Deep within Prince Zhuang’s eyes flashed a look of decisiveness, yet his expression was apprehensive as he said, "Eunuch, Father Emperor is unwell, and because of my affairs, he’s been angered again. I feel uneasy in my heart; I must enter the palace to see Father Emperor!"

Eunuch Feng replied, "Your Highness, the Emperor has decreed that you are to remain confined within Prince Zhuang Mansion, to reflect behind closed doors, and are not permitted to enter the palace for two months!"

In his heart, he felt some disdain. The Holy Decree concerning the deposed Crown Prince had reached his hands, and the edict was about to be announced. Yet Prince Zhuang still referred to himself as ’this palace,’ refusing to change his address. Was he addicted to this self-address?

Upon hearing of his confinement, Prince Zhuang suddenly burst into tears, weeping and lamenting, "It’s unfilial of me as a son, but there’s nothing I could do. During the palace banquet, my Jing’er died an untimely death for no reason. I impulsively did such a thing, and now I deeply regret it. My Chi’er was severely injured by someone, now lying on the bed at death’s door, and I don’t even know if he can be saved. As for my Wei’er... Wei’er was kidnapped, and now his life or death is unknown!"

Recalling what Wen Yuanting had said, he cried again, "It’s Old Fifth who has returned, Old Fifth who injured Chi’er, and abducted Wei’er. I must enter the palace to clearly report this matter to Father Emperor!"

Eunuch Feng’s face changed, startled, "What did you say? Second Young Master was seriously injured, and Ninth Young Master was kidnapped, done by Prince Cheng? Isn’t Prince Cheng in Yunzhou?"

Prince Zhuang cried, "I also originally thought Old Fifth was in Yunzhou, but the person who injured Chi’er and abducted Wei’er left a note, and it must undoubtedly be Old Fifth who left it!"

He intentionally spoke ambiguously so that even if it wasn’t Old Fifth, he could later rationalize it.

If it truly was Old Fifth, Old Fifth was an external Vassal King, returning to the Capital without a decree, not knowing how long he had already returned, clearly showing disdain for the Imperial Family’s rules, committing a major taboo for a Vassal King, truly harboring disloyal thoughts.

Father Emperor would certainly be angry, and as long as Father Emperor was angry, the pity and guilt he originally had for Old Fifth’s loss would turn into annoyance, while he, having lost one child, another injured, and another missing, was the victim. Father Emperor’s pity would then transfer to him.

His mistake was much lighter compared to Prince Liang, and if Father Emperor’s pity were added, Father Emperor might very well rescind the decree.

Upon hearing these words, Eunuch Feng also sensed the gravity of the situation. When he first heard of Prince Cheng’s heir being assassinated and killed, many had a bad premonition at court. This Fifth Highness had the fiercest temper, fearing nothing unless provoked, valuing his wife greatly, and certainly feeling the same towards their son.

If this Fifth Highness acted irrationally, who knows what trouble he might cause.

Now, it seemed their worries had, indeed, become a reality. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

But initially, their speculations were based on Prince Cheng returning after being summoned. Now, Prince Cheng returned without a decree; this matter was too significant, far more serious than their speculations and needed urgent reporting to the Emperor!

However, Eunuch Feng didn’t have the authority to bring Prince Zhuang into the palace. In some haste, he said, "Your Highness, please wait. I will report this situation in the palace right away and see how the Emperor decides!"

"Eunuch, please go ahead!"

Eunuch Feng left quickly, and the response came quickly as well.

A little eunuch soon arrived to deliver the decree, summoning Prince Zhuang to an audience in the palace.

Prince Zhuang’s objective having been achieved, he felt very pleased.

He had already prepared, especially keeping that letter and note well, awaiting the decree. As soon as the little eunuch arrived, he immediately boarded the carriage and headed swiftly to the Imperial Palace.

In the Diligent Governance Hall, he met the Emperor.

Even before he spoke, his face was already awash with tears, as he kowtowed and cried.

The Emperor did not order him to rise but bluntly asked, "You say Old Fifth has returned to the Capital; what evidence do you have?"

Prince Zhuang immediately produced the letter and note, crawling forward, and presented them to the Emperor with both hands.

The Emperor took them, glanced at them, furrowed his brow, and asked, "You say this is written by Old Fifth?"

Prince Zhuang, his face streaked with tears, replied, "Father Emperor, who but Old Fifth would have a grudge for the death of my son? Who but Old Fifth would be so bold, daring to exact revenge upon me?"

The Emperor’s expression grew tense; if it were indeed Old Fifth, then Old Fifth was truly out of control. His son had died; would he, as the Father Emperor, not avenge him? Did he have to come to the Capital himself?

If Prince Cheng knew what he was thinking now, the father and son would probably have another argument. His so-called act of vengeance was to dethrone the Crown Prince, but what about his son’s living life? That was his eldest son’s life!

Prince Zhuang, filled with remorse, said, "Father Emperor, I was rash in the moment, doing such things to Jingchen. I am filled with regret, repenting every moment since. I shouldn’t have blamed Jingchen for the death of Jing’er, but even if I was wrong, Old Fifth shouldn’t have returned to the Capital without a decree. What place does he give to the ancestral rules? Moreover, injuring Chi’er was bad enough, but why abduct Wei’er?"

The Emperor’s cold gaze swept over Prince Zhuang, and although Prince Zhuang wept bitterly, lamenting in deep sorrow, the Emperor felt little pity or moved sentiment in his heart.

Those who dare harm others’ children must be prepared for their own children to be avenged.

Besides, Wen Yuanting had already thoroughly investigated everything, even the cause of Huangfu Jing’s death, which was merely due to Old Third’s own actions. He put on this display in front of him, merely hoping to soften his heart with compassion.

The Emperor, having been in this supreme position for so many years, fully understood the Emperor’s Skill, as well as the human heart.

He was well aware of what thoughts stirred in each of his sons’ hearts.

Yet, the words "returning to the Capital without a decree" indeed stung. Although he was a father, he was also an Emperor. In his heart, imperial authority outweighed father-son sentiments, and whether it was Prince Zhuang desiring his position or Prince Cheng undermining his imperial prestige, both were equally detestable!

However, his people were spread throughout the Capital. Had Old Fifth really returned to the Capital? Why hadn’t he received any news?

Whether Old Fifth had returned, or if Old Third produced these two items to confuse the situation?

Thinking of this, the iciness in his gaze grew, as he raised the letter in his hand: "The handwriting here doesn’t quite resemble Old Fifth’s, are you sure it’s him?"

This was the second time he asked this way. Prince Zhuang understood well that relying solely on a letter and a note indeed proved nothing; he only pinned it on Old Fifth to win himself a moment of advantage.

But some things should not be overdone; he couldn’t force a connection, or Father Emperor might believe him to be framing. He planted the seed of suspicion now, and as long as he found any trace, this seed of doubt would infinitely expand.

He tearfully said, "Father Emperor, regardless of who it is, your son only wishes to quickly find Wei’er! Wei’er’s life or death is uncertain now, leaving me in torment."