The grand hall was so silent one could hear a pin drop.
Not a single person dared to echo Censor Han’s words at this moment, making him appear like nothing more than a ridiculous clown.
Song Yu let out a derisive laugh, his mockery completely unconcealed. With slender, pale fingers, he unfastened the cloak draped over his shoulders and knelt before Emperor Yuanyou.
"Your son greets you, Father. How has your health been lately?"
"The imperial physician says this old man is still in good shape—cough... You and Ah Huan must have rushed back all the way. Wu Qi, set up dining tables beside me for Prince Qin and Princess Fu'an." Emperor Yuanyou never once let go of Song Shihuan’s hand. "Eat something first to warm yourselves."
But Song Yu could see the pallor of the Emperor’s face and hear the cough laced between his words.
"Father, your son suspects Censor Han has been colluding with the Xiao Family. This matter requires further investigation."
At Song Yu’s words, Censor Han’s legs trembled, and he collapsed to his knees with a thud.
"Your Majesty, this subject has absolutely no ties to the Xiao Family!"
Heaven bore witness—he had merely spoken a few words! How had he suddenly become entangled with the Xiao Family?
"Whether there are ties or not, an investigation will reveal the truth," Song Yu smirked. "Or is Censor Han afraid of being investigated?"
The retort left Censor Han speechless.
Shen Qingping narrowed his phoenix eyes. The prince’s way with words had sharpened considerably during his time away from the capital.
"Guards, take him to the imperial prison for interrogation."
With a wave of Emperor Yuanyou’s hand, Censor Han was immediately dragged out of the hall. Prince Chu and the others finally grasped the Emperor’s earlier questioning—it had been a test. Their faces darkened with regret.
They had missed yet another opportunity.
And this time, Song Yu had seized it firmly.
......
With Song Yu and Song Shihuan present, Emperor Yuanyou’s spirits visibly lifted. He burst into laughter at Song Shihuan’s antics one moment and scolded Song Yu the next, who responded with cheeky grins.
To everyone else, the incident with Censor Han seemed resolved. Only Shen Qingping, watching Song Yu endure the Emperor’s reprimands without protest, grew solemn.
Merely imprisoning Censor Han was not enough to satisfy the prince.
This matter was far from over.
"Who from the Xiao Family is scheduled for execution today?" Shen Qingping asked softly.
"Third Master, the Xiao Family’s collateral branches have all been dealt with. Today, it’s Xiao Bingsheng’s children’s turn," a servant replied.
Shen Qingping’s gaze flickered.
"Then let it be Xiao Zhang today."
With those words, the fate of Xiao Zhang—who had once looked down on Song Yu and Shen Qingping—was sealed.
Song Yu waited until the palace banquet concluded.
The moment Emperor Yuanyou rose, Song Yu smiled and said, "Ah Huan, accompany His Majesty back to Zichen Hall first. This prince will join you shortly."
Song Shihuan seemed to understand and quickly led the Emperor away.
As the courtiers prepared to leave, Song Yu cleared his throat lightly. Instantly, all movement froze.
"Who from the Xiao Family is to be executed today?"
The moment he spoke, Shen Qingping responded, "Your Highness, it is Xiao Zhang’s turn."
Hearing the name, Song Yu glanced at Shen Qingping, a faint smile curling at the corners of his eyes.
"Xiao Zhang—an old acquaintance of mine. Since this prince has just returned to the capital, let all the esteemed ministers accompany me to send him off."
Inward groans echoed among the officials. This was clearly the petty vengeance of Prince Qin.
They had tacitly supported Censor Han’s plea for the Emperor to spare the Xiao Family.
Now, the prince would make them watch the bloodshed firsthand.
If only they had known...
Song Yu strode ahead, while the others trailed behind like a trembling, pitiful procession—both grand and absurd.
"Lord Shen, His Highness’s actions..." Gu Zheng approached Shen Mingwen and whispered.
"The prince likely rushed back upon hearing the Xiao Family insulted the Emperor. Censor Han’s interference only added fuel to the fire. This is his way of slapping them in the face," Shen Mingwen said wryly. It was entirely in character for Prince Qin.
"His Highness always seems at odds with the Emperor, but in truth, he holds the utmost respect for him," Gu Zheng sighed. The two exchanged glances and fell into step with the procession.
......
The imperial prison, usually desolate, had never before hosted so many high-ranking officials at once.
"Bring out Xiao Zhang."
At Song Yu’s command, Xiao Bingsheng—bound to the torture rack—began thrashing violently.
Song Yu grabbed Xiao Bingsheng’s hair and yanked. "Quiet. Your entire collateral line is already dead. Xiao Zhang is just the beginning."
As Xiao Bingsheng glared with venomous hatred, a sudden realization struck Song Yu.
Xiao Bingsheng was, at best, a pawn of the previous dynasty. Why such intense hatred?
Unless...
When Xiao Zhang was dragged out, he sobbed and lunged toward his father. "Father! Are you alright?"
Song Yu, ignored despite his imposing presence, frowned.
Before he could speak, Shen Xiao—who had been silent until now—pinned Xiao Zhang down and barked at the stunned guards, "Xiao Zhang has disrespected His Highness. Twenty lashes first."
Song Yu nodded approvingly at Shen Xiao.
Truly worthy of his position as the Imperial Guards’ commander.
By the time the punishment ended, Xiao Zhang’s back was a mangled mess.
"You once scorned me, quoting classics to mock me in public. Xiao Zhang, tell me—when did I ever wrong you?"
Song Yu crouched, fingers tugging at the prison uniform fused to Xiao Zhang’s bloody flesh.
A bloodcurdling scream tore through the air, making every onlooker shudder.
Compared to Prince Qin, Emperor Yuanyou seemed almost gentle.
"You’re a prince who cares only for indulgence, not the people’s welfare! You deserved every word!" Xiao Zhang spat defiantly.
Song Yu’s smile widened.
With unwavering certainty, he forced Xiao Zhang to meet his gaze and uttered words that petrified the entire room:
"Your Xiao Family—you are the bloodline of the previous dynasty’s imperial family."
Xiao Zhang froze. Even Xiao Bingsheng stopped struggling.
It took several breaths before the father and son reacted. "I don’t understand what you’re saying."
"You don’t need to understand," Song Yu said, looking down at them with icy disdain.
His voice rang out again:
"Because today, you will die by my hand."
"The extermination of the previous dynasty’s bloodline—may Heaven bless Great Qi."
Thud!
Xiao Bingsheng vomited blood and collapsed, unconscious.
