The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 1053 - 239: Succession to Prince Yongle_3

Chapter 1053: Chapter 239: Succession to Prince Yongle_3

Prince Yong’an, Xiao Guangjun’s expression turned cold, "Such poor acting! Don’t even think of framing this prince!" With a kick, he sent the man flying.

Shi Su’s face showed desolation as he stumbled to his feet and violently crashed into a nearby pillar.

Xiao Guangzhao was sitting not far from the pillar, watching coldly without a move to prevent it, allowing Shi Su to die upon the impact with the pillar. Even if Shi Su’s death wasn’t by Xiao Guangjun’s hand, it’d be impossible for him to clear his name.

"Shi Su actually killed himself out of fear of his crimes, Father Emperor! This matter must be thoroughly investigated! We must see to it that justice is done for General Pei!" Xiao Guangbi postured as if he stood to defend Pei Qin’s honor.

Pei Qin watched with icy eyes, "It seems my life is quite resilient, to have escaped death twice!" She had been suspicious of who shot the poisoned arrow, Mo Heng only asked her to investigate but never told her the results.

"General Pei, spared from great calamity, must surely have good fortune ahead!"

"General Pei is a blessing to My Great Chu, with the Emperor’s protection, surely dangers will turn into safety!"

"General Pei’s star of fortune shines brightly!"

The officials all offered their congratulations, relieved.

Emperor Chu Wen was also somewhat relieved as he asked the little palace maid how she had discovered the poison in the wine.

The little palace maid shivered with fright as she knelt on the ground, "Replying to the Emperor! This maid... this maid... saw someone give Xiao Yanzi a packet, Xiao Yanzi then stealthily passed it to Eunuch Shi, he told others that he was going to the latrine, and afterward, this maid saw Eunuch Shi fetching the wine... pouring it for General Pei. General Pei, heroic and stunningly handsome, rising above the ordinary, yet someone wanted to harm him, this maid... would risk her life to save General Pei!"

It was her luck to encounter so many coincidences, but most people believed her. The women of Capital Jingcheng were mostly enamored with General Pei, and perhaps the palace maids in the palace admired heroes too; this little palace maid happened to be an admirer of Pei Hansan, intentionally coming to his aid.

Emperor Chu Wen waved his hand, "Reward her!"

The little palace maid, excited, immediately expressed her thanks. As she was stepping back, she looked at Pei Qin with tender affection, "This maid wishes to serve the General, to taste and test his wine for him!"

The officials all commended the deeply affectionate little palace maid.

At this time, Emperor Chu Wen should have granted the girl to Pei Qin as a reward. But she was not a man, awarding her a palace maid seemed superfluous.

Shi Rui waved his hand, allowing her to serve by Pei Qin’s side.

The banquet continued, but the case was swiftly investigated, and the evidence pointed directly at Prince Yong’an, Xiao Guangjun.

Xiao Guangjun’s advisor suggested he explain to the Emperor the relationship between Xiao Yong and Pei Qin; Pei Qin had personally brought up Xiao Yong, the Princely Heir of Yong’an Prince Mansion. Even for the Princely Heir, Pei Qin would support and endorse the Prince’s ascension to the throne. It wouldn’t make sense for the Prince to lose his mind and poison Pei Qin.

"No, we can’t use that approach," Xiao Guangjun shook his head. Pei Qin was his trump card; he could not expose her unless it was absolutely necessary. Should he expose her now, Xiao Yong would be in immediate danger, and Pei Qin would be in peril too. He needed a different method to resolve this!

Xiao Guangjun had already explained to Emperor Chu Wen that he had issued no such command and had not bribed Shi Su before he consented to an honest investigation.

Xiao Guangbi, however, took a somewhat more aggressive stance, suggesting that Xiao Guangjun had discovered that Xiao Yi had been nurtured by Pei Qin for two years, was greatly cherished by her, and that she had been given a Jade Pendant to Jiujiu. He feared that Pei Qin might support Xiao Yi’s claim as Crown Prince, thus, Xiao Guangjun took action against Pei Qin and further insinuated that the several assassination attempts he had faced almost cost him his life.

He believed that since Pei Qin had raised Xiao Yi, Emperor Chu Wen would never suspect him.

But what he didn’t realize was that Shi Rui had already found out about the assassination attempts on Pei Qin, vaguely hinting at the findings.

And while the person who had provided Xiao Yanzi with the drug was traced back to Xiao Guangjun, the origins of the drug were also unveiled, as well as the bribes that Shi Su had previously received.

Emperor Chu Wen looked at this son, whom he had always doted on, with complete disappointment. He hadn’t yet decided whether to choose him or another, and though he knew his son might not be a wise ruler, he was somewhat inclined towards him in his heart because he was the most filial among all his sons. He hadn’t expected his son to be so eager to remove obstacles, resorting to any means necessary.

He waved his hand, signaling him to leave.

Xiao Guangbi sensed that something was amiss in his father’s demeanor and expression, growing anxious inside, yet he had no choice but to retreat.

Emperor Chu Wen summoned Pei Qin and asked her, "Who do you think is most suitable to be the next Crown Prince?"

Pei Qin’s eyes gleamed, "Emperor! Had you asked before, surely the Crown Prince would have been the most suitable."

"Can’t I get a straight answer from you?!" Emperor Chu Wen’s face darkened with anger.

"Emperor! The Crown Prince may have faults, but not to the extent of being deposed. And, after all, Emperor, you have a fine legitimate grandson!" Pei Qin said with a smile.

The Crown Prince was born of the Empress, legitimate by birthright, and naturally justified in inheriting the throne.