WBSGVS Chapter 24 V1

Jiang Cunrui doubted whether he was hearing things. Although he had always known that his brothers were watching a few princes closely—especially Prince Yu, who posed the greatest hidden danger and was under the most scrutiny—his situation was different. He had the advantage of timing and geography, and divine favor, and Zheng Yihan regarded him as a friend. He was also incredibly lucky; surviving a fall from a cliff was no small feat, and he managed to bring back valuable insights into his enemies’ weaknesses.

Logically, he should have had the greatest chance of success. Yet, unexpectedly, the seemingly meek and bookish Eighth Brother had gotten ahead of him.

The frail Emperor Jiang was startled by those few words and stood up straight. “What did you say?”

Jiang Cunxi maintained his composure and stated firmly, “Your son accuses Prince Yu of treason, and I have presented the evidence for your examination, Father.”

The eunuch was still checking the documents that the Eighth Prince had submitted, but Emperor Jiang eagerly reached out to snatch them away. He read quickly, his face tense.

Most of the documents contained letters between Prince Yu and others, along with invoices detailing how many people had accepted his bribes. The letters mostly discussed plans to leave the capital swiftly. Although there were some issues, they were not major problems. However, one letter indicated communication with another prince, briefly revealing ambitions and military strength that far exceeded what was allowed.

After reading that letter and examining the others, he was able to identify the key issues. The individuals Prince Yu had contacted were responsible for the review of officials in the capital and a few generals who controlled the military there.

While Emperor Jiang continued reading, his expression grew more serious, and Jiang Cunrui’s face darkened.

Had someone truly beaten him to the punch?

He had been plotting carefully, having learned of Jiang Tingxue’s identity by accident and having built a friendship with Zheng Yihan since childhood. Coincidentally, Jiang Tingxue was smitten with him, and Prince Yu had come to the capital.

He thought he only needed to bide his time; he wouldn’t even have to do much—Zheng Yihan could gather the evidence for him with just a word.

Little did he know that after advancing ninety-nine steps, someone else had beaten him to the final one.

Jiang Cunrui’s expression twisted in frustration; he wanted nothing more than to snatch those papers back and present them to his father himself.

When Jiang Cunxi saw that Emperor Jiang had finished reading, he said, “Father, the evidence I have collected is sufficient to show that Prince Yu, having been stationed at the border for over twenty years, has been plotting rebellion. Now that he is still in the capital, it stands to reason that his territory is without leadership. I am willing to investigate.”

Jiang Cunrui’s heart sank completely after hearing this. He swayed slightly, his eyes filled with despair.

Eighth Brother’s confidence in the information he had gathered indicated a level of certainty that Jiang Cunrui did not possess; otherwise, he wouldn’t be qualified to investigate Prince Yu’s territory.

The most difficult problem for Emperor Jiang was figuring out how to justify sending people to investigate the prince’s territory. The prince’s domain operated independently for the most part, except for annual tributes to the court. The late emperor had granted his sons too many privileges, and with the late emperor having passed away, Emperor Jiang could only conduct secret investigations.

Prince Yu was not incapable; he had managed his territory for many years, causing all of Emperor Jiang’s previous attempts to fail, yielding no results.

He had thought that if he could secure the evidence without any risk to his reputation, his standing in Emperor Jiang’s eyes would rise dramatically. But he never expected that Eighth Brother would beat him to it!

There was no ground left for him to stand on—truly… well done!

Emperor Jiang, feeling elated, momentarily forgot his discomfort and readily agreed to Jiang Cunxi’s request, smiling warmly. “Good child, since you found this evidence, you can choose who to bring with you.”

Jiang Cunxi nodded without hesitation, but instead of suggesting his people, he looked to his brothers, including the eldest, Jiang Cunrui. “Eldest Brother, Second Brother… I am new to the court and lack experience. You all have greater qualifications than I do. Would you help your younger brother?”

Emperor Jiang nodded in approval. He appreciated that Jiang Cunxi was not arrogant despite his achievements, showing concern for his brothers.

The other princes reacted with various expressions; most felt a twinge of jealousy but did not take it too harshly. The eldest spoke first: “I have official duties and cannot assist, but if you encounter any problems, Eighth Brother, feel free to ask me.”

“Yes, Eighth Brother has proven he can find evidence against Prince Yu. I won’t interfere,” another added.

When it was Jiang Cunrui’s turn, he could only follow his brothers’ lead, saying, “Indeed, Eighth Brother, you need not worry…”

Though the princes didn’t participate directly, they still recommended suitable candidates. Despite their internal conflicts, they wouldn’t deliberately suggest unfit individuals.

Jiang Cunxi graciously accepted their advice, politely inviting the recommended ministers to join him in investigating Prince Yu’s territory.

The invited ministers felt reassured, their eyes bright with determination to accomplish their task.

With this matter settled, Emperor Jiang issued orders to capture Prince Yu’s family. With evidence now solid, while they couldn’t directly imprison him, the Prince’s residence would be heavily guarded to ensure no surprises would allow him to escape.

Now they only had to wait for the meritorious officials to return.

Jiang Cunrui watched as Eighth Brother left with a bright smile, then felt disoriented during the rest of the court meeting. After the session ended, he went straight to the Zheng residence.

Onlookers were surprised to see the Third Prince visiting the Zheng residence. Some who understood the dynamics among the princes exchanged sympathetic glances, realizing that in matters of credit, those who achieved it deserved it, while those who did not, regardless of their efforts, would gain nothing.

Zheng Yihan sat in his study with a sullen expression, attempting to copy the evidence of Prince Yu’s rebellion. However, his handwriting lacked resemblance, and he struggled to recall details from the accounts he had briefly glanced over.

As he wrote, frustration built up, and he tossed his pen aside, his face darkening further.

Everything had been going smoothly; just the other day, he and Jiang Tingxue had gone to Prince Yu’s residence as usual. Although the Princess Consort treated them with disdain, Prince Yu and the Crown Prince remained friendly, particularly Prince Yu, who doted on Jiang Tingxue and insisted she stay for dinner.

It seemed that a joyful event had taken place that day, putting Prince Yu in good spirits. Zheng Yihan took the opportunity to bring out some wine, and they enjoyed a meal together, drinking to the point of exhaustion, ultimately deciding to stay overnight at the prince’s residence.

Having taken a hangover remedy beforehand, he planned to sneak into the study that evening.

Expecting complications, he was pleasantly surprised when, as soon as he made his move, the prince’s storeroom suffered a flood, attracting the attention of most of the household staff.

Seizing the chance, Zheng Yihan made his way to the back study. Despite the guards, this was one of the more relaxed times for security.

He sneaked inside and, after a short search, found a recently received letter from Prince Yu tucked away in a drawer. The letter indicated that a master weapon maker, whom Prince Yu had long sought, had been found by another prince, and he needed this master to produce a significant number of quality weapons—far exceeding what a single prince should possess.

At the same time, he discovered numerous other letters and records of financial transactions kept by Prince Yu.

With this evidence, he could demonstrate Prince Yu’s rebellious intentions. If he went to investigate openly in the prince’s territory, any slight deviation from protocol could lead to a conviction. After all, which prince did not possess something beyond their legal bounds?

Even a mere vase could count.

He swiftly returned to the courtyard he shared with Jiang Tingxue at Prince Yu’s residence, pretending to be drunk, and slept until the next day, returning with Jiang Tingxue as usual.

Carrying significant evidence, Zheng Yihan chose to take a carriage for safety, believing he was secure, waiting for the Third Prince’s people to arrive and take the evidence to present it.

Unexpectedly, on the way, their carriage collided with a bullock cart, forcing him to disembark and deal with the situation. The driver was a petty thug, demanding money from him.

He thought nothing of it and paid off the situation, but when he got home, he discovered that what he had hidden in him had been switched!

He hadn’t expected his discreet actions to be noticed; the evidence was stolen!

Zheng Yihan didn’t dare contact the Third Prince. If the item hadn’t been retrieved, it would have been one thing, but since it had been taken and then lost, the meaning changed entirely.

He had no idea who had gotten their hands on it.

As he anxiously paced, Jiang Tingxue suddenly pushed open the door.

Zheng Yihan furrowed his brow. “Didn’t I tell you not to come in?!”

Now that he had obtained the item only to lose it, seeing Jiang Tingxue reminded him of how he had given up his childhood sweetheart for this matter, and the façade they had put on. His heart was heavy, and he felt increasingly frustrated.

Jiang Tingxue’s face went pale. She couldn’t understand why, after a night of drunkenness, he seemed like a different person from yesterday. Her complexion was far from good, but she still managed to say, “The Third Prince has come to the manor and wants to see you immediately.”

After speaking, she didn’t linger and left with a cold expression.

She didn’t notice the panic on the man’s face behind her.

Jiang Tingxue was furious. She was no longer the helpless girl without support; even if the royal family denied it, she was still the daughter of the Prince of Yu. If Zheng Yihan wanted to continue treating her like before—hot and cold—he would have to think twice!

She walked out of the courtyard and ordered, “Prepare the carriage. I want to go to the Prince of Yu’s manor.”

“Yes.” The maid promptly obeyed, and by the time she reached the Zheng manor’s entrance, the carriage was ready to take her.

The Prince of Yu’s manor was located close to the imperial city, almost at its heart, while Zheng Manor was much farther out.

The carriage moved faster than walking, and Jiang Tingxue was eager to confront someone, so the coachman drove swiftly, successfully arriving at the Prince of Yu’s manor.

However, when Jiang Tingxue got out of the carriage, she was met with a scene that stunned her: the manor was guarded by soldiers standing almost three feet apart, their expressions stern and imposing. Even standing against the courtyard wall, they held their swords tightly at their sides without moving.

What was going on? How had the Prince of Yu’s manor changed so drastically?

She refused to give up and approached, but as soon as she got closer, the soldiers drew their swords to block her path.

In the two months since becoming a nobleman’s daughter, this was the first time Jiang Tingxue had been stopped like this. Frowning, she declared, “I am the daughter of the Prince of Yu!”

The soldiers coldly replied, “By decree of His Majesty, the Prince of Yu is suspected of treason. Until the investigation is complete, no one is allowed in or out!”

When Jiang Tingxue heard the word “treason,” her face went pale, and she shook her head rapidly. “Impossible! My father is a prince now; how could he possibly commit treason?!”

The soldiers looked at her with mockery but said nothing.

Panicking, Jiang Tingxue shouted, “I’m the Prince’s daughter! Let me in! I need to ask my father what’s happening! How could he be accused of treason?!”

The soldiers ignored her. As she drew near, they pointed their swords at her.

Jiang Tingxue, timid by nature, hesitated, but with the situation being so urgent and the consequences of treason so severe, she couldn’t believe it, wouldn’t accept it, and certainly didn’t want to leave.

Just then, the carriage of the Eighth Prince, Jiang Cunzhi, appeared. He lifted the curtain and saw the girl trying to enter but being blocked, asking, “Who is this?”

The squad leader quickly approached and explained, “Your Highness, this lady claims to be the daughter of the Prince of Yu and insists on entering.”

“Jiang Tingxue?” he mused.

Jiang Tingxue was caught off guard when someone called her name. She quickly turned to see a well-dressed young man looking at her, and her flustered face turned slightly red. She managed to say:

“Sir, I am Jiang Tingxue, the daughter of the Prince of Yu. They say my father is suspected of treason. I can’t believe it! I just want to go in and ask him. My father is a prince now; how could he possibly commit treason? Please help me, I promise I won’t cause any trouble.”

Jiang Cunzhi chuckled lightly, sizing her up. She was quite pretty, albeit dressed like a woman of status, with tear-streaked eyes that gave her a pitiful look. It was no wonder that even the daughters of the Ji family stepped down for her. He ignored her plea and told the squad leader, “Let her in.”

It must feel terrible to be betrayed by the one closest to you.

Having benefited from Ji Qingli, Jiang Cunzhi casually uttered a few words to help her in this situation.

The squad leader hesitated for a moment, but since the matter of the Prince of Yu’s treason fell under the Eighth Prince’s jurisdiction and the Emperor was not well enough to intervene in such details, he finally said, “Yes.”

Jiang Tingxue felt as if she had been granted a reprieve. Ignoring that the prince had hardly acknowledged her, she hurriedly bowed and said, “Thank you, sir.”

The soldiers who had blocked her path stepped aside, and the doors of the Prince of Yu’s manor slowly opened, revealing its usual splendor.

However, as she stepped inside, a servant shouted, “The Fifth Young Lady has arrived!!”

Others echoed the shout, flocking around her.

Jiang Tingxue was momentarily dazed by the commotion. By the time she realized what was happening, she found herself led to the main courtyard. As soon as she stepped in, she was met by the poised and elegant Prince’s consort, who slapped her across the face. “You treacherous little wretch, how dare you come here?!”

Dazed from the slap, Jiang Tingxue’s mind buzzed. Her face burned with pain, and in her haze, she saw the woman’s ferocious expression. “Jiang Tingxue, how has the Prince of Yu wronged you that you would conspire with outsiders against your father?!”

“I… I didn’t!” Jiang Tingxue shook her head vigorously, looking around for the Prince, but when she finally spotted him, her pupils dilated in fear, and she couldn’t meet his gaze.

There stood the Prince, beside the consort, looking at her with none of his usual warmth. His voice was dark and heavy: “Who else could it be but you two? The other night, you deliberately got me drunk, and in the chaos, someone set fire to the manor, allowing them to sneak in and steal important documents and letters. After all my precautions, I never expected to fall into the hands of such an unfilial daughter!”

Jiang Tingxue was even more confused, but she instinctively processed the Prince’s words.

Her husband had taken advantage of her drunkenness to steal the most crucial items from the Prince, handing them over as evidence to the Emperor. That explained the heavy military presence guarding the manor now.

“N-no, it’s impossible!” Jiang Tingxue refused to believe it.

The Prince sneered, “Stop pretending! If it weren’t for your cooperation, how could he have gained access? Now that you’re in this position, it’s my fault for being blind and failing to see you had already been bought off. Don’t worry; given the circumstances, I won’t kill you for your mother’s sake. But here’s my final piece of advice—be wary of Zheng Yihan!”

The Prince looked at her deeply, then turned away, his expression dejected.

The Prince’s consort, furious, raised her hand to strike her again, but the Prince stopped her. She hissed, “Why are you still indulging her at this time?!”

“If it weren’t for her, I would still be a proud prince instead of awaiting a judgment that could make me a prisoner or worse!”

The consort’s voice was sharp and piercing, while the Prince remained calm. “At this point, killing her would do no good. It’s all my oversight—my fault.”

Looking at this face, he was reminded of the person he had liked in his youth, which made it impossible for him to be wary of her like he would with others.

The Prince of Yu pressed his lips together and forcibly took the consort away.