She could somewhat guess Gu Zexiang's thoughts. If all went smoothly, Gu Zexiang wouldn't have to endure seven or eight more years—perhaps in about five years, she could release her and even personally select a good marriage for her.
For now, she hadn't spoken these words to Gu Zexiang, waiting to see how Gu Zexiang would conduct herself in the future.
"Your Highness, the coming-of-age ceremony attire you selected was based on the designs sent by the Crown Prince," Gu Zexiang said, bowing to Shen Xihe before withdrawing.
By saying this to Shen Xihe, she wasn't trying to curry favor but rather to clarify that she was not the Crown Prince's person.
Although Shen Xihe and the Crown Prince appeared to interact closely, and there were palace rumors that the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty favored Shen Xihe as the Crown Princess, matters not yet confirmed were subject to change. Even if confirmed, spouses might not be entirely free from reservations.
Shen Xihe was momentarily lost in thought, then shook her head with a wry smile.
In truth, after unfolding the designs, Shen Xihe had suspected this possibility. But she genuinely liked them and saw no need to discard her own preferences simply because they might be connected to Xiao Huayong.
Her selection merely proved that Xiao Huayong had skillfully captured her tastes—something she saw no reason to deny.
"I told you, the Crown Prince understands Your Highness best. If he hadn't put in effort, how could he know so well? Soon there might be no room left for us to prove our loyalty," Ziyu sighed, shaking her head dramatically.
Shen Xihe was most tolerant of her. Strangely enough, while Shen Xihe disliked foolish people, and Ziyu fell into that category, she appreciated Ziyu's cheerful and lively nature. Ziyu smiled brightly every day, as if untouched by worries.
Having her around daily was visually pleasing and lifted Shen Xihe's spirits.
"Someone who studies your preferences isn't necessarily kind to you," Shen Xihe remained calm and composed at all times. "They could also be someone seeking your life; those who treat you well now may not remain constant. Without clarity, once they change, you'll find yourself at a dead end."
Ziyu shrunk her neck, not daring to say more.
Human hearts were fickle—no one could guarantee anything. They needed to stay vigilant and not be seduced by the Crown Prince's sugar-coated bullets.
The Yu Zao case reached a conclusion the next day. Investigation confirmed that Yu Zao was an impostor—the real Yu Zao had died over twenty years ago. Once verified, Yu Zao committed suicide in the prefectural prison.
The court erupted into fierce debates over how to handle Yu Zao's case. The Yu family was safe, but they included Yu Zao's wife, children, and grandchildren—all married or born after the impostor's return. By principle, they were the impostor's kin.
However, the wife's relatives had connections in court. To avoid implication, they wept bitterly during the assembly, accusing the Yu family of fraudulent marriage. Had the Yus verified their son's identity, their respectable official's daughter wouldn't have married a criminal.
This argument held merit. The impostor's wife had suffered enough—further punishment would seem merciless.
Yet the impostor's crimes were heinous. Letting his death alone suffice felt too lenient.
Both sides argued vehemently, giving the Youning Emperor a headache. Xiao Huayong, who rarely attended court sessions, was present and began coughing severely due to the intense dispute.His sudden coughing fit silenced the grand hall, immediately halting the arguments from both sides. If the Crown Prince were to faint from fright, where would Wang Zheng stand? While Wang Zheng had shamelessly managed to return through acting, this method might not work for them.
Seeing the hall finally quiet, Youning Emperor felt satisfied. Previously, these officials would argue endlessly, sometimes even coming to blows during court sessions. Yet Youning Emperor tended to be lenient in such matters. Though annoyed, he couldn't punish everyone, especially since both sides weren't entirely motivated by selfish desires. Each time, he would only issue reprimands, which led to these officials becoming increasingly prone to heated arguments during court sessions.
"Is Qilang alright?" Youning Emperor inquired with concern.
"Cough cough cough..." Xiao Huayong bowed to Youning Emperor. "Your Majesty, your son is fine. However... regarding how to deal with Yu Zao's wife and children... your son has a proposal cough cough cough..."
Seeing his difficulty speaking, Youning Emperor instructed Liu Sanzhi: "Prepare a seat for the Crown Prince, along with writing materials."
Xiao Huayong politely declined: "Your son thanks Your Majesty, but my health is still acceptable..."
He tried his best to suppress his coughing and continued: "The arguments from all ministers have merit... This matter indeed cannot be handled too lightly nor too severely. Why not distribute the case to various regions, having local magistrates personally consult the victims to hear their opinions. If most advocate execution... then execute; if most advocate leniency... then show mercy...
If Your Majesty makes the decision alone, execution would damage the bond between ruler and subject, and his wife and children truly shouldn't bear the punishment; not executing... might disappoint the common people... Letting the people decide would demonstrate Your Majesty's benevolence and forgiveness... while also genuinely comforting the populace."
Xiao Huayong's proposal made everyone, including Youning Emperor, brighten up. This method was indeed excellent.
Letting the people decide meant that regardless of the final outcome, no one would hold grievances. The last remnants of dissatisfaction among the people would dissipate as they genuinely felt the court valued and respected them through such actions.
Everyone looked at Xiao Huayong, who stood slightly bent in the grand hall wrapped in a thick cloak, with varied expressions—mostly pity.
This was especially true for loyal ministers. A Crown Prince willing to listen to ministerial advice and heed the people's voice should be the nation's great fortune. Yet fate had been unkind, with health issues affecting his longevity. This was their sorrow and the nation's lament.
"The Crown Prince's words make sense. This matter shall be handled according to the Crown Prince's proposal." Youning Emperor didn't even ask for others' opinions, making the final decision.
He currently needed measures to salvage his reputation, and the Crown Prince's method was perfect.
With this matter resolved, everyone thought the court session was about to end. But Youning Emperor suddenly darkened his expression and produced a memorial: "This is a memorial delivered overnight by Zhao Wang. Liu Sanzhi, read it to them..."
It was Yu Zao's confession, filled with lengthy expressions of remorse, but ultimately mentioning that his accomplice was the Emperor's third son, Prince Dai Xiao Changtian.
All eyes turned to Xiao Changtian, whose face turned pale: "Your Majesty, your son swears to heaven, I never committed such evil deeds."
"Whether it's true or not, the Court of Judicial Review, Imperial Clan Court, and Capital Prefecture will jointly investigate. From today, you shall remain confined to your residence. I will order the Golden Guard to guard Prince Dai's mansion." Youning Emperor said coldly.
Yu Zao was dead, leaving only this confession without any evidence, which greatly angered Youning Emperor.
"No wonder he remained silent all along." Shen Xihe sighed softly upon hearing this, because Yu Zao had no evidence. No wonder, after learning his family would be spared, he left this confession and took his own life.
"Your Highness, is it credible?" Biyu asked."Credible." Shen Xihe nodded. "At least Yu Zao won't lie anymore. As for whether it's the Prince of Dai... that's not certain."
Biyu was confused. If Yu Zao's words were credible, why might it not be the Prince of Dai?
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