The situation at Prince Rong’s Mansion was quite tumultuous, and things were not much better at the Zhang Family. Even though the Emperor’s envoys did not explicitly mention any charges, the guilty conscience of those involved was evident. There were several reasons why the people from Prince Rong’s Mansion were summoned to the palace for questioning, but if Zhang Shicheng was also summoned, there could only be one issue at hand! Over the years, Prince Rong has shown countless favoritism towards Zhang Shicheng, often without regard for Princess Rong. All these signs indicated that the Baiyu Lane case was indeed significant to Prince Rong! Even if Zhang Shicheng did not know who Yang Zhan had killed, now that the Emperor had begun directly placing blame, the charges could not possibly be minor! The entire Zhang Family was filled with trepidation and anxiety, as if they had lost a parent, yet had to conceal their emotions for fear of revealing any tell-tale signs. Zhang Shicheng had just stepped out the door when the information had already reached the Eastern Palace. Jin Bao had to run back and forth so much that his legs were already aching. Seeing the eunuch delivering the Crown Prince’s decree becoming impatient, he could only enter the palace to urge: "Things can’t be delayed any longer at the Qianqing Palace, Your Highness should proceed over there." The Crown Prince, who had been pacing back and forth many times in the hall, stopped his steps: "What’s the situation at Prince Rong’s Mansion? What about Xu Yin? Isn’t there any news coming in from them?" "Vice Minister Xu is already on the way, though it took a while for him to set out. Zhang Shicheng has already arrived at the palace. The people from the Dali Si and Imperial Censorate are already there, but there’s still no word of departure from Prince Rong’s Mansion. "Things are still being delayed on that end. Liang Zhi and his men have fortified the defense tightly, making it impossible to gather any news, but somehow, after all this time, they still haven’t brought anyone out." The Crown Prince gazed out the window in silence. Jin Bao stepped forward: "The Emperor acted so quickly, it nearly caught everyone off guard. By the looks of it, Pei Zhan and his associates must have gathered substantial evidence, yet it’s uncertain whether Vice Minister Xu will handle matters efficiently. "If he has the wit and ruthlessness, there’s still time. As long as Prince Rong and his son perish, even if it’s proven that the one who died in Baiyu Lane was indeed your elder brother, no one can prove that you were involved in the case." "But you have no idea what evidence Pei Zhan holds!" The Crown Prince slapped the table beside him. "You don’t even know what Prince Rong left behind! If he intends to save his own life, he must have conclusive evidence that can incriminate me!" Jin Bao fell silent upon hearing this. Then he asked, "What orders does Your Highness have? I am prepared to execute commands, no matter the cost!" The Crown Prince’s eyes flashed with sharpness, his lips pressed tightly. At this moment, someone announced, "Consort Li has arrived," and the Crown Prince turned to look at the door as the beautiful concubine crossed the threshold. Upon meeting the Crown Prince’s gaze, she immediately curtsied, then quickly stepped inside. "Your Highness, what on earth is happening? Why has the Qianqing Palace suddenly decided to interrogate Prince Rong? And why have my two brothers both just received your orders?" The Crown Prince took a deep breath, his hands clasped behind his back, "Just a minor setback. Follow what I’ve taught you before, ensuring that the Eastern Palace is well-guarded with the guards, especially safeguarding the Crown Prince’s heir with no mistakes allowed!" Consort Li paused, then immediately bowed her head: "I obey Your command!" The Crown Prince looked towards the threshold and added, "I’m heading to Qianqing Palace now. After I leave, pass on to your brothers that they must strictly follow Jin Bao’s instructions in everything!" As he said this, he glanced over: "Do you understand what I mean?" Consort Li raised her eyes, deeply affirming: "I understand, except for Jin Bao and messages directly from Your Highness, no one else’s words can be counted!" The Crown Prince nodded slightly, adjusted his robe, "The three-flavor soup the Imperial Kitchen prepared the other day was quite good, go prepare it well, and wait for me to return." Follow current novels on 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⁂𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖⁂𝕟𝕖𝕥 After saying this, he stepped across the threshold and strode toward the Qianqing Palace. As the Crown Prince exited the Eastern Palace, Xu Yin had just stepped through the palace gates. Compared to the time the Crown Prince delayed, Xu Yin’s delay at his residence wasn’t considered lengthy. Since the Emperor’s initial summoning did not include him, by the time the decree reached the Xu family, he had already dispatched Lian Rong and Xu Lian to Prince Rong’s Mansion. Considering that the Emperor was preparing to interrogate Prince Rong and investigate the blood case of Baiyu Lane, it was inevitable that the death of Princess Rong would surface; how could it bypass him, the executioner? Thus, upon hearing that Liang Zhi and others were heading to Prince Rong’s Mansion, Xu Yin began meticulously planning his countermeasures in advance. At present, Prince Rong and his son were already surrounded by Liang Zhi and his men. Almost no one could enter where Prince Rong was located, but Xu Lian, a five-year-old child, might have half a chance that Liang Zhi and his team would not stop him from going to see Prince Rong.