NOVPUBOn Xu Zening’s side, the Emperor had returned, and the two sat facing each other in silence.
“Ning’er, what do you plan to do?” the Emperor finally asked.
Xu Zening looked up at the Emperor. “Father, this matter isn’t insignificant, but it also isn’t trivial. However, the incident took place in the Eastern Palace.”
The Emperor pressed his lips together tightly.
Xu Zening let out a bitter laugh. “I’ve said before that if given the chance, I would be willing to abdicate. But why resort to such means, harming so many innocent lives?”
The Emperor’s heart skipped a beat. “Ning’er!”
The Emperor had always felt guilty about the late Empress and had even promised the Qiao family that Xu Zening’s position as Crown Prince would never be revoked under any circumstances.
Xu Zening was well aware of the Emperor’s guilt, which was why he had always held control over the Emperor’s heart.
In the past, the Emperor had his biases, but now, his favoritism had bent into a deep curve.
Xu Zening remained silent, seemingly waiting for the Emperor to say something more.
“This matter must be thoroughly investigated. To plot against the royal lineage is an unforgivable crime.”
Xu Zening lowered his head, a barely noticeable smirk playing on his lips.
But then the Emperor hesitantly asked, “Ning’er, tell me the truth—have you truly grown fond of that Shen family girl?”
Xu Zening looked up, puzzled. “Why does Father ask this?”
The Emperor sighed. “I wronged you with this marriage back then. If we can’t save her this time...”
Xu Zening frowned. “Father, whether I like her or not, she is the Crown Princess, married into the Eastern Palace with proper ceremonies. As members of the royal family, we must never take life lightly.”
“There are hundreds of people in the Eastern Palace, and I must save them all!”
