Chapter 3: The Real Culprit Was Someone Else

Chapter 3: The Real Culprit Was Someone Else

“With both witnesses and evidence present, what innocence do you have left? Take him away!” Xiao Dingbang shouted sternly.

Xiao Ce was dragged off by the Black-Armored Guards but kept shouting, “Imperial Father! Ninth Uncle, I was framed… I knew nothing! I was drunk and only just woke up! And everyone knows that I… I am a man incapable of relations!”

The Prince of Zhenguo, Xiao Dingshan, wanted to say something.

He was interrupted by the Emperor on his side: “Old Ninth, I know you have always treated this beast as your own! If not for your repeated protection, letting him grow arrogant, he would never have dared to commit this beastly act! Now the ironclad evidence is here. If you speak in his defense again, it will seem like you are shielding him!”

“Indulging a child is like killing him! Tomorrow in the Judicial Hall, I will have the three judicial bodies hold a joint trial! He is also my son. I will not wrong him! Nor will I let him go unpunished!”

Seeing the Emperor so furious, the Prince of Zhenguo did not speak further.

Xiao Dingbang looked at Yin Pan’er, who was still crying to the side, and said to Xiao Yang, “Yang’er, escort Miss Yin back.”

With that, he flicked his sleeve and left.

Xiao Yang stepped forward to gently support Yin Pan’er, but she avoided him.

Yin Pan’er had seen clearly just now, when Xiao Yang looked at the stain of blood on the bed, a flicker of excitement and triumph was in his eyes.

During the questioning of the servant earlier, he had shown no consideration for her future reputation, no trace of sympathy.

What Xiao Ce said was right. Xiao Yang was just using her as a pawn.

She got into the Carriage with Xiao Yang.

“Pan’er, I never thought that waste would still be capable of relations. But don’t worry, this time that waste is definitely done for! You have also helped our Great Xiao Kingdom eliminate a scourge.”

Yin Pan’er looked coldly at Xiao Yang and said, “Second Prince, would you say I lost my purity for you?”

Xiao Yang nodded and said, “Yes! Yes! Of course!”

Yin Pan’er looked at Xiao Yang and said, “Then I need you to write a document, recording today’s events. Swear that you will one day marry me as your principal wife, one day make me your Crown Princess, and even the future Queen Mother!”

Seeing Yin Pan’er, Xiao Yang gave an awkward smile and said with some difficulty, “Pan’er, this matter is still far from certain… why even talk about it now? What I promised you naturally counts, why would we need a written document? Besides, leaving a written record as you suggest would just hand others leverage. If discovered, it would be the death penalty for treason and rebellion!”

Yin Pan’er looked at Xiao Yang and said, “Second Prince, by tomorrow this matter will be all over the city. When you asked me to do this, you swore to me that Crown Prince was a man incapable of relations! And the result? I no longer trust your words!”

Xiao Yang looked embarrassed and said, “Pan’er, it was a misunderstanding… I didn’t know he could actually do it! You lost your purity for me. I will surely treat you well! I won’t let you down!”

Seeing Xiao Yang’s hypocritical face, Yin Pan’er felt disgusted: “Then write down how you had me frame the Crown Prince. Give me some security!”

Xiao Yang immediately looked troubled and said, “This…”

Yin Pan’er said, “I just need some security! My father and I were both involved in this! If it gets out, it would be ruin for both of us. I just want security! I have already lost what I cherished most for you all. Are you unwilling to even give me the guarantee of a piece of paper? How can I believe your promises then?”

Seeing Xiao Yang still looked troubled.

“If Second Prince finds it difficult, then I will have to think for myself. No matter what, I will not admit that the Crown Prince molested me. For the sake of my reputation, I will definitely have my father clear the Crown Prince’s name! You must know, as long as I don’t admit it, this case cannot be proven!” Yin Pan’er said coldly.

Xiao Yang’s gaze sharpened a bit: “Are you threatening me? Whether you admit it or not, whether you are still a maiden, the palace matrons can check with one examination. By then, regardless of your admission, Xiao Ce must die! Let me also tell you the truth. If not for Imperial Father’s approval, do you think I would dare do this? So weigh for yourself what is important.”

Yin Pan’er was utterly disgusted inside: “Then you just try! Not to mention whether my father would agree to let palace matrons examine me. Without my testimony, do you think you can get past the Prince of Zhenguo? Will you write it? Or not!”

Fury raged in Xiao Yang’s heart, but Yin Pan’er’s words made sense, so he forcibly suppressed his anger.

As long as Yin Pan’er cooperated this time, Xiao Ce would be like a fish on the chopping block, at his mercy.

Looking at Yin Pan’er’s anxious expression.

Thinking of this, Xiao Yang said, “Pan’er, I didn’t say I was unwilling. I’ll write it! I’ll write it!”

…

Inside the Imperial Prison.

Xiao Ce was locked in a cell, lying to one side, feeling very pleased.

Because everything was proceeding exactly as he had planned, in an orderly manner.

The clothes under the bed earlier, the stain of blood on the bed, he had intentionally let the Emperor and the others find them.

The reason was simple: he had to make them feel sure of victory, so that he would have his chance.

Moreover, he really did have his eye on Yin Pan’er, that beautiful and charming woman.

Only by making Prime Minister Yin Weiyong know that his most beloved only daughter was now his woman would Prime Minister Yin Weiyong have no way out and have to help him.

If things went smoothly, Yin Pan’er would have already helped him obtain a pardon certificate by now.

…

The next day, in the Imperial Judicial Hall within the Imperial Palace.

The Emperor sat in the main seat. The Prince of Zhenguo, Xiao Dingshan, led a row of Princes and imperial relatives standing on the right.

Prime Minister Yin Weiyong and a row of important court officials stood on the left.

Prince Xiao Dingbang had gathered them to judge the Crown Prince’s crime of forcibly taking the Prime Minister’s daughter the previous night.

Xiao Dingbang looked around, seeing everyone was present, and said, “Bring that beast Xiao Ce up.”

Not long after, Xiao Ce was brought to the main hall by the Black-Armored Guards.

After being escorted into the hall, Xiao Ce looked solemn, not a trace of fear on his face.

After paying his respects to the Emperor, he stood tall and straight, as if he were the one judging others.

Xiao Dingbang frowned slightly and said, “You beast, do you admit your guilt?”

Xiao Ce bowed and prostrated on the ground: “I report to Imperial Father, Your Son admits guilt!”

The entire hall erupted in murmurs.

Everyone thought Xiao Ce would defend himself a little, but they never expected him to confess so obediently.

Xiao Yang on the side felt something was off. He quickly asked, “Then do you know what crime you committed?”

Xiao Ce glanced at Xiao Yang but ignored him!

Xiao Dingbang then asked, “Then do you know what crime you committed?”

This time, Xiao Ce spoke: “Imperial Father, last night Your Son lost control after drinking and wronged Chancellor Yin’s daughter. Your Son is willing to bear all consequences and punishment!”

The hall erupted in murmurs again.

The Prince of Zhenguo said sternly, “Crown Prince, do not confess under duress. If you are wronged, This Prince will certainly restore your justice!”

Hearing the Prince of Zhenguo’s words, Xiao Dingbang looked sharply and said, “What Prince of Zhenguo says is correct. Crown Prince, think carefully! Now witnesses and evidence are both present. If you dare deceive your sovereign, the punishment will be even greater!”

Hearing this, Xiao Ce said, “I report to Imperial Father, I report to Prince of Zhenguo, Your Son did indeed wrong Chancellor Yin’s daughter!”

Xiao Dingbang had thought it would require more effort. He never expected it to be so smooth.

He looked at the Prince of Zhenguo to the side and said, “Good! Since you have confessed. Then, Ninth Brother, you are most versed in the Great Xiao Legal Code. According to the Great Xiao Legal Code, what is the Crown Prince’s crime?”

The Prince of Zhenguo looked grim. He knew very well that over the years, there had been far too many incidents like this framing the Crown Prince.

Originally, the Prince of Zhenguo had gathered some ministers to defend the Crown Prince.

Now, with the Crown Prince not defending himself at all and confessing everything, they had no way to use their strength.

“I report to Your Majesty, according to the Great Xiao Legal Code for the crime of rape, the penalty is execution! Although the offender is the Crown Prince, the son of Heaven who breaks the law is equal to the common people. He should first be stripped of his position as Crown Prince.”

Seeing the Prince of Zhenguo pause.

Xiao Dingbang continued, “Is stripping him of his Crown Prince position enough?”

The Prince of Zhenguo looked sullen and did not respond.

Xiao Yang said, “I report to Imperial Father, according to the Great Xiao Legal Code, not only should he be stripped of his Crown Prince position, but he should also be imprisoned and executed after the autumn assizes!”

Xiao Dingbang nodded and looked at the Prince of Zhenguo, saying, “Ninth Brother, that’s correct, isn’t it?”

The Prince of Zhenguo’s face was ashen. He did not answer.

Xiao Dingbang said, “Prince of Zhenguo’s silence means consent!”

“Good! My esteemed ministers, are there any other objections?”

Those present looked at each other. No one spoke.

Seeing this, Xiao Dingbang said sternly, “Since it is so, from this moment, Xiao Ce is stripped of his position as Crown Prince. Take him to prison immediately for execution after the autumn assizes!”

A cold light flashed in Xiao Ce’s eyes. He thought at most he would be stripped of his Crown Prince position. Who would have thought this Dog Emperor really wanted to kill him.

Even a vicious tiger does not eat its cubs? He actually truly wanted him dead.

The Black-Armored Guards to the side were about to step forward.

Xiao Ce’s gaze turned cold. Very discreetly, he glanced at Prime Minister Yin Weiyong, who had remained silent all along.

Seeing Yin Weiyong nod slightly.

Xiao Ce thumped to his knees on the ground and cried out loudly, “Imperial Father! Your Son is guilty! But not deserving of death! Moreover, Your Son was also framed! The real culprit was someone else!”