Transmigration: From Farmer To Empress
Chapter 940 - 942: The Prince’s Retreat (2)

Chapter 940: Chapter 942: The Prince’s Retreat (2)

Jin Dapeng gave a cold smile and said, "Marquis of Jian’an defends King Qin. Could it be because he was involved in the plot to assassinate His Majesty? Is that why he dares to speak for a regicidal traitor?"

"You—slander me with bloody accusations!"

Pointing at Jin Dapeng, Wu Guosheng, the Marquis of Jian’an, turned blue with rage. The crime of regicide carried the punishment of executing nine clans—no one dared associate themselves with it!

Unrelenting, Jin Dapeng continued, "If you are not in league with King Qin, why speak on his behalf? Did you not hear His Highness the Prince say that the guard who attempted to kill the Emperor has confessed? It was King Qin who instigated him to act, displeased with His Majesty’s punishment of the Empress. The Temple of Dali has tortured him relentlessly these past two days with every one of the eighteen punishment tools, yet the guard has not changed his story. Thus, I am certain that it was King Qin who killed His Majesty. However, Marquis of Jian’an, you are trying to absolve him of this crime, clearly harboring treacherous intentions. In my opinion, even he should be sent to the Temple of Dali for interrogation!"

In the hall, Nangong Yi suddenly burst into laughter, his demeanor as clear and bright as the weather after rain, showing no sign of the anger of being framed.

After he had laughed his fill, he said, "The Prince has witnesses claiming I plotted against our Imperial Father. How convenient, for I too have witnesses who will prove it was actually the Prince who is the real culprit behind the murder of our Imperial Father!"

"Oh—"

At this declaration, the crowd erupted in turmoil!

General Li Kaifeng said, "Since King Qin has witnesses, please summon them here so that all the adults may listen for themselves and judge the matter in their own hearts."

"Yes, King Qin, please bring forth your witness. This concerns the Prince’s reputation, and I believe the Prince would allow it, right, Your Highness?" Prime Minister Ning turned to the Prince Nangong Shi, his tone exceedingly respectful.

A flash of surprise crossed Nangong Shi’s eyes. He glanced at Jin Zhong unintentionally; Jin Zhong was also a bit confused. But given the circumstances, it was impossible not to let the witness come forth now.

Jin Zhong nodded slightly, and the Prince reluctantly said, "Let him come up, then!"

King Qin gave the Prince a mocking smile and then clapped his hands three times. After the applause, a young woman dressed in plain white silk walked gracefully from the entrance of the hall. Her head was bowed, her face obscured, until she reached the center of the hall where she lifted her head and spoke softly to the assembly of officials.

"Nangong Xue greets all the distinguished adults!"

It was the Prince’s consort!

Everyone was petrified, and the hall fell silent. The Prince, standing at the top, was dumbfounded; his mouth agape, it took him a long while to comprehend what was happening.

King Qin spoke aloud, "Ladies and gentlemen, the Prince repeatedly claims that our Imperial Father was murdered by me, but the actual perpetrator is he! The Prince’s consort is honorable and could not bear to witness our Imperial Father die unjustly and me wrongfully accused. Thus, she has courageously exposed the Prince for plotting against our Imperial Father. Please listen carefully!"

Nangong Xue gracefully curtsied and said, "I hereby swear that if there is any falsehood in my words, may Helen Xue be struck by lightning and die miserably."

Having said this, she looked towards the Prince and slowly began, "After Mother passed away, our Imperial Father was overcome with grief and fell seriously ill. At that moment, Jin Zhong incited the Prince to take advantage of the Emperor’s affection for him while he mourned the Empress and to poison the Emperor, thereby framing King Qin to achieve killing two birds with one stone. They discussed these plans while I was present; I heard all these words with my own ears, and there is not a shred of falsehood in them."

"Shut up, you poisonous woman!"

The Prince finally snapped back to reality, his eyes blazing with fury as he glared at the Prince’s consort, wishing he could tear her apart.

"My lords, do not believe the nonsensical words of this jealous woman. Just two days ago, she caused one of my favored concubines to miscarry out of spite. I slightly punished her in a moment of anger, and now she bears this grudge, seeking to collude with King Qin to send me to my death. No one should trust the words of a woman!"