Seeing Emperor Jingming’s expression soften, the Crown Prince fell to his knees, crying out pitifully, “Father Emperor, you must uphold justice for me today! If Seventh Brother dares to strike even me, what won’t he dare to do in the future…”
Emperor Jingming listened to the Crown Prince’s lamentations with an expressionless face, his gaze towards Yu Jin deep and unfathomable.
Jiang Zhan couldn’t help but speak up, “Your Majesty, this incident was caused by this lowly official and has nothing to do with the King. Please punish me instead…”
Emperor Jingming’s gaze swept over Jiang Zhan, his mouth twitching slightly.
Where did this foolish young man come from, butting in while he was disciplining his son?
“You are the King of Yan’s Princess Consort’s brother?” A slightly puzzled voice came from above Jiang Zhan’s head.
“Yes.”
Emperor Jingming suddenly felt curious and said in a deep voice, “Raise your head.”
Jiang Zhan looked up, his clear, large eyes meeting Emperor Jingming’s gaze.
Emperor Jingming’s first thought was that this young man was quite handsome.
With sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, he had an open and honest demeanor, clearly a fine, upright young man.
“Young man, you mustn’t be too rash,” Emperor Jingming said, his tone unconsciously softening. He was always more lenient towards good-looking people.
The Crown Prince beside him nearly turned red with envy.
Father Emperor had never spoken to him so kindly. Why was he being so gentle with this nobody? Was today’s beating going to be brushed aside?
This absolutely couldn’t happen!
The Crown Prince secretly pinched his thigh and cried out in pain.
Emperor Jingming glanced at him.
The Crown Prince said pitifully, “Seventh Brother kicked me several times. My waist hurts…”
Emperor Jingming’s mood instantly soured again.
The atmosphere in the Imperial Study became tense, and those kneeling or standing didn’t dare to breathe loudly.
“Seventh Son, your actions today have greatly disappointed me.”
Yu Jin lowered his gaze to the floor, his calm face reflected in the polished golden bricks.
“I acknowledge my crime and request Father Emperor’s punishment.”
Emperor Jingming paused.
Did he admit his fault so easily? He had thought this boy would try to argue.
Yu Jin’s quick admission of guilt somewhat reduced Emperor Jingming’s anger. He said in a deep voice, “From today, you need not return to your residence. Go to the Imperial Clan Court to reflect on your actions. Additionally, your salary will be withheld for a year.”
The Crown Prince’s heart leaped with joy.
Father Emperor hadn’t specified a time limit. Seventh Brother would miss the winter solstice ceremony, and would likely spend the New Year in the Imperial Clan Court. After the new year began, Father Emperor would be busy with state affairs and might forget about Seventh Brother, leaving him to stay obediently in the Imperial Clan Court.
A prince being confined to the Imperial Clan Court was not much different from an official being thrown into prison. The King of Yan’s residence would become a place everyone avoided.
Thinking of this prospect, the Crown Prince could barely contain his joy and quickly lowered his gaze to hide his delight.
“As for the Crown Prince—” Emperor Jingming turned to the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince immediately tensed up.
He had been beaten and injured. Surely Father Emperor wouldn’t scold him too?
Emperor Jingming frowned and said, “Have the Imperial Physician go to the Eastern Palace later to examine you. Recover quickly; you still need to go out for the winter solstice ceremony.”
“Thank you for your concern, Father Emperor.”
Seeing the Crown Prince’s visible joy, Emperor Jingming inwardly sighed.
He was disappointed in the Crown Prince for being so unforgiving over an unintentional bump from a guard.
If a ruler was too petty and narrow-minded, it would not bode well for the country and its people…
This thought flashed through his mind, further dampening his already gloomy mood.
“Guards, escort the King of Yan to the Imperial Clan Court—”
Soon, two guards came forward, flanking Yu Jin and grasping his arms.
Yu Jin didn’t struggle. He calmly kowtowed to Emperor Jingming, “Your son takes his leave.”
Emperor Jingming turned away without looking at him, only glancing back when he heard the door open.
The doors of the Imperial Study were wide open, and cold wind quickly rushed in.
Emperor Jingming stood up and waved his hand. “You may all withdraw.”
“Your Majesty, this lowly official is at fault. Please punish me—” Seeing Yu Jin being taken away, Jiang Zhan’s face fell. He kowtowed to Emperor Jingming several times.
Emperor Jingming rubbed his brow and said flatly, “Just be more careful next time. You may leave.”
Jiang Zhan was about to speak again but received a fierce glare from Pan Hai. He then silently withdrew from the Imperial Study.
Pan Hai inwardly sighed: This young man was truly lucky.
He had bumped into the Crown Prince today. Whether the Crown Prince made an issue of it or not, if it hadn’t been brought before the Emperor, he would surely have been kicked out of the Golden Crow Guard. Now he had escaped unscathed.