The second prince, Zhao Wang Xiao Changmin, was well aware that he might be used as a pawn, yet he had no choice but to accept. The evidence brought by Xiao Changgeng could prove his innocence. He did not know Xiao Changgeng's motives, nor did he need to ask—even if he did, Xiao Changgeng would not reveal them.
He waited until Tang Juan's memorial reached the Youning Emperor, who erupted in fury during the court assembly. In front of all the civil and military officials, Xiao Changmin presented the evidence, which consisted of records of Governor Yu's unexplained wealth accumulated over the years.
The money trail was clear, with not a single coin flowing into his pockets or those of anyone connected to him. As for whose pockets the money ended up in, there were no clear indications. Likely, only the recipients themselves knew.
"Your son was shocked and deeply grieved upon hearing of Governor Yu's deeds. I immediately launched a thorough investigation. His numerous crimes have left me ashamed to face Your Majesty. I beg for Your Majesty's punishment." Xiao Changmin bowed deeply, pressing his forehead to the ground.
The Youning Emperor reviewed the evidence, his expression softening slightly. At the very least, it proved that Xiao Changmin was not involved in the matter. "Distribute these for the ministers to examine," he ordered.
Liu Sanzhi carried the evidence and first presented it to Cui Zheng, Xue Heng, and the recently returned Wang Zheng, among others, for review. It was then passed around for all to see. After examining it, everyone had a clear understanding of the situation.
Xue Heng stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, this matter is of grave importance. I believe that Yu Zao, a mere governor, would never dare to act so brazenly. Moreover, the bandits captured by Zhaoning County Princess were all deserters. How could Yu Zao, acting alone, assist so many in escaping by substituting the dead?"
"Duke Xue speaks wisely," Cui Zheng concurred. "The receipts from the exile locations of the deserters state that they died suddenly and were hastily buried. This clearly indicates that someone switched the bodies. How did these deserters fake their deaths? And why were they so confident that someone would arrange their escape after feigning death?"
"Duke Xue and Duke Cui make valid points. There are many perplexing aspects that indeed require detailed investigation," Wang Zheng added promptly. "At present, the priority is to quell public resentment. I have heard that in many places, outraged citizens have taken their own lives. How to console the people whose ancestral graves were desecrated must also be carefully deliberated."
It was rare for the three to refrain from arguing and instead work together harmoniously. The officials below breathed a sigh of relief. Whenever these three clashed, they had to choose sides and speculate on the emperor's inclinations—a task a hundred times more exhausting than their usual duties.
"Your Majesty," Cui Jinbai suddenly stepped forward. "I believe Duke Xue's words are reasonable. Yu Zao is not the mastermind. Since his guilt is firmly established and he amassed such vast sums of money, he must be closely connected to the mastermind. Likely, only he knows who the mastermind is. However, Yu Zao is a man of some resolve. Perhaps if Zhao Wang were to go to Henan Prefecture and appeal to his reason and emotions, he might persuade Yu Zao to reveal the mastermind. This would bring justice to the people and accountability to the empire."
Cui Jinbai's proposal was logical and reasonable. Most importantly, the other ministers had no desire to involve themselves in this affair. If Zhao Wang could not prove his innocence, he would undoubtedly have to recuse himself. Now that it was clear Zhao Wang was not behind Yu Zao, he was the most suitable candidate to go.
They all wanted the mastermind uncovered. After all, which family did not have some wealth? Which family did not have richly furnished ancestral tombs? If the root cause was not eradicated, the problem could resurface, and the next victims might very well be themselves.
Cui Jinbai suggested sending Zhao Wang. Xiao Changmin had no desire to go, but Xiao Changgeng had insisted on his involvement in exchange for the evidence. Thus, he had no choice but to volunteer: "Your son is willing to go to Henan Prefecture to preside over the trial of Yu Zao's grave-robbing case.""I beg to report to Your Majesty, although Second Brother has been cleared of suspicion, he is still connected by marriage to the Yu family. Fearing that the people of Henan Prefecture may remain discontented, I am willing to go." No one had expected Xiao Changying to voluntarily step forward and take on this hot potato.
It was well known that Yu Zao would most likely not cooperate, and anyone going would inevitably fail in their task.
Xiao Changqing frowned and stepped forward: "Your Majesty, as Duke Xue has said, this matter could not have been accomplished by Yu Zao alone. Although Second Brother has proven his innocence, we remain the most suspicious and should avoid any appearance of impropriety."
The ministers nodded inwardly at Xiao Changqing's words. For such a deed to be carried out, just like in the Rouge Case, it must involve imperial relatives. While Prince Zhao had been cleared, that didn't mean Prince Lie and Prince Xin were innocent.
Xiao Changying glanced at Xiao Changqing before quickly lowering his head.
After pondering for a moment, the Youning Emperor declared: "Let Prince Zhao depart immediately for Henan Prefecture to thoroughly investigate all those involved in Yu Zao's tomb robbery."
"I obey Your Majesty's decree," Prince Zhao accepted the order.
"Brother, why did you stop me?" Xiao Changying caught up with Xiao Changqing after the court session ended.
"Why did you want to go to Henan Prefecture?" Xiao Changqing's eyes were calm. "Do you think Zhaoning County Princess needs your help?"
"Brother..." Xiao Changying furrowed his brows.
"She managed to arrest Yu Zao right in his own territory. Her capabilities surpass yours." Xiao Changqing didn't spare his younger brother's feelings. "How much ability does Second Brother really have? The evidence was gathered so quickly to clear himself completely. Tang Juan's memorial was only submitted last night, yet he already had an escape plan this morning. Do you really think he obtained that evidence himself?"
"I know someone helped him escape," Xiao Changying said quietly. "And I suspect it was likely Little Twelve who delivered it."
"Then do you know who stands behind Little Twelve?" Xiao Changqing asked.
Xiao Changying didn't answer. Little Twelve hadn't been associating with anyone else recently, avoiding his older brothers whenever possible.
"Little Twelve moved out from the Eastern Palace," Xiao Changqing reminded him. "This means the evidence came from the Eastern Palace. You should understand the Crown Prince's feelings toward Zhaoning County Princess. If the Crown Prince wants Second Brother to go, no one can change that. If you interfere at this moment and anger him, you—will become the mastermind behind the tomb robbery case."
Xiao Changying clenched his fists, and Xiao Changqing patted his shoulder.
Xiao Huayong wasn't feeling well and hadn't attended today's court session. Before the session even ended, he heard about Xiao Changying's voluntary request. Half-sitting, half-lying on the chaise lounge by the window with his legs stretched out, his exceptionally handsome face was covered with a frosty expression.
"Tianyuan, let's go pay respects to Grandmother." Xiao Huayong put down what he was holding and dragged his sickly body to the Empress Dowager's palace.
"You could have just sent someone to inform me if you had business," the Empress Dowager chided.
"Am I so feeble that I cannot walk a few steps?" Xiao Huayong smiled obediently. "I heard about today's court matters. Second Brother suffered because of his wife's family. Your grandson thinks that if Second Brother had remarried earlier, this matter wouldn't have implicated him."
The Empress Dowager thought for a moment and said: "It has been four or five years since Second Lang's first wife passed away. It is time for him to find someone new who can care for him."
Xiao Huayong's smile deepened: "Grandmother, Qilang has also come of age."
The Empress Dowager pointed at him and laughed: "So that's why you were so concerned about your Second Brother's affairs—you were actually thinking of yourself all along.""Grandmother, you wrong your grandson with such words," Xiao Huayong said with a laugh. "How could I be the type to only think of myself? Why not host a Spring Day Banquet next year to find suitable companions for Qilang's brothers? Besides Second Brother, there are also Fifth Brother, Eighth Brother, and Ninth Brother."
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