The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 247 - Confined Awaiting Investigation

Chancellor Lu's voice overpowered King Ming's furious shouts, clearly heard by everyone in the hall.

Rebellion and treason, punishable by death under the law.

These words silenced the Golden Hall.

Fearful, King Ming instinctively looked to Emperor Chengjing for help, his face pale and body trembling.

"F-Father, I did not—"

King Ming's weak protests went ignored by Pei Yao, who turned resolutely to Emperor Chengjing.

"Your Majesty, I was raised without parents, relying solely on your care. In my heart, King Ming, King Dun, and I are all your sons. But while I view King Ming as my blood brother, he harbors malicious intent, seeking my life. If left unpunished, how will the people view royal conduct? How will they see you, Your Majesty?"

Pei Yao glanced coldly at King Ming and his supporters.

"While some may not say it openly, I know many in court see you, Your Majesty, as biased, treating me as an outsider and favoring your son. But I believe you treat us equally, and I vow to be a dutiful son."

Pei Yao's sharp gaze fixed on Emperor Chengjing, leaving no room for evasion.

Even the slowest could understand Pei Yao's underlying message. He was effectively cornering Emperor Chengjing—if he continued to favor King Ming, he would be seen as unjust and treacherous, harming his nephew to benefit his son.

A hypocrite who valued his image above all, Emperor Chengjing feared public condemnation and losing his dignity. He had long avoided direct actions against Pei Yao, preferring to watch his sons compete from the shadows.

Pei Yao's public promise of filial piety was both a threat and an incentive, ensuring his actions would be noted by the entire court.

Sweating and swallowing nervously, Emperor Chengjing was torn between Pei Yao's unyielding pressure and King Ming's desperate plea for help.

Executing King Ming would earn him a good reputation, reconcile with Pei Yao, and placate the Crown Prince's supporters led by Chancellor Lu. Yet, King Ming was his eldest son, his preferred heir, influenced by Empress Li's teachings.

"Your Majesty, please decide quickly!" urged Chancellor Lu.

Following Chancellor Lu's call, over half the officials in court stood, demanding Emperor Chengjing make a decision. Most were Pei Yao's supporters, with some neutral officials siding with him after witnessing the events unfold.

When a monarch orders a subject's death, the subject must comply. But united subjects can pressure the monarch.

Listening to the officials' pleas, King Ming's face turned pale with rage and desperation, his eyes filled with venom as he glared at Pei Yao.

Fortunately, Fang Hongshen noticed and quickly restrained him, whispering, "Your Highness, do not act rashly. There is still room for maneuver."

Not strong-willed, King Ming reluctantly held back, biting his lip.

Fang Hongshen knelt, "Your Majesty, plotting against the Crown Prince is a grave crime. We cannot conclude hastily. These witnesses' credibility is uncertain. Please order a thorough investigation before making a judgment."

This plea was meant to buy time for King Ming.

But Pei Yao expected this move. King Ming needed time to fabricate evidence proving his innocence to evade punishment.

Pei Yao was prepared to drag out the confrontation, confident in his position.

Seeing Pei Yao remain silent, Emperor Chengjing, still reluctant to condemn his son, seized the opportunity to agree.

"Very well. Order the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Court to investigate thoroughly. King Ming is confined to his residence. No one in the household may enter or leave without permission."

This temporarily stabilized the situation.

King Ming was escorted back to his mansion, surrounded by guards. The court, sensing the unpredictable storm, remained cautious.

Meanwhile, in the harem, Empress Li and the Third Princess were discussing wedding plans.

While the wedding preparations with the Jinrong Marquis's residence were ongoing, despite the lack of honor, Empress Li's trusted eunuch rushed in, panicked, to report what had transpired in the court.

Upon hearing the news, Empress Li sprang to her feet, grasping the eunuch's shoulders in disbelief. "What did you say? What happened to King Ming and the Crown Prince?"

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is alive. He returned and captured witnesses proving King Ming's attempt to murder him. Now, King Ming is confined to his residence by the Emperor's decree."

"Impossible!" Empress Li exclaimed, stepping back in shock. "I ordered Zicheng to guard the gates. How did Pei Yao sneak into the city?"

"Mother," the Third Princess urged, supporting her, "we must save my brother. Let's plead with Father and gather support from the ministers."

Regaining some composure, Empress Li rushed to find Emperor Chengjing.

However, Rui Pin had arrived first, presenting the Fifth Prince to the Emperor. Ignoring them in her urgency, Empress Li barged in.

The Emperor, smiling and holding the infant, frowned upon seeing her. Empress Li knelt immediately.

"Your Majesty, King Ming would never harm the Crown Prince. This must be a misunderstanding. For years, the Crown Prince has viewed King Ming as an enemy, always scheming against him. There must be another explanation!"

"Empress."

Rui Pin bowed and softly reminded her, "The harem must not interfere in state affairs. As the Empress, you should set an example. The Emperor will judge the matter. By intervening, you complicate things. If King Ming is innocent, why fear the Emperor's decision? The truth will prevail."

Furious and desperate, Empress Li lunged at Rui Pin.

"Wretch! How dare you lecture me!"

"Ah—"