CHAPTER 346: CHAPTER 346 RUMORS

Just one step, moreover it was the Second Young Master of the Dong Family who went, naturally it won’t be too much of a problem.

As a result, while the Fourth Prince didn’t understand the matter, the Fourth Prince Consort suddenly realized.

She quickly grasped the Emperor’s intention.

It seems they really are a family; sometimes even their thoughts coincide.

Thus, she solemnly replied.

"When he was injured, I saw it was very serious, so I immediately invited the Second Young Master of the Dong Family to help with the treatment. It’s just that I don’t know if his life can be saved."

If Yu Wen Jia doesn’t survive, then Prince Zhan’s troubles will truly escalate.

Kicking a son to death, and in a situation with no reason, no matter where you go, it’s Prince Zhan’s fault.

If other crimes come together, it would be hard for Prince Zhan Mansion to have a good year.

Therefore, the Fourth Prince Consort and the Emperor exchanged a glance, both with an understanding without words.

However, the Fourth Prince was still somewhat in the dark.

"What is the Emperor’s intention?"

Soon, the Emperor smiled calmly.

"Since Prince Zhan is so indifferent to the bond between father and son, then Yu Wen Jia seems to have no necessity to live. Uncle, what punishment should Prince Zhan receive if charged with the crime of killing his son?"

In a word, the Fourth Prince Consort understood, and the Fourth Prince was no longer confused.

Yet he felt somewhat that the child was innocent.

There’s no need to sacrifice a life just to nail Prince Zhan.

Just as he was planning to say a word of comfort, he saw the Fourth Prince Consort kneel down immediately and said.

"I thank the Emperor on behalf of Wanying and her children for the rescue grace. Once I leave the palace, I will tell them to make sure Prince Zhan falls from grace."

Afterward, she also presented the evidences of Prince Zhan’s crimes collected by Yu Wen Jia.

Handed them to the Emperor.

"These were all found by that child Yu Wen Jia. He was reckless before, but I beg the Emperor to show grace considering he’s lost and returned."

Since Yu Wen Jia is to "die", he shouldn’t see the light.

Anyway, the Royal Family has its Hidden Guards and spies, so if Yu Wen Jia can participate, he would have a legitimate duty.

Hearing this, the Fourth Prince understood.

It seems they plan to fake Yu Wen Jia’s death to prove Prince Zhan’s guilt.

Finally, a golden cicada shedding its shell, allowing Princess Consort Zhan to leave him righteously, and giving Yu Wen Jia a new path.

Killing many birds with one stone, indeed a good scheme.

Thus, he silently looked at the Emperor, feeling hopeful for the empire.

The Emperor looked at the pile of evidences, although many were found by the Classical Examination Department, he too could unearth these things, proving that there’s indeed some skill.

He had underestimated the person before, if he really reforms, he could be a good pawn as Hidden Guard.

Thus glanced at the Fourth Prince, then nodded and said.

"Uncle doesn’t have a camp training Royal Hidden Guards? Once everything settles, transfer him there."

"Yes! I understand."

With just a few words, everything was arranged properly.

Shortly after the Fourth Prince couple left the palace, bad news came from the post station.

Yu Wen Jia’s heart had been shattered with a kick from his father, Prince Zhan, and he couldn’t be saved, passed away.

The news was like a thunderbolt, making the entire Shengjing City boil.

Compared to Princess Consort Zhan wanting to leave him, this news obviously excited the people more.

After all, the gossip within those high gates always sparks discussions among the populace.

Thus, shortly after the station hanged the mourning flags, rumors began to spread everywhere.

One moment they said Prince Zhan sought trouble after knowing his wife wanted to leave him, and Yu Wen Jia was mistakenly killed by him protecting his mother.

Another moment they said Prince Zhan had long disliked his legitimate son, thinking daily to cut off the legitimate line so his illegitimate sons could rise.

There were even stories involving the Wei Family.

Saying the Consort Wei was a fox reincarnated, enchanting Prince Zhan’s soul, hence his favoring of concubines over his wife.

All the rumors were fueled further by the Classical Examination Department and the Fourth Prince’s Hidden Guard Camp.

In Prince Zhan Mansion, Prince Zhan and Consort Wei had just been intimate.

Despite their age, already grandparents, they were often overly affectionate.

Shortly after they paused, they heard someone outside.

Their footsteps hurried, along with anxious shouts.

"Prince, Prince..."

Ordinarily, people wouldn’t dare disturb Prince Zhan at such times, but due to today’s emergency, they had no choice.

Prince Zhan, annoyed by the shouting outside, was very displeased.

With a beauty in arms, amidst such passion, it was interrupted.

"Do you want to die! Get lost!"

The person momentarily didn’t know whether to advance or retreat.

If they don’t speak, once Prince Zhan learns of the news afterward, he will definitely be enraged.

If they speak, fears arise that before those words are finished, they’re dragged out and executed.

In this dilemma, Consort Wei spoke.

"Prince, please calm down, perhaps ask what happens."

With one sentence, Consort Wei calmed much of Prince Zhan’s anger.

After planting a kiss on her forehead, he got up and dressed.

Then he let the person come in to report, yet still in a very unfriendly manner.

"What matter allows you to interrupt me freely? Tired of living?"

"I don’t dare, I don’t dare, but this matter is of great importance, so..."

The person felt very wronged, after all, delivering such troubling news, they’d rather not risk it next time.

But for now, they had to muster courage and speak.

"Prince, Fourth Brother is gone."

Fourth Brother, referring to Yu Wen Jia.

At his age, he should’ve been established as the Heir of Prince Zhan Mansion long ago, but Prince Zhan favored Consort Wei’s elder son, Yu Wen’an.

So things were dragged on.

Without formal status, the people below referred to him as Fourth Brother.

Upon hearing the news, at first, Prince Zhan was dubious.

"Really? Probably some women acting to deceive me!"

"It’s the truth, I specifically sent someone to inquire at the station, even the mourning flag was raised."

With mourning flags raised, it was certain the person was gone.

That kick of his was indeed severe, so regarding the matter of kicking his son to death, Prince Zhan felt both belief and doubt.

"Where is Princess Consort? Still in the station?"

"I don’t know the exact whereabouts, but has not returned to the mansion."

"Humph, just a son dead, does it warrant raising mourning flags at the station? Go, arrange someone to carry the body back, bring Princess Consort back with it too, crying and making noise for days, out there, it’s just laughing stock!"