The next morning at court.
Emperor Yuanyou observed the noticeably subdued faction of the Crown Prince's supporters in the hall and felt quite pleased.
This was more like it—the proper attitude of subjects.
Anyone would think that a few days ago, it wasn’t him but the Crown Prince who had been sitting on the throne.
"Imperial Father, the truth behind the Cui family's corpse case has now come to light. It is time to pass judgment on the Cui family," Song Yu's voice broke the silence of the court. "Cui Qian's crimes are heinous. I believe he should be sentenced to death by a thousand cuts."
Death by a thousand cuts—a punishment reserved for the gravest of offenses.
"Granted," Emperor Yuanyou agreed without hesitation.
The audacity to falsely accuse A-Huan of being an accomplice? Death wouldn’t be enough even if Cui Qian died a hundred times!
"And the rest of the Cui family—aside from Lady Qiu of the Cui Family—should also be punished," Song Yu pressed, his tone unyielding. Yet Emperor Yuanyou showed no sign of disapproval.
"The Prince of Qin is right. The men of the Cui family shall be exiled to Lingnan, and the women shall be consigned to servitude as government slaves."
The court officials trembled at the mention of death by a thousand cuts, and when they heard the punishment for the rest of the Cui family, they couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
They resolved to sternly warn their own sons and nephews after court.
Lest they bring disaster upon themselves and die with regrets.
Just as they thought court would be dismissed, Song Yu's voice rang out again—cold and merciless, like the King of Hell himself.
"Wu Ming, as the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, neglected his duties and overlooked injustices. Over fifty wrongful cases were passed under his watch. I executed him on the spot and imprisoned the rest of the Wu family in the imperial prison, awaiting Your Majesty's judgment."
Emperor Yuanyou shot Song Yu several glances.
The brat was unusually serious today, like a firecracker ready to explode.
"You handled Wu Ming’s case well. As for the rest of the Wu family, banish them from the capital. The men shall never be permitted to take the imperial examinations or hold office."
Without batting an eye, Emperor Yuanyou severed the Wu family’s future in a single decree.
"Your Majesty is wise."
Song Yu bowed deeply, his voice firm and resonant.
A few moments later, the familiar voice of Wu Qi announced:
"Those with matters to present, speak now. Otherwise, court is dismissed."
The officials inwardly sighed in relief—finally, this morning’s ordeal was over...
But then Song Yu stepped forward again, each step landing like a hammer on their hearts.
Who was the Prince of Qin targeting this time?
Normally, the Prince of Qin was little more than a silent presence in court. Why was he so assertive today?
The entire court speculated silently about what Song Yu would say next—except for Shen Qingping, whose eyes gleamed with anticipation.
The real climax was about to unfold.
"I implore Your Majesty to establish laws against slander," Song Yu declared, kneeling before the throne. "These laws shall apply equally to nobles and commoners alike."
Emperor Yuanyou was stunned—this hadn’t been discussed beforehand.
"Your Highness, this is no trivial matter," one minister objected.
"Indeed, how would slander even be judged?" another added.
The court erupted into murmurs, many deeming Song Yu’s proposal absurd.
Yet Song Yu remained unmoved. He turned to face the officials, his voice icy.
"Last time, I was falsely accused of mixing plague-tainted horse meat into porridge, and the Qin Prince's Mansion was besieged."
"This time, A-Huan was accused of being Cui Qian’s accomplice. Not only was the Qin Prince's Mansion surrounded, but they even stormed inside, intent on harming her."
"Are we simply to endure this? If it were you under siege, how would you react?"
His pointed questions left the court speechless.
"Legislation is no easy task, but it must be done," Song Yu said, his gaze sharp. "If you refuse to deliberate on this law, I will do it myself."
"I, Shen Qingping, volunteer to deliberate on this law," Shen Qingping declared, stepping forward with conviction.
"I, Shen Mingwen, concur."
"I, Gu Zheng, concur."
"I, Xu Jinruo, concur."
One after another, officials stepped forward. Emperor Yuanyou surveyed the scene—with just a few words, the brat had swayed over half the court.
"Very well. The Prince of Qin shall oversee this matter, and all ministers shall lend their expertise to assist him."
After court adjourned, the officials couldn’t shake Emperor Yuanyou’s final words: "assist the Prince of Qin."
Upon reflection...
Didn’t it almost sound as if the Prince of Qin were the heir apparent?
Meanwhile...
Shen Qingping clapped Song Yu on the shoulder. "Your Highness was truly formidable today."
He gave an approving thumbs-up—well done!
Not a single grievance against the princess would be tolerated.
Even he felt invigorated. He’d long despised those who dared to besiege the Qin Prince's Mansion.
Song Yu chuckled softly. "Those who harm A-Huan must pay the price."
And he meant every word.
Then, his expression darkened. "The families who failed to report their missing members deserve no compensation. Find an excuse to expel them from the capital."
"Your Highness, won’t that stir rumors—"
Before Shen Qingping could finish, Song Yu smirked coldly. "They’re guilty. They’ll slink away with their tails between their legs."
......
The repercussions continued for days, with imperial edicts of judgment issued one after another.
Wu Qi personally delivered another round of punishment to Prince Chu's Mansion—twenty-nine strokes of the cane and exile to a fiefdom in three years.
Prince Chu, once again, was left drowning in regret.
Yet the Eastern Palace remained encircled by imperial guards, as if Emperor Yuanyou had forgotten it entirely.
Even Song Yanchao remained imprisoned in the Court of Judicial Review’s dungeon. Amidst this sweeping purge, the Eastern Palace alone was untouched.
Eastern Palace.
Though guarded, Shen Xiao, under Song Yu’s orders, made sure to keep the Crown Prince informed of outside developments.
"Your Highness, do you think His Majesty has truly forgotten us?"
Shen Hua'er was beside herself with fear. Her grand-aunt’s consignment to the cold palace had shaken her deeply.
For the first time, she understood the ruthlessness of the imperial family—far removed from the petty household schemes her mother had taught her.
None of the people they’d sent to spread rumors had returned.
"No. Father is likely still deciding how to deal with us," Song Ling said, his knuckles white. "Yanzheng, go to Shen Xiao... Tell him I’ve fallen ill again—worse than before. You must personally inform His Majesty."
The Crown Prince still hoped to win Emperor Yuanyou’s pity by feigning illness.
But when Song Yanzheng stood before the emperor...
Emperor Yuanyou set down his memorial and looked up, his gaze colder than Song Yanzheng had ever seen.
"Your father’s health does seem grave."
Song Yanzheng, thinking the emperor had softened, quickly added, "Father is bedridden, sighing daily over his inability to share Your Majesty’s burdens."
But before his hopeful expression could settle, Emperor Yuanyou spoke again:
"In that case, I shall strip him of his title as Crown Prince so he may focus on recuperating."
