Princess, something terrible has happened! The prince consort has attempted suicide again!

"good."

Zhao Changning nodded slightly, revealing the clue: "This is precisely the Black Lotus Sect's unique and mysterious method."

As soon as she finished speaking, she reached out and ripped open the clothes of the corpse on the ground.

On the chest of the corpse, a grotesque black lotus tattoo stood out starkly.

"It really is the Black Lotus Sect!" Marquis Yongwu's eyes widened slightly, his face full of astonishment.

"What a formidable Black Lotus Cult!"

The Prince of Zhenbei, his hair standing on end in fury, suddenly felt a chilling killing intent surge in his eyes. His voice was as deep as thunder, "These remnants of the previous dynasty are still harboring treacherous intentions. I will tear you to pieces!"

Marquis Yongwu raised his question: "If this person is an imposter, then where is the real young prince?"

These words instantly struck at the Prince of Zhenbei's weak spot.

His body stiffened, and he turned to look at Zhao Changning, his voice trembling uncontrollably, his eyes still holding a last glimmer of hope: "Changning, my Hao'er...where is my Hao'er? You must know, right?"

Zhao Changning did not answer directly, but instead asked softly, "Imperial Uncle, was my youngest uncle known for his refined manners, gentle and upright character, and universally recognized as a gentleman?"

The Prince of Zhenbei nodded slightly, a deep sense of melancholy and bitterness rising between his brows: "Indeed. I had a son late in life and doted on Hao'er, but I never neglected his upbringing. He never slacked off in observing the proper etiquette and learning the skills he was supposed to learn. He was indeed well-behaved and sensible before, but two years ago, after returning from an outing, his temperament suddenly changed drastically."

His brows were tightly furrowed, and a deep sigh escaped his lips: "Back then, I noticed something was wrong and tried to discipline him strictly, but instead of repenting, he became even more reckless. I was helpless and could not control him. I could only watch him sink deeper and deeper into depravity."

"So, it wasn't the young imperial uncle who returned two years ago," Zhao Changning said solemnly, revealing the key point.

The Prince of Zhenbei had already vaguely guessed the truth, and now that it was confirmed by these words, his heart tightened, and he hurriedly asked, "Then what about my Hao'er? What has the Black Lotus Sect done to him?"

Zhao Changning remained silent for a long time, staring at the corpse on the ground, and said with a grim expression, "The Black Lotus Sect acts ruthlessly and unscrupulously. I'm afraid the young imperial uncle is already..."

With a loud bang.

These words struck me like a thunderclap.

The Prince of Zhenbei's face drained of all color in an instant, turning ashen white as paper. All his strength was drained, and his body slumped backward.

"Royal Uncle!"

Zhao Qiandong, who was standing nearby, reacted quickly and helped the person up.

Overwhelmed by grief, the once powerful and influential Prince of Zhenbei was now weeping uncontrollably, his throat choked with sobs, filled with utter despair and despair: "Hao'er... it's all my fault... I've let you down..."

Upon learning the devastating news that his beloved son had died tragically two years prior, he aged and became haggard in an instant, losing all the imposing demeanor of a feudal lord, leaving only a heart full of deep regret and sorrow.

"Please take care of yourself, Imperial Uncle."

Zhao Qiandong gently reassured him, his gaze resolute, and solemnly promised, "I hereby swear that I will devote all the power of the court and the people to crush the Black Lotus Sect, purge the traitors, and avenge my cousin!"

"Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty."

The Prince of Zhenbei had empty, lifeless eyes and a weak, feeble breath.

In a short while, several more strands of white hair appeared at his temples, and he looked several years older and more haggard.

At this moment, Marquis Yongwu spoke again, utterly perplexed: "The Black Lotus Sect went to such lengths to find someone to impersonate the young prince, was it merely to tarnish his reputation?"

Zhao Changning raised his eyes, glanced at the emperor and the Prince of Zhenbei before him, and said his guess, "Their purpose is to sow discord between Father and his uncle."

Upon hearing this, Marquis Yongwu immediately understood.

Everyone in the court and among the people knows that the current emperor and his nephew, the Prince of Zhenbei, have a deep and harmonious relationship.

With the Prince of Zhenbei assisting in governing the country, the Emperor's rule is as stable as a tiger with wings.

It is common knowledge that the Prince of Zhenbei dotes on his only son.

Over the past two years, the young prince has frequently caused trouble and acted arrogantly, and each time the Prince of Zhenbei has had to step in to cover up the mess.

One or two incidents may be covered up, but if they accumulate over time, they will inevitably cause public resentment.

In order to quell public discontent and silence dissent, the emperor would have no choice but to punish the young prince.

Over the past two years, the Emperor and the Prince of Zhenbei have repeatedly argued over the young prince, gradually eroding their relationship and deepening the rift between them.

Once the two have exhausted their affection and become completely at odds, the court will lose its pillar of support, which will be the best opportunity for the Black Lotus Sect to take advantage of the situation and overthrow the government!

What a ruthless and vicious scheme to undermine someone's foundation!

The more the Marquis of Yongwu thought about it, the more frightened he became, and a layer of cold sweat broke out on his back.

He was secretly terrified. If it weren't for Zhang Xiaomeng's interference today, the young prince's act of forcibly taking a woman and disregarding human life would have definitely caused the emperor and the Prince of Zhenbei to break off their relationship.

The court will be thrown into chaos, and the Black Lotus Sect's conspiracy will succeed completely!

Upon realizing this, Marquis Yongwu turned to look at Zhang Xiaomeng, his expression complex and difficult to describe.

"You knew all along that the young imperial uncle was an imposter?" Zhao Changning looked at Zhang Xiaomeng, his eyes flickering slightly.

No wonder this guy dared to commit violence in the street and then calmly went to the door afterwards, confident that he would never be punished.

It turns out that he had seen through the Black Lotus Cult's shocking conspiracy from the very beginning.

At this moment, all eyes were focused on Zhang Xiaomeng. Suddenly, they felt that this playboy was unfathomable and had no idea what to do with him.

Feng Yi, in particular, had eyes full of admiration and respect.

He had indeed been hiding his true abilities all along.

Zhang Xiaomeng was completely dumbfounded.

I have no idea what this is all about; it's just too much of a coincidence.

He gave a wry smile and said, "Um... would you believe me if I said it was purely by accident, a moment of impulse?"

"No need for feigned modesty." Zhao Changning frowned slightly, completely disbelieving, her gaze filled with a hint of inquiry. "If it really was a fluke, why aren't you worried at all? Are you deliberately courting death?"

"I……"

Zhang Xiaomeng was speechless for a moment, unable to defend himself.

Before he could say anything more, Zhao Changning had already turned around, bowed to Zhao Qiandong who was seated on the throne, and earnestly reported, "Father, it was thanks to Prince Zhang's intervention that the Black Lotus Sect's conspiracy was exposed. He is not only innocent, but has also made a great contribution. I beg Father to reward him according to his merits."

Zhao Qiandong nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Zhang Xiaomeng, his expression gentle: "Young Master Zhang has indeed made a great contribution this time. Tell me, what reward do you desire?"

His attempt to commit suicide backfired, and he actually performed a meritorious service.

Zhang Xiaomeng was completely exasperated. He waved his hand dismissively, "No need, I want to be alone."

Zhao Changning's phoenix-shaped brows furrowed suddenly, a hint of coldness flashing in her eyes, her tone slightly somber: "Who is Jingjing?"

Zhao Qiandong also looked solemn and solemnly warned, "Young Master Zhang, you are already engaged to Changning. You must not be distracted or fickle."

Zhang Xiaomeng looked up, speechless, and questioned the heavens.

Just as this awkward stalemate was about to begin, the Prince of Zhenbei suddenly knelt down, looking extremely ashamed.

"What's wrong, Imperial Uncle?" Zhao Qiandong was shocked and quickly stepped forward to help him up.

"This old minister is guilty!"

The Prince of Zhenbei lowered his head, his voice filled with remorse, "This old minister was foolish, deceived by the traitor's schemes, causing a rift between the emperor and his subject, and chilling Your Majesty's heart. I humbly beg Your Majesty to punish me!"

"Uncle, please rise quickly."

Zhao Qiandong quickly helped him up and comforted him gently, "This is a vicious and insidious scheme by the Black Lotus Sect, impossible to guard against. It's not your fault, Your Highness, so how can you be blamed?"

After this incident, all the estrangement and resentment that had accumulated between the emperor and his minister vanished.

After rising, the Prince of Zhenbei turned to Zhang Xiaomeng beside him, solemnly cupped his hands, and bowed slightly in a sincere manner: "It was I who wronged Prince Zhang earlier, and almost caused a great mistake. I will remember your kindness today. Please accept this token as a token of my gratitude."

As he spoke, he handed a golden token to Zhang Xiaomeng.

Upon seeing this, Marquis Yongwu's pupils suddenly contracted.