CHAPTER 526: CHAPTER 526: IT WASN’T ME

Outside the Imperial Study.

Prince Xiao and Prince Zhou stood under the corridor, exchanging a glance before both let out a heavy snort.

Prince Xiao adjusted his collar, which had been pulled into disarray, noticing that the embroidery on the collar was fraying. Inwardly, he cursed the strength of the third brother, suspecting he wanted to take the opportunity to scratch him.

But considering that the incident happened in his own mansion, he felt somewhat guilty and at a loss. After pondering a bit, he solemnly clasped his hands towards Prince Zhou in a respectful gesture.

Prince Zhou’s eyelid twitched, saying, "What are you doing?"

A weasel paying respects to a chicken—no good intentions.

"No matter what, the incident with Consort Bai happened in Prince Xiao’s Mansion. I’m inevitably at fault. If it weren’t for my negligence, this tragedy wouldn’t have occurred. Brother Three, I hereby apologize to you. I’m sorry."

Prince Xiao’s voice was filled with deep regret, appearing sincere.

This was right in front of the Imperial Study, with many eyes watching. His apology wasn’t just for the third brother; most importantly, it was for the dignitary inside the Imperial Study to witness.

See, as the eldest son, he could be flexible and forgiving, generous with responsibility, willing to concede—how rare!

It’s a pity not to earn favor while he could.

Prince Zhou had thought of this too, secretly hating how cunning the eldest was. He snorted, lowered his voice, and said, "Don’t pretend here. Who are you putting on this act for? Do you think a mere apology will settle the matter?"

Was his child really worth only a single apology?

Thinking of his child who hadn’t even seen the world, Prince Zhou felt a block in his heart, pain, and a tinge of regret.

If he had known, he shouldn’t have let Consort Bai go to the full moon feast. That trip turned into a tragedy.

Prince Xiao raised his head and said, "What more would Brother Three have me do? Even the lowly maid has been executed."

"You know well I’m not talking about that lowly maid."

"As Father mentioned, whether this was an accident is hard to say. Even if someone did scheme, with the chaos at the time and so many people around, who knows who the real culprit was?" Prince Xiao said darkly, "My original intention was to hold a full moon feast for my daughter. Such a mishap on a joyous day—do you think I’m not upset? My daughter kept crying before I came to the palace. I might have to find a Mage to calm her."

Prince Zhou sneered, "Who else is to blame? As Father said, isn’t it because you and the eldest sister-in-law don’t manage your household strictly enough, keeping such a troublemaker around?"

Prince Xiao’s face turned gloomy.

Truth be told, he didn’t even know about this matter, nor did he know that the maid had once been pregnant.

If he did, he might not have stopped the maid from giving birth. At least it would be another bargaining chip.

"Brother Three, I swear to you right here, the one who harmed your concubine was absolutely not me." Prince Xiao looked straight into his eyes, "If you want to focus on me, that’s up to you. I only hope that in the future, when the truth comes out, you don’t wrongfully accuse the right person."

Prince Zhou looked away indifferently, saying, "Whatever the truth is, I will investigate it myself."

"I, too, am a father. I wouldn’t harm an unborn child. My daughter is the first royal granddaughter. If there’s urgency, it’s not on me." Prince Xiao left him with those words, adding, "My words are finished. Farewell."

Prince Zhou watched him leave with cold eyes, spat, and said, "Who are you trying to show off to!"

Not far away, a little eunuch approached cautiously, bowing and saying, "Prince, Lady Shu invites you."

Upon seeing that it was the eunuch from his mother’s palace, Prince Zhou’s head throbbed as he made his way towards the Harem.