Chapter 357: Forgiveness
Everyone in the group sensed that something was amiss and exchanged uncertain glances.
How long had it been since they’d left her? How could Second Miss Ye be the subject of such malicious gossip?
Those words were far too vicious!
And what was that about "forcing her aunt to death"?
For a moment, none of the men dared to speak.
Shen Yanchuan lowered the curtain. "To the palace."
"Yes."
The men quickly complied and continued toward the palace gates.
But the atmosphere was now entirely different from when they had first arrived back in the Capital City.
Shen Yanchuan sat in the carriage, his gaze unwavering as he sank into deep thought.
He had returned some time after Ye Chutang, but not by much—just over half a month at the most.
And yet, in that short span of time, something had happened.
After they had parted ways in Shiluan City, Shen Yanchuan had ordered his Black Cavalry Guard to secretly escort Ye Chutang back to the Capital City and then withdraw immediately.
’At the time,’ he thought, ’the Capital City has prying eyes everywhere. She’d have less trouble with fewer people following her.’
Who knew that a single oversight—
Shen Yanchuan replayed the gossipers’ words in his mind. He had already pieced together what must have happened, but it was clearly impossible.
Ye Chutang would never drive Mrs. Gao to her death. Especially not now. With Ye Heng exiled and Ye Mingze dead, Mrs. Gao was nothing more than a grasshopper in late autumn—her days were numbered.
She posed no threat to Ye Chutang, who likely couldn’t be bothered to waste time and energy on her.
But with the rumors being what they were... she was surely in trouble.
Shen Yanchuan entered the palace gates, making his way along the palace road toward Taiji Palace.
Eunuch Li greeted him with a broad smile. "Ah, Young Master Heir! You’ve finally returned! Your Majesty has been waiting day and night. The moment he heard of your return, he ended morning court and has been waiting for you ever since!"
Shen Yanchuan was about to speak when he suddenly spotted a figure kneeling up ahead.
The person’s back was to him, and they were kneeling ramrod straight before the main doors of Taiji Palace.
Shen Yanchuan’s phoenix eyes narrowed. "Is that... Prince Qi? Has his confinement already been lifted?"
Eunuch Li followed his gaze, his expression shifting. In a low voice, he said, "Not yet. But Prince Qi has repeatedly submitted petitions admitting his faults, so starting the day before yesterday, His Majesty has permitted him to kneel here for one hour each day."
A sardonic smile touched Shen Yanchuan’s thin lips.
’He’s able to leave his own residence, yet his confinement isn’t considered lifted?’
’Kneeling here, in full public view... has Xiao Chengxuan had a change of personality?’
’With his temper, when would he ever have been willing to do something so utterly humiliating?’
Then, a thought struck Shen Yanchuan. "Right, I heard Prince Lie has already returned to the capital?"
"Yes. You had barely left the Capital City, Princely Heir, when His Highness Prince Lie returned in triumph. Such unfortunate timing," Eunuch Li said with a smile. "But now that you are also back, you will have a chance to meet His Highness Prince Lie."
’As expected.’
’Xiao Chengqi’s triumphant return to the capital must have put immense psychological pressure on Xiao Chengxuan. If he just stayed holed up in his residence, he would probably lose everything.’
Shen Yanchuan strode forward.
Eunuch Li stepped forward to announce his arrival. "Your Majesty, the Princely Heir requests an audience!"
Kneeling before the doors, Xiao Chengxuan heard the announcement and was the first to turn and look.
Shen Yanchuan must have come straight to the palace upon his return, as he looked travel-worn. And yet, his features were so striking that over a month of hard travel had not left a trace of fatigue on him. On the contrary, it only served to make him seem more refined and upright, the very picture of noble grace.
Shen Yanchuan acted as if he didn’t see the hostility in the prince’s eyes and offered a placid greeting.
"Your Highness. It has been a long time. I trust you’ve been well."
The very sight of Shen Yanchuan vexed Xiao Chengxuan, and his words came out dripping with sarcasm.
"Hardly. My situation can’t compare to the hardships of the Princely Heir, traveling a thousand miles for his duties."
Shen Yanchuan smiled. "I was merely acting on orders. It would be presumptuous to speak of hardship when I was only fulfilling my duty as a subject."
"You!"
Xiao Chengxuan couldn’t win a war of words against him and, realizing he was about to dig himself into another hole, reluctantly shut his mouth.
Emperor Muwu’s voice came from within. "Let him come in."
Shen Yanchuan gave a nod of acknowledgment and entered Taiji Palace.
Emperor Muwu was seated behind the imperial desk, looking through a stack of memorials.
Hearing the footsteps, he set down the document in his hand and smiled. "I thought it would be a while longer before you returned. I didn’t expect you back so soon. Tell me, did the investigation go smoothly?"
Of course, the emperor would never guess that Shen Yanchuan had returned so early simply because a certain someone had already arrived back in the Capital City.
Shen Yanchuan bowed. "On my journey, I did indeed uncover a few interesting matters."
Emperor Muwu’s expression immediately grew serious.
"Speak."
...
"...And that concludes the findings of my investigation."
As he spoke, Shen Yanchuan retrieved an envelope from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.
"All the evidence is within. I ask for Your Majesty’s judgment."
Eunuch Li hurried forward, took the envelope, and placed it upon the imperial desk.
Emperor Muwu’s gaze lingered on the thick envelope for a long moment. His eyes were cold and deep, his brow radiating an imposing authority.
And yet, he did not reach out to open it.
"I am aware."
Shen Yanchuan’s heart gave a jolt, and he looked up.
But only for an instant. He quickly lowered his gaze again, remaining silent.
A profound silence filled the room, so still it felt as if the very air had stopped flowing.
After what seemed like a long time, Emperor Muwu finally heaved a long sigh.
"You have also worked hard this time. Go and rest for now. I will be sure to reward you handsomely later."
Shen Yanchuan’s brow twitched almost imperceptibly.
But he said nothing, merely bowing deeply in acceptance.
"As Your Majesty commands."
Just as he was about to turn and depart, another sentence came from behind him:
"Let the Second Prince go home as well. The day after tomorrow is his mother’s birthday. What would it look like to keep him confined in his residence for that?"
...
The doors were shut tight, cutting off all sound from within.
Xiao Chengxuan strained his ears, trying to hear something, but it was futile.
At last, he gave up and resumed his kneeling posture before the doors.
After an indeterminate amount of time, with a CREAK, the doors finally opened.
Shen Yanchuan walked out.
Eunuch Li emerged with him.
He flicked his horsetail whisk and announced with a smile, "Your Highness Prince Qi, His Majesty has just issued a verbal decree. As of today, your confinement is lifted!"
A slow smile spread across Xiao Chengxuan’s face.
He placed his hands on the ground and performed a full, formal kowtow.
"Your son thanks you for your forgiveness, Father Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
Shen Yanchuan seemed completely uninterested in this display. His pace never faltered, and he was about to walk right past him.
However, he had not taken more than a few steps before Xiao Chengxuan called out to him, "Shen Yanchuan."
Shen Yanchuan turned, his expression placid. "Is there something else, Second Prince?"
Xiao Chengxuan got to his feet, dusted off his robes, and then slowly walked over to Shen Yanchuan.
He glanced back toward Taiji Palace, then lowered his voice to a volume only the two of them could hear and asked:
"What’s the matter? You seem disappointed that my confinement has been lifted."
He stared at Shen Yanchuan, refusing to miss even the slightest change in his expression.
To his disappointment, however, Shen Yanchuan showed no hint of confusion or anger. Instead, he simply smiled faintly.
"This is a happy occasion. Why would the Second Prince think that of me?"
Xiao Chengxuan felt as if he had just punched a bale of cotton, and his expression soured. "Don’t think you’re so special just because you were sent out to investigate a case! You—"
"How could I ever think that?"
Shen Yanchuan gave a nonchalant smile.
"Not only will Imperial Concubine Ru be overjoyed that you are free, I’m sure that once Consort Rong and the Third Prince hear the news, they too will be absolutely delighted for you."
The color drained from Xiao Chengxuan’s face!