The Command to Pamper the Husband - Chapter 169

Iron Head Zhao Jide became famous overnight. He casually mentioned organizing a trial by the Three Judicial Offices. Because of Zhao Jide’s presence, the atmosphere in the Imperial Hall became exceptionally tense.

The Second Prince’s faction was almost celebrating from the bottom of their hearts. They saw this as an opportunity to crush the Third Prince.

The Third Prince’s faction, on the other hand, was seething with anger towards Zhao Jide.

As for those without any faction… Wow, today’s drama was epic!

The Third Prince knelt there, remaining silent for a while before speaking aggrievedly, “Father Emperor, I don’t know why Minister Zhao is saying this, but I am truly innocent. As Father Emperor knows, death warriors only have one outcome if they fail. How could they have given Minister Zhao the opportunity to interrogate them?”

The Crown Prince immediately blocked the Third Prince’s excuse. “My men, when subduing the men in black, removed the poison hidden in their teeth.”

The Second Prince… Well done, Brother!

The Third Prince… Aren’t you only interested in storybooks? Why were you out in the middle of the night asking for a painting?! Are you crazy?!

No matter how angry the Third Prince was, the situation had already occurred.

Iron Head Zhao Jide, with an expression that seemed to enjoy the drama, asked, “Your Majesty, should those men in black be handed over to the Three Judicial Offices?”

The Emperor… Are you forcing me to initiate a trial by the Three Judicial Offices immediately?

Zhao Jide, with a stern face, replied, “I am only discussing criminal matters.”

The Emperor… The Minister of Justice stepped forward, “Your Majesty, I believe there is no need for a trial by the Three Judicial Offices.”

The Minister of Justice belonged to that third group of onlookers. “A trial by the Three Judicial Offices is for cases with all evidence in place, requiring further investigation. However, I find many suspicious points in this case. Why would the Third Prince steal the painting only to return it to the Empress? If the Second Prince had done this, it would make more sense.”

A courtier from the Second Prince’s faction immediately interrupted. “Why? Is it normal for the Second Prince but suspicious for the Third Prince? Couldn’t the Third Prince be framing the Second Prince? If those death warriors hadn’t been captured alive, wouldn’t they have been assumed to be the Second Prince’s men? After all, the Second Prince is the one most likely to steal the painting openly.”

The Second Prince looked deeply pained. “Third Brother, are you framing me? Why?!”

The Third Prince… “Father Emperor, I am innocent.”

For a moment, the court was filled with arguments between the factions of the Second and Third Princes.

The Emperor’s head throbbed. He understood the situation. The Third Prince was using the painting theft to frame the Second Prince. The Third Prince’s actions were disgraceful. However, he didn’t want to initiate a trial by the Three Judicial Offices, not because he pitied his son but because it would be shameful.

But now… The Emperor, frustrated, waved his hand, “We will discuss this matter tomorrow.”

With that, he rose and left.

Once the Emperor left, the courtiers stopped arguing. They immediately gathered around their respective princes and left, each plotting their next move.

The Third Prince’s faction aimed to clear the Third Prince from this mess. Their primary method was to eliminate the men in black. If they were dead, no one could directly implicate the Third Prince. Dragging the case out would eventually make it fade away.

To eliminate the men in black, they needed to deal with Zhao Jide. But this man, who didn’t even know who the Third Prince was, proved to be a tough target.

The Second Prince’s faction had a richer agenda. They wanted to solidify this case, making it irrefutable, while also collecting various criminal evidence against the Third Prince and his followers for a comprehensive takedown. Even if they couldn’t destroy the Third Prince entirely, they aimed to cripple him.

The onlookers weren’t idle either. News of the court drama spread throughout the capital at lightning speed, leaving everyone astonished.

The Emperor, naturally, hadn’t anticipated this. As soon as he returned to the Imperial Study and tried to catch his breath, he saw Master Deqing.

Seeing Master Deqing, the Emperor’s worries about his rebellious sons vanished, replaced by a sudden sense of foreboding. What major event had occurred?

With a solemn expression, Master Deqing followed the Emperor into the Imperial Study. “Your Majesty, today I used the altar to spy on that person.”

The Emperor’s heart skipped a beat, and he stared intently at Master Deqing.

Master Deqing looked puzzled. “However, in my vision, that person was a man.”

The Emperor was taken aback. “A man?”

Master Deqing immediately replied, “He possesses spiritual power a hundred times stronger than the late Empress’s. Although he hasn’t used it, it exudes an overwhelming aura. If he ever uses it, controlling it would be extremely difficult.”

“Not even you?”

Master Deqing responded, “I cannot guarantee it, Your Majesty. The late Empress’s spiritual power was suppressed by the Thousand Mechanism Poison. Without it, her power couldn’t be controlled. This person is a hundred times stronger than the late Empress.”

The Emperor’s face was filled with grave concern. “Are you certain? A man?”

The late Empress had only given birth to a daughter.

Master Deqing said, “I am certain, Your Majesty. I was shocked and repeatedly checked, but each time, I saw a man. His spiritual power formed a barrier around him, preventing me from seeing his face. However, judging by his surroundings, he is either rich or noble and is currently in the capital, not far from Your Majesty.”

A person with the late Empress’s spiritual power, living close by. The Emperor clenched his fist and slammed it on the table.

Master Deqing dared not speak further and stood there with his head lowered.

After a long while, the Emperor said, “Continue your efforts.”

Master Deqing acknowledged the command and left.

Once he was gone, the Emperor immediately summoned the Chief Eunuch. “Have you found Zhao Fuhai?”

The Chief Eunuch shook his head. “No, there is no trace of him. Not only Zhao Fuhai but also the Heir of the Duke is missing.”

The Emperor was less concerned about the Duke’s Heir. But Zhao Fuhai…

Sixteen years ago, Zhao Fuhai served the late Empress. He needed to confirm whether the child born back then was a boy or a girl. For sixteen years, he had believed it was a girl. What had given him such certainty?

He hadn’t seen the child himself when it was born. What made him believe it was a girl back then?

The Emperor furrowed his brows, recalling the events of the past.

The Chief Eunuch, trying to gauge the Emperor’s thoughts, hesitated and then asked, “Your Majesty, can the Thousand Mechanism Poison still be effective after sixteen years?”