inspire-indiana Chapter 143 Concealing one's true abilities and colluding with enemy nations...
Chapter 143 Concealing one's true abilities and colluding with enemy nations...
Xiao Jingyu and Shen Siyi are already engaged, and Emperor Xiao has also bestowed upon them a new residence, although the Fourth Prince's residence is in a better location.
Zhang Jiu found out that Xiao Jingyu was at the Fourth Prince's residence, so he went there directly.
The mansion was still under decoration. When Zhang Jiu arrived, Xiao Jingyu was drinking tea in the pavilion, surrounded by many craftsmen.
Upon seeing Zhang Jiu arrive, Xiao Jingyu knew without a doubt what it was about.
He didn't raise his eyebrows or eyes, maintaining his leisurely posture.
Seeing this, Zhang Jiu felt somewhat displeased.
He was, after all, Xiao Jingyu's elder.
Zhang Jiu's younger sister married into the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion and became Shen Siyi's mother. Since Xiao Jingyu married Shen Siyi, he should, in principle, call him uncle, just like Shen Siyi.
But now he's pretending not to see it.
Although Zhang Jiu was angry, he couldn't say anything, because the other party was a prince.
"Greetings, Fourth Prince!"
Xiao Jingyu only then realized that someone had arrived. She sat up straight and said apologetically.
"Lord Zhongyi, what brings you here?"
"Quickly, offer me a seat!"
Upon hearing the order, Yuan Song brought over a stool.
But Zhang Jiu didn't do it, nor did he dare to sit down; his son was still waiting for him to save his life.
Looking around, seeing only Xiao Jingyu's personal guards and no outsiders, he said directly, "Your Highness, I have come here today to ask you for a favor!"
Xiao Jingyu's smile faded, and her hand, which was pouring tea for Zhang Jiu, paused for a moment as she watched the tea overflow from the teacup and flow down the table onto the floor.
"My lord, you didn't attend the morning court session this day. Father Emperor ordered an investigation into this matter yesterday, and the results were in this morning. The evidence shows that it was Young Master Zhang who did it. You've come to beg me, do you want me to overturn the case for you? Or do you think I have the power to see through everything?"
Xiao Jingyu put down the teapot. He had already disappointed Emperor Xiao once before, because of the smuggled salt incident.
This matter concerns Xiao Lingyun, who is also Emperor Xiao's beloved princess, so he has no intention of getting involved.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jiu knelt down and said, "Your Highness, the assassination attempt was not carried out by my son. He has not yet come of age and his character is not fully developed. It is absolutely impossible for him to assassinate the Sixth Princess!"
"I have also investigated this matter. The person who rescued Fangqiu outside the city was one of the Fifth Prince's men, and it was also the Fifth Prince who rescued Qin Wan and the Sixth Princess inside the city. I suspect that the Fifth Prince is definitely involved in this matter!"
Zhang Jiu's eyes darted around; he had connected all the events on his way here, and perhaps there was still a chance for things to turn around...
"My son informed me that at the Fireworks Festival yesterday, His Highness the Fifth Prince used an object to extinguish the flames instantly. I just investigated this object and found it to be called a water pipe bomb, which can quickly extinguish fires. However, this object is very complicated to make, and Fengling has not mastered such technology. Neighboring countries, on the other hand, have such objects in existence."
"Your Majesty, I suspect that the Fifth Prince has concealed his true abilities and colluded with an enemy country to frame the Sixth Princess, thereby pinning the blame on my son. I urge the Fourth Prince to investigate this matter thoroughly!"
This matter is of great importance. These words were like a thunderclap from a clear sky, causing everyone to tremble.
Fortunately, this was the Fourth Prince's residence, and the people around were all Xiao Jingyu's personal guards, who were sworn to serve him to the death. Upon hearing this, they automatically avoided him.
Xiao Jingyu looked at Zhang Jiu in disbelief; he hadn't expected him to say such an unbelievable thing.
"Do you know what the consequences will be if these words get out?" Xiao Jingyu warned in a low voice.
If it weren't for the inextricable relationship between Zhang Jiu and him, he probably would have kicked Zhang Jiu out directly.
However, upon further reflection, Xiao Jingyu also harbored some suspicions about Xiao Jingyan. Although he had never intentionally harmed Xiao Jingyan, it did not mean that other princes had not taken action against him.
Throughout history, the power struggles between princes have always been bloody and ruthless. For a fool like him to survive, he must be extraordinary.
Unable to meet His Majesty, Zhang Jiu could only rely on Xiao Jingyu.
He added, “Your Highness, everything I have said is true. It is difficult to explain how the Fifth Prince was able to obtain the hookah. I hope Your Highness will investigate this matter thoroughly. Not to mention that it concerns my son, even if the investigation into the hookah matter is solved, it will be a great achievement to report to His Majesty!”
Zhang Jiu kowtowed even lower.
If they can persuade the fourth prince, then his son will be saved.
If the Fifth Prince is truly hiding his abilities, then it means he is suspected of colluding with enemy countries, and the assassination attempt can then be conveniently attributed to the Fifth Prince.
If he wasn't hiding his abilities, things would be even easier; dealing with a fool would be a piece of cake.
Regardless of whether the Fifth Prince is hiding his abilities, as long as the Fourth Prince becomes suspicious and launches an investigation, the Fifth Prince will surely die, and his son will be saved.
Xiao Jingyu was moved, as if he had been persuaded. He wanted the credit, and he wanted Qin Wan too.
If what Zhang Jiu said is true, then this is a good opportunity to get rid of Xiao Jingyan. Once Xiao Jingyan is dead, Wan'er will be free from her engagement, and then she will be hers.
Xiao Jingyu curled his lips, but did not appear overly smug. He simply said, "I will consider what you have said. You may go back now!"
Zhang Jiu's eyes lit up, and he felt a little more at ease. This was considered a success.
"Yes, Your Highness. I will not disturb you any longer. I will take my leave!"
After Zhang Jiu left, Xiao Jingyu instructed, "Investigate what happened at the Spark Club yesterday. Is it really true, as he said, that hookah bombs appeared?"
"Yes!"
"And the area outside the city must also be thoroughly investigated!"
"Yes!"
......
Pingding Marquis's Mansion.
West Wing Courtyard.
"Miss, you've been eating very little these past few days. If you don't eat, your body might not be able to take it!" Cuizhu said, comforting Su Yan'er who was dry heaving beside her.
These past few days, I don't know what's wrong with Miss, she starts vomiting every time she has a meal.
Could it be that the old woman's actions towards the young lady on Suzaku Street that day caused a stress reaction in her body?
Cuizhu couldn't understand it, so after Su Yan'er calmed down for a while, she handed her a handkerchief and tea.
"Miss, why don't I go and fetch a doctor from outside? The family physician went back to visit relatives and hasn't returned yet. It's not a good idea for you to tough it out like this!" Cuizhu said worriedly.
Su Yan'er didn't know what was wrong with her. Whenever she smelled meat, she couldn't help but feel nauseous. In the past few days, she had vomited so much that bile came out.
She simply assumed she was sick.
However, the nanny serving nearby seemed to have noticed something amiss, and those with experience were somewhat suspicious.
But the young lady is unmarried, how could that be!
Still harboring suspicion, Granny Wu stepped forward and said, "Miss vomits incessantly at the smell of meat, and her period this month has been delayed until now. All these signs seem to indicate..."
Granny Wu hesitated to speak, after all, the young lady was still a virgin, and saying such a thing might cause misunderstanding.
Seeing Wu Mama's hesitant manner, Cuizhu became anxious. "What do you mean? This concerns Miss's health. If it's delayed, can you bear the consequences?"
Since things had come to this point, Granny Wu dared not remain silent. She leaned forward and whispered, "It sounds like morning sickness in a pregnant woman!"