The person everyone had been most worried about opposing this—Empress Dowager Tian—actually supported it. What more was there to say?
Emperor Yongchang immediately appointed Chu Bo to lead the case as the chief judge and ordered the Three Judicial Bureaus to jointly investigate it.
This time, Emperor Yongchang was truly furious. He gave a direct order: Chu Bo must investigate thoroughly. No matter who was involved, no matter who acted as a shield for the culprits, they must all be dragged out into the open!
Back when Emperor Yongchang was stationed in Zhangzhou, he had lived and eaten together with the common folk.
There was no other way. The conditions in Zhangzhou at that time were simply too harsh.
Typhoons hit every other day, and coastal pirates and Japanese raiders frequently landed to loot.
The common people fled in droves.
Left with no choice, Emperor Yongchang and Liu Wangfei simply taught the people to build homes in safer locations. Not only that, they themselves lived among the people.
It wasn’t until the people were properly settled and trust was earned that they temporarily moved into the governor’s residence.
Emperor Yongchang held deep affection for the common folk.
This incident had touched his reverse scale—his bottom line.
If the Empress Dowager hadn’t personally come forward to admit fault, lowering herself to such an extent, Emperor Yongchang had genuinely intended to execute the Tian family—wiping out nine generations.
Well… not exactly nine.
Otherwise, even the Empress Dowager herself would have to die.
But exterminating three generations? He was fully capable of doing that.
However, now that the Empress Dowager had humbled herself to this degree, no matter how angry he was, Emperor Yongchang couldn’t truly destroy the Tian clan.
He summoned Xiao Jingzhao. “This time, you’ll observe the trial. Learn how to handle a case.”
The surprise came too suddenly. Xiao Jingzhao was completely stunned by it. His eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Emperor Yongchang.
What?!
He was allowed to observe the trial?
Did that mean… he could now officially attend court and serve?
Xiao Jingzhao quickly snapped back to his senses and knelt down with a loud thud. “Yes! Royal Grandfather, rest assured! Your grandson will study diligently and observe carefully!”
Emperor Yongchang nodded in satisfaction.
No matter what, Xiao Jingzhao had performed very well this time.
He knew when to advance and when to retreat, knew how to soothe the people, and how to treat the wounded. Compared to most noble heirs, he was far more capable.
Thinking this, Emperor Yongchang looked at him and said, “Watch the Three Judicial Bureaus closely. If they hesitate out of sentiment, you know what you should do, don’t you?”
This wasn’t just about the Tian family.
The fact that the Dog Yard had operated for so many years showed that few in the Tongzhou bureaucracy were innocent.
Even in the capital, there were definitely people helping to cover things up.
The phrase “officials shielding each other” wasn’t a joke. They were experts at paving the way for one another.
Emperor Yongchang was sending Xiao Jingzhao precisely to guard against this.
Xiao Jingzhao responded firmly, “Yes.”
Emperor Yongchang nodded with satisfaction. “You’ve done very well. As for the Feng family…”
Feng Caiwei was truly unfortunate.
She went merely to watch the excitement and ended up losing her life.
Emperor Yongchang frowned. “She was meant to be your future princess consort. Though the marriage wasn’t finalized yet, the imperial edict had already been issued. Take my reward with you and see to it that the Feng family gives her a proper burial.”
Xiao Jingzhao hurriedly agreed.
His heart suddenly felt bright and refreshed.
Cheerfully, he turned to leave.
But Emperor Yongchang immediately waved over Eunuch Xia. “Write a letter to Yunting. Tell him to be cautious in all things and to take care of his health. Also, transfer Lai Chunlin and the others to him for protection!”
Xiao Jingzhao, who had just stepped onto the threshold, heard this and felt his overwhelming joy fade a little.
Even though he had performed so spectacularly this time, Emperor Yongchang’s greatest concern was still Xiao Yunting.
It was useless—no matter how well he performed or how capable he was, he could never surpass Xiao Yunting’s place in Emperor Yongchang’s heart.
Still, Xiao Jingzhao quickly composed himself, took a deep breath, and walked out with a calm expression.
He first went to the Eastern Palace to see the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince was relaxing, enjoying the company of his concubines, with Song Liangdi fanning him from the side.
When Xiao Jingzhao arrived, Song Liangdi’s eyes lit up, but she restrained herself and did not move.
It wasn’t until the Crown Prince chuckled and waved at him, smiling brightly, “You’re back?”
Xiao Jingzhao immediately sat down close to the Crown Prince, grabbed a grape from the table, popped it into his mouth, and lowered his voice to recount what had happened today.
The Crown Prince was also a little surprised, but then sneered. “Tian Bozhi’s arrogance isn’t anything new. It was only a matter of time before he fell. But… the old are always craftier.”
The Empress Dowager’s move—to sacrifice her own arm to save the body—had indeed protected the rest of the Tian family.
Apart from those directly involved in the incident, the rest of the Tian family would likely be fine.
A truly masterful move.
Xiao Jingzhao also whispered, “Exactly. Her Majesty not only saved the rest of the Tian family but also deeply moved Royal Grandfather. The entire court now submits to her…”
“None of that’s your concern.” The Crown Prince was clear-headed. “For you, this was a brilliant success. If the Empress Dowager has any sense, she won’t blame you. You’ve now caught Royal Grandfather’s eye, and you’ve also gotten rid of that useless Feng Caiwei. This is a complete victory.”
Xiao Jingzhao nodded but hesitated. “Royal Father, I need to visit the Feng family. Somehow, Feng Caiwei got hold of my private seal… And she’s been threatening me, claiming to have evidence that my elder brother swapped identities back then when going to Mount Longhu…”
The Eastern Palace was still a united front. If Xiao Yunting was guilty of deceiving the Emperor, it would be bad for all of them.
The Crown Prince nodded. “Go. Investigate everything thoroughly. She’s just a woman. But… wasn’t she colluding with Qi Wang? She must have taken enough people with her to the Dog Yard to deal with Qi Yuan. Where are those people now?”
Could the evidence be with them?
Xiao Jingzhao immediately realized the hint, stood up quickly. “Royal Father, I understand. I’ll go search for them now!”
The Crown Prince looked at his son with great satisfaction.
Xiao Yunting might be formidable, but what of it?
They weren’t truly father and son. They hadn’t spent a day together.
Besides, Xiao Yunting clearly felt closer to the Imperial Grandson Consort.
But Xiao Jingzhao was different. He had raised Xiao Jingzhao himself. His son told him everything and obeyed everything he said.
They were connected by both blood and affection.
The Crown Prince smiled and nodded. “Alright, go do your work. This is your first official task. No matter what, you cannot afford any mistakes. Keep that in mind.”
Xiao Jingzhao smiled and agreed, then winked at Song Liangdi with a look of obvious pride.
Song Liangdi lowered her head, laughing softly, feeling immensely proud of her son. She quietly nodded back at him.
