Accidentally Having a Baby with the Future Emperor - Chapter 80

Those who knew the inside story, Song Yang, Zhou Wenhe, and a few others, exchanged uneasy glances, yet none dared betray it on their faces.

“Such strange words from the Minister of State Affairs.” From the generals’ seats, Mo Qing, who had just been laughing with his companions, set down his cup with a sharp clatter. “If an official is ambushed, surely that should be left to the Ministry of Justice or the Court of Judicial Review to investigate. And yet, the Minister opens his mouth only to single out our Young Prince by name. What is the meaning of this? Does the Minister intend to pin the crime on him before the culprit is even caught?

“Besides, our Young Prince has no grievance or dealings whatsoever with this local assistant prefect. And even if there had been, would such a matter ever require the heir of Prince Xiao to dirty his own hands? If the Minister means to frame him, is it not all a little too hasty?”

Ordinarily, few would dare to speak so bluntly against Cui Daohuan in open court.

However, Mo Qing was Prince Xiao’s most trusted commander, already a second-rank general at a young age, his record of service and military achievements unmatched. Even senior officials had to tread carefully before him. He had every right to speak as he pleased.

“General Mo, do not be so hasty.” Cui Daohuan stood with deliberate calm, his shrewd gaze never straying from Xiao Rong. “Whether it is framing or not, surely the Young Prince knows better than anyone.”

“Young Prince,” he pressed, “I ask you again: these past two years, were you truly studying in Qizhou?”

Since Cui Daohuan had first spoken, the air had grown taut with tension. Yet the man at the center of it all, Xiao Rong, remained as unruffled as if it were none of his concern, sipping wine at ease. Only when Cui Daohuan repeated his question did he finally set down his cup and remark, with careless indifference, “How very odd. Your confidant was shot. What does that have to do with where I pursued my studies? That is my private affair. Minister, in pressing me so, are you investigating a case… or merely making conversation?”

Such a reply bordered on insolence.

Cui Daohuan gave a low, derisive laugh. “And is there a difference?”

Xiao Rong idly picked up an empty wine cup, turning it between his fingers. “Of course there is. If it is idle talk, I can humor you with a few words. But the Minister’s tone with every question was an accusation; it hardly sounds like casual talk. Then, it must be an interrogation. And if it is an interrogation, that is stranger still. By statute, any such trial of my person would require a joint tribunal of the Three Judicial Offices, with a presiding officer appointed directly by His Majesty. And as yet… His Majesty has not appointed the Minister of State Affairs, has he?”

Cui Daohuan gave a cold snort. “I have long heard of the heir’s silver tongue and his unmatchable eloquence. Seeing it today, the rumors are proven true. Yet, boy, no matter how glib you are, today you will not talk your way out of this.” He turned, bowing solemnly to the Emperor. “Your Majesty, Yan Hemei was not attacked for some petty grudge, but because he uncovered the Young Prince’s crimes. That, indeed, is what this servant must report before Your Majesty today.

“Two years ago, the heir of Prince Xiao, Xiao Rong, not only infiltrated the Northern Yan army camp in secret to assassinate Prince Yan, but, when discovered, he fled to Songzhou, where he impersonated one of Prince Yan’s famed Thirteen Protectors. Under that false name, he cheated officials and noble clans alike, making fools of the whole prefecture. Assistant Prefect Yan Hemei was one of the officials who uncovered the truth. That is why he nearly lost his life. The so-called study tour in Qizhou is nothing but a fabrication!”

Gasps swept the hall.

Even Mo Qing faltered, his eyes flickering with doubt as he turned toward his young master.

The Emperor’s brows knit. “Minister Cui, such an accusation is no small matter. You speak so boldly, yet do you have evidence?”

“I would not dare deceive Your Majesty. Not only is Yan Hemei himself a witness, but so too are Gongsun Yu, the fierce general under Prince Yan, and Jing Xi, one of the Thirteen Protectors, who saw with their own eyes.”

Cui Daohuan’s gaze burned like lightning as it fell upon Xiao Rong. “Tell me, Young Prince, can you swear that you did not slip into the Northern Yan camp to strike at Prince Yan two years ago? Not only that, you defeated Jing Xi on the Northern Yan’s Platform of Challenge, seizing his feather pendant before the entire army, shaming him utterly. Many in the Northern Yan army saw your face that day. Do you think it will be so easy to deny?

“You escaped with Jing Xi’s token in hand and Prince Yan, ignorant of your identity, could only let the matter drop. Who would have thought, half a year ago, that you would again borrow Jing Xi’s name in Songzhou to steal treasures from the Golden Lantern Pavilion? This time, Yan Hemei and Jing Xi himself caught you in the act. You thought yourself safe by returning to the capital, but who knew Yan Hemei would follow and recognize you at yesterday’s feast? After he secretly reported to me last night, he was shot the very same night. Is this not too great a coincidence? Tell me, who else but you would be so desperate to silence him?”

In Xi Rong’s hand, the wine cup split with a hairline crack.

Song Yang seized his arm, shaking his head urgently.

However, Xi Rong paid him no heed. He was about to rise when a low, careless laugh rang out first.

The murmuring hall fell silent at once, the officials cowed by that single sound.

It was the long-silent Prince Xiao, Xiao Jingming, who finally tapped his teacup with a languid air and spoke, “Minister Cui, the tale you’ve spun is rather fine. If you polish it a little more, it could be included in the next Compendium of Court Jests. In my opinion, the Imperial Academy need not trouble itself with compiling new volumes; just come to you each day to hear a story. It’s far more entertaining.”

The two imperial scholars present instantly broke out in cold sweat and lowered their heads.

Prince Xiao did not glance at anyone, only continued calmly, “But I am curious. Is the so-called Thirteenth Protector of Prince Yan something of such immense worth that my son, heir to the Xiao clan, would stoop to impersonate him? A few trinkets from the Golden Lantern Pavilion, that’s all. Even if he desired the entire pavilion itself, a single word from me would suffice. Why would my son demean himself with such a petty trick?”

The hall fell utterly silent. Every official kept his eyes fixed on his food tray, not daring to utter a word.

Although Prince Xiao’s words were openly scornful toward Prince Yan, they struck clean and true, razor-sharp and irrefutable.

Indeed, Prince Yan held great sway in the north; even ordinary officials would pay respect to his adopted sons. But the Xiao clan’s heir was the only son of Prince Xiao, head of the foremost of the Five Great Clans and Seven Noble Houses, his rank eclipsed that of princes of the imperial blood. What reason would such a man have to impersonate Prince Yan’s godson just to swindle a few jewels?

If the heir of the Xiao clan so much as glanced at a treasure, countless hands would rush to present it to him. He need not move a finger.

Prince Xiao’s voice pressed on, “As for this absurd tale of an assassination attempt upon Prince Yan, preposterous. If such a grave event had truly occurred, why did Prince Yan not report it to the court? Why did the Ministry of War receive no news? With neither His Majesty nor the court informed, how is it that you alone, Minister Cui, came by such knowledge? Are we to believe that Prince Yan reported to no one but the Minister of State Affairs only?”

Although it was no secret that the Cui clan sought alliance with Prince Yan, such private collusion between civil and military powers was a taboo never spoken of in the open.

Cui Daohuan at once replied, “Your Highness need not press false charges upon me. Prince Yan stands high in rank; our Cui clan has no dealings with him. Why would he stoop to report directly to me?”

“The only reason I know of this matter,” he continued smoothly, “is because Assistant Prefect Yan Hemei of Songzhou once heard it from the lips of the Thirteenth Protector Jing Xi himself. At the time, Prince Yan’s fierce general Gongsun Yu was present as well and he did not deny it.”

Prince Xiao let his teacup fall with a clatter. “Oh? Then, it seems this Yan Hemei of yours is quite the pivotal figure.”

Sensing the moment ripe, Cui Daohuan gave the order, “Summon Yan Hemei inside.”

The air in the hall tightened.

Before long, Yan Hemei was led in by guards.

He wore the crimson armor bestowed by the Emperor, although now soaked through from his earlier ordeal in the river, leaving him disheveled and streaked with blood upon his chest. Yet he had tidied himself somewhat, standing with composure. Upon entry, he bowed first to the Emperor, then to Minister Cui, and finally turned to the elegant man in purple robes and golden crown at the head of the left-side seats, who idly held a white porcelain cup. “Your servant pays respect to Prince Xiao.”

Cui Daohuan regarded him and asked, “Yan Hemei, lift your head. In Songzhou Prefecture, the one who impersonated Prince Yan’s Thirteenth Protector to swindle treasures, was it or was it not the heir of Prince Xiao?”

Yan Hemei raised his gaze, studied Xiao Rong a moment, and then lowered his head again. “It was.”

“How did you come by the tale of Prince Yan’s attempted assassination?”

“It was spoken by the Thirteenth Protector Jing Xi himself,” Yan Hemei replied. “Many officials and noble families were present at the time; they all heard it. Any of them can bear witness for me.”

“Do you realize the gravity of falsely accusing the heir of Prince Xiao?”

“I do.”

“Yet knowing this, you still dare make such an accusation?” Cui Daohuan’s voice rang louder, tautening the air like a drawn bowstring.

Under the scrutiny of the gathered officials, Yan Hemei stared at the ground and declared, “This servant would not dare deceive His Majesty. The man who impersonated the Thirteenth Protector in Songzhou was indeed the heir of Prince Xiao. I pledge my life and family to this truth. I am willing to confront Jing Xi and General Gongsun Yu face-to-face.”

His certainty and firmness unsettled the court once more; many exchanged uneasy glances.

Then, cutting through the silence, a voice spoke, “Yan Hemei, a fine name.”

Prince Xiao’s eyes swept down, cool and measured. “Tell me of your service record.”

The tone was not raised. It was calm, even mild, but to Yan Hemei, it bore an invisible pressure, the weight of absolute authority.

“This servant obeys.” Yan Hemei turned toward Prince Xiao, speaking with steady composure, “I entered service through recommendation for filial piety and honesty in my province. At first, I served in the Ministry of Revenue as a clerk—”

Prince Xiao cut him short. “I wish to hear your record before you entered government service.”

Yan Hemei faltered.

“What’s this? Your memory fails you?” Prince Xiao’s gaze sharpened. “No matter. There are plenty here who can make a quick trip to the Ministry of Personnel to fetch your file.”

A bead of sweat slid silently down Yan Hemei’s temple. Steeling himself, he answered, “Before entering office, this servant… served as a retainer in the northern lands.”

“Which northern land?”

“Northern Yan.”

“Under whose command in Northern Yan did you serve as a retainer?”

“…Prince Yan.”

“So, Prince Yan was once your master.”

Yan Hemei froze again, his reply this time tinged with uncharacteristic haste, “But I was merely a lowly clerk handling documents, nothing more, and Prince Yan himself dismissed me…”

Prince Xiao gave a short, mocking laugh, cutting him off once more. His gaze lifted to Cui Daohuan, his tone suddenly cold. “All the court knows there is no love lost between me and Prince Yan. Yet you bring forward one of Prince Yan’s former lackeys to accuse my heir of attempting to assassinate Prince Yan, and of impersonating his pitiful Thirteenth Protector to commit fraud? Minister Cui, do you not find such a ploy too vile and too transparently malicious?”

Cui Daohuan had not expected this turn and frowned. “This matter can also be attested by Jing Xi and by Gongsun Yu. Moreover, Gongsun Yu has already been summoned to the capital by Prince Yan and should arrive shortly. Does Your Highness truly believe you can dismiss Yan Hemei’s testimony on such a flimsy pretext?”

Prince Xiao sneered. “Testimony? Only what the Ministry of Justice or the Court of Judicial Review extracts through due interrogation may be called testimony. This is the first I’ve heard that unverified slander, tossed out without investigation, counts as such.” He turned his head. “Where are the officers of the Court of Judicial Review?”

Two officials immediately rose, trembling.

Prince Xiao said flatly, “A petty provincial officer dares spew falsehoods before His Majesty, polluting the imperial ear. If the Minister insists on testimony, then surely I need not remind you how testimony is obtained, do I?”

The officials hastened to comply. Seeing no objection from the Emperor on the throne, they signaled for guards to drag Yan Hemei outside.

The sound of blows from the rod soon rang out, sharp and distinct.

From the open pavilion, the assembled officials could clearly glimpse Yan Hemei’s punishment. But each gave only the briefest glance before lowering their eyes.

Before long, a Court of Judicial Review officer returned, bowing low. “Your Majesty, Your Highness, Yan Hemei has fainted, but he still refuses to retract his words…”

“Then continue the interrogation.” Prince Xiao’s voice was calm, almost indifferent. He turned slightly toward the Emperor. “Surely, Your Majesty agrees with this course?”

The Emperor nodded. “This case is riddled with doubts. It must be pursued with severity.”

The officer withdrew and ordered the guards to rouse Yan Hemei with cold water and resume the beating. His robes were soon soaked in blood, the metallic stench seeping into the tent.

Again, the officer came forward. “Your Majesty, Your Highness, Yan Hemei has fainted once more.”

Prince Xiao had already lifted his teacup again, sipping leisurely.

Seeing this, the officer wasted no time. He turned and ordered that Yan Hemei be revived and questioned further.

“Prince Xiao, this is nothing but personal vengeance!” At last, Cui Daohuan could no longer restrain himself.

“Vengeance?” Prince Xiao’s smile was serene, almost gentle. “What private grudge could I possibly harbor against a cast-off servant of Prince Yan? If the Minister cannot bear it, he is welcome to bring Prince Yan himself here. I should very much like to hear from his own lips whether my heir ever laid a hand upon him.”

“You—!” Cui Daohuan’s face darkened like ash.

Another anguished scream tore through the air outside before a Court of Judicial Review officer rushed back in. “Your Majesty, Your Highness, Yan Hemei’s left leg is broken, yet he still refuses to change his testimony.”

Prince Xiao did not even glance up. His words were light as drifting ash. “So stubborn? Then, it seems he considers his right leg unnecessary as well.”

Some officials aligned with the Cui clan had half a mind to rise and plead for leniency. But hearing this, each swallowed hard and sank back down.

Although the court had long whispered that Prince Xiao Jingming bore the face of a bodhisattva but the hand of King of Hell, few had witnessed it for themselves. Only now, seeing the man smiling idly at the head of the hall, did they truly grasp the meaning of those words. None dared test his wrath at such a moment.

The Court of Judicial Review officer wiped the sweat from his brow and hastily withdrew with his men.

Cui Daohuan had not expected the situation to spiral so far out of control. Yet he still held his most crucial trump card, and so did not falter.

“Your Majesty, General Gongsun Yu under Prince Yan’s command has arrived.” Through the ever-thickening reek of blood, another guard entered to report.

The atmosphere froze yet again.