The Prime Minister's Darling
Chapter 923 - 923 423 Counterattack (double update)

Chapter 923: 423 Counterattack (double update) Chapter 923: 423 Counterattack (double update) The man looked at her hand tightly clutching the corner of her clothes and sneered, “What? You want to slap this prince again? This time, you’d better use a bit more force, don’t leave without a mark like last time.”

…

The crown prince came out of the Imperial Study Room, his face pale as if he were sick. He wasn’t watching where he was going and almost bumped into someone passing by.

He was about to explode in anger but then realized that the person was Prince Ning.

He couldn’t identify his feelings, but he muttered a greeting dully, “Big brother.”

Prince Ning smiled and said, “What’s the matter? You look unhappy. Did our father scold you, or did he scold Xiaoqi?”

The crown prince spoke with a hint of resentment, “Father said I haven’t disciplined Xiaoqi properly! How is that my fault? Who knew that Little Fat would have the guts to run wild around the palace?”

Prince Ning chuckled, patted him on the shoulder, and said, “You are the crown prince, an elder brother and role model for all the imperial sons. It’s inevitable that our father has higher expectations for you. Don’t worry; he’s just speaking sternly and won’t really blame you. As for Xiaoqi, he’s at the mischievous age; it’s normal for him to get into trouble. Father is too fond of him to really hold him accountable.”

These words were quite comforting to hear.

The crown prince didn’t envy Qin Chuyu taking away some of their father’s affection. After all, he was his legitimate younger brother, and they had many years between them. Moreover, what Prince Ning said was right; their father questioned him because he had higher expectations for him compared to the other princes.

He sighed, “It’s just… Father still wants to punish Xiaoqi, and my pleas were to no avail.”

Prince Ning smiled and patted the crown prince’s shoulder again, “You go back to the East Palace first. I’ll talk to our father.”

The crown prince opened his mouth and, to be honest, he wasn’t in the same camp as Prince Ning. Prince Ning was his biggest threat on the path to becoming emperor, not only because Prince Ning was more intelligent and capable, but also because their father was very fond of Prince Ning.

Yet it was often hard to resent this brother of his.

His gaze was warm, sunny, and sincere. He was striving to be a good son to their father and a good brother to the other princes. He was ambitious, but not overtly power-hungry.

Especially since he showed not the slightest indecent interest in Linlang.

Don’t think I don’t know—the third, the fourth, and even the Noble Consort’s fifth son all secretly admired Linlang.

Only the big brother was upright and magnanimous, a truly noble gentleman.

With that thought, the crown prince started to view Prince Ning much more favorably, “Alright then, I’ll leave Xiaoqi’s matter in your hands. Linlang’s hurt; I need to get back to take care of her quickly.”

He had just taken a few steps when Prince Ning suddenly called out to him, “Second brother.”

The crown prince turned around, “Is there something else, big brother?”

Prince Ning said, “Father has been worried lately about the assessment of the six ministries, and the cabinet has been in endless debate over it. I was planning to go to the cabinet myself. Do you want to come along, second brother?”

“This…” The crown prince hesitated.

As the crown prince of the nation, he naturally knew that taking part in state affairs to ease his father’s worries was a rare and beneficial thing, but he was truly concerned about Linlang’s injuries.

Prince Ning smiled again, “Or maybe I’ll just tell our father that I’ll go alone.”

Would that make our father happy if he knew?

The crown prince grumbled to himself, “Father didn’t mention this just now.”

Prince Ning smiled, “That’s because I haven’t reported it yet.”

Well, there’s no escape now.

The crown prince sighed, “Then I’ll go with big brother to the cabinet.”

Prince Ning smiled, “Good.”

Watching the two brothers boarding the carriage together, close as could be, Gu Jiao and Yuan Tang standing behind the big tree were utterly dumbfounded.

Yuan Tang, “No way. They didn’t fight? Does the crown prince enjoy being a cuckold that much?”

Yuan Tang had discovered who the man Xiaoqi had a secret meeting with.

Not only because he recognized the man’s voice but also because the man had turned around carelessly when leaving and allowed him to see his face.

At that moment, his feelings could only be described as shockingly surprised.

Gu Jiao made a sound of astonishment; indeed, it was surprising.

Yuan Tang said coldly, “I must clear my name!”

Gu Jiao rejected outright, “No.”

“Why?” Yuan Tang asked.

“The Princess Consort of Rui will die,” Gu Jiao said. “She’s the only one who could ‘witness’ your private meeting with the crown princess. She’s an important witness, and once you’re exonerated, Prince Ning won’t let her live.”

With someone like Prince Ning, you can’t talk about morality; don’t expect him to care about brotherly affection.

Yuan Tang snorted, “So am I supposed to bear this false accusation forever?”

Gu Jiao’s eyes swiveled, “How about… you go kill him?”

Yuan Tang’s mouth twitched fiercely.

Am I a watermelon? To be cut whenever you say cut!