"Rest assured, since I dared to choose this character, I will protect him. The Director of the Astronomical Bureau has already read the fate for the Fifth Prince, and it’s even better than mine, so he is more than worthy of this character." Hearing this, Lin Wanyi, despite her countless unwillingness in her heart, knew it was futile to dissuade him. Meanwhile, the Fourth Prince glanced more at the swaddled Fifth Prince, only to be startled by his sudden cry. "This child, his voice is indeed extraordinary!" Having been in the army for many years, let alone a child’s cry, even the sound of an arrow whizzing past his ear wouldn’t frighten the Fourth Prince. Yet it was the Fifth Prince’s unexpected cry that seemed somewhat deafening. Seeing this, the Emperor personally took the Fifth Prince in his arms, his face full of joy. It seemed the louder the Fifth Prince cried, the more he felt reassured about the future. The Emperor had lunch with Lin Wanyi, the Fourth Prince and his consort, as well as the Second Prince. The Second Princess needed her noon nap, so her lunchtime was earlier, and she did not join them. After the meal, the Emperor and the Fourth Prince had matters to discuss, so they returned to Qian’an Hall. The Fourth Prince Consort took the rare opportunity to chat more with Lin Wanyi. "I heard your mother and second aunt were in the palace taking care of you during your confinement, why don’t I see them now?" Without the Emperor around, they interacted more relaxedly. "Mother had matters at home, so she returned a few days ago, and second aunt left the palace with her." "Hmm, that’s good, saves outsiders from gossiping, which could eventually drag you into trouble." Understanding the Fourth Prince Consort’s concern for her family, Lin Wanyi was naturally grateful. Suddenly recalling something, she asked. "Godmother, may I ask you about someone, do you know them?" "The daughter of the Vice Commander Feng of the Imperial City Department, have you heard of her?" "Of course, the Feng family’s young lady is quite famous in Shengjing City, and although she hasn’t reached the marrying age, many families have proposed, but the Vice Commander Feng’s couple has turned them all away, accepting none." The Fourth Prince Consort, with her discerning mind, immediately smiled and asked. "What’s this? Does your family have intentions as well?" "Yes, truth be told, godmother, my mother went back this time precisely for this matter. My elder brother is twenty-four now, and if he doesn’t marry soon, it might be delayed too long, so my mother is worried every day." "Good, if you could establish a marriage with their family, that would be great. Do you know? Feng Qi, their son, serves under the Prince, and was the captain of the Green Team during the dragon boat races years ago." Originally, Lin Wanyi didn’t know much about the Feng family, but now, with the Fourth Prince Consort’s insight, she immediately associated it. Considering Feng Qi’s integrity, she felt that if this marriage could happen, it would certainly be a great thing. She felt more assured in her heart. The Fourth Prince Consort, being restless, immediately asked. "How about I help mediate between your two families?" Lin Wanyi was overjoyed, initially worried that the Feng family might not look favorably upon her family, and her brother’s age. If the Fourth Prince Consort stepped in, most likely the matter would be more than half settled. "Of course, thank you for your efforts, godmother. If my brother truly finds a good wife, I’ll definitely embroider the best matchmaker shoes for you as a thank-you gift!" "Hahaha, alright, I’ll be waiting to wear your matchmaker shoes!" The two chatted merrily, but in Qian’an Hall, the Fourth Prince’s face was not so good. In his hand was the memorandum submitted by Prince Zhan, thick as a book. Indeed, quite a few suspicious points were found regarding the death of Empress Xu. It detailed how the Lan Family persecuted the Eldest Prince, and how they poisoned Empress Xu. Each piece of evidence, including the deceased witnesses and surviving objects, was meticulously listed. Now that Princess Consort Lan was dead, with no one to testify, the Lan Family was also significantly weakened. Thus, this memorandum aimed for their lives. However, how much in it was misrepresented, the Emperor saw clearly. "They completely absolve themselves from the Empress’s death. The news sent by those around Imperial Uncle is also here, Imperial Uncle, have a look." The Fourth Prince entered the palace today not only to visit Lin Wanyi but also with the intention of discussing this matter with the Emperor. Upon receiving the secret letter, indeed, Prince Zhan managed to cover up Lin Guifei’s involvement cleanly. He even created an image of her as a delicate and fragile woman. Unfortunately, the two present were not fools and were well aware of Lin Guifei’s character. "What does the Emperor plan to do?" "Empress Xu was innocent, and so was my Eldest Prince. I will not spare the Lan Family nor Lin Guifei and Prince Zhan Mansion." Hearing the Emperor say this assured the Fourth Prince. There were open and secret plots. Now that the evidence was conclusive, it was impossible for the Lan Family to shirk responsibility. It’s just unfortunate for the Second Princess, who still carries the blood of the Lan Family, a fact that cannot be changed in her lifetime. The Emperor knew what the Fourth Prince thought. Thus, he said expressionlessly. "The Lan Family’s matters have nothing to do with the Second Princess. She severed ties with them when Princess Consort Lan almost caused her death. Her current maternal family is the Lin Family, it’s the Dong Family, not the Lan Family which killed the Empress and the Eldest Prince." The Fourth Prince nodded, that would be for the best. He then bowed to the Emperor and said. "Empress Xu was kind-hearted, the Eldest Prince was courteous, and Duke Xu was a pillar of Da Wei, all harmed by them. Let this matter be handled by this old minister, I’ll make sure the Lan Family pays with blood!" "Good, I have the same intention. However, Imperial Uncle must act swiftly, I don’t want outsiders to laugh at Da Wei." The Emperor’s intention was clear: to conclude this matter before the Second Prince Xi Di and others arrived in Shengjing, laying it to rest afterward. The Fourth Prince was capable and did not find it difficult. After receiving the order, he went to handle the matter. A month later, all those involved in the death of the Empress and the Eldest Prince were apprehended and confessed their crimes. Lan University Scholar, in order to save his family, left a confession and committed suicide in prison. However, the Fourth Prince was not swayed by this, executing those who deserved it, exiling those who needed to be, and imprisoning those who should be. The swiftness of his methods caused widespread fear. The court and commoners were shaken, as it was the downfall of a family once full of honor, which led to much discussion. Fresh chapters posted on 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅•𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝗇𝖾𝗍 Unfortunately, these debates did not include Prime Minister Lin. Even though Lan University Scholar was once his trusted subordinate, he abandoned them without hesitation. Instead, he went against the crowd, supporting the Fourth Prince and quelling adverse opinions. When everything settled, the Marquis of Northwest returned.
Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite - Chapter 307
Updated: Oct 28, 2025 9:19 AM
