"I hear that even while suffering from the epidemic, His Highness the Crown Prince does not forget to attend to the affairs of the court and the harem, purging corrupt officials to uphold the integrity of the state. To have such a Crown Prince is truly a blessing for the officials of our dynasty and for all the people under heaven. I have long admired His Highness, and not being able to meet him today is a lifelong regret of mine. Here, I offer a toast to His Highness, and to the Crown Princess."
The music and dancing had ceased at some point. Mei Youxuan’s voice echoed throughout the banquet hall, and the room grew so quiet that the fall of a needle could be heard. Opposite them, the Third Prince’s hearty smile took on a hint of intrigue.
Mei Youxuan’s words were essentially placing the Crown Prince on a spit over a fire. There were already officials in court who frequently impeached the Crown Prince, accusing him of abusing his power to dispatch secret guards to investigate other officials in private. It was only due to various reasons that no one had dared to be the first to speak out. Yet, Mei Youxuan’s remarks elevated the Crown Prince so high that there were surely many officials present who felt resentment. If the Crown Prince’s words and actions were truly for the world and the people, then what did that make the officials who impeached him? Treacherous ministers? Rebels? Furthermore, the Emperor was suspicious by nature. If rumors reached his ears that the Crown Pr…
Chapter 160