lcionline Chapter 288: He'll just rot in the mine, a slave for eternity.
Chapter 288: He'll just rot in the mine, a slave for eternity.
The atmosphere in Consort Jing's palace was as still as ice.
Her usually radiant face was now shrouded in gloom, her brows furrowed with anger.
"This Chu Ruohan is indeed not simple." Her slender fingers stroked the sandalwood table, her eyes flashing with cold light.
The palace maid beside him knelt cautiously, not daring to raise her head.
"Your Majesty, please calm down. Chu Ruohan is just a helpless woman. His Majesty will not easily believe her."
"A weak woman?" Consort Jing sneered. "Don't be fooled by her gentle and virtuous appearance."
"This woman is cunning and ruthless; she can reverse the tide in such a short time..."
She stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, her sleeves swaying gently with her movements.
Although the Emperor did not ask me, he already had suspicions in his heart.
"Clang-crack-"
The white porcelain cup shattered into pieces the moment it hit the floor tiles.
The scalding tea splashed out, causing Consort Jing's chest to heave violently, and her fingertips to turn slightly white from the force.
The more I think about it, the angrier I get...
Prince Su sat on a chair to the side, holding his teacup, his fingertips idly stroking the warm, smooth surface of the cup.
He took a small sip before slowly putting it down, a faint smile even appearing on his lips.
"She is very smart."
This abrupt and incomplete remark was like pouring oil on the fire in Consort Jing's heart.
She turned her head sharply, her phoenix eyes flashing with murderous intent as she glared at her son.
"Are you still trying to boost the morale of others?"
A fleeting hint of displeasure flashed deep in Prince Su's eyes, so quick it was almost imperceptible, before being quickly concealed by his usual composure.
He looked up and met Consort Jing's angry gaze, his tone calm to the point of being indifferent.
“Mother, this matter was indeed far too rash.”
"This secret has been hidden for many years and has far-reaching implications. How can it be released so easily?"
Consort Jing was so angry at his attitude that her heart ached, but she forced herself to suppress her anger.
"I came here on my own to see the descendants of the Tian family, and the Emperor ordered the Dali Temple to investigate thoroughly."
"Now is the perfect opportunity to seize the moment and bring down the Empress in one fell swoop!"
She thought this was a golden opportunity.
Prince Su, however, disagreed.
"Then Mother should also go find that key doctor Qian, keep him calm, or have him beat the Dengwen Drum to bite the Empress to death."
Why did you provoke that woman, Chu Ruohan?
When Chu Ruohan was mentioned, Consort Jing's expression became even more unpleasant.
She glared at her son again, clearly annoyed.
"I am the Emperor's Noble Consort! How dare I summon men from outside the palace so casually?"
She paused, her brows furrowing as she looked at Prince Su with suspicion.
What's wrong with you today?
"Why are you always siding with that Chu Ruohan?"
Prince Su did not answer directly, but tapped his fingers lightly on the table.
He changed the subject.
"The ones who should be anxious right now are the Empress and the Crown Prince."
"us……"
Before he could finish speaking, Consort Jing interrupted him, her eyes filled with deep worry and apprehension.
"His Majesty has few children. Besides the Crown Prince, there is only you... no, there is another one being raised in a temple."
"After so many years, no princes have been born in the palace, and the emperor has long harbored doubts."
"They either suspect the Empress of tampering with things, or they suspect..."
She didn't finish her sentence, but the meaning was clear.
They suspected her of respecting Consort Jing.
Prince Su stood up and shook the corner of his robe.
"In that case, let's give them another push."
"This made the Wei family hesitant to act rashly, thus exposing their own weaknesses."
The Wei family is the Empress's maternal family and the Crown Prince's strongest support.
Consort Jing instantly understood, the anger in her eyes fading slightly, replaced by a calculating glint.
"I will arrange for someone to do this immediately."
"No."
Prince Su immediately spoke up to stop him.
His gaze was sharp. “Father is suspicious by nature. This matter must not be handled by our people, otherwise we will only bring trouble upon ourselves.”
Once you've poured out this dirty water, you must make sure you're completely clean yourself.
"Change someone."
Consort Jing frowned.
"Then who should we replace?"
Prince Su walked to the window, gazing at the somber sky outside, his voice low and clear.
"Isn't there another Wei Qiming over at the mine?"
Consort Jing was stunned for a moment, then realized what was happening.
Wei Qiming, the only son of the Wei family, is now doing the lowest and most menial labor in a mine where the sun never shines.
Prince Su's voice carried a hint of cold laughter.
"Everyone knows about the scandalous affair between Lin Xingyao, the young princess of the Yongwang Mansion, and Wei Qiming."
The Prince Yong's Mansion played a significant role in Wei Qiming's tragic end.
"If the Emperor truly suspects the Crown Prince's parentage and has considered deposing him..."
Prince Su paused, his tone carrying a profound meaning.
"Then Wei Qiming will really be stuck in the mine for the rest of his life, a slave for eternity."
How could a once high-ranking young master from a prestigious family not harbor resentment in his heart after falling to such a state?
"His only hope is that the crown prince will succeed to the throne and the Wei family will regain power."
“Once the Crown Prince falls from power and the Wei family loses influence, his last hope will be extinguished.”
Prince Su slowly turned around and looked at Consort Jing, who seemed to be deep in thought.
"A desperate person will do anything to grasp at the last straw."
All they have to do is sit back and reap the benefits...
"How can we ensure that Lin Xingyao will go to Wei Qiming?"
“Mother, rest assured, I have my own plans,” said Prince Su.
Consort Jing looked at her son, and for the first time, her eyes truly revealed amazement and admiration.
This scheme was meticulously planned, yet it allowed the strategist to extricate himself from all blame.
She remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking, her tone complex.
"Your mother thinks you've really made a lot of progress lately."
"This air of wisdom and strategic planning is so different from before..."
Her words were filled with obvious relief.
Consort Jing was oblivious to her son's subtle reaction, lost in her own joy and anticipation.
“You have recently been giving the Crown Prince a significant advantage in court, which is excellent.”
"From now on, Mother will have to rely on you."
Her gaze turned intense, almost making no attempt to conceal her ambition.
"Then the position of the Empress Dowager..."
A faint smile remained on Prince Su's lips as he accepted all her praise and expectations.
However, when Consort Jing mentioned the word "Empress Dowager," his lowered eyelashes trembled slightly.
Beneath that gentle smile, there seemed to lie an abyss that no one else could fathom.
He didn't linger long and quickly made an excuse to get up and leave.
"Your subject has some matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave now."
Consort Jing was in a much better mood at the moment and didn't think much of it. She waved her hand and let him go.
As we left the palace gates, night had fallen, and the lanterns lining the palace path cast a dim, yellowish glow.
The servants of Prince Su's mansion were already waiting outside.
Upon seeing Prince Su emerge, he immediately stepped forward and whispered, "Your Highness, I have brought back what you requested."