I play the role of Jiajing in Zongwu: What crime have I committed?

Li Gang said in a muffled voice, "Sect Master, you still have the leisure to laugh."

"These two were in cahoots in the first place. If Xie Yu falls into their hands now, they might just take him on high and let him go easily, and in the end, they might even release him without charge."

At that moment, Fei Liu appeared by the window, his eyes flashing with a dangerous light.

"Brother Su, kill?"

Mei Changsu shook his head and said calmly, "No, I haven't gotten what I want from Xie Yu yet, he can't die."

"What does the sect leader mean?"

“Prince Yu is even more anxious than we are now. Perhaps he is already on his way here.”

"No way, it's so late..." Li Gang said in disbelief.

"Hehe, you'll find out soon enough."

Mei Changsu smiled confidently.

As night deepened, news of Xia Jiang's secret meeting with Xie Yu quickly reached Prince Yu's ears.

Prince Yu's expression visibly darkened.

In order to put Xie Yu to death, he used a lot of harsh methods during the interrogation.

Although the Crown Prince has been executed, if Xie Yu is allowed to walk out of prison alive, given his ruthless, vicious, and vindictive nature, he will surely seek revenge without reservation.

If he were to side with Prince Jing or another prince, it would be a huge problem for me.

"Prepare the car, let's go to the Su residence."

Sure enough, less than a quarter of an hour later, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from outside the Su residence.

Prince Yu, Xiao Jinghuan, was dressed in plain clothes and brought very few attendants, clearly having rushed over upon receiving the news.

"Mr. Su!"

"Your Highness!"

After a greeting, Prince Yu couldn't wait to speak.

“Mr. Su, you don’t know, Father Emperor is really confused.”

"What did your Highness say?"

"I mean, I really don't know what Father Emperor is thinking," Prince Yu realized he had misspoke and quickly corrected himself.

Mei Changsu gestured for Li Gang to step down, then invited Prince Yu to sit down and personally poured him a cup of tea.

"Your Highness, please calm down."

Prince Yu accepted the teacup but had no interest in drinking it.

"Xie Yu's case is a done deal. Even if we discuss kinship or status, at most we won't implicate anyone."

"Now they've actually summoned Xia Jiang, the head of the Suspended Mirror Bureau, to conduct the trial again."

Mei Changsu, feigning ignorance, asked, "Lord Xia Jiang has been in charge of the Suspended Mirror Bureau for many years and is known for his impartiality and strictness. What's wrong with having him conduct the trial?"

"Sir, you are unaware of this."

A sinister glint flashed in Prince Yu's eyes.

"Xia Jiang and Xie Yu are very close friends. If he is put in charge of the interrogation, even this seemingly ironclad case will likely be found to have flaws, and things may take an unexpected turn."

"How else can it change? The evidence in Xie Yu's case is irrefutable!"

Mei Changsu feigned surprise.

"irrefutable evidence?"

Prince Yu shook his head.

“When I was handling the case earlier, he insisted that he had indeed used Zhuo Dingfeng’s power.”

"But he denied everything, including major cases like plotting to murder eunuchs, which concerned the dignity of the imperial family."

"They also counter-accused that Zhuo Dingfeng deliberately framed him to avenge the murder of his son."

"Now that Xia Jiang is handling the case, who knows what kind of trouble he'll cause."

He paused, then suddenly grabbed Mei Changsu's sleeve, a ruthless glint in his eyes.

"Mr. Su, this time we must put Xie Yu to death."

"He hates me to the core. If he were to regain his power, given his ruthlessness, I fear I would be unable to sleep at night!"

Mei Changsu nodded calmly.

"Your Highness, please put your mind at ease. Given Xie Yu's suspicious nature, how could he truly entrust his life to someone else?"

"Why don't I go and see him? With just a little provocation, I can create a rift between him and Xia Jiang, and he will surely die."

"Your Highness, could you make arrangements for me?"

Prince Yu frowned slightly: "That's not difficult, but this man is ambitious and ruthless. Now, preserving his life is the most important thing. I'm afraid he can't be swayed by words."

"That depends on how you put it."

A confident smile appeared on Mei Changsu's face.

The next day.

In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the long-awaited grand court assembly finally began again.

Zhu Houcong sat high on the dragon throne, took off his Taoist robe, and put on a yellow robe that he hadn't worn for a long time.

As soon as the court assembly began, Tian Dezhi, the Minister of Rites, eagerly stepped forward to be the first to do so.

He held the jade tablet and bowed deeply.

"Your subject has a memorial to present."

"speak!"

"The position of Crown Prince has been vacant for over half a year. This could shake the foundations of the nation. I earnestly request Your Majesty to prioritize the well-being of the country and appoint a Crown Prince."

The sound was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples.

The officials who supported Prince Yu seemed to have been prepared, and they all stepped forward to echo his sentiments.

The officials of the Censorate were also indignant.

Zhu Houcong narrowed his eyes, his gaze slowly sweeping across the assembled officials.

The officials from Prince Yu's faction were all in high spirits, while the courtiers from other factions had varying expressions.

Prince Yu, Xiao Jingting, had an even more somber and gloomy expression.

Zhu Houcong could easily see that this was an attempt by officials from Prince Yu's faction to use the credit for the destruction of the country to push Prince Yu to the position of Crown Prince.

He chuckled softly and said calmly, "My esteemed ministers, today's court assembly is to discuss the matter of bestowing titles and rewards upon those in Southern Chu. The matter of the Crown Prince will be discussed later."

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Tian Dezhi naturally refused to back down; why should he bring it up before the rewards were even given?

Because once the rewards for meritorious service are distributed, what reason would he have to use his military achievements to help Prince Yu ascend to the throne?

Tian Dezhi knelt prostrate beneath the steps, his forehead pressed against the cold gold bricks, yet his voice grew ever more impassioned.

"Your Majesty has been absent from court for a long time, and we ministers feel as if we have lost our parents. Today, we are overjoyed to see Your Majesty's countenance, but we are also worried that we do not know when the next court session will be held."

"The sooner the position of crown prince is decided, the sooner the people of the land will feel at ease!"

These words directly hit Zhu Houcong's weakness in neglecting state affairs over the past six months.

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly froze, and many people unconsciously held their breath.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Houcong's smile gradually faded.

"Is Minister Tian blaming me?"

"Your subject dares not!"

Tian Dezhi kowtowed repeatedly.

At this moment, Zhu Yue, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, suddenly stepped forward.

"Your Majesty is wise; Minister Tian had no such intention."

"However, the position of Crown Prince is vacant, causing unrest in the court and among the people. We, your subjects, are deeply worried day and night!"

Zhu Houcong's gaze swept across the faces of the assembled officials one by one.

At that moment, he suddenly understood.

The appointment of a crown prince is a matter of national importance and is the right thing to do.

With Prince Yu's men acting as the vanguard, the others couldn't find any reason to object.

I had no choice but to remain silent.

"It seems that you ministers are determined to discuss the matter of establishing an heir at today's court assembly?"

"Your Majesty, we implore you to establish a Crown Prince as soon as possible!"

Chapter 162 Crown Prince, Empress, Grand Reward

Zhu Houcong coldly swept his gaze across the assembled officials in the hall, already understanding in his heart that the crown prince had no choice but to be established today.

The next second, he suddenly chuckled.

"Since you, my esteemed ministers, are so concerned about the foundation of the nation, then I shall grant your wish."

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent; even their breathing could be clearly heard.

However, beneath the wide sleeves of Prince Yu's court robes, his body was already trembling slightly.

Then Zhu Houcong said calmly, "As the Minister of Rites, Minister Tian Aiqing's petition to establish an heir in accordance with the system is a move that benefits the country and the people, and I am very pleased."

"The position of Crown Prince should indeed be decided as soon as possible."

His gaze slowly swept over the assembled officials in the hall, finally settling on Prince Yu.

"Jing Huan has diligently assisted me in handling state affairs over the years."

Zhu Houcong's voice suddenly softened, and a smile appeared on his face.

"His skillful command and decisive actions in quelling the rebellion in Southern Chu were equally commendable."

"Among all the princes, in terms of talent and virtue, none can match him."

He paused for a moment, then made the decision immediately.

"Jing Huan should be made crown prince."

Upon hearing this, the entire hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Xiao Jinghuan felt a surge of heat rush to his head, and his whole body began to tremble uncontrollably.

He bit his lower lip hard, afraid that he might burst out laughing at any moment.

But the joy in his eyes and brows was impossible to hide.

The Prince Yu's supporters inside the hall were flushed, their joy evident in their expressions.

In contrast, Prince Yu, Xiao Jingting, and the others turned ashen-faced, as if they had been force-fed a bowl of excrement.

Xu Anmo, in particular, now wished he could shout, "I should not have killed Hua Tuo!"

I really regret it now.

Previously, the emperor had appointed Prince Yu as regent, and he thought the emperor intended to make Prince Yu the crown prince.

So he decisively switched allegiance and pledged allegiance to Prince Yu.

Unexpectedly, his cleverness backfired.

Even if he wanted to go back to his ex now, they wouldn't trust him anymore.

Xiao Jingting was also somewhat aware of the situation.

Although he was older than Xiao Jinghuan, he had to suppress his resentment and jealousy at this moment.