But Yang Zhi was clever. He didn't speak directly, but beat around the bush, saying, "That's right, Miss Yue. The Emperor must have his reasons for doing this..."
Then he turned to Xiao Jingyun and said, "Your Highness, could you please intercede for Miss Yue's father?"
Speaking of this, Xiao Jingyun was naturally righteous. "Of course. When Minister Feng was demoted, I argued for him. Now that the old Prime Minister has evidence, I certainly can't stand by and do nothing."
Yang Zhi deliberately led Xiao Jingyun down a side path. "But Prime Minister Wang is about to be expelled from the capital. What if you need to question him about some evidence?"
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyun was stunned.
Then he came to his senses and pointed at Yang Zhi. "You brat are indeed clever. You guys go wait for me at the Prime Minister's mansion. I'll be right there."
With that, Xiao Jingyun turned and hurried to the palace to see his imperial father.
Xiao Jingyun didn't need to announce himself. He rushed directly into Xiao An's study.
Seeing Xiao Jingyun arrive, Xiao An didn't seem surprised at all.
"You're going to plead for Fang Zheng again. I've told you, I want to clear all obstacles for you."
Xiao Jingyun suddenly lifted his robes and knelt on one knee. "Reporting to Your Majesty, my son is here for another matter. I want to ask for a favor."
Xiao An looked at him with a hint of confusion. "Oh? Then you should tell me what kind of favor it is."
Seeing that his father had agreed, Xiao Jingyun quickly followed up. "Your Majesty, do you remember Feng Pengju?"
Hearing this name, Xiao An paused. A strange light flashed in his eyes, and then his expression dimmed. "Why do you bring him up?"
"Your Majesty, I now have irrefutable evidence proving that Feng Pengju was wrongly accused of rebellion back then."
Xiao An's eyes flashed again. He stared intently at Xiao Jingyun for a long time before slowly asking, "You have evidence?"
"Your Majesty, the evidence is in the hands of Fang Zheng, my loyal old minister. This morning, Feng Pengju's daughter, Feng Xiaoyue, also arrived in the capital. Originally..."
Hearing his words, Xiao An raised his hand and waved it slightly. "So you want Fang Zheng to stay, right?"
Xiao Jingyun nodded repeatedly. "Yes, Your Majesty. Only by letting Prime Minister Fang stay can we clear Feng Pengju's name."
Xiao An looked at Xiao Jingyun. "You may rise."
With that, he stood up, hands clasped behind his back, and slowly walked away from his chair.
"Do you think I don't know Feng Pengju was framed?"
"Of course I know. That's why I exiled him instead of killing him."
"If I don't kill him, someone else will. Exiling him is actually a way to save his life."
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyun was first stunned, then understood. "So, you mean the rebels haven't all been caught, and Feng Pengju would be in danger if he were innocent?"
"Yes, the culprits have been apprehended."
"You mean Sun Yuliang?" Xiao Jingyun asked in surprise.
Xiao An nodded.
"Yes, now that they've been caught, what happens next depends on you, the new Emperor about to ascend the throne."
"I will do the dirty work. You be a diligent and benevolent emperor."
With that, Xiao An sighed. "You may go. Fang Zheng must leave. You can summon him back after you ascend the throne."
He then looked at Xiao Jingyun and admonished him, "Do not speak of these words. Do you understand my intentions?"
Xiao Jingyun felt a pang of unease. Honestly, his father's actions were indeed excessive, knowing the other party was innocent yet still punishing him.
But then again, his father was doing it all for him.
His father had committed so many wrongdoings, leaving the chance to correct them to him, clearly intending for him to win people's hearts.
But was this fair to Feng Pengju and his family, Feng Xiaoyue, and Fang Zheng and Liu Xiangnan?
However, if he didn't do this, what would happen after he ascended the throne? Xiao Jingyun hesitated.
He walked out of the palace, unsure how to face Feng Xiaoyue, but he had to face her.
As he walked and pondered, Xiao Jingyun finally made up his mind.
When Xiao Jingyun arrived at Fang Zheng's house, Feng Xiaoyue, Yang Zhi, and others were trying their best to persuade Fang Zheng to wait a little longer, but Fang Zheng shook his head helplessly.
"Miss Yue, I am truly sorry. I didn't have time to do this. However, I will choose a suitable time to present the evidence to the Emperor, and your father will surely be fine then."
Yang Zhi couldn't help but speak, "Elder, the Crown Prince has gone to see the Emperor. If you wait a little longer, perhaps the Emperor will let you stay."
Fang Zheng shook his head. "Alright, this matter is settled. Thank you all for coming to see this old bone off. Please make way."
Seeing this, Zhou Quan also couldn't help but say, "Elder, please wait a bit longer. I believe the Crown Prince will be here soon."
Just as they were speaking, they heard a young maid call out, "Look, the Crown Prince is here."
Upon hearing the cry, everyone immediately turned to look. Indeed, Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun was walking towards them with a dejected expression.
Seeing his demeanor, everyone's hearts sank. Needless to say, the matter had not been resolved.
Yang Zhi sighed deeply, gently nudged Feng Xiaoyue's arm, and said, "The Crown Prince was probably rebuffed. Let's go."
Feng Xiaoyue, with tears in her eyes, shook her head slightly. "Alas, even the Crown Prince can't do anything. Where else can we go?"
Hearing this, Yang Zhi felt an inexplicable heartache. Yes, if even the Crown Prince couldn't do anything, who else could persuade the Emperor?
At this moment, Fang Zheng had already stepped forward to meet Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun.
Xiao Jingyun waved his hand. "My loyal minister, no need for formalities. I've come to see you off."
These words carried infinite sadness. Everyone understood that nothing had been said, yet everything had been said.
Fang Zheng didn't say much. He clasped his hands in salute and said loudly, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern."
Then he beckoned behind him.
The ready servants and guards immediately brought out the carriage and slowly drove towards the city gates.
Xiao Jingyun looked at Feng Xiaoyue, who was standing beside him. He took two steps forward and said loudly, "Miss Yue, find a place to stay for now. I will take full responsibility for this matter."
Hearing his words, Feng Xiaoyue merely nodded mechanically. "If that is the case, then I thank Your Highness."
With that, Feng Xiaoyue turned and left.
Seeing them walk away, Xiao Jingyun sighed helplessly. "Alas, please rest assured, I will give you an explanation for this matter."
Returning to his太子 palace, Xiao Jingyun sat down, his mind troubled.
Zhou Quan, his personal guard, couldn't help but advise, "Your Highness, we should not be hasty. It is best to wait and see."