The Emperor didn’t continue to ask questions, seemingly in contemplation.

The Crown Prince eagerly said, "Father, please see clearly, I know that being in this position, standing out will attract envy. Someone must be framing me, Father!"

The Emperor glanced at him coldly, "So you mean all these evidences are fake? The Antong Three Ghosts aren’t yours?"

Antong Three Ghosts?

Upon hearing these four words, the Crown Prince’s expression changed dramatically.

He stammered, "An... Antong Three Ghosts?" How could Father know about these three people?

The Emperor’s gaze was icy, "The Antong Three Ghosts have been captured. Do you want to confront them face to face?"

The Crown Prince’s face turned pale. Recently, the Capital Governor and the three departments had been thoroughly inspecting the Capital City, leaving no stone unturned.

Actually, when he learned that Prince Cheng’s Heir had died, he planned to silence the Antong Three Ghosts. But these three ghostly figures were so cunning that he didn’t dare to alert them, fearing retaliation.

Although the Antong Three Ghosts were exceptionally skilled and not easy for ordinary people to deal with, to ensure everything went smoothly, he had already instructed them not to venture out recklessly.

But these Antong Three Ghosts, though ghostly in appearance, were lecherous by nature. Could it be that they slipped up at some brothel?

If the Antong Three Ghosts were captured, he didn’t dare to hope they would keep secrets. After all, these three weren’t paragons of virtue. If they could be bought by him, they could betray him too.

Seeing the Crown Prince suddenly fall silent, how could those present not understand what was going on?

The Emperor’s expression darkened further. The investigation results of the three departments directly pointed to the Crown Prince, which was enough to enrage him. He couldn’t believe the Crown Prince had actually done such a thing.

As the Crown Prince, to assassinate a Vassal King’s heir in the street and ignore the law, was he trying to force Prince Cheng and his brothers to turn against him?

He originally thought he was clever, but didn’t expect him to act so foolishly.

Everyone knew Prince Cheng wasn’t a threat to him, yet he killed Prince Cheng’s Heir.

Planting men beside the Crown Prince, luring him into wrongdoing, making him err, then toppling him and taking his place. Although it made him clench his teeth in anger, the Emperor could understand such schemes.

After all, princes without ambition are rare, and in the struggle for the throne, every method and strategy is employed. Even, due to Prince Liang’s incompetence, the Emperor was dissatisfied with him, fearing the century-long foundation of Nanxia would be ruined in his hands. Therefore, he tacitly approved of a brilliant prince replacing him as the Crown Prince, leading Nanxia to glory once again.

The things Old Three did in secret, as the Emperor, how could he not know? He merely turned a blind eye.

Now, although Old Three held the crown position, the Emperor had other plans in mind. No matter how they fought, the ultimate winner would be the most exceptional, well-planned, and meticulous one — the best candidate for the next Emperor.

But those methods and schemes were meant to be in the shadows. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Now exposed to the light, it was too shocking.

Especially when he permitted his sons to vie for power, but there had to be a bottom line. What Old Three did to Prince Cheng’s Heir was too much. His gaze turned sharp, and he shouted sternly, "Rebellious son, did you do it or not?"

The Crown Prince shivered in fear. The Emperor’s anger was like the wrath of heaven, an immense pressure that ordinary people couldn’t withstand.

But he was very clear; he couldn’t admit it, even if the Antong Three Ghosts had been captured and might testify against him, he could only stubbornly deny it.

If he admitted, he would be finished.

To publicly assassinate a Vassal King’s heir and commit such a serious crime on the street, ignoring the law, this was no small matter. Especially as the Crown Prince, the crime was even graver.

He bowed his head, gritting his teeth, "Father, I didn’t do it. Prince Cheng’s Heir wasn’t someone I sent people to assassinate."

The Emperor sneered, "You’re quite stubborn!"

At this time, Prince Li stepped forward again, kneeling and crying, "Father, please also do justice for me!"

The Emperor frowned, "What’s your issue now?"

Prince Liang’s matter and the assassination of Prince Cheng’s Heir seem unrelated to Prince Li. Why was he joining in?

Tears streamed from Prince Li’s eyes, "Father, I plead for my poor child, Jinglun. Please do justice for me!" He spoke tearfully, "On your birthday, Jinglun came to offer birthday wishes. On his way back to Ningzhou, he was attacked and killed by mountain bandits for no reason. I don’t believe it was an accident. I’ve been investigating and already have some clues, but the result is too shocking, and I dared not speak out. However, the incident with Prince Cheng’s Heir has stirred my grief again. I can no longer endure silently. Otherwise, my Jinglun would never rest in peace. Father, my Jinglun was killed by the Crown Prince!"

The Crown Prince almost jumped up, angrily, "Old Nine, you’re defaming me. When did I harm your Jinglun?"

Prince Li raised his tear-streaked face, his hateful gaze seemingly ablaze, "Elder Brother, my Jinglun, though young, was exceptionally talented, with vast knowledge and intelligence, deeply beloved by Father. You plotted against Jinglun, thinking it would remain a secret. At first, I didn’t want to reveal you since you are the Crown Prince. But this time, your actions against Prince Cheng’s Heir are intolerable! Otherwise, who knows how many more deserving members of the royal family might suffer at your hands!"

Courtiers: "..."

What kind of shocking affair have they heard?

Regarding the murder of Prince Li’s son, Huangfu Jinglun, the Crown Prince was indeed innocent. He hadn’t done it, and this matter he certainly couldn’t admit.

But turning aside, he saw even his Father looked at him with suspicion and displeasure.

His Father seemed to be saying, "Since you dared kill Prince Cheng’s Heir, you might also have a hand against Prince Li’s son."

The Crown Prince understood that regarding Prince Cheng’s Heir, his Father had conclusive evidence. Moreover, he underestimated the strength of Prince Cheng’s Heir; all his men were killed. Only when the Antong Three Ghosts intervened was the job done, suggesting evidence was left at the scene.

Since it was an undeniable fact, he might as well confess.

But for something he hadn’t done, he absolutely couldn’t allow it to sully his name. Otherwise, it wouldn’t just be one enemy in Prince Cheng; Prince Lu and Prince Li would also stand opposed, with rightful cause, leaving him utterly powerless to turn the tide.

Thinking of this, he bowed his head again. When he lifted his face, tears were streaming, and he choked on his words, "Father, I am guilty!"

"You admit it?" The Emperor’s words seemed to squeeze out from between clenched teeth, carrying a chilling fury.

The Crown Prince, full of grief, lamented painfully, "Father, I did make a move against Prince Cheng’s Heir. I sent the Antong Three Ghosts. However, when they returned, they said Prince Cheng’s Heir had already been attacked when they acted. They were merely the yellowbird behind!"