Cunning schemes to control the world: excess and deficiency are both inappropriate.

  When the news of the Crown Prince's outrageous behavior spread throughout the city overnight, and the Crown Prince was also arrested by the Daluo Temple, Consort Mei fainted on the spot. The palace was in chaos.

  When Mei Fei regained consciousness again, it was already dark, and she had been unconscious for a whole day.

  The fifth prince who was waiting beside her saw that she had finally woken up, and hurriedly rushed forward to tightly hold her hand, with worry still lingering in his eyes.

  "Empress Mother, you scared the child to death."

  Mei Fei struggled to sit up, saying nothing, but tightly hugging Prince Wang and silently crying.

  The fifth prince tightly hugged Mei Fei with his hands, the eldest brother was locked up in the Daluo Temple, and Queen Mother had fainted again, just now his heart was really flustered.

  "Jie Er, your elder brother... he was framed." Mei Fei said with great difficulty and pain, thinking that her eldest son had been cut down like this, she couldn't help but want to flay the person who had framed her son alive.

  The fifth prince lifted his head, and in his eyes was a gloom that didn't belong to someone of his age: "I know."

  Mei Fei closed her eyes in pain: "This matter, I must make that cheap woman pay the price."

  The fifth prince lowered his eyes and said in a low voice: "I have something to say, I hope Mother will not blame me."

  Mei Fei's eyes widened slightly as she slowly released the Fifth Prince and gazed at him: "What does Jie Er want to say?"

  The fifth prince looked up at Consort Mei: "Mother, we all know that the eldest prince was framed, and Father must also know."

  Mei Fei gazed at the fifth prince with a complex look in her eyes, but she didn't interrupt him.

  "The Emperor knew, but still ordered the Crown Prince to be detained by the Dalisheng Temple."

  Mei Fei's body trembled slightly, the tears on her face that had not yet dried added new marks, and her fingers clenched tightly.

  The fifth prince looked at Consort Mei, hesitated for a long time and finally said his thoughts: "As long as the green hills remain, there is no fear of lack of firewood." One day, he will help his eldest brother clear his name.

  "Jie'er, you go out, Empress Dowager is tired." Suddenly said Mei Fei.

  The fifth prince pursed his lips tightly and stood up respectfully, saying: "Your child is waiting in the outer palace to guard Mother Fei."

  Until there was no one left in the bedroom, Mei Fei's tightly closed eyes finally opened with a slight tremble, and her eyes showed pain.

  She knew that Jie Er was right, and now she had no choice but to give up the eldest prince, which was the best way not to lose all her strength on the eldest prince. She wasn't like Yu Fei, she still had the fifth prince.

  Both the palm and back of the hand are flesh, and the eldest prince is also her child born after ten months of pregnancy. As a mother, she clearly knows that he is being framed yet still abandons him. Who will save him then? Can't just watch as the eldest prince is framed to death?

  At the same time, Autumn Ning Palace.

  The princess stood in front of the window, gazing out at the night scene, her mind restless.

  "Your Highness, the Third Prince has arrived."

  Ning Fei turned around and looked at the Third Prince who was walking towards her, greeting her. A hint of softness appeared in her eyes but was quickly replaced by unease.

  The third prince helped Ning Fei back to the soft couch and sat down.

  Ning Fei gently patted his hand: "Does Zhong Er know what Mother is worried about?"

  Yuanchong nodded: "I know, son."

  "Then what should Mother Empress do?"

  Yuanchong's slender eyes flashed slightly, and he said very firmly: "Empress Dowager doesn't need to do anything, this fire won't reach our heads."

  "But what if..." Ning Fei still hesitated a little.

  The third prince comforted the uneasy Ning Fei, saying softly: "Mother Fei, it's better to err on the side of caution." If he was the one behind the scenes, he wouldn't have done this. Involving him would be superfluous and might not even achieve the desired goal.

  Ning Fei's restless heart finally settled down a bit after hearing her son say those words.

  The third prince smiled and didn't say anything more. The palace was now in a state of panic, but to him, this unexpected fire would probably only be a spark that would soon die out.

  Ning Fei's eyes flashed with a hint of anxiety, if it was true as Zhong Er said, this fire would not burn to their mother and son, then she had some gratitude in her heart for that mysterious person. Now everyone in the palace and the capital is guessing that the person who spread the rumors is her.

  "Who is this person in the dark? Why did they want to frame the Crown Prince?" She really couldn't understand the purpose of this person in the dark.

  The third prince gently stroked the jade pendant hanging from his waist, and the corners of his mouth slightly rose. First, let's not discuss what purpose this person in the dark had.

  But one thing is certain, the person behind the scenes has a thorough understanding of the people and things in the palace, or rather, this person is very familiar with the emperor.

  Under the vast sky, who would have thought that there was someone who understood his father emperor so thoroughly, grasping the subtleties with such precision? He couldn't help but feel a little admiration for this mysterious person. Just like his father emperor, he too had great interest in this behind-the-scenes figure.

  ……

  Bright and pleasant sunshine pours in through the half-open window, golden sunlight sprinkles on the layered light gold curtains, refracting scales of golden light, exceptionally dazzling.

  The room was filled with the fragrance of medicine, and a wisp of blue smoke curled up. The person lying half-reclined on the luxurious large bed looked pale and bloodless, but it didn't detract from his elegant and refined demeanor. He seemed like an immortal who had mistakenly fallen to the mortal world and been tainted by worldly desires. Although he wasn't stunningly handsome, once you saw him, you couldn't forget him.

  Light footsteps approached, and Xiao Li stepped forward, speaking softly:

  "Your Highness, it's another sunny day today, shall I help you take a stroll outside?"

  The king's half-closed eyes slightly opened, and his hazy eyes slid over a thread of beautiful expression. Then he closed his eyes again, weakly waving his hand: "No need."

  "Your Highness, it's been sunny for several days in a row. The cold air outside isn't that heavy. Why don't you go out and get some sunshine?" Little Li continued to persuade him relentlessly.

  The king remained silent for a moment before asking in a soft voice: "Little Li, is the king's illness better than last year?"

  Xiao Lizi felt a sour heart, every year when winter came, Wang Ye's condition would worsen, even in the warm pavilion with a warm stove burning day and night, it was still impossible to avoid Wang Ye lying in bed, unable to get up.

  "Your Highness, compared to previous years, your condition this year is indeed much better." In previous years, the prince would often fall into a coma with repeated bouts of fever, but although he was still bedridden this year, the prince's mind was clearer than ever.

  Hua Wang listened to Xiao Lizi's words, opened his eyes, and a pair of bright starry eyes sparkled, suddenly making people lose their souls.

  "It's good to go out and see some sunshine."

  Xiao Lizi happily smiled and said: "Yes, I'm going to prepare."

  The scorching sun has been shining for days, and the cold air outside is not biting, but compared to the warmth of the palace, it's still chilly. Little Li didn't dare to be careless and thoroughly protected Emperor Hua from the cold. After some thought, he also brought that white fox cloak personally sewn by the Empress.

  Walking in the sunlight, Prince Wang's pale face became almost transparent, and Little Li supported him as they walked slowly through the courtyard.

  The little eunuch brought out a soft chair, and Little Li supported the king in sitting down on it, helping him to wrap himself in a white fox fur coat, and then handed him a cup of tea.

  The king held the tea cup with a gentle hand, his eyes narrowed as he gazed at all the scenery within his line of sight that was shrouded in sunlight, and even the bleakness and harshness seemed to have faded away.

  No matter how brilliant the sunshine is, it cannot erase the fact that it is still cold winter now.

  Put down the tea, Xiao Lizi hurriedly handed over the warmer, and King Huai waved his hand: "All of you go down, I want to be quiet for a while."

  Xiao Li Zi dismissed all the eunuchs and they retreated, leaving only him in the courtyard to serve.

  After about a moment, Little Li looked at Prince Wang who was half-closing his eyes and leaning on the soft chair as if he was about to fall asleep, and softly approached him: "Prince Wang?"

  The king's lips curled up slightly: "I wasn't asleep."

  "Should I help you back home?"

  "I'll sit for a while longer."

  At this time, Xiao Shenz walked over hastily: "Your Highness, Gongzi and the son of Liao Daren from the Ministry of Justice have arrived at the mansion to pay their respects to Your Highness."

  Xiao Lizi's heart sank, and he quickly looked at Wang Ye, but Prince Hui smiled naturally, his eyes like water, yet with a hint of chill.

  Xiao Lizi thought for a moment and said in a low voice: "The young master is not an outsider, let them come to the courtyard."

  "Yes." Little Shengzi retreated respectfully.

  Xiao Li ordered the little eunuch to prepare a chair and tea.

  Liao Qingyun followed Gu Ling into the Huai Wang Fu, from the main gate to the main hall, and then to the backyard. Along the way, although the scenery of the Huai Wang Fu was like a painting, it gave him a feeling of desolation and deathly silence, as if it were an empty mansion without anyone living in it.

  Facing the courtesy of the two, King Hui smiled faintly and waved his hand casually: "Sit down."

  After sitting down, Liao Qingyun raised his eyes and carefully examined the Prince of Huai, whom he had only heard of but never seen before. As soon as he saw him clearly, he was slightly taken aback. With just one glance, he knew that the Prince of Huai did not have consumption, but rather a chill that had injured his heart and lungs. This kind of illness, which had damaged his foundation, was basically incurable. With such a body... how could he possibly have grand ambitions? Even if he won, what would be the point?

  Gu Ling looked at Prince Huai, slightly furrowing his brow. It had only been a short time since they last met, and yet when he saw his elder cousin again, he appeared even more gaunt and haggard.

  He asked a young servant standing beside him, "Has the prince's cough gotten worse again?"

  Xiao Lizi respectfully replied: "Replying to young master, a few days ago the king's bathing time was slightly longer and he caught some cold air."

  King Hua smiled faintly: "Don't worry, I've been much better these past few days."

  "Brother, Qingyun is skilled in medicine, why don't you let Qingyun take your pulse?"

  The king smiled and looked at Liao Qingyun, stretching out his hand: "Trouble you, Mr. Liao."

  "Qingyun dare not." Liao Qingyun got up and walked forward, sat down beside Prince Huai, gently grasped the sleeve of his robe and placed her hand on his pulse. After a moment of concentration, she slowly withdrew her hand.

  Xiao Lizi stepped forward to help Prince Huai adjust his sleeves, looking at Liao Qingyun with a hopeful gaze. Although the prince's illness had even the imperial physician stumped, since Young Master had invited him, perhaps he had extraordinary abilities that couldn't be ruled out.

  The king held a silk handkerchief to his lips and coughed softly several times, but did not ask about the outcome.

  It was Gu Ling who saw Liao Qingyun had been silent for a long time and grew anxious, calling out: "Brother Qingyun?"

  Liao Qingyun sank into thought for a moment before looking deeply at Prince Huai: "Your Highness's body needs rest, after the cold winter season it won't be so hard." The fragility of life is unimaginable, but the tenacity of life is also unimaginable. With such a frail and struggling body, Prince Huai can still have such a peaceful face, he has great admiration for him.

  The king nodded slightly, smiled faintly, and his perfect arc-shaped eyebrows were enough to move people. His gaze turned to Gu Ling, his brow furrowed, and he asked with concern: "I heard that the emperor issued a decree yesterday, ordering you to solve the case within three days. Do you have any leads?"

  Gu Ling's mind stirred, and he looked up at Prince Huai, weighing his words carefully: "The case is actually not complicated." He would do everything in his power to investigate the cause of Princess Tai's death, convict Concubine Yu and Second Prince of their crimes, and bring solace to the fifteen innocent souls who had died unjustly in the Moon Clear Palace.

  As for the Crown Prince and those who will be implicated, they are not under his control. Even if he clears the Crown Prince's name, it is impossible to restore the Crown Prince's original innocence. The person in the dark has already ruined one Crown Prince, and may still implicate others. He can only wait quietly.

  Is that person really the one in front of him? He himself doesn't even know whether he should believe it or not.

  If it were him... how would he choose?

  When King Huai heard that Gu Ling said the case was not complicated, the worry in his eyes seemed to dissipate a bit: "That's good, then I can also be at ease."

  "The Emperor's decree is as follows: if you, Gu Xiong, cannot crack this case within three days, tomorrow noon will be the time of your execution." Liao Qingyun suddenly spoke up.

  Gu Ling's heart sank, and her lips pursed slightly.

  The king looked at Gu Ling and comforted him, saying: "Since you have a clue in your heart, I believe you will definitely be able to crack the case. If... if you can't crack the case even after trying your best, don't worry about your life. Although I live a simple life and don't interfere with worldly affairs, when it comes to matters of life and death for Gu Ling, I will go to the emperor to plead for leniency. The emperor is not one to turn his back on monks while facing Buddha, I believe he won't truly harm you."

  Gu Ling respectfully stood up: "Letting the king worry is Gu Ling's fault, please don't worry, as long as this case doesn't have any more unexpected twists, Gu Ling has confidence in solving it."

  "That's good, then King Wang can rest assured." King Wang said with a smile.

  "Your Highness, it's getting windy, let me help you back to the house?" Little Li said softly.

  The king smiled: "You're just being overly cautious, these winds, I can still withstand them."

  Liao Qingyun listened to Prince Huai's words, his eyes flashing slightly, and no matter how he heard it, the words seemed to have a deep meaning.

  "Let's not disturb Master Wang anymore, I'll take my leave first."

  "Xiao Shenzhi, take Gongzi and Liao Gongzi out on behalf of Benwang."

  "Yes, Your Highness." A small servant stepped forward and bowed twice, saying: "Young Master, please, Liao Young Master, please!"

  The two of them left the Prince of Huai's residence. Before getting into the horse carriage, Liao Qingyun subconsciously turned her head to look at the three big characters on the gate of the Prince of Huai's residence.

  Gu Ling followed his gaze and looked over, his eyes flashing, but he didn't make a sound.

  Liao Qingyun said faintly, "Since the emperor ascended to the throne, Prince Huai has been living a secluded life, only entering the palace once a year on the day of Li Dong to see Empress Dowager Gu who is under house arrest in the Cold Palace. For fifteen years, he never left his residence."

  When Gu Ling heard the cold palace's Empress Dowager Gu, her body stiffened unnaturally for a moment as she bent down to enter the carriage.

  Liao Qingyun got into the carriage, and as he sat down, he said casually: "Hua Wang was deeply favored by the previous emperor, and even the plaque of Hua Wang's mansion was written in the previous emperor's own handwriting."

  "What exactly does Brother Qingyun want to say?" asked Gu Ling, lowering his eyes.

  Liao Qingyun looked calmly at Gu Ling: "What I'm saying, Brother Gu's heart is very clear, isn't it?"

  "Now the wind is calm and the waves are quiet, perhaps we were all overthinking."

  "In the capital and in the palace, there was a rumor circulating quietly that the person spreading the rumors was Autumn Peace Palace's Ning Fei." Liao Qingyun suddenly changed the subject.

  "It's just someone taking advantage of the situation." If the person in the shadows strikes again, it won't be just a small disturbance like this. So maybe there isn't anyone behind the scenes manipulating things after all, and everyone is just being paranoid.

  Liao Qingyun looked at him deeply and didn't make another sound.

  It's not just him, I'm afraid everyone has doubts in their hearts. If the person behind the scenes is Prince Huai, then what is his purpose? Is it simply to frame the Crown Prince? This is really not in line with common sense.

  But what's clever about this person in secret is that no one can guess his purpose and naturally can't keep up with his train of thought.

  The sunny days of late finally turned gloomy, today is the last deadline given by Qingdi, outside the Dalizong Temple, many people gathered to hear the news, but were blocked by the Imperial Guard, no one can get close.

  Although it was a public trial, the case involved royalty, so only the presiding judge and three associate judges were present, along with those directly related to the case: Yu Fei, the Second Prince, the Eldest Prince, and Shi Kaiyan.

  Shi Gonggong and Mei Fei didn't come today either.

  The eldest prince did not see the figure of Mei Fei, his mouth slightly hooked, seemingly bitter and more like mocking, but his face was very calm, as if he had expected this situation.

  Gu Lingdian sat on the public hall above, looking at the crowd below, his expression stern: "Bring the draft of the imperial edict for Yu Fei to review."

  Gu Qiu, who was standing beside him, respectfully accepted the document and walked down to the hall.

  "It's unnecessary, killing the Grand Princess and setting fire to the Moon Palace was done by me, it has nothing to do with the Second Prince." Yu Fei said coldly.

  Gu Ling's face was very calm, and he wasn't surprised by Yu Fei's words. He just quietly looked at Shi Kaiyan beside him, but unfortunately, Shi Kaiyan remained motionless with his head down, never looking up, so Gu Ling couldn't see the changes in his expression.

  "That's with the Grand Princess..."

  "It is the eldest prince Yuan You who was born, no one else." Yu Fei said firmly.

  Gu Ling looked at Shi Kaiyan and slowly opened his mouth: "Lord Shi, do you have anything to say?"

  Shi Kaiyan slowly raised his head, looking at him calmly: "Just because this official is not of the Shi family's bloodline, so he has to stand here for trial? Gu Gongzi, if it's because of this, this official has nothing to say."

  Gu Ling furrowed his brow, and for Shi Kaiyan's hypocritical words that didn't get through to him, a hint of sarcasm flashed quickly at the bottom of his eyes. He was extremely disgusted with this kind of person. If it weren't for the manipulations of the people in the dark, how could Yu Fei have resolutely decided to drag down the Crown Prince?

  Gu Ling's mind flashed with an idea, and he looked at Yu Fei in surprise. Besides wanting to pull someone to be a scapegoat, did Yu Fei have any other purpose? Such as protecting Shi Kaiyan?

  "The imperial edict has arrived!"

  The eunuch walked in, and everyone on the platform was so shocked that they couldn't help but kneel down to the ground: "Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live!"

  Yu Fei's body went limp, and she smiled wryly. Shi Kaiyan's hand trembled for a moment, but in the end, he didn't reach out to support her.

  The second prince's eyes lit up when he heard the imperial edict: "Mother Empress, Father Emperor must have come to pardon us."

  Shi Ji heard the Second Prince's words and expressionlessly swept his gaze over the crowd before opening the imperial edict to proclaim...

  Digression

  Today two updates make one update.

  Tomorrow enter V, worry-free exit palace.