"Father! Third Brother acts so without regard for me. In his eyes, us brothers are all mere obstacles in his path. Third Brother is so ruthless, repeatedly harming his own kin—does he have no humanity left?"

The Crown Prince glared at the kneeling Third Prince, his face full of righteous indignation.

Gu Chengyu inwardly scoffed, this Crown Prince is quite the drama king.

As if among the Princes, besides the Third Prince, all others are of pure and good character.

Is the Third Prince the only one who’s ruthless and cruel? He could say, in their hearts, the other Princes wish all other Princes were dead except themselves!

Including His Highness the Crown Prince, who is no different.

"Then what do you mean? Do you want your Third Brother dead?"

The Emperor’s hands trembled slightly as he griped the armrests; he regretted entrusting this matter to his second son to decide.

Who knew the second son would become arrogant as Crown Prince? What would happen to him when he begins exercising the Crown Prince’s powers? Would there be any room left for him in this court?

The Emperor’s aged eyes were as sharp as those of a hawk, fixed tightly upon the Crown Prince.

No! If the Crown Prince grows too powerful, this court could no longer be dominated by his own words.

"Father! Third Brother has been so cruel towards me, for me to say I’m indifferent would be false. However, I’m not someone who ignores brotherly affection. He can be spared from the death penalty but severe punishment is necessary. Do you agree with me, Father?"

The Crown Prince’s words caused the officials present to nod their heads; the Crown Prince showed mercy after all.

However, the Crown Prince didn’t indulge the Third Prince, but proposed severe punishment, showing he’s both kind-hearted and firm.

"Emperor! The ministers believe what His Highness the Crown Prince said is correct! Regardless of law or sentiment, the actions of the Third Prince are unforgivable! The Crown Prince shows kindness by granting him a lifeline, but the Third Prince committed grave mistakes, Emperor cannot spare him too lightly, lest you regret in the future."

As the Imperial Uncle, Shen Shikang was supposed to avoid involvement, so he hadn’t expressed his view until now.

But seeing the Emperor put the Crown Prince in such a predicament, Shen Shikang couldn’t stand by, since it not only dimmed the Crown Prince’s dignity, but also that of the Shen Family.

"Father, I have a suggestion. But ultimately, the decision rests with you, Father."

The Crown Prince paused, then thought of a remarkable idea.

The Emperor slightly nodded, "Oh? Speak!"

"Father! Third Brother acts this way because his heart harbors too much malice and greed. Why not entrust Third Brother to the Master Abbot of Bao En Temple? With his profound Buddhist Law, Master Abbot will surely lead Third Brother to heartfelt repentance."

The Crown Prince glanced earnestly at the uneasy Third Prince.

Gu Chengyu gaped, shocked as he turned towards the Crown Prince.

If it weren’t for the inappropriate setting, he would have laughed aloud.

To have Buddhist Law transform the Third Prince, dissolve his malice, and finally become a compassionate monk?

High, this move is truly high indeed!

He anticipated the Crown Prince would say to imprison the Third Prince for life in the Imperial Clan Court, but didn’t expect something like this.

It made people both amused and vigilant.

What’s the Crown Prince’s intention in doing this? Is it merely to have the Third Prince embrace monastic life?

Yet, if someone could be locked up in the Imperial Clan Court, never to leave, wouldn’t that be more satisfying?

The Imperial Clan Court has strict guards, and there’d be no concern about the Third Prince plotting trouble again.

"What? You mean for the third one to become a monk?"

The Emperor and the Eldest Prince cast surprised looks, and others in the hall were equally stunned.

Prince Jing sized up the Crown Prince; he just realized today the Crown Prince is quite formidable, so he had to reassess him.

Though unsure what the Crown Prince’s motives were for having Third Brother become a monk, he felt the Crown Prince surely had his reasons.

As for using Buddhist Law for transformation, it sounded like a farce, making it laughable.

"Father! Embracing monastic life might be beneficial for Third Brother. More so than being imprisoned for life in the Imperial Clan Court, only to waste away there. Why not let him experience the benevolence of Buddhist Law and be transformed?"

The Crown Prince spoke, unperturbed, amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd.

The Third Prince looked at the Crown Prince with an expression of disbelief—monastic life? No! He refused, he wouldn’t agree!

To become a monk would mean severing ties with the mundane world, leaving behind desires and emotions; never again to indulge in worldly pleasures, how could he endure that?

The Emperor initially felt the idea was absurd, but upon hearing the Crown Prince’s reasoning, found it considerably worthwhile.

Compared to imprisoning him in the Imperial Clan Court, why not have him become a monk?

After all, Third Brother already had descendants, there’s no fear of his lineage ending.

In the previous dynasty, two Princes imprisoned in the Imperial Clan Court committed suicide by poison.

Because they couldn’t bear losing power, losing freedom, living in idleness every day.

Eventually, losing hope of release led them to end their lives.

Gu Chengyu actually thought the Imperial Clan Court was a great place for torment, given Third Prince’s transgressions, entering there meant he’d never see the outside again.

Confined within its square courtyard, each day he’d look up to see only the sky.

Facing the same people each day, doing the same things—anyone would be driven mad.

Isn’t that enough for the Crown Prince? What benefit does the Third Prince becoming a monk bring him? Holding him in the Imperial Clan Court seems more comforting.

However, Gu Chengyu realized something: the Clan Court is strictly monitored; every aspect of life is handled by the designated staff.

Even if the Third Prince remains ambitious, without external contact, he’d be helpless.

But the people outside would also be helpless regarding the Third Prince. Would the Crown Prince relax knowing the Third Prince is alive?

Who knows if one day, the Emperor might suddenly be moved by compassion, and release the Third Prince from the Imperial Clan Court?

Such occurrences happened in the previous dynasty, where some Princes exited and re-entered, eventually even going to their fiefdom.

The Crown Prince might as well keep the Third Prince under close watch, ready to end him if any trouble arises.

Besides, the outcome of this case means whether it’s the Third Prince’s private affections or descendants, they’ll all be confined in the Clan Court.

Keeping them together feels too generous; who knows if the Third Prince might act recklessly, trying for success or at least honor?

Wouldn’t separating them, keeping his descendants as hostages ensure his compliance?

Gu Chengyu drew a cold breath, the Crown Prince truly cannot be underestimated!

"Father! Such instances were not without precedent, I believe the Crown Prince’s suggestion is excellent!"