Chapter 014: The Fourth Prince Investigates the Case

Chapter 014: The Fourth Prince Investigates the Case

"Isn't it just a matter of releasing the concubine and talking to that Wen woman?" someone suddenly spoke out boldly.

The court ministers couldn’t help but look over. The speaker was the Fourth Prince.

The emperor had six princes who were over fifteen years old, and none had been named the crown prince yet. Among these six princes, five had spoken in the court, except for one—the Fourth Prince, who always seemed to be lost in his own world.

In the court, when the princes argued fiercely about whether to dredge the canal, only the Fourth Prince remained silent. When the emperor asked for his opinion, he replied, "Your son was thinking about the new dish at Gui Xiang Lou today. Can your son have the fortune to taste it?"

After that incident, the emperor still did not give up and tried to get the Fourth Prince's opinion, but every time, the Fourth Prince would mention the food at Gui Xiang Lou. Thus, the Fourth Prince’s reputation as a food lover spread far and wide, and Gui Xiang Lou became even more famous.

No one expected this food-loving prince to speak up now.

Only Fu Bin's eyes twitched, his heart stirred with shock. This was what Fu Jiaze had predicted last night. He had asked Lin Yingxue if she wanted her birth mother to leave the Lin family. If so, Fu Bin would bring it up in the court today, and the Fourth Prince would speak on her behalf.

Fu Bin wondered if his nephew had secretly befriended the Fourth Prince, which is why the Fourth Prince spoke up.

But Fu Jiaze said, "The Fourth Prince likes the dishes at Gui Xiang Lou. Next to Gui Xiang Lou is Long Fei Lou, where stories of love and sorrow are often told. The Fourth Prince has intervened before to clear the names of wronged women."

Still skeptical, Fu Bin thought, "Even if the Fourth Prince acts in the public, will he really speak up in the court for Wen?"

The reality proved Fu Jiaze's speculation correct.

Without ever meeting or investigating the Fourth Prince, Fu Jiaze deduced his character from the events in the capital. Fu Bin even thought that if Fu Jiaze were an imperial attendant, no one could match him in understanding the emperor's intentions.

With the Fourth Prince speaking up, the censors were restless, restrained only by his royal status.

The emperor’s face turned livid as he whispered, "What nonsense are you spouting? Wen is just a woman, a concubine. When has it been her decision to release a concubine? If we let her decide, wouldn't it disrupt propriety and rules? Fourth Son, you never read properly, don’t talk nonsense now."

If it were any other prince, they would have stopped talking, but the Fourth Prince continued with interest, "Father, according to Eunuch Fu, this Wen woman might have been forced into being a concubine, making her opinion important. What do you think, Eunuch Fu?"

Following his nephew's instructions, Fu Bin replied, "To the Fourth Prince, marriage decisions are made by parents. Minister Lin has already presented the document and seal from Old Master Wen, confirming the concubine arrangement. Since Old Master Wen has passed away, the decision should be left to Minister Lin."

Hearing Fu Bin's words, Lin Yi felt relieved.

Both the emperor and Fu Bin indicated that the past matters would end here, and he would likely face some punishment and reflection.

Unexpectedly, the Fourth Prince took a different path, waving his hands, "So, all we need is to confirm Old Master Wen's wishes. If he still wanted his daughter to be a wife and not a concubine, and Wen agrees to be released, then she should be released."

The emperor couldn’t help but scold, "Nonsense! Old Master Wen died over a decade ago!"

"The Second Prince is at the Supreme Court, right? I heard him say that everything leaves traces. There are no perfect deceptions or dead ends; it's a matter of finding the clues. Although Old Master Wen is dead, there must be some traces left."

The Fourth Prince’s words drew everyone's attention to the Second Prince.

Fu Bin clenched his fists, realizing Fu Jiaze had predicted this too.

The Second Prince felt a sudden burden, quickly regaining his composure and stepping forward, "Father, I did tell my fourth brother that the Supreme Court relies on evidence. Though Old Master Wen died over a decade ago, there should be traces of his thoughts regarding Wen’s marriage. It can be investigated, but it would be costly and the Supreme Court handles major cases with limited manpower."

The Second Prince believed investigating such a trivial matter was unworthy and might conclude that Old Master Wen indeed favored Lin Yi because of his excellence, directly making his daughter a concubine.

Sitting on the dragon throne, the emperor listened to the Second Prince without speaking, instead looking at Lin Yi, "Minister Lin, do you think it's necessary to investigate the past?"

Lin Yi took a deep breath, kneeling and bowing, "Your subject believes the concubine arrangement followed proper procedures and regulations. All documents are complete. As the Second Prince said, the Supreme Court is busy with major cases, and it’s not worth wasting resources on such a minor matter."

Logically, Lin Yi was well-prepared and could answer more confidently, indicating he could withstand scrutiny. However, he feared uncovering something and losing Wen Hui, leading to his response.

The emperor already considered a woman’s wishes insignificant, and with all documents intact, saw no need to investigate further. Just as he was about to dismiss the matter, Fu Bin spoke again.

"Your Majesty, Minister Lin is a Ministry of Rites official. Perhaps we should ask Minister Zou’s opinion."

The emperor frowned deeply, feeling Fu Bin was overstepping.

Fu Bin knew he was annoying the emperor but remembered his nephew saying, "If Mother were in the capital, she would agree. Our family once deceived a woman, and she hated such deceitful practices."

Fu Bin pushed the matter, seeing the emperor’s displeasure, and softly added, "Your subject thinks Minister Zou, being Minister Lin’s superior, knows him best. Minister Zou’s integrity makes him the most suitable person to decide."

The emperor stared at Fu Bin for a long moment, making him sweat, before turning to the court, "Minister Zou."

Zou Da was very old, nearing retirement. Hearing the emperor, he stepped forward, "Your subject is here."

"Do you think it’s necessary to investigate?"

Zou Da pondered and said, "Your subject believes it should be investigated. If Old Master Wen didn’t want his daughter to be a concubine, Minister Lin’s actions are unjust. He shouldn’t continue serving in the Ministry of Rites. However, using the Supreme Court might delay their cases. Your subject suggests the Jinyiwei investigate the matter. Since the Fourth Prince is interested, he should handle the case."

Fu Jiaze had predicted that the Supreme Court was least likely to take the case, and the Jinyiwei would likely intervene, with the Fourth Prince handling it.

This seemingly absurd combination was accurately predicted by his nephew.

Seeing the emperor nod slightly, Fu Bin drew a sharp breath, finally dispelling his last doubts about his nephew marrying Lin Yingxue.

His nephew, possessing great talent, naturally had his reasons for choosing a wife. No wonder his sister Fu Heng wrote that Fu Jiaze had grand ambitions and could resolve any doubts.

The court session ended, and everyone avoided Lin Yi as if he were a plague carrier. The Fourth Prince called out to Qin Yuanting, standing before Lin Yi, "Minister Lin, please stay."

Lin Yi had to stop, feeling the stares of his colleagues, his face burning.

The Fourth Prince, excited about personally handling the case, said to Lin Yi, "Since this involves your family affairs and I am the judge, I need to meet Wen and her daughter. I’ll meet them both!"