Chapter 175 - 134_2
However, His Majesty the Emperor sitting on the dragon throne looked at the memorial that was presented, his gaze growing colder, and finally he abruptly stood up, shouting sternly: "Investigate! Thoroughly investigate!"
"This case will be handed over to the Ministry of Justice, Imperial Censorate, and Inspectorate for a joint trial. Ministers from Lu, Pei, and Ji families will assist, with the Inspectorate overseeing the entire process and reporting progress to me at any time."
The Emperor ordered a thorough investigation, and naturally, the subject of this investigation, Mr. Chen — Chen Shizhong, had to be escorted to the Ministry of Justice prison.
This elder, over sixty years old, removed his official hat by himself, without a word of defense for himself. With dignity, he bowed to the Emperor on the dragon throne, "I await justice from Your Majesty in the prison."
Such calm demeanor under disgrace fittingly showed the character of a civil servant.
Seeing this, the full assembly of civil and military officials felt various emotions; some were moved, some sighed, and some gently shook their heads.
Only Lu Ziyuan sneered coldly, the disdain in his voice was very evident in the vast hall, causing a wave of disapproval.
Never seen anyone so arrogant.
Yet, some were puzzled, although Lu Ziyuan was arrogant and proud, he was not foolish.
Mr. Chen is a civil servant, and among the leaders of the civil servants; there should be no conflict of interest with a military general like you, why insist on bringing him down?
After all, cooperation is the way to mutual benefit.
Soon, these puzzles got answered.
After Mr. Chen was taken away, the Emperor’s stern expression vanished, and he smiled lightly: "Today, I have a joyful matter to share with you all."
This shift made Pei Yuqing, who hadn’t spoken, slightly somber.
The ministers were even more puzzled, whispering among themselves in discussion.
No word from the palace about any concubine being pregnant, where’s the joy coming from?
Yuan Shu, the Chief Eunuch, held the imperial decree and read it on the spot to inform the officials.
In the past, when Empress Yuan died, she left behind the premature and frail Fifth Prince, who several times almost followed her. The eminent monk at Zhen Guo Temple confidently stated that the prince should be raised outside the palace, preferably in the home of a minister with a strong aura of power, to ward off evil forces, ensuring he could grow up safely.
After discussion among various ministers, the Fifth Prince was fostered by the Lu Family at the Wuyuan Marquis Mansion, and it has been eighteen years since.
Now that the prince is of age, he is to return to the Imperial Family and restore his identity as a legitimate prince.
Once the imperial decree was read, the officials were like hearing heavenly scriptures, unable to comprehend until Imperial Tutor Li Yuan, Minister of the Ministry of Justice Liu He, and Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat Zhao Ming stepped forward and collectively congratulated: "We welcome the Fifth Prince back to the clan."
Before the full civil and military assembly, Lu Ziyuan received the imperial decree with both hands.
"All these years, it’s been a grievance for the prince." The Emperor said lovingly, "Although you have not yet come of age, you have already achieved great military accomplishments with courage and wisdom. With your return, I shall confer upon you the title of Prince Zhenbei and grant you the Commander’s Seal of the three major military districts in the Northwest, intimidating the enemies."
After speaking, he waved again, and Yuan Shu, the Chief Eunuch, once again took out a prepared imperial decree for conferring the title of Prince.
This decree was not smaller than the previous news of a new prince.
Previously, the Emperor had a total of four princes, including the Crown Prince, all had appointed positions within the court, but none held a princely title.
With Lu Ziyuan’s identity as a prince restored, he was directly named Prince Zhenbei, holding command over northern military power.
The three major military districts in the Northwest consist of a full three hundred thousand troops, all seasoned soldiers constantly engaged in battle.
Previously, the struggle for the title of Crown Prince involved mainly the Crown Prince and the Second Prince, both contending fiercely, unwilling to yield. However, after today, the two factions may need to reshuffle.
Suddenly inserting a legitimate prince, holding thirty thousand troops as Prince Zhenbei, can only make the situation chaotic beyond imagination.
The officials siding with the Crown Prince and the Second Prince, many began to consider withdrawing.
Although Lu Ziyuan is the Fifth Prince, he is the legitimate firstborn of Empress Yuan, a proper eldest legitimate son after all.
And a legitimate prince with distinguished military accomplishments, otherwise it would be difficult to convince the crowd even if given the Commander’s Seal.
...No wonder over the years, Your Majesty treated him as if he were a biological son.
Since childhood, he stayed close to the imperial palace, studied alongside the princes, learned martial arts with personal guidance from the Old Marquis of the Lu Family...
Granted trust, positions, opportunities for training, taking great efforts to nurture him.
Entrusted with leading troops at fourteen, missions at sixteen to prove himself, even when the supervising officials were killed, he showed no anger.
Back then, some speculated it might have been an extravagant praise and kill tactic by the Emperor.
Yet he was allowed to be bold, favored, even when Lu Ziyuan requested to battle in the Northern Border, there was no permission granted.
Now at eighteen, his identity is hurriedly restored, conferred royal titles and military power...
Thinking it over, the Emperor’s focus on this son could make a person take a cold breath.
It truly makes one wonder if the empty Crown Prince position has been intentionally left for this legitimate prince raised outside the palace?