Chapter 884: Is It You

This incident is worse than the last one since a prince was killed and a princely heir was seriously injured.

Having experienced the grief of losing a son, the Emperor’s mind settled a bit, and he pondered who might be behind the scenes, feeling a chill in his heart.

Prince Zhuang also received the news in his own mansion, and while he was gloating over the misfortune of Prince Lu and his son, a message from the palace summoned him to court.

Prince Zhuang was somewhat puzzled. Why would his father summon him at this time? However, he dared not delay and hurriedly changed clothes to enter the palace.

Upon arriving at the palace, Prince Zhuang hadn’t had time to retract the hint of a cheerful smile in his eyes before the Emperor confronted him directly: “Third Son, was it you?”

Prince Zhuang was momentarily taken aback by such an abrupt question and didn’t immediately react. His mind raced to comprehend why his father would say such words and what he was referring to. Suddenly, his heart skipped a beat as he thought of the matter he had been delighted about earlier, giving him a fright. He intended to say it wasn’t him, but instead, a bewildered expression crossed his face, and he said, “Father, I don’t know what you’re referring to. Please, father, clarify!”

His deep scheming ensured none of his previous thoughts showed on his face, and the bewilderment seemed appropriately timed, seamlessly fitting his expression.

The Emperor’s gaze remained fixed on his face but detected no subtle changes.

The Emperor spoke gravely, “Was it you who attacked your fourth brother on the street?”

“What?” Prince Zhuang showed a shocked expression, “Fourth brother attacked on the street? How could such a thing happen?” He said urgently, “Is my fourth brother okay? How is his injury?”

Anxious, concerned, worried… These emotions intertwined in his eyes, embodying the reaction of a brother suddenly hearing bad news about his sibling. He seemingly didn’t even hear the latter part of the Emperor’s sentence, as his eyes were solely filled with concern.

The Emperor coldly asked, “Do you really not know?”

Prince Zhuang bowed to the ground in both pain and sorrow, saying, “Father, I previously made mistakes and upset you; I am fearful within. Additionally, with the return of my fourth, fifth, and sixth brothers to the capital, I am too ashamed to meet them. I have seldom gone out, simply wishing to avoid collisions and disagreements, and have received no information! Father, is my fourth brother… is he okay?”

The Emperor had nearly smashed the White Jade Pen Holder since Prince Zhuang entered the hall, and at this moment, his turbid yet deep old eyes stared at Prince Zhuang like a brush, seemingly trying to sweep away all of Prince Zhuang’s camouflage to see his true inner thoughts.

Under such scrutiny, Prince Zhuang showed nothing but worry and concern; still, the Emperor was somewhat suspicious, given Prince Zhuang’s prior misconduct, notably the ambush on Huangfu Jingchen.

The Emperor furrowed his brow, saying, “Where are those Jianghu guests in your mansion settled?”

Prince Zhuang replied, “Father, since the misunderstanding that led to my action against Jingchen, I have regretted every moment and no longer keep guests. The previous people have been sent away!”

It was merely from apparent to concealed; indeed, in the Prince Zhuang Mansion, Jianghu people rarely came and went, mostly dispatched elsewhere to settle.

Prince Zhuang raised his head and sincerely said, “Father, back then, I was momentarily confused, misled by deceptive words, and overly concerned with the Crown Prince position, thus committing foolish acts. But even so, it was only because I feared someone intended to harm me that I took such a desperate measure; now, without the heir position, I certainly will not repeat such actions! Father, perceive this clearly! Father, perceive this clearly!”