After returning to the imperial palace.

The Hidden Guard of Long Xiyuan stepped forward to report.

"Emperor, as you expected, the identities of Miss Jing and her entourage are absolutely not simple."

"Just now, we tried to take advantage of the chaos to search the house, but discovered that they have additional guards hidden in the shadows."

"Afraid of exposing our presence, we did not act rashly."

Long Xiyuan held a wine cup, gently swirling it.

"Oh?" He smiled, "This just got more interesting."

Today he went to Duke Huan Mansion not just to make others believe that Miss Jing was now on the same side as him.

He also wanted to probe their true intentions.

After all, these people are truly attention-grabbing.

Amidst Long Xiyuan’s tests, Miss Jing appeared uninterested in power and wealth.

Instead, she seemed indifferent to the rewards he offered.

Long Xiyuan was then fully convinced that these people were definitely not ordinary merchants.

Such capable individuals residing in the mansion of a high-ranking court official only piqued his interest further.

As it stands, Long Xiyuan could ascertain that Miss Jing and her group were not opposed to him.

Given this, he should recruit her into his camp as soon as possible.

...

The next day.

The case of the injured horse-riders was announced in detail by the Minister of the Ministry of Justice in court.

Knowing that Long Xiyuan was personally supervising the investigation, it progressed especially quickly.

Song Bufan, the eldest son of Duke Huan, was also captured at his suburban villa.

It was said that when he was arrested, he was still embracing a beauty and sipping fine wine.

If he hadn’t been apprehended, he would continue to enjoy his prosperous future.

Even if someone else took his place in prison or even died for him.

He wouldn’t care.

To the sons of noble families, apart from their own lives, it seems other people’s lives are worthless.

After Song Bufan was thrown into prison, he cried to see his father.

However, Duke Huan knew he was utterly powerless.

The Emperor himself was overseeing the progress of this case; who would dare tamper with it now?

After court, leaving the imperial palace, Duke Huan ordered his carriage to catch up with Prince Li Zheng’s procession.

"Prince, Prince, you must save my son," Duke Huan could only plead with Prince Li Zheng.

Prince Li Zheng lifted the carriage curtain, his authoritative face stern and serious.

"Duke Huan, this is a critical moment, neither of us can be careless. Now that things have come to this, how can I help you?"

"From the start, I disagreed with altering the records; such a big move would inevitably draw the Emperor’s attention."

"But you refused to listen to me, insisting on your own way, and now look, you’ve prompted the Emperor to personally supervise this case."

"Your son Song Bufan could have been acquitted, but now he can only wait to die!"

"I warned you long ago not to bring back illegitimate children to avoid unnecessary trouble."

Duke Huan, with eyes red from worry, "Who could have thought that bringing back would invite such trouble!"

If it weren’t for Song Yingchuan bringing Miss Jing, why would the Emperor pay extra attention to his family matters?

Prince Li Zheng feared that if they were seen speaking here, someone with ulterior motives would report back to the Emperor.

He waved his hand, showing a hint of dismissal.

"The urgent matter is for you to personally submit a memorial, confess to the Emperor, admitting the fault of failing to educate your son properly!"

"Then issue a suggestion, asking the Emperor to order your unfilial son’s execution ahead of time."

"Only by enduring the pain of cutting off your own arm can you avoid being implicated by your son."

"Otherwise, you can wait for the Emperor’s reckoning during autumn reviews, you won’t escape, and you’ll cause me to be suspected by the Emperor!"

With that, Prince Li Zheng concluded, "I’ve said all I can!"

The carriage bypassed Duke Huan and left the street.