novelraw Chapter 404: Strike First
Chapter 404: Strike First
Because the Crown Prince and Prince Li were at odds, it even became apparent on the surface, and the court was often bustling with excitement.
In the past, such situations would not have occurred. The Emperor would send the Vassal Kings out of the Capital City. Even if Prince Li was in the Capital City, he rarely participated in politics, let alone attended court.
Now, things have changed. Prince Liang was demoted and did not leave the Capital City, and Prince Li also stayed. After the Crown Prince took over, Prince Li seemed invigorated.
The Emperor did not stop him because Prince Li lost a son of dragon-like grace and phoenix-like beauty. His affection for Prince Li grew stronger than before, and Prince Li’s power gradually and quietly established itself.
Given the situation, it’s clear that the Emperor intentionally supports Prince Li in opposing the Crown Prince.
However, the underlying motive is still unclear.
Perhaps it is to spur the Crown Prince using Prince Li, or perhaps it’s to see which one of them can gain the upper hand and become the Emperor’s favored Crown Prince?
The Crown Prince is also newly appointed, returning to the Capital City as a Vassal King, and Prince Li only recently began focusing on court affairs.
Both seem to have shallow roots, so it depends on whom the Emperor values more.
Now, the entire court observes as Prince Li’s power gradually becomes comparable to the Crown Prince’s. As this continues, many have already started choosing sides.
Marquis Anning’s lineage of Marquises has a deep foundation and holds an unusual position in court. Both the Crown Prince and Prince Li want to win him over.
But Marquis Anning is cunning and has made no explicit commitment to anyone.
Huangfu Yuxuan had privately contacted Marquis Anning a few times. This time, he originally intended to genuinely win over Marquis Anning. But upon seeing this memorial, he hesitated.
The Emperor is getting old and has become somewhat biased in handling matters. However, there are three things he would not easily forgive.
Concealment of military intelligence! Examination scandal! Rebellion!
Has Marquis Anning acted cleanly? Or did he merely help his grandson swap ranks once? If so, there is room for maneuver in this matter.
But if it was more than one incident and evidence was caught, this matter becomes significant.
Should this risk be taken? Is it worth the gamble?
Huangfu Yuxuan frowned, folded the paper, took a fire starter, and set it aflame.
The next day was the morning court.
The Emperor presided over the court, looking down at the civil and military officials below: "King Kang, after yesterday’s court session, you mentioned that Jinxuan’s memorial should have arrived. Has it?"
Grandmaster Bao, hearing this, breathed a sigh of relief. It turned out that King Kang had already informed the Emperor in advance. If he had taken the memorial, and the Emperor inquired today, wouldn’t that be a major issue?
King Kang replied: "Your Majesty, the memorial is here. Please have a look."
The submission included two memorials and a letter.
One memorial was very thick, and the other normal.
The Emperor first opened the letter, unfolded the paper, and seeing the scribbles on it, his mouth twitched. He tossed it aside, then flipped through the thick memorial. Afterward, his mouth twitched more, feeling both amused and helplessly said: "This Jinxuan, how come he hasn’t learned a bit of his father and brothers’ demeanor?"
Though it was a reprimand, there was a hint of indulgence in his tone.
King Kang’s father was his dearly related imperial brother.
King Kang was mediocre, the Princely Heir was steady, Huangfu Jinxuan was mischievous and profligate. To the common person, it would seem this family was incapable.
But in the Emperor’s eyes, he was quite at ease with them.
Therefore, Huangfu Jinxuan’s mischievousness made him a little devil in the Capital City, inseparable from the Emperor’s indulgence and favor. Besides, Huangfu Jinxuan was smart; he always tested the boundaries of the ministers, never crossing the line. No matter how excessive he became above that line, the Emperor would only smile and let it go.
As for those ministers, even though infuriated, they wouldn’t dare go to the court and risk their lives just to battle Huangfu Jinxuan to death over matters they could still manage to accept.
Yet, at this moment, Jinxuan’s handwriting really made the Emperor feel aggravated. He grumbled: "Wait until that brat returns; make him practice ten pages of writing every day. I don’t believe he can’t write decently!"
Listen to that tone!
All ministers knew that the Emperor favored Huangfu Jinxuan.
King Kang quickly said: "I obey, Your Majesty!"
Only then did the Emperor take up the thinner memorial, written using the Central Institute’s dedicated transcription paper. King Kang always adhered to rules and wouldn’t allow loopholes in these minor matters.
As the Emperor opened it and read line by line, the smile triggered by Jinxuan’s scribbles gradually vanished, replaced by a slight frown.
Grandmaster Bao, aware of the memorial’s contents, discreetly glanced at Huangfu Yuxuan, who maintained an impassive demeanor, revealing nothing despite clearly having seen the scribbles.
Yet he was curious how Huangfu Yuxuan dealt with it?
Grandmaster Bao, with years of court experience, understood the court’s odd atmosphere.
The Emperor looked to support a Prince to contend with the Crown Prince, and so many in court aligned with different sides. Had the Second Young Master chosen a side as well? Did he side with Prince Li or the Crown Prince?
Grandmaster Bao originally had high hopes for Huangfu Yuxuan. If Prince Liang had been more capable, this person might have had a shot at the throne in the future. But now he is merely attached to an Imperial Uncle.
When the Emperor finished reading the memorial, his anger was unmasked.
King Kang was about to step forward, but Marquis Anning was quicker. He kneeled and declared: "Your Majesty, I have a petition!"
The Emperor looked down at Marquis Anning, his gaze heavy. The authority from above dampened the court’s atmosphere: "What petition do you have?"
Marquis Anning said: "I confess my guilt, and I wish to accuse someone!"
"Whom do you accuse?"
Marquis Anning’s expression was somber, and his voice was full of grief: "Your Majesty, I am unworthy of your grace. My grandson, Yu Shikui, who graduated as a Scholar in the seventh year of Chen Guang, now the Northern County Magistrate in Jiazhou. I accuse him of falsifying ranks by substituting them, compromising the integrity of the examinations, entering the court as an impostor, and committing unforgivable sins!"
The Emperor’s eyes sharpened, his gaze unwavering at Marquis Anning, carrying immense pressure, saying only: "Oh?"
A single word, like a heavy hammer, struck deep in Marquis Anning’s heart. He understood the Emperor’s questioning: why did he wait until now to accuse his grandson of such deeds?
Marquis Anning quickly replied: "Your Majesty, I learned of this half a month ago and was extremely angry. Publicly, such deception cannot be tolerated in court; privately, my lineage of Marquis Anning has always been loyal and patriotic, and I cannot condone such an unworthy descendant. But knowing the gravity of this matter, I feared acting on hearsay, so I ordered an investigation into the truth. It was only yesterday that I received corroborating information, which is why I bring this revelation today. The detailed matters have been written thoroughly in my memorial!"
He presented his memorial with both hands.
Grandmaster Bao instinctively glanced again at Huangfu Yuxuan.
Yu Shikui was Marquis Anning’s grandson. If the scandal was revealed, Marquis Anning couldn’t escape implication. Yet suddenly Marquis Anning proactively disclosed this matter, clearly suggesting the scandal had also been thoroughly covered up.