu's investigation revealed that the carriage driver, drunk, failed to handle the horses properly, leading to the accident. How could King Ming foresee such events? If you were attacked, it might be an attempt to frame King Ming. Please, Your Majesty, consider this carefully!" argued one of King Ming's supporters.

The court split into factions, each side defending their stance.

Emperor Chengjing furrowed his brows and turned to Pei Yao. "Crown Prince, are you certain it was King Ming? This is a grave matter. Do not speak without evidence. I worry for you, but you mustn't wrongly accuse others."

Pei Yao felt disgusted by the Emperor's apparent bias, knowing he favored his son. Deciding to present his evidence, Pei Yao stated, "I have witnesses. Your Majesty will see."

He signaled Hu Daixu, who swiftly exited the hall and returned with the capital guards, escorting about ten men, including the scholar Liu Qin.

The detainees wore the uniforms of King Ming's guards, their swords confiscated. Among them, leading the group, was Zhang Jing'an, causing King Ming to blanch.

Recognizing Zhang Jing'an, some officials whispered in shock.

Liu Qin stepped forward and bowed to Emperor Chengjing. "I, Liu Qin, a commoner, testify for the Crown Prince. King Ming repeatedly sent men to kill him. The first attack was when the Crown Prince and Fang Liangdi initially fell into the river, escaping by luck with my father's rescue. The second was when King Ming's guards, under the guise of searching for bandits, attempted to murder the Crown Prince. Fortunately, we had a cellar to hide him. I witnessed King Ming's intent to kill the Crown Prince!"

Emperor Chengjing's face turned ashen, his lips colorless and pressed tight.

Hu Daixu nudged Zhang Jing'an, who gritted his teeth, glanced at King Ming, then knelt and confessed loudly, "I, Zhang Jing'an, a sinner, greet Your Majesty. I testify that King Ming intended to murder the Crown Prince, secretly sending men among the search guards to find and kill him first. All present guards can confirm. King Ming offered a reward for the Crown Prince's head, promising wealth and high rank to anyone who brought it to him!"

Liu Qin's testimony stirred the court, but Zhang Jing'an's confession shattered any semblance of calm, shocking everyone.

King Ming couldn't believe Zhang Jing'an's betrayal. Fury surged, his face reddening and veins bulging as he stormed forward and kicked Zhang Jing'an hard in the shoulder.

"Traitor! How dare you betray me! I'll kill you!" King Ming roared.

Fang Hongshen and Liu Minghe tried to intervene but couldn't stop him. Hearing King Ming say "betray," their faces turned pale with dread.

Chancellor Lu seized the moment and addressed Emperor Chengjing loudly, "Your Majesty, did you hear that? King Ming accused him of betrayal, proving his words are true. The Crown Prince is a deputy ruler, and King Ming, as a subject, has committed treason by plotting against him. This crime is punishable by death under the law!"