Chapter 131: The Work of One Person

"Scoundrel!" the Emperor bellowed. "Gu Qingfei’s fate is entirely of his own making, spoiled by his father!"

Perhaps due to the intensity of his rage, the Emperor broke into a violent coughing fit, sending the imperial physician into a panic.

"Your Majesty, your health has only just begun to recover! Please, do not agitate yourself!"

Xiao Yan lifted his gaze slightly, his eyes locking with those of Shen Yi, who stood not far away.

His eyes were dark. After a moment, he averted his gaze and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, please prioritize your health first."

Shen Yi continued, "Prince Rui has been detained. You may rest assured, Your Majesty." He hesitated before adding, "I have one more matter to address, though I am uncertain if I should speak of it."

The Emperor’s breathing steadied slightly. "There is no such thing as what should or should not be said. Speak."

Shen Yi bowed slightly. "Returning to Your Majesty, I have served in the court alongside Prince Rui for many years. It is my belief that if he had not been incited by others, he would never have dared to commit such an act."

The Emperor, knowing Prince Rui somewhat, asked, "Does Minister Shen believe that Prince Rui was incited by someone to take Yan'er's life?"

"I am terrified, Your Majesty."

Shen Yi bowed even lower. Outside the tent, Gu Shengyu’s footsteps came to an abrupt halt, a growing sense of unease taking root in his heart.

He moved silently to a secluded spot, his brow furrowed in a deep, fierce scowl. He spoke in a harsh whisper to his attendant: "Find a guard—make sure no one notices—and tell Prince Rui that I have a way to save his son. But he must not breathe a single word about me! If he does, Gu Qingfei will have no chance of survival."

The eunuch lowered his head. "As you command, Your Highness."

Inside, Shen Yi continued, "I believe we should interrogate Prince Rui thoroughly. We might uncover some truths from him—specifically, whether anyone incited him."

The Emperor lowered his eyes in contemplation for a moment, then nodded. "Bring Prince Rui here," he commanded sharply.

Just then, the Second Prince entered the tent, his face etched with concern. He hurried to pay his respects. "Father."

"I heard that my third brother was injured and rushed over immediately," he said. "How is his condition? Is it serious?"

"Brother, do not worry," Xiao Yan replied. "I am unharmed."

"That is a relief." Gu Shengyu let out a breath, then added, "I saw the Imperial Guards heading toward where Prince Rui is held. Are you planning to interrogate him, Father?"

The Emperor gave a noncommittal grunt. After a brief pause, he added, seemingly offhandedly, "I heard that Prince Rui visited you quite often these past few days."

It was not just Gu Shengyu whose heart skipped a beat; even Xiao Yan and Shen Yi were momentarily stunned by the remark. So, the Emperor had been aware of Prince Rui’s movements all along.

Gu Shengyu dropped to his knees, his voice trembling with alarm. "Father, it is true that Prince Rui came to see me, but it was only to ask for my help in rescuing his son. I am well aware of the heinous crimes the heir has committed, so I never agreed to his requests, which is why he came to me time and again."

"I have never done anything else! If you do not believe me, Father, please interrogate Prince Rui. I ask only for your impartial judgment!"

The atmosphere turned tense. Xiao Yan squinted slightly at the kneeling Second Prince. Seeing his display of righteous indignation, he surmised that the prince had likely already persuaded Prince Rui not to implicate him. He lowered his eyes, concealing the sharpness in his gaze.

If that were the case, this was not the time to tear away the mask of civility between them.

When he looked up, his expression was full of trust. "Father, I also believe in my brother."

Shen Yi, standing before the Second Prince, could not overtly support the Third Prince. He bowed: "Your Majesty, I also believe the Second Prince would not do such a thing."

The Emperor’s eyes were deep, like bottomless pools. He smiled. "I was merely asking a question. Why are you so nervous, Yu'er? Stand up."

Gu Shengyu’s hands tightened, but he stood, unable to hide the gloom in his eyes. "I thank you, Father."

Before long, Prince Rui was brought in. Upon entering, he cast a glance at Gu Shengyu before turning his eyes away, remaining expressionless as he was forced to his knees.

"Your Majesty..." He paused, his face pale. "I did not intend to harm the Third Prince."

Shen Sinian spoke coldly, "If you did not intend to harm him, how did the Third Prince sustain his injuries? There were witnesses who saw you draw your bow against him. With such ironclad evidence, do you still wish to quibble?"

Prince Rui’s breathing quickened. His hands clenched into fists. When he looked up, he met Xiao Yan’s dark, piercing gaze.

"I only wanted to... I only wanted to frighten the Third Prince! If not for him, Qingfei would not have been thrown into prison, his life hanging in the balance. I was aiming at the tree beside him, but I do not know how the arrow ended up striking him. I know I have committed a grave sin, but I did not intend to kill him!"

He pursed his lips, his gaze toward Xiao Yan growing increasingly hateful. "Perhaps the Third Prince leaned into the arrow on purpose, just to frame me!"

"Scoundrel!" The Emperor erupted in fury. "How dare you speak such nonsense!"

Prince Rui trembled, not daring to utter another word.

Xiao Yan’s expression remained indifferent. "Prince Rui claims I deliberately moved to catch the arrow to frame you. May I ask, why would I do such a thing? Why would I frame you?"

Prince Rui stammered, unable to find an answer.

The Emperor asked, "Was this your own doing?"

Prince Rui hesitated, recalling the guard's words: *"If you do not reveal a single thing about the Second Prince, he will surely find a way to save the heir. The heir is only in his teens; surely you do not want him to die so young? But if you expose the Prince, the heir will have no path to survival. The Second Prince has many ways to torture him; I wonder how long the heir could endure the horrors of the dungeon."*

His hands tightened. "It was my own doing. But I stand by what I said—I never intended to harm the Third Prince. I only meant to scare him."

The Emperor, having no desire to hear more, waved his hand. "Take him away."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Gu Shengyu finally let out a sigh of relief.

Outside, the rain grew heavier, drumming against the tent with a rhythmic patter. The Emperor looked weary. He sighed, "We shall interrogate this matter further upon our return. Minister Shen, go and rest."

Shen Yi bowed. "You should rest as well, Your Majesty. Your health is of the utmost importance." He added, "I take my leave."

It was only when they were a great distance away that Shen Yi lowered his voice and spoke to Shen Sinian. "I am about to depart for the front. The rest of these matters are in your hands. You have been by my side since you were a child; this time, you must assist the Third Prince well."