The Command to Pamper the Husband - Chapter 217

Despite his inner delight, the Third Prince couldn’t immediately ascend the throne. The Emperor was still his father and was still reigning.

The Third Prince wore an expression of difficulty. The ministers, sensing his thoughts, spoke words that aligned with his desires.

Song Dingzhong and Minister Zhao exchanged a glance. Minister Zhao then said, “Your Highness, the people of the capital are highly concerned about this case. The victims’ families are still waiting at my office for a resolution. What should I do?”

The Third Prince sighed deeply.

The Minister of Justice said, “Your Highness, though you are protective of your father, His Majesty does not reciprocate. To preserve your honor over a nonexistent bond and lose the people’s support is unwise. I believe it would be more honorable to put righteousness above family loyalty.”

“Your Highness, put righteousness above family loyalty!”

“Your Highness, give the people justice!”

In unison, the ministers knelt once more, pleading.

The Third Prince appeared more troubled than ever. “You… you are forcing my hand.”

A minister replied, “Your Highness, it is not us, but His Majesty forcing your hand.”

“My father, after all, is the Emperor!”

The Minister of Justice retorted, “Your Highness, do not forget that it was His Majesty who masterminded the abductions and placed those people in our homes. Do you expect us to remember him fondly?”

His words struck a nerve.

“I… I…” The Third Prince, face contorted in struggle, punched the dragon throne heavily and sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping. “Enough!”

“Your Highness is wise!”

“You… you are really forcing me,” the Third Prince said, looking pained as he gazed at the ministers, seeming genuinely coerced. “Issue my decree: the truth about the child trafficking case must be made public.”

Song Dingzhong snorted internally. Minister Zhao immediately responded, “I obey, Your Highness. I will see to it at once!”

As Minister Zhao prepared to leave, the Minister of Justice intercepted him. “This case is of great importance. Your announcement as the Capital Magistrate may not suffice. Allow me to handle it.”

Bowing to the Third Prince, the Minister of Justice said, “Your Highness, I request to adjourn early.”

The Third Prince, with a weary look, rubbed his forehead with one hand and waved the other outward, signaling approval.

The Minister of Justice glanced at Minister Zhao before departing. Already prepared, he quickly posted the announcement, and within moments, the news spread throughout the capital.

The city was in an uproar.

People had heard of Emperors cracking down on corruption, but this was the first time they heard of an Emperor being investigated himself! The Emperor as the mastermind incited both excitement and outrage among the citizens.

Meanwhile, the battle at the palace gates continued.

The heir of the Duke of Ning was puzzled. Out of the four palace gates, why had the Crown Prince chosen this one to attack while ignoring the others? It seemed illogical if he intended to seize the palace. Normally, an assault would involve encircling from all sides.

But now…

Although the Crown Prince had many men, they were all concentrated on one gate. What was his strategy?

The heir couldn’t decipher the Crown Prince’s intentions and had little time to do so. He initially believed that with Song Jin spitting blood and unable to use her spiritual power, his army could quickly end the battle. Unexpectedly, half of his stationed troops defected!

The remaining half, many of whom were veterans who had followed the late Empress, chose to remain neutral. They neither attacked the Crown Prince’s forces nor his. They were waiting for Song Jin.

This infuriated the heir of the Duke of Ning.

With Song Jin vomiting blood, the Crown Prince carried her into a waiting carriage.

Once inside, Song Jin struggled to get down from the Crown Prince’s lap, but he held her close.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“Let me down. I can’t just lie in your arms like this,” Song Jin protested.

The Crown Prince smiled, “Why not?”

“Of course not!”

“If it was fine when you kissed me, why not now? You kissed me then, now I’m holding you. It’s only fair.”

Song Jin pouted.

The Crown Prince chuckled at her puffed cheeks. “What? Want to bite me?”

“Yes!” she snapped.

Before she could react, the Crown Prince’s lips were on hers.

“Mm…”

Song Jin tried to push him away, but he held her tightly, kissing her gently.

When she was nearly out of breath, he finally let her go. She twisted in his arms, glaring at him. “You want to suffocate me.”

He laughed. “Don’t move, or I’ll kiss you again.”

Song Jin froze. Before she could respond, his lips descended once more, this time with more intensity.

Her eyes widened. I didn’t move!

As emotions flared, the chaotic thoughts in her mind were swept away by the Crown Prince’s kiss. Unable to resist, she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Her response made him stiffen, and the kiss deepened.

If only they were already married…

The Crown Prince finally pulled back, his desire barely restrained.

Song Jin’s lips throbbed painfully. Glaring at him with teary eyes, she muttered, “You want to kill me.”

The Crown Prince chuckled. “Not my fault. You’ve been in his body all this time. I couldn’t even kiss you properly.”

Song Jin laughed. “What if I couldn’t change back?”

The Crown Prince grinned. “Then I’d learn to love a man.”

Song Jin stared at his heated gaze and couldn’t help but lean forward to kiss him.

The Crown Prince stiffened, tightening his hold. “Don’t tease me. I’m a man.”

Song Jin rolled her eyes. “And I’m a woman!”

The Crown Prince sighed, looking at her with a mix of helplessness and affection. He kissed her forehead and whispered, “Let’s get married soon.”

As they spoke, the Crown Prince’s attendant reported from outside the carriage.

“Your Highness, the Minister of Justice has posted the announcement.”

Hearing this, the Crown Prince smiled at Song Jin. “It’s time for us to make our move.”

Song Jin nodded, planting a quick kiss on him. “I love you.”

The Crown Prince felt his blood boiling. He pinched her waist lightly. “Wait until we’re married.”

Understanding the implication, Song Jin smiled mischievously. “I’ll be waiting.”

The Crown Prince, feeling his control slipping, quickly lifted her out of the carriage.

Amidst the fierce battle, the couple finally reappeared.

The heir of the Duke of Ning had tried several times to reach the carriage, but the Crown Prince’s men had blocked him each time. Seeing them now, he charged with murderous intent, sword in hand.