Chapter 85: Sir Qin Requests an Audience

Chapter 85: Minister Qin Requests an Audience

Especially after learning of Ji Yunzhi's fate a few days ago, Li Shenxiu was almost certain that Jiang Wan must have stumbled upon some huge opportunity, just like him, allowing her to travel back in time!

He was seething with hatred.

As the Emperor of the Great Yu, he was naturally entitled to a do-over. But how could that foolish girl from a family of traitors also get a second chance?

Not only that, she had even seized the initiative a step ahead of him, now constantly making trouble and starting shit everywhere. It was clear she intended to collect on the blood debt he owed her Jiang family.

So, Li Shenxiu wasn’t truly foolish—he was simply wicked. Deep down, he was well aware of the blood debt he owed the Jiang family, which was why he went to such lengths to slaughter them all over again.

For the sake of his own life and his future throne, he had even cold-heartedly cut loose the woman he had longed for his entire life. But why was everything so completely different from his previous life this time?

"Mom, I'm being framed!"

Each cry was filled with tears.

"Pah! Innocent my ass!"

Li Chengxiu couldn’t hold back a soft scoff, using a bit of colorful language he’d picked up from his fiancée to greet his sixth brother. If Wan Jieer hadn’t glared at him in warning earlier, he would have charged over and given the kid a good thrashing.

"Damn it, we’ve caught you red-handed, and you’re still doubling down? Do you think Father is as stupid as you are? Seriously, Li Laoliu, from now on, I refuse to acknowledge you as my brother.

It’s fine to be a little dumb, but being as dumb as you are really drags down the prestige of our royal squad, you know?

If word gets out, people might think all us brothers are as brainless as you. Wouldn’t that make us the laughing stock of the capital?

I’m making an announcement: from now on, I officially disown you as my brother. Don’t you dare go around saying we’re brothers, or else I’ll kick your ass!"

How dare he straight-up frame his wife right in front of him? It was obvious he was dissing Li Laosi!

He distinctly remembered not holding back last time he whooped this kid's ass. How could he have forgotten the pain before his wounds even healed? Did he just enjoy asking to get slapped around every day?

What kind of person does that?

Pah! Total trash!

Li Laosi’s bitching drew strong agreement from Li Laowu.

"Fourth Brother is right. I also think being brothers with Li Laoliu is so lame! I’m obviously so clever—I can’t let him tarnish my reputation. I’m announcing it too: from now on, I unilaterally cut brotherly ties with this guy!"

Though he didn’t quite understand what "cut brotherly ties" meant, it sounded impressive, so Li Jingxiu decided to co-sign everything Fourth Brother said.

"Both of you, get out of here!"

The emperor was so furious he wanted to kick these two little shits.

But his sons were quick on their feet and young. After saying what needed to be said, they swiftly booked it out of there.

"Guards! Take Li Shenxiu to the imperial prison and have the Dali Temple conduct a thorough interrogation. I want to see exactly which mastermind is calling the shots behind all this."

These final words almost dropped all pretense.

Duke Chengen’s face changed abruptly, and he quickly knelt.

"Your Majesty, please show mercy!

The sixth prince is a member of the imperial family and still so young. How can he handle doing time? How will he ever be able to show his face around the royal family and the court officials in the future?"

"Your Majesty, please remember the father-son bond, and do not be so merciless to the Sixth Prince! I beg Your Majesty for mercy!"

These words were only partly sincere, driven not only by fear that the Sixth Prince might not withstand the interrogation and say something he shouldn’t, but also by the urgent need to preserve the Sixth Prince’s dignity! Otherwise, how could he compete with the other princes for the throne in the future?

"Hah, Duke Chengen has considered everything quite thoroughly. I find your reasoning somewhat persuasive. A prince entering the imperial dungeons, especially on charges of plotting against the Crown Prince, would indeed be downright shameful if word got out. How about this—"

The Emperor glanced at Li Laoliu, whose face was streaked with tears and snot, his voice icy.

"Take away Li Shenxiu's title as prince. That way, there will be no fear of spreading ridicule. What does Duke Chengen think?"

"Please, Your Majesty, have mercy!"

Duke Chengen raised his tear-filled eyes to meet the Emperor’s gaze. Though he knew he was challenging the Emperor’s authority, for the sake of his family’s future, he had no choice but to dig deep and go for it.

"When my late father was still alive, he repeatedly instructed me to lend full support to the cause of the Prince of Huai and to protect the family’s descendants, taking care of my younger siblings. My poor fifth sister died so young. I dare not imagine how I will face my father when I die and explain this to him. Your Majesty, I beg you, for the sake of my late father, spare the Sixth Prince this once!"

At Zhao Heran’s mention of the late Imperial Father-in-Law, those who understood the situation subtly changed their expressions, while Li Laoer and Li Laowu looked on in confusion.

The Emperor was reminded of the wise old man of the Zhao family, and his anger softened slightly.

No matter how powerful he feels now, the truth was, without the keen eye of the late head of the Zhao family, there would be no founding Emperor of Dayu today.

He was deep in debt to the Zhao family back then, and now he had to pay it back little by little. One must not forget their roots!

"Zhao Heran, this is the last time I will do this for my father-in-law's sake. If you dare—"

"Your Majesty, Vice Minister of Personnel Sir Qin requests an audience!"

Head Eunuch Wang Sande worked up his nerve to deliver the message.

"What business does he have?"

"I don't know. However, Sir Qin says he has an important matter to report and insists on an audience with Your Majesty."

The Emperor exchanged a glance with Jiang Huailiang.

"Has anyone been causing trouble lately?"

"I haven’t heard anything. Why do you ask?"

"Then what does Qin Zhenning want with me? I’ve been so busy with court and harem affairs that my head's spinning."

Jiang Huailiang glanced outside before turning back to ask, "Your Majesty, will you see him?"

"Yes! Let’s go. We’ll handle official business first."

As the Emperor reached the doorway, he saw his sharp and cultured-looking Vice Minister of Personnel waiting respectfully outside.

"Your servant pays respects to Your Majesty."

"At ease! What urgent matter brings you to the palace?"

The Emperor felt he understood this man reasonably well. Though their interactions had been brief, judging by his words and actions, Qin Zhenning was not one to act without purpose. He would never come to the palace for a casual visit unless something was up.

Damn sure enough, the other man nodded and laid out something shocking.

"Your servant is here to accuse Duke Chengen Zhao Heran of the outrageous scheme of plotting against the Crown Prince. Would Your Majesty permit me to enter the hall and spell it all out?"

"You did WHAT?!"

The Emperor could hardly believe his ears. Not long ago, Zhao Heran had almost ran the Zhao family into the ground to help the Eldest Prince secure the Crown Prince’s position! After finally succeeding in elevating the Eldest Prince, would he now plot against him just for kicks?