Chapter 442: No Evidence
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“Due to the effects of the medicine, Fifth Sister was incapacitated and found herself in a compromising situation with the man in the cave,” the Crown Prince explained.
“Fifth Sister had no prior acquaintance with him, yet he was coerced into publicly acknowledging his identity and falsely accusing him of being Fifth Sister’s former lover. I was so incensed that I acted impulsively and killed him on the spot.”
The Crown Prince’s actions would certainly disrupt the festivity.
However, the Empress, unaware of the intricate details, confronted the Crown
Prince with a furious countenance, “Why did you kill him?”
The Crown Prince realized that his hasty action had severed vital leads. He couldn’t inquire about how the intruder gained access or who had directed him. In response, he swiftly rebuked himself, “It’s all my fault for succumbing to my impulses. But I was consumed by anger at the time. Had I not acted, he would have continued spreading falsehoods about himself and Fifth Sister.”
“I should have merely subdued him, but I exerted too much force, resulting in his demise.”
“Mother, please reprimand me.”
The Empress, suppressing her ire and inner anguish, asked, “Why did you bring people to the backyard near the rockery?”
The Crown Prince elaborated, “I had summoned our new Primus, Su Bin, to the backyard as I needed to discuss a matter with him.”
“Subsequently, I had to attend to an urgent affair, and I instructed him to wait there.”
“Regrettably, upon my return, Su Bin was nowhere to be found, and nobody could ascertain his whereabouts.”
“I’m also perplexed by his disappearance. At this point, someone deliberately misled me by claiming that they had seen Su Bin heading to the rockery in the backyard.”
“He also claimed to have lost one of his maids and insinuated that Su Bin and the maid had ventured to the rockery. It seemed highly probable they engaged in some impropriety there,” the Crown Prince recounted.
“When I heard this, my anger got the best of me, prompting me to initiate an investigation.”
“Yet, I never anticipated that those concealed in the rockery were none other than Fifth Sister and that individual.
“That’s what unfolded—I was deceived!”
“Mother, I strongly suspect that the Third Prince is the mastermind behind this.”
The Empress, consumed by anger, hurled a cup and thundered, “Why would he do such a thing? Your sister’s disgrace affects the entire royal family. Isn’t he a part of this family?”
“Your sister is his sibling too! How can he act so heartlessly? He appears indifferent to both family bonds and the dignity of our royal lineage! ”
The Crown Prince sighed, “He likely sought retribution against me but was uncertain where to start. Consequently, he targeted Fifth Sister.”
“He believes that by tarnishing Fifth Sister’s reputation, he can compel Father to hold Mother accountable. Beyond delivering a blow, he could also implicate me.”
“This garden excursion was my endeavor, and as her brother, I couldn’t even protect her adequately.”
“Mother, you may scold me or strike me, but please help Fifth Sister, particularly her. She has already borne an unjust calamity and must now endure the slander circulating beyond these walls.”
The Crown Prince required the Empress’s assistance to restore the fifth princess’s honor. Only then could the Crown Prince remain unscathed.
He was well-acquainted with the fifth princess’s temperament. Without his support, she might divulge everything before their Imperial Father, affording him the opportunity to outmaneuver the Third Prince.
As the Empress gradually regained her composure after learning the full story, she inquired, “You claim that the Third Prince and Su Bin conspired. Do you have any evidence?”
The Crown Prince shook his head and admitted, “I lack concrete evidence for now..”
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