Deposed Crown Prince: After three years of service on the frontier, the entire court knelt and begge

The head eunuch bowed and said, "Eighth Prince, what you said was a genuine expression of your feelings. It sounded like you were gritting your teeth in hatred. It didn't sound fake."

"However, there are too many loopholes in his words. First of all, the eldest prince Xiao Ce is being held captive in the second prince's residence, and it is impossible for him to escape."

"Secondly, even if the First Prince sneaked out, according to His Highness the Eighth Prince, the First Prince brought a thug. Under the same circumstances, if the Eighth Prince had already been knocked unconscious and captured, why would he have taken the person back to the Eighth Prince's residence to be tortured? A normal person would hide the person or take them to a deserted place."

"Finally, he said that His Highness the First Prince was standing up for the King of Zhen. But we all know the First Prince. He has always been cautious and prudent; he wouldn't dare to do such a thing."

Xiao Dingbang nodded as he listened: "Have you asked about the spies we have keeping an eye on the Second Prince's residence?"

The chief eunuch nodded: "Your Majesty, we have inquired as you instructed. They did not see the First Prince leave his residence last night, but the Eighth Prince and his servants did go to the Second Prince's residence. However, no one knows what happened there."

"Because many people in Kyoto have spies watching over us, many people can testify to this!"

Xiao Dingbang nodded sharply: "Hmph, this Eighth Brother is trying to pull off a self-inflicted injury ruse!"

The chief eunuch remained silent, knowing full well that serving the emperor was like walking on thin ice, even though the emperor considered him one of his own.

However, he must always remind himself of his status; he is merely a servant.

As for the matter at hand, it concerns his family background. He objectively presents the facts and reasons, and after explaining the situation, the specific actions to take will depend on Xiao Dingbang's decision.

Xiao Dingbang was silent for a moment: "Tell me, what should I do next? They're both my children! And these two boys have both done something important."

Seeing this, the head eunuch remained silent for a moment: "Your Majesty, didn't His Highness the Second Prince offer a solution yesterday? Have Lord Xing Shoulu investigate privately. After the results are in, you can then intervene and have the Eighth Prince apologize to the Second Prince, since they are all family. The Second Prince said he wouldn't pursue the matter further..."

Xiao Dingbang nodded: "That's the only way. Send Xuan Xing and Shou Lu here. Also, send the imperial physician to Yang'er's residence to check on that good-for-nothing."

After listening, the Grand Master bowed in agreement and withdrew.

...

At this moment, in Xiao Yang's mansion, things were just as Xiao Ce had predicted.

After the court session, many civil and military officials came to visit Xiao Yang.

Especially after seeing Fan Gang Ashina standing guard for Xiao Yang, they believed the emperor's words without a doubt.

Xiao Ce was waiting there, and his guess turned out to be correct.

His adoptive father still sent someone to check on his injuries.

Because the fake injuries on his body were inflicted by Lu Shu himself, and supplemented with pills, his pulse and other signs made him appear as if he were on the verge of death.

The imperial physician and the chief eunuch came over and gave a brief examination. After Xiao Yang found out, he gave them a heads-up.

They said Xiao Ce needed to rest and asked him to do a simple check-up.

This imperial physician had some connection with Consort Hui, so he only conducted a simple examination and took her pulse.

Xiao Yang was still afraid of being exposed, and saw the imperial physician shaking his head as he came out.

Overjoyed, Xiao Yang asked, "Imperial Physician, how is it?"

The imperial physician shook his head and said, "Second Prince, the First Prince's chances of survival are slim this time. His injuries are extremely severe, his internal energy is disordered, and his pulse is weak and feeble. I fear he will not live much longer..."

Xiao Yang looked surprised and said, "Then see if you can ask Father to get some elixirs and medicines."

The imperial physician bowed and said, "Try it as much as you can."

The imperial physician and the chief eunuch then hurriedly left.

Xiao Yang entered the room excitedly: "Brother, how did you do that?"

Xiao Ce got out of bed as if nothing had happened and took a pill.

"I've already fired the first shot for you, so don't let me down from here on out. Quite a few ministers have come to visit you, haven't they?"

Xiao Yang nodded: "Brother, it's all thanks to you... I've never seen officials fawn over me like that..."

Xiao Yang spoke with great enthusiasm, spittle flying everywhere.

Because these officials had been quite polite to him before, but their attitude was clearly different now.

He knew very well that this was not something he had earned himself, but something that Xiao Ce had created for him.

Xiao Ce said calmly, "Alright, there are still people waiting, go see them all. Especially after you see Prime Minister Yin, repeat to him what I told you. If anyone else wants to see me, just say I'm dying and I won't see them!"

Xiao Yang nodded: "Brother, you're fine... Do you have some kind of plan?"

Xiao Ce gave Xiao Yang a cold look.

Xiao Yang subconsciously shrank his neck and said to Xiao Ce, "Brother, please forgive me... I shouldn't have asked!"

As he spoke, Xiao Yang slapped himself several times.

Xiao Ce then instructed Xiao Yang, "Take Fan Gang and Ashina with you these days. Also, find a way to investigate who this person, whom Xiao Xiangqing so confidently claimed could put Ninth Uncle to death, is."

Xiao Yang nodded obediently.

After saying that, Xiao Ce said to Xiao Yang, "If anyone tries to see me, just say that they hid me to protect me. You can also tell the emperor to avoid unnecessary trouble. The emperor has no interest in a 'good-for-nothing' like me!"

Xiao Yang nodded again.

He knew that Xiao Ce had other things to attend to.

...

Watching Xiao Yang leave, Xiao Ce said to Da Lei, "We've already stirred up the waters in Kyoto, let them keep making a fuss. We can go and do our own things now."

Da Lei was surprised again upon hearing Xiao Ce's words.

"So, Your Highness, this whole thing wasn't just a spur-of-the-moment thing for you, but part of your plan?"

Xiao Ce smiled and said, "It is and it isn't."

There are many people coming and going from this mansion today.

Moreover, the guards at Xiao Yang's residence have all been replaced by Da Lei's own men.

So, the two of them changed into casual clothes and went out, and everyone assumed they were servants from Xiao Yang's residence.

After they left, Da Lei asked Xiao Ce, "Your Highness, where are we going now?"

"We need to find Qian Dafang, Qian Dahai's cousin! We need to use connections to get into the prison. There's something fishy about Uncle Jiu's situation. We can only proceed with our plans after we find out more about Uncle Jiu."

Da Lei nodded: "Is that Qian Dafang reliable? Is he trustworthy?"

Xiao Ce nodded: "No one can be absolutely trusted. However, merchants are profit-driven. As long as we give them enough benefits, they are trustworthy, and I am now someone who can give them enough benefits. If we were to say who they least want to see get into trouble with, these merchants would even be ahead of the people of the Northern Desert!"

"Because I can lead them to become truly wealthy!"

Da Lei nodded thoughtfully.

Xiao Ce laughed and said, "Alright, let's hurry up and get going. Let's rescue Uncle Jiu as soon as possible so we can do something meaningful. I don't want to waste any more time here with these idiots."

With that, Xiao Ce spurred his horse, and it quickened its pace, heading towards the Qian residence...