The Command to Pamper the Husband - Chapter 216

“What is it?”

The Third Prince forced himself to calm down, his face stern as he sat on the dragon throne, trying to steady his nerves.

The Minister of Justice stepped forward and said, “Your Highness, the child trafficking case from a few days ago has been thoroughly investigated by the Ministry of Justice.”

Everyone present was surprised that the Minister of Justice would bring up this matter at such a time. The Third Prince eyed him suspiciously, unsure of his intentions.

The Minister of Justice paused before continuing, “I have discovered the true culprit behind this case. The evidence is conclusive, but I…”

The Third Prince waved his hand dismissively. “The mastermind behind this case is my Second Brother. I already know this. My Second Brother committed regicide and was executed by the secret guards.”

The Minister of Justice replied, “Your Highness, on the surface, it seems to be the work of the Second Prince. Initially, I believed it too. But after reviewing the case files last night, I found new evidence.”

The Third Prince hesitated. “New evidence?”

The Minister of Justice nodded. “I discovered that the true orchestrator behind this case is His Majesty.”

At these words, the Minister of Justice immediately knelt on the ground. “I deserve to die for this.”

The Third Prince’s mind raced. What? The clues point to Father Emperor? This is explosive news!

This could be the perfect opportunity for him to ascend the throne smoothly.

Suppressing his excitement, the Third Prince furrowed his brow at the Minister of Justice. “Outrageous!”

The Minister of Justice bowed his head to the ground. “I deserve to die, but I am duty-bound to report the truth. This case involves many prominent figures. The children were carefully trained and placed in the households of various ministers. You and the other lords are aware of this. The case is too serious for me to conceal. I report to you to seek your guidance on where I might be mistaken.”

Minister Zhao and Song Dingzhong stood at the entrance of the Imperial Hall.

“The case files are with Minister Zhao, Your Highness.”

The Third Prince glanced outside the Imperial Hall. So that’s why Zhao Jide was late to court today and brought someone straight to the hall. This was unprecedented.

“This matter concerns the Emperor’s honor and must be investigated thoroughly. Whoever is smearing the Emperor’s name will be severely punished once found!”

The Third Prince’s statement was clear to everyone. He was eager to confirm the Emperor’s guilt, which would give him a legitimate reason to ascend the throne. If he truly cared about the Emperor’s honor, he would have questioned the Minister of Justice privately.

Could it be that the Minister of Justice, known for his integrity and neutrality, was actually on the Third Prince’s side? Otherwise, why would he bring this up in such a setting?

The ministers’ minds were buzzing with thoughts.

Upon the Third Prince’s command, the Minister of Justice turned to Zhao Jide. “Bring the documents.”

Zhao Jide, carrying the case files with Song Dingzhong, stepped into the Imperial Hall. Returning here after sixteen years, Song Dingzhong was filled with mixed emotions.

Your Majesty, your loyal servant has returned!

Holding the files above his head, Song Dingzhong felt a lump in his throat. He took a deep breath to steady himself.

Zhao Jide presented the files to the Minister of Justice, then respectfully said, “Your Highness, we reviewed the case files last night. Here are our findings for your perusal.”

A eunuch took the files and handed them to the Third Prince. He skimmed through them, his expression growing angrier and more shocked.

“I can’t believe it. Father Emperor really did this. He had people monitoring the ministers!”

For a moment, the Third Prince seemed at a loss.

“This… how could Father Emperor do such a thing? Are you sure there’s no mistake?”

Zhao Jide replied, “We found no flaws in the evidence. That’s why we reported it to you. It’s unimaginable that a ruler would orchestrate such a crime!”

Such words could only come from the fearless Zhao Jide.

“Your Highness, we can’t continue this investigation. Last night, somehow, word got out. The public already knows. Rumors are spreading.”

The Third Prince, struggling to contain his excitement, thought, The public knows? This is perfect!

“If we don’t pursue this case, we can’t provide an explanation to the public. But if we continue based on the current evidence, it will appear that we are framing the Second Prince,” the Minister of Justice sighed.

“If the Second Prince were still alive, the conclusion might be credible. But now, the public won’t believe it. They might think you’re slandering the Second Prince,” Zhao Jide added.

“Moreover, the Crown Prince is forcibly entering the palace with someone claimed to be the late Empress’s daughter. His Majesty publicly declared that the late Empress and her child died.”

The Third Prince, looking troubled, glanced at his usual supporters among the ministers. They quickly caught on.

“Your Highness, as the saying goes, ‘The Emperor’s crimes are treated like those of commoners.’ If His Majesty committed such an act, you must think of the kingdom’s future, despite familial ties and royal dignity!”

“We implore Your Highness to handle this matter justly!”

“Please handle this matter justly!”

Led by a few ministers, the entire hall echoed with their pleas.

The Third Prince glared at them. “You… you are forcing my hand!”

“Your Highness, it’s not us forcing you. His Majesty’s actions are too egregious!”

“Please ascend the throne and bring order to the court!”

“Please ascend the throne!”

The calls grew louder.

The Third Prince hadn’t expected that the usually uncooperative Zhao Jide and the Minister of Justice would deliver such a gift today. He didn’t believe it was a coincidence but accepted their intentions.

The kingdom needed such fearless officials.