After my father was sent to marry into the princess's household, I became the darling of the en

Xiao Jingchen was speechless for a moment, and a layer of cold sweat instantly seeped out from his back.

He hurriedly lifted his clothes and knelt down, his head hitting the cold gold bricks.

"Your Majesty, please understand. Your son only... I was anxious when I saw Your Majesty's anger and wanted to share Your Majesty's burdens. I had no other intentions."

The emperor snorted coldly, "It's good that you have such filial piety, but as the younger brother, how can you speak so disrespectfully to your elder brother in the court? What kind of decorum is that?"

Xiao Jingchen gritted his teeth and could only accept the scolding.

"Your subject knows his mistake and begs for forgiveness from Your Majesty."

The emperor ignored him and turned to look at Xiao Jingyu, who was kneeling to the side.

This second son, who is usually timid and doesn't even dare to speak loudly, actually dared to take the initiative to do something today.

The emperor narrowed his eyes, vaguely sensing that his son seemed different from before, and had become more proactive.

Since both of his sons had become interested in court affairs, he wanted to see just how capable they really were.

The emperor waved his hand, "Very well, since you all have this intention, then go together to the Dali Temple to assist in handling this case."

He raised his hand and pointed at the two of them.

"I understand, it's just assistance."

"The Court of Judicial Review has its own rules. You should follow Chen Huainian's arrangements and not interfere recklessly just because you are princes."

Xiao Jingchen and Xiao Jingyu both kowtowed and agreed.

Chen Huainian knelt behind him, almost in tears.

What kind of nonsense is this?

If they send in two powerful figures they can't afford to offend to investigate a missing person case, how can the case possibly proceed?

"Dismiss the court."

The emperor stood up, rubbed his temples, and suddenly felt dizzy, swaying slightly.

Zhou Lianhai quickly caught him and asked in a low voice.

"Is Your Majesty feeling unwell? Should I summon Mr. Tantai?"

The emperor closed his eyes and nodded weakly.

The officials dispersed.

Outside the main hall, Xiao Jingchen stopped and coldly looked at Xiao Jingyu, who was a few steps behind, letting out a soft snort.

"Second brother is really different now; he has to meddle in everything."

Xiao Jingyu stood with his hands in his pockets, seemingly oblivious to the veiled meaning in the words, and chuckled.

"Third brother, please don't be offended. My mother said that I've been living in a daze all day long, and I need to learn more from you, my clever and capable third brother."

But to Xiao Jingchen, these words were nothing short of irony.

His eye twitched violently, and he flung his sleeves aside, saying coldly, "I dare not accept such praise as a younger brother. In the future, I will have to rely on my second brother to set a good example."

Having said that, he turned and left, his anger palpable.

Xiao Jingyu stood there, watching him walk away, the simple smile on his face gradually fading.

Then he shrugged and turned to walk towards the harem.

Inside the Yunjin Palace, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.

Xiao Jingyu, with his hands behind his back, leisurely stepped into the palace.

Liang Meiren was kneeling in front of the Buddha shrine, her eyes closed, her hands clasped together, and she was chanting incantations.

"Mother, I have come to pay my respects."

Liang Meiren trembled and stood up in a panic. When she saw who it was, her face turned deathly pale.

"You... what brings you here? What's the matter?"

Xiao Jingyu walked over to the table and sat down without any hesitation, pouring himself a cup of tea.

"Does that mean you can only come when there's a reason? Can't I just come to check on you, Mother—?"

He deliberately dragged out the last syllable, which sent chills down Liang Meiren's spine.

Her beautiful, pearly eyes instantly filled with tears as she turned to give instructions to the palace maids and eunuchs inside the hall.

"Get out, everyone, and close the door!"

As soon as the palace doors slammed shut, she knelt down at Xiao Jingyu's feet and hugged his legs.

"I beg you, please spare my son!"

"I'll do anything you want, please don't touch him!"

The smile on Xiao Jingyu's face vanished instantly.

He kicked the man away without hesitation and looked down at the woman who had fallen to the ground.

"Was it this delicate and charming appearance that won the Emperor of Dayong's favor back then?"

Liang Meiren collapsed to the ground, her face blank. "I...I did it to complete the mission, that's why..."

Xiao Jingyu bent down, grabbed her chin, and forced her to raise her head.

"As far as I know, the task you were given back then was to get close to Marquis Qin Feng of Weiyuan."

He increased the pressure on his hands.

"Tell me then, why was it Helian Shuang who ended up going to the army to suffer with Qin Feng, while you ended up in the bed of the Emperor of Dayong?"

Liang Meiren felt as if she had fallen into an ice cave, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at the person in front of her.

"How...how did you know...who you are...?"

Xiao Jingyu disgustedly shook off his hand and took out a handkerchief to wipe his fingertips.

"How I know is none of your business. The important thing is that I know who you are."

He casually tossed the handkerchief on the ground.

"And your son's life is now in my hands."

Liang Meiren trembled like a leaf, looking at the ghost-like "son" in front of her in despair.

"What exactly do you want me to do?"

Xiao Jingyu reached out and pulled her up from the ground, took out a handkerchief, and considerately wiped away the tears on her face.

"Mother, don't worry, you will know in time."

He pressed Liang Meiren down into a chair.

"I've come today because there's a small matter that requires your attention, Mother."

Liang Meiren swallowed hard, and asked fearfully, "What...what is it?"

Xiao Jingyu beckoned her to come closer, then whispered a few words.

Upon hearing this, Liang Meiren's eyes widened instantly, her face filled with disbelief.

"You...you told me...to kill..."

"Shhh."

Xiao Jingyu raised his index finger and gently placed it on her lips, interrupting her.

"I'm not asking you to do it yourself."

"I'm just using you to deliver people to those who want to take action."

Seeing Liang Meiren's stunned expression, Xiao Jingyu straightened up with satisfaction.

"You can think carefully about what to do. In any case, your son's life is entirely in your hands."

Having said that, he straightened his robes and leisurely walked out of the main hall once again.

The sunlight outside the hall was just right, and Xiao Jingyu stretched out his arms and yawned.

This pool of water is finally going to get murky.

……

Princess Chang's Residence, Yingzhu Garden.

The spear, like a dragon, swept up the fallen leaves that filled the courtyard.

Xiao Changgeng wore only a thin shirt, and sweat slid down his skin.

"Young Master!"

Xuan Qi rushed in from outside the courtyard gate, clutching a small bamboo tube in his hand.

He walked quickly to Xiao Changgeng and presented it with both hands.

"I just received a message by carrier pigeon; Her Highness the Princess will arrive in the capital in three days!"

Xiao Changgeng retracted his spear, the butt of which slammed heavily onto the ground. His cold, stern eyes softened instantly.

That's great, Mother is safe and sound.

He asked eagerly, "Where is the sparrow?"

Xuan Qi smiled and said, "Don't worry, Young Master, the young lady returned with the Princess and the Prince Consort. She's doing very well."

Xiao Changgeng nodded and looked in the southwest direction.

It's good that you're back.

At least we won't have to be so hesitant and conflicted anymore.

However, looking at the rolling dark clouds over the capital, he always felt a lingering unease in his heart.

It was as if a huge vortex was brewing beneath this seemingly calm sky, threatening to engulf everyone.