jdhmnovel Chapter 316 Framed
Chapter 316 Framed
Xiao Chengjun wrote a letter overnight, reporting the details of the attack to Xiao Nanyi. The letter ended with strong handwriting: "Your subject vows to thoroughly investigate this matter and bring justice to the soldiers and the people." He entrusted the secret letter to his most trusted guard, ordering him to send it to the capital by fast horse, and then threw himself into the intense work of handling the aftermath.
After inventory, only 30% of the 100,000 shi of grain remained. Chengjun gazed at the wrecked grain carts, his heart filled with mixed emotions. His deputy, Chen Meng, suggested, "Your Highness, why not turn back now and escort the remaining grain back to the capital to prepare relief supplies?" Chengjun shook his head in rejection: "The disaster victims in Jiangnan cannot wait. We must set off immediately and deliver this grain as quickly as possible." He knew that every moment of delay meant more people might die of hunger.
The convoy moved slowly forward, but Chengjun remained highly vigilant. He dispatched multiple scouts to patrol and reconnoiter within a ten-mile radius of the convoy; he also ordered soldiers to take turns on guard duty to prevent further attacks. As night fell, he personally inspected the posts, checking every sentry post to ensure absolute safety.
Meanwhile, in the capital, Xiao Nanyi was furious upon receiving the secret letter. "Summon the Minister of Justice and the Chief Justice of the Court of Judicial Review to the palace immediately!" He slammed his fist on the table, his eyes blazing with rage. Lin Wanqing rushed to his side upon hearing the news. Seeing her husband's fury, she gently comforted him, "Your Majesty, please calm down. The most urgent matter is to find the mastermind behind this." Xiao Nanyi gripped his wife's hand tightly and said in a deep voice, "Those who dare to touch my provisions and my people will pay the price!"
The Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review quickly established a special task force to investigate the bandits of Qingya Mountain. Soon, they discovered that the bandits' weapons bore special markings—they were from an armory in the capital. Following the trail, a shocking secret gradually surfaced: the armory owner had close ties with the cronies of Zhou Mingyuan, the Vice Minister of Revenue.
Just as the investigation was making progress, a series of unexpected events occurred. The arms shop owner suddenly died at home in a bizarre manner; a captain responsible for escorting grain supplies also fell off a cliff and died on his way home. All signs pointed to someone secretly obstructing the investigation and attempting to cover up the truth.
Xiao Nanyi realized the matter was far-reaching and decided to personally oversee it. He summoned the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor and ordered him to secretly monitor the movements of court officials; he also dispatched imperial guards to protect the officials involved in the investigation and their families. Lin Wanqing assisted in the inner palace, keeping an eye on the interactions between the concubines and officials of the court.
Meanwhile, in Jiangnan, Xiao Chengjun finally delivered the remaining grain safely. Seeing the disaster victims wolfing down their food, he felt both relieved and saddened. After settling the victims, he immediately threw himself into the work of repairing the dikes. During the day, he personally visited the construction site, guiding the craftsmen in reinforcing the dikes; at night, he worked late into the night, studying flood control plans.
One day, an old craftsman quietly approached Chengjun: "Your Highness, I have something important to tell you. Half a month ago, a man claiming to be a court official came to survey the terrain and even drew a detailed map." Chengjun was startled upon hearing this and immediately pressed for details about the man's appearance. The old craftsman recalled: "The man was about forty years old, had a red mole on his left eyebrow, and spoke with a Beijing accent."
Chengjun pondered carefully and suddenly remembered that Zhou Mingyuan's advisor looked exactly like that! He immediately wrote a letter to inform his father, the Emperor, of this important clue. Upon receiving the letter, Xiao Nanyi immediately sent men to arrest the advisor. After severe interrogation, the advisor finally confessed: the attack on the grain carts was instigated by a high-ranking official in the court, with the aim of sabotaging disaster relief and undermining the Crown Prince's power.
Just as the truth was about to be revealed, a sudden change occurred in the palace. After eating pastries sent by the imperial kitchen, Lin Wanqing suddenly experienced unbearable abdominal pain and fell into a coma. Xiao Nanyi was extremely anxious and ordered the Imperial Hospital to do everything possible to save her. Upon examination, it was discovered that the pastries had been laced with a slow-acting poison.
Xiao Nanyi realized this was the other side's last-ditch effort. While protecting the Empress, he accelerated the investigation. Finally, with the support of multiple pieces of evidence, the mastermind gradually surfaced—it was a high-ranking prince in the court! This man had long coveted the throne and attempted to sabotage disaster relief efforts to incite public resentment and create an opportunity to usurp the throne.
Xiao Nanyi decisively ordered the Prince and his cronies to be rounded up. Meanwhile, thanks to the best efforts of the Imperial Hospital, Lin Wanqing finally recovered. Holding his wife's hand, Xiao Nanyi was filled with lingering fear: "What would I have done if something had happened to you?" Lin Wanqing smiled weakly: "Your Majesty, don't forget, I still need to see Chengjun establish himself and Chang Le grow up safely."
In Jiangnan, after completing the repairs to the dikes, Xiao Chengjun organized the disaster victims to reclaim wasteland and resume production. He deeply understood that disaster relief was not only about solving immediate food and clothing problems, but also about helping people rebuild their homes. Thanks to his efforts, Jiangnan gradually regained its vitality.
Upon returning to the capital, Xiao Chengjun immediately went to visit his mother, the Empress Dowager. Seeing her pale face, he was filled with remorse: "It's all my fault for being incompetent, causing you to suffer." Lin Wanqing gently stroked her son's face: "Silly child, it's not your fault. You did a very good job on your trip to Jiangnan."
Xiao Nanyi looked at the father and son, his heart filled with mixed emotions. This attack on the grain carts, though fraught with danger, had also shown him the Crown Prince's growth. "Jun'er, you already possess the ability to govern the country and bring peace," he said earnestly, "but remember, a ruler must not only have strategy and courage, but also a benevolent heart."
Chengjun nodded solemnly: "Your Majesty's teachings will be remembered. This incident has made me deeply realize that as the Crown Prince, I bear not only the glory of the royal family, but also the safety of the people. I will certainly live up to your trust and protect every inch of Nanzhao's land and every citizen."
With the execution of the traitorous prince, the Nanzhao Kingdom seemed to have returned to peace, but undercurrents were still surging beneath the surface of the court. On the day Xiao Chengjun returned to court to report, Xiao Nanyi praised him in front of all the civil and military officials in the Golden Palace: "The Crown Prince's trip to Jiangnan this time was outstanding in protecting grain, providing disaster relief, and repairing dikes. He is a model for the imperial family." Before he finished speaking, a minister stepped forward to request that the Crown Prince be given a crown and a title, and the court was immediately filled with voices of agreement.
However, the turmoil did not truly subside. A few days later, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, while thoroughly investigating the remaining associates, unexpectedly discovered a secret letter. Although unsigned, the letter hinted that another force within the court was colluding with foreign powers, intending to overthrow Nanzhao. Even more alarming, the letter mentioned that "there are also spies around the Crown Prince." When the news reached Xiao Nanyi, he was in the Jiaofang Palace accompanying the recovered Lin Wanqing, and nearly knocked over his teacup.
"This matter must not be made public." Lin Wanqing grasped her husband's trembling hand. "Investigate secretly first, and be careful not to wrong an innocent person." Xiao Nanyi frowned, his eyes full of worry: "What I fear most is that someone wants to sow discord between my son and me. Jun'er has just made a great contribution, and now such news is spreading. The person behind this has malicious intentions."
That evening, Xiao Nanyi summoned his trusted commander of the imperial guards and ordered him to secretly investigate all those around the Crown Prince. At the same time, he strengthened border defenses to prevent foreign forces from taking advantage of the situation to cause trouble. Xiao Chengjun, however, remained completely unaware of this, continuing to study classical texts in the Eastern Palace, preparing for his future governance.
One day, Chengjun's personal guard, Alie, rushed to see him in a panic: "Your Highness, I have discovered that someone is secretly monitoring the Eastern Palace." Chengjun's heart skipped a beat, but he remained calm and said: "Do not make a fuss. Keep an eye on their movements in secret." He knew that if he alerted them at this time, he would be put in a passive position.
Meanwhile, during his investigation, Xiao Nanyi discovered that the Vice Minister of Rites was secretly maintaining close ties with envoys from the Western Jing Kingdom. Even more suspiciously, recent memorials to the court regarding reducing military spending and opening border trade all originated from this person. Xiao Nanyi remained calm, approving the memorials while simultaneously sending people to closely monitor the Vice Minister of Rites' every move.
As the investigation deepened, a larger conspiracy gradually surfaced. It turned out that although the traitorous prince was dead, not all of his followers had been captured. These remnants colluded with foreign powers, attempting to exploit the crown prince's prestige to create chaos within the court. They first spread rumors to sow discord between Xiao Nanyi and his son, and then planned to instigate conflict on the border to trigger war.
Xiao Nanyi decided to play along. He summoned Xiao Chengjun, but didn't mention the investigation at all. Instead, he ordered him to oversee the preparations for next year's spring plowing ceremony. "Jun'er, this spring plowing ceremony is crucial to the foundation of the nation. It must be done well." Xiao Nanyi looked at his son with deep eyes. "The affairs of the court are complicated. You must learn to remain clear-headed amidst the chaos."
Winter snow fell softly in the Nanzhao Kingdom, draping the royal palace in a silver cloak. Preparations for the spring plowing ceremony, overseen by Xiao Chengjun, were nearing completion. However, with the conclusion of the case involving the Vice Minister of Rites, new undercurrents were quietly brewing beneath the seemingly calm court. The Censorate suddenly received a series of anonymous impeachments, all pointing directly at the Crown Prince's faction, accusing them of forming cliques, engaging in favoritism, and interfering with the judiciary.
Xiao Nanyi threw the impeachment memorials onto the table, his dragon eyes frosty: "These memorials have different handwriting and wording, but they are all aimed at Jun'er. Someone must have done this on purpose." Lin Wanqing unfolded the memorials and examined them carefully. She found that most of the "evidence" mentioned in them was unfounded. Only one memorial made her expression change slightly. The memorial claimed that the Crown Prince had privately mobilized the Imperial Guards with ulterior motives.
“Your Majesty, the records of the Imperial Guards’ mobilization are all in the Ministry of War’s records. We can send someone to investigate thoroughly.” Although Lin Wanqing’s tone was calm, unease was rising in her heart. Xiao Nanyi immediately ordered his confidant to go to the Ministry of War, only to receive shocking news: the records of the Imperial Guards’ mobilization three days ago had vanished without a trace.
When the news reached the Eastern Palace, Xiao Chengjun was instructing craftsmen on making models of agricultural implements for the spring plowing ceremony. Alie rushed in, lowering his voice, "Your Highness, I've found some clues about the missing Ministry of War troop deployment records. The clerk in charge of the documents took leave three days ago and hasn't returned; his family is also missing." Chengjun snapped the wooden ruler in his hand, his voice cold, "It seems the other side planned this all along, trying to solidify the charge of 'unauthorized troop deployment' against me."
At this moment, in the imperial court, ministers led by the Minister of Personnel jointly submitted a memorial, imploring the emperor to thoroughly investigate the Crown Prince. The Minister of Personnel spoke earnestly: "Although His Highness the Crown Prince has rendered great service, everyone is equal before the law. If there is any misconduct, it must not be tolerated." Xiao Nanyi glanced at the ministers and noticed that many of them had connections with the deceased rebellious prince. He understood immediately—this was yet another counterattack by the remaining forces.
After the court session, Xiao Nanyi summoned Xiao Chengjun to the imperial study. In the flickering candlelight, he pushed the impeachment memorial in front of his son: "What do you think?" Chengjun quickly glanced at it and said in a deep voice: "Your subject has a clear conscience. These so-called 'evidence' are full of loopholes. The only thorny issue is the loss of the Imperial Guard troop deployment records. I suppose someone destroyed the evidence in advance."
Xiao Nanyi suddenly produced a secret letter, which contained the results of the Imperial Guard Commander's covert investigation: "Someone discovered that the Minister of Personnel has been in frequent contact with spies from the Western Jing Kingdom recently. Even more strangely, the illegitimate son of the Imperial Guard Commander and the nephew of the Vice Minister of Rites are studying at the same academy and have close ties." Cheng Jun's pupils contracted slightly. These seemingly unrelated clues, when pieced together, pointed to a terrible conspiracy—the other party not only wanted to bring him down, but also attempted to shake the foundation of Nanzhao.
That night, Chengjun and Alie, disguised, sneaked into the largest underground casino in the capital. According to intelligence, the missing Ministry of War official frequently squandered his money there. The casino was filled with smoke, the clatter of dice, and shouts. Alie, with his sharp eyes, spotted the drunken official in a corner, clinking glasses with someone, a valuable jade bracelet on his wrist.
"My lord, spare my life! I was forced into this!" The minor official was dragged to a secluded spot and immediately collapsed to the ground. "The Minister of Personnel's staff threatened my wife and children, forcing me to steal and destroy the transfer records..." Before he could finish speaking, a poisoned arrow suddenly pierced the air. The minor official's eyes widened, and he fell to the ground dead. Cheng Jun abruptly pulled A Lie over. The arrow grazed his ear and embedded itself in a wooden post, the emblem of the Minister of Personnel's residence clearly engraved on its fletching.
Meanwhile, a sudden incident occurred within the palace. Princess Chang Le's bedchamber caught fire, and the flames spread rapidly with the help of the wind. Upon hearing the news, Lin Wanqing rushed into the burning building despite the palace servants' attempts to stop her. Amidst the thick smoke, she found her daughter unconscious in a corner, and the arsonist turned out to be a newly transferred palace maid. At the critical moment, Xiao Nanyi arrived with his guards and rescued the mother and daughter. Princess Chang Le was unharmed, but Lin Wanqing inhaled the smoke and fell into a coma.
Xiao Nanyi held his wife's pale hand, his eyes surging with murderous intent. The imperial physician's diagnosis confirmed that the drug Princess Chang Le had been given contained the same ingredients as the poison used in the assassination attempt on the Crown Prince's tutor years ago—the masterminds behind it all were the same group.
Upon learning of his mother's peril, Chengjun rushed back to the palace overnight. Looking at his unconscious mother, he clenched his fists: "Father, I request a thorough investigation, even if it means fighting to the death!" Xiao Nanyi, however, pressed down on his shoulder: "Don't be impulsive. They're trying to throw us into disarray." He unfolded a secret report detailing the troop buildup on the border of Xijing Kingdom: "They're colluding with foreign enemies, intending to launch a war from within and without."
After discussion, the father and son decided to turn the tables. Xiao Nanyi issued an edict stating that the Crown Prince was temporarily confined to the Eastern Palace due to "suspected treason"; meanwhile, he secretly dispatched elite troops to the border. During Chengjun's "confinement" in the Eastern Palace, he actually secretly investigated cases and collected evidence with the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.
Three days later, the Western Jing Kingdom indeed launched an invasion. Xiao Nanyi personally led the expedition, and before departing, he held Lin Wanqing's hand and said, "Wait for my triumphant return." Although Lin Wanqing was not yet fully recovered, she still mustered her strength and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will guard the harem well and protect Jun'er."
Amidst the smoke of battle, Xiao Nanyi commanded with unwavering composure. Meanwhile, in the capital, Cheng Jun, having gathered sufficient evidence, launched a sudden attack. He led the Imperial Guards to surround the Ministry of Personnel's residence, uncovering numerous letters of treason and weapons used in plotting rebellion. The Minister of Personnel and his associates were apprehended in a sweeping operation, still dreaming of a coordinated attack from within.
When Xiao Nanyi returned victorious, Chengjun had already quelled the rebellion. Inside the palace, Lin Wanqing, supported by others, greeted her husband. Seeing his wife and children safe and sound, Xiao Nanyi felt a great weight lifted from his heart. He announced to the public, "The Crown Prince, despite being framed, still cares deeply for his country; this is truly a blessing for the nation. From this day forward, the Crown Prince shall oversee the state!"