“Take the Crown Prince away.”
The Crown Prince looked terrified: “Imperial Father, your son truly knows his wrong, please forgive your son—”
Emperor Jingming turned his head away.
Soon the Crown Prince was dragged away.
Emperor Jingming looked toward the Crown Princess.
The Crown Princess knelt, pressing her forehead to the ground in a deep bow, and spoke calmly: “Your daughter-in-law is guilty. As Crown Princess, I failed to properly counsel the Crown Prince, allowing him to commit such a grave error. I request to share his punishment. I only beg Imperial Father to have mercy on Young Master Chun and allow him to grow up well…”
At this point, the Crown Princess could no longer maintain her composure, her voice choking with emotion.
The worst scenario had indeed come to pass—the Crown Prince had attempted regicide!
This foolish man had not only ruined himself, but if he harmed Young Master Chun, she would never forgive him, even as a ghost!
Emperor Jingming stared at the Crown Princess for a moment, then sighed: “Crown Princess, return to the Eastern Palace and take good care of Young Master Chun.”
The Crown Princess trembled all over, respectfully answered “Yes,” and withdrew.
The room fell into silence.
After a while, the Empress asked: “Your Majesty, how should we handle this voodoo doll?”
“Call that palace maid in.”
Hong Yu knelt before Emperor Jingming.
Emperor Jingming remained silent as the Empress asked: “Now that we’ve found the voodoo doll, do you know how to neutralize its harmful effects?”
Hong Yu quickly glanced at the doll, then lowered her head deeply: “Remove the birth date from the doll and destroy it completely.”
The Emperor and Empress exchanged glances.
Emperor Jingming gave Pan Hai a meaningful look.
Pan Hai understood and waved his hand: “Take her away!”
Hong Yu was shocked: “Your Majesty—”
Pan Hai reassured her: “Don’t be afraid, we just have some more questions for you.”
Hong Yu was quickly led away.
The Emperor and Empress remained in prolonged silence.
After what seemed like an eternity, the Empress spoke: “Your Majesty, regarding the Crown Princess and Young Master Chun—”
In her heart, the Crown Prince was already as good as dead. No matter how much the Emperor had loved and valued the Crown Prince, the crimes of attempted patricide and regicide were unforgivable. It would be merciful enough to allow him an intact burial.
But it was a pity about the Crown Princess and Young Master Chun…
Emperor Jingming looked exhausted, as if he had aged several years in an instant, and said softly: “I know what needs to be done.”