Prince An knelt in the center of the Golden Luan Hall, his forehead pressed to the ground.
"Your Majesty dispatched the Shadow Guards to my residence for the safety of the birthday banquet, yet I, driven by selfish motives, forged an imperial decree to manipulate them against Ye Chutang. I am guilty and beg for Your Majesty's punishment."
In truth, he had intended to shift the blame onto his daughter.
If not for that fool taking Ye Chutang’s place in the lake, none of this would have happened.
But the Shadow Guards would never obey Princess Anping’s orders—so the responsibility fell on him.
Few believed Prince An’s confession.
The Shadow Guards were no fools; how could they act solely on his word?
Thus, everyone understood Prince An was merely shielding the Emperor.
Naturally, no one dared voice their doubts.
Seeing no objections, the Emperor’s tension eased.
He had feared a repeat of the incident where he was forced to issue a self-reproaching edict.
"Prince An, how could you forge an imperial decree and conspire against an official’s family? Though no grave harm was done, your crime is unforgivable. You are hereby demoted to Earl Yongning, stripped of your princely title, fined three years’ salary, and your title shall not be inherited. Princess Anping is stripped of her title, and Countess Yongning’s honorary rank is revoked."
The punishment was harsher than Prince An had anticipated, but he dared not protest.
"This guilty subject accepts Your Majesty’s decree and thanks for your mercy."
"From today, your residence is confiscated. Earl Yongning shall select a new location to build his estate. You may leave."
Prince An—no, now Earl Yongning—rose and withdrew.
Once he departed, Ye Jingchuan stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, my daughter was nearly assassinated yesterday. The Ministry of Justice and the Capital Office captured many suspects but uncovered nothing. I demand an explanation!"
The Emperor had learned of the incident the day before and was furious.
His face darkened as he declared, "Minister Kang, Minister Zhang, I give you three days to uncover the mastermind behind this!"
The Ministers of Justice and the Capital Office hastily bowed. "We obey Your Majesty’s command."
Hearing this, Kong Qingyuan’s heart sank like a stone.
He had assumed Prince An’s involvement would bury the Yunyin Lake case.
But now, Prince An was demoted, and the Emperor demanded a full investigation!
He couldn’t comprehend why the Emperor sought Ye Chutang’s death yet forbade others from harming her.
The Ministry of Justice and the Capital Office must not find any leads—or the Kong family would be ruined.
Driven by panic, Kong Qingyuan impulsively accused Ye Chutang.
"Your Majesty, I suspect Ye Chutang is connected to the 'Phantom Thief.' I urge an investigation."
The Emperor frowned. "Minister Kong, what basis do you have for this claim?"
"I..."
Kong Qingyuan nearly blurted out that whenever someone targeted Ye Chutang, the "Phantom Thief" would rob their home.
But that would be a confession—linking the Yunyin Lake ambush directly to him.
He swallowed his words, cold sweat drenching his back.
"Your Majesty, I merely find it strange that the 'Phantom Thief' rescued Ye Chutang."
Chancellor Qin Zheng scoffed. "By that logic, Minister Kong must also suspect my son and Prince Chen of colluding with the 'Phantom Thief,' no?"
Knowing the Emperor’s hostility toward Prince Chen, Kong Qingyuan nodded boldly.
"The facts speak for themselves. It’s only reasonable to consider the possibility."
The Emperor’s gaze shifted to Qi Yanzhou, who had attended court for the first time since the incident. His eyes bore down with pressure.
"Prince Chen, the 'Phantom Thief' appeared only after your return from the southern border. Do you have anything to say?"
The implication was clear—the Emperor suspected the "Phantom Thief" served Qi Yanzhou.
Qi Yanzhou met his gaze calmly.
"I do not know the 'Phantom Thief,' nor why he rescued me. Thus, I have nothing to say."
Without concrete evidence, the Emperor could not hold him accountable.
As for his own suspicions about Ye Chutang’s connection to the thief, he saw no need to share them.
He continued, "Since Minister Kong suspects the 'Phantom Thief' is linked to me, Ye Chutang, and Chancellor Qin’s son, he should investigate thoroughly to clear our names."
The Emperor had already investigated but found nothing.
Perhaps a fresh effort would yield results.
"Prince Chen speaks wisely. To dispel baseless rumors, the matter must be settled conclusively."
Qi Yanzhou added, "Minister Kong, three days should suffice for a man of your expertise. Surely you don’t expect us to endure suspicion indefinitely?"
Ye Jingchuan agreed fervently. "His Highness is right!"
Chancellor Qin, a seasoned politician, recognized Qi Yanzhou’s trap.
"The longer this drags on, the more it tarnishes the reputations of the accused. Since Minister Kong dares accuse Prince Chen, he must have evidence. Three days is more than enough."
The Emperor, too, believed Kong Qingyuan wouldn’t act without cause.
"Minister Kong, deliver your findings in three days."
Cornered, Kong Qingyuan had no choice.
"I obey Your Majesty’s command."
Chancellor Qin pressed further.
"And if your investigation proves the three innocent, what then?"
Kong Qingyuan’s stomach twisted at the implied threat.
"If their innocence is confirmed, it will be a relief to all."
Chancellor Qin knelt abruptly.
"Your Majesty, even if Minister Kong’s accusations prove baseless, this injustice cannot go unaddressed!"
The Emperor sighed inwardly—Chancellor Qin was stirring trouble again.
"Your Majesty, though my son is a wastrel of little consequence, he does not deserve slander—nor does Prince Chen, who reclaimed the southern territories, or Ye Chutang, who devised the cure for the plague!"
Qi Yanzhou nodded.
"Chancellor Qin is correct. If Minister Kong fails to produce evidence, his false accusations constitute a grave offense. He must be punished, lest others think they can challenge me with impunity."
Kong Qingyuan hadn’t anticipated his deflection would backfire so severely.
Trapped, he gritted his teeth.
"If my suspicions prove unfounded, I will accept a two-rank demotion."
Losing rank was survivable—with effort, he could climb back in a few years.
Qi Yanzhou shook his head.
"Insufficient. You will also publicly apologize in the streets."
"Your Highness—!"
Qi Yanzhou cut him off.
"You humiliated me before the court. It’s only fair you face humiliation before the people."
The Emperor, weary of the bickering, waved a hand.
"Prince Chen’s terms are approved."
Kong Qingyuan bowed stiffly. "This humble official obeys."
The court assumed the matter concluded—until the Emperor suddenly addressed Qi Yanzhou again.
"Prince Chen, if Minister Kong Qingyuan discovers your connection to the 'Ghost Thief,' what then?"
"I shall submit to Your Majesty's judgment."
Hearing this, a flicker of calculation passed through the emperor's eyes.
He glanced at the eunuch standing beside him, Eunuch De.
In a shrill voice, Eunuch De announced, "Those with matters to present, step forward. If none, this court is adjourned!"
Qi Yanzhou, recalling the secret missive he had received from Xize the night before, spoke up, "Your Majesty, an epidemic has already broken out in Jiangnan."
