Chapter 950: Chapter 786: Swearing an Oath

The Third Prince didn’t have enough land to exchange, so naturally, he used unclaimed barren land. As for whether it was really barren, that’s another matter.

In fact, this phenomenon is not uncommon in the Capital. Officials and Princes more or less take advantage of their positions to seize these benefits.

But one must not be too ruthless; greed knows no bounds! Once the thought of greed arises, there will eventually be a reckoning.

Gu Chengyu would never use such methods to seize land. He doesn’t need to! Nor does he dare to!

"Old Third, I ask you! Why is there so much gold and silver in your mansion? Don’t tell me it was allocated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. I don’t remember the National Treasury being so abundant. More than 1.2 million taels? Ten hectares of land, you! How do you explain that?"

The Emperor’s hand trembled as he pointed at the Third Prince, thinking about how he had been frugal, even reducing the number of times he fired the Pill Furnace. Who would have thought the Third Prince lived much more lavishly than him?

It was the height of winter, yet the clothes on the Third Prince’s back were already soaked with sweat.

"Moreover, the Military Department found evidence at the Third Prince Mansion, some of which is related to the previous assassination attempt on the Eldest Prince."

Kuang Zhao Ying’s words were like a stone casting a thousand ripples.

"What? Who would have thought the Third Prince could be so ruthless, plotting against the Eldest Prince long before this."

The hall buzzed immediately with indignant ministers, who began to denounce the Third Prince.

"So it turns out the Eldest Prince was already targeted by the Third Prince before. It’s fortunate the Eldest Prince survived by the skin of his teeth. The matter was put to rest before due to lack of evidence. Heaven’s justice prevails, as the truth comes out this time."

...

Prince Jing’s expression remained calm, but in his heart, he sneered.

This was the pit he dug for the Third. He had gathered the evidence for a long time. It was worth his efforts!

The Third Prince turned pale. He knew he was finished, and Father would no longer forgive him.

The Eldest Prince glanced incredulously at Kuang Zhao Ying, then focused on Prince Jing.

A chill ran through him; the Fourth turned out to be more terrifying than he had imagined!

Gu Chengyu had to admire Prince Jing’s strategy. This was a decisive blow, ensuring the Third Prince could not recover.

By framing the Third Prince for the previous assassination attempt on the Eldest Prince, he not only increased the Third Prince’s crimes but also passed the blame onto him.

It must be said that aside from the Third Prince, the strategies of the other Princes were indeed admirable. None of them were easy to deal with.

Even if the Second Prince ascends to the position of Crown Prince smoothly, it may not be easy for him in the future!

How have these princes tolerated the Third Prince’s antics for so long? Given their cunning and methods, shouldn’t they have disposed of the Third Prince long ago?

The case in Hejian Prefecture was linked to a massacre case, where the perpetrator was determined to be the neighbor of the deceased, a butcher who sold pork.

Later, the butcher died in prison, and the Third Prince had even used this to attack the Eldest Prince. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be evidence of his plot against the Eldest Prince.

It’s estimated that the butcher’s death is linked to the Third Prince; otherwise, the Third Prince wouldn’t be in this state now, unable to even argue.

"Old Third! Very well! Very well! You actually harmed your brothers in your quest for the position of Crown Prince. How could I have given birth to a son with such wolfish ambitions?"

The Emperor’s eyes gradually blurred. It seemed that punishing the Third Prince heavily was the only way to appease the people.

"Your Majesty! The Third Prince is indeed vicious and ruthless. The Eldest Prince personally went to Hejian Prefecture for the massacre case, striving to find the culprit. Who would have expected this was a trap set by the Third Prince, nearly resulting in the Eldest Prince’s death. Born of the same root, why press so hard upon each other? Such conduct is truly unworthy of a Dragon Son or Phoenix Grandson."

Bian Shengrong felt this was the opportune moment. Today, they must force the Emperor to deal with the Third Prince; otherwise, if they fail to slay the tiger, they risk being bitten back.

He spared no effort in attacking the Third Prince today. If the Emperor were to be lenient again, it would be akin to releasing a tiger back into the mountains.

The Third Prince would not only fail to reform but likely grow even more ambitious.

For after this incident, the Third Prince would surely resent being under others’ control, increasingly desiring to be the sole ruler of the world.

"Indeed! Your Majesty, the Third Prince allows officials to exploit the people for his gain. It’s been heard that servants rolled up in straw mats are frequently carried out of his mansion, and his nature is exceedingly violent. If he were to go to a fief one day, it would be the people who suffer!"

"Your Majesty, I also believe the views of these two officials are correct. The Third Prince lacks virtue, ignores human life, and shows no brotherly love. He disregards the state for personal gain; how can he be expected to bring welfare to the people of his future fief?"

"Indeed! Your Majesty..."

"Father! I did not have any involvement in this matter with my elder brother. I implore you to uncover the truth and clear my name."

At this moment, the Third Prince appeared more composed than before. He understood that with the evidence uncovered, even if he tried to defend himself, his father would not believe him.

As long as he was convicted of attempting to harm the Crown Prince, even if he hadn’t plotted against his elder brother, the civil and military officials and his father would not believe it.

Fourth Prince, your schemes run so deep!

Ignoring the ministers who denounced him, he simply looked up at his father sitting on the Dragon Throne, waiting for his father’s judgment.

The Emperor was annoyed and angry at these officials who kicked him when he was down, eager to step on him.

His gaze swept over the ministers in the hall who were still racking their brains to submit a report. Ultimately, the Emperor turned his attention to the Crown Prince and the Eldest Prince.

"Crown Prince, what do you say?"

The Crown Prince was taken aback, then looked up under the Emperor’s stern gaze, speechless for a long time.

The Emperor felt somewhat disappointed. Although the Crown Prince was known for his benevolence and understanding, the matter with the Third was significant. And since it was an attempt on the Crown Prince’s life, who wouldn’t be justified in being indignant?

"What about you, Eldest? What do you say?" The Emperor looked at the calm-faced Eldest Prince, somewhat surprised, raising his eyebrows. Today, the Eldest was acting unusually.

"Father! I never expected my Third Brother would have committed so many foolish acts. It’s also a failure on my part as the elder brother to set a good example."

The Eldest Prince glanced at the Third Prince, then sighed, immediately showing a look of deep sorrow.

"With evidence found in your Third Brother’s mansion, he seemed to have even attempted to assassinate you before; what is your opinion on this matter?"

The Emperor closely observed the Eldest Prince’s expression, truly surprised by his performance.

He knew this son’s nature very well.

The Eldest’s nature was more rebellious, even surpassing the Third. Yet his ability was greater than the Third’s, and he acted with more restraint.

But did the Eldest intend to plead for the Third’s sake with his words just now?

"Father! I swear I did not attempt to assassinate my elder brother! Should I be lying, may I be struck by lightning!"

Though uncertain why the Eldest would plead for him, this was his last chance now, and he couldn’t give it up.