readbooksol Chapter 531: Who Is It
Chapter 531: Who Is It
The disappearance of Huangfu Wei, though Prince Zhuang lamented it in the Imperial Palace, was strictly kept under wraps by the servants of Meilan Pavilion. No one was allowed to utter a word about it to the Princess.
However, the son who used to pay respects every day suddenly stopped coming, causing Princess Consort Zhuang to suspect something. But Prince Zhuang deceitfully told her that he had sent Huangfu Wei to an estate for some training.
In terms of educating their son, Prince Zhuang always employed his own methods. Although Princess Consort Zhuang respected his decisions, she was, after all, a mother, and Huangfu Wei was her only child. Naturally, she felt pained, especially since Huangfu Wei was only ten years old.
Thus, Princess Consort Zhuang merely asked gently about Huangfu Wei’s return.
This question pained Prince Zhuang’s heart. He, too, wished for his son’s early return, but the fact was he didn’t even know where Huangfu Wei was, or even if he was alive or dead!
The reality was heart-wrenching. The people he sent out returned wave after wave. Every piece of evidence, every possibility, every little clue all pointed towards this possibly being the work of Prince Cheng and his wife.
He had voiced his suspicions to the Emperor, but Prince Cheng and his wife were elusive — impossible to confront. Even the experts he sent to track them returned without success.
His hatred for Prince Cheng and his wife deepened.
Yet, he failed to consider that even if it really was Prince Cheng and his wife, it was he who had started this.
If he hadn’t planned against Huangfu Jingchen, his eldest son, Huangfu Jing, would not have died from poisoning, his second son, Huangfu Chi, would not be lying injured, unable to get out of bed, the Crown Prince Mansion would not have been burned, and his legitimate son, Huangfu Wei, would not have disappeared without a trace.
Now he could only feign happiness to console the Princess Consort Zhuang, "Wei’er, being my legitimate son, once he grows older, I’ll petition the Emperor to confer upon him the title of Princely Heir. Training from a young age is a path he must take; only by becoming stronger can he achieve greatness! I know you worry for him, but rest assured, I’m reluctant to let him suffer too much. In a few days, I’ll send someone to bring him back!"
Princess Consort Zhuang herself was born into a wealthy family, naturally understanding the importance of strength for a legitimate son. Especially since her son was also an Imperial Grandson, with many adult brothers ahead. Those brothers each covet the position of Princely Heir, even if Prince Zhuang wishes to let his legitimate son succeed and control the situation for his safety.
But what about later?
Though Princess Consort Zhuang was in poor health, she was astute and aware of Prince Zhuang’s ambitions. Her father and brother were secretly assisting them. A higher status and greater power only make things more perilous.
To stay firm, one must possess greater ability.
Thus, although she felt reluctant, she didn’t say much more and wouldn’t obstruct Prince Zhuang’s educational methods.
Moreover, as the Prince promised to bring him back in a few days, she had no reason to worry.
After a short conversation between the couple, Prince Zhuang drank a bowl of lotus seed and white fungus soup. Knowing he still had matters to attend to, Princess Consort Zhuang summoned a maid, took the tray, and left.
Standing in the middle of the study, Prince Zhuang’s expression alternated between dark and bright. It had been days, and despite dispatching numerous people, there was still no news of Wei’er. Could it be that he was already...
If that were true, then the feud of having one’s son killed is irreconcilable, leading to a situation where he and Old Fifth would fight to the end!
Should he find any evidence, he would surely seek his father to punish Old Fifth.
Back in the vassal land, Prince Zhuang covertly yet fervently cultivated his power base, surrounded by many experts and numerous followers. He didn’t care about someone’s origin, only their abilities, attracting many people from the Jianghu, even those infamous for their misdeeds yet seeking protection and wealth. Among them were top-notch experts like the Antong Three Ghosts and even some super first-class ones.
He was summoned to the Capital City, conferred the title of Crown Prince, and all those people were brought along.
Now, these people were divided into three groups: one searching for Huangfu Wei, another for Prince Cheng and his wife, and the last doing secret tasks.
None of these groups returned with good news.
Huangfu Wei was nowhere to be found, Prince Cheng and his wife left no trace, and even those doing secret tasks continued to fail. Lately, it seemed as if fortune wasn’t on his side!
Did Mr. Gongyang foresee his failure in everything, hence advising patience?
Mr. Gongyang was indeed brilliant, so perhaps the third group should be withdrawn, but not the first two.
Finding Huangfu Wei, his legitimate son, was vital! No harm must befall him.
Tracking Prince Cheng and his wife, obtaining concrete evidence was a chance to win favor in front of the Emperor again!
Having decided, Prince Zhuang swiftly called a Hidden Guard to issue his orders.
Once everything was arranged, a wave of exhaustion washed over him.
Prince Zhuang rubbed his temples and prepared to rest.
Although he had many princesses, concubines, and consorts, recent events kept him from visiting the rear courtyard. Unlike Prince Liang, who indulged in pleasures without restraint, Prince Zhuang refrained from spending nights in the rear courtyard for quite some time.
Today, with no intention of visiting any consort, he left the study directly for the main courtyard bedroom.
After being attended by a servant for nighttime preparations, the servant withdrew, leaving Prince Zhuang in nightwear sitting on the carved, lacquered phoenix bed, thoughts still swirling on how to force Prince Cheng and his wife out.
Although the Capital City is vast, neither party is a common person; finding them shouldn’t be challenging.
If only the Shadow Pavilion accepted Imperial commissions, things wouldn’t be this complicated.
He sighed wistfully and was about to sleep when suddenly the candle flickered and then extinguished.
In his bedroom, a candleholder adorned each wall, each now holding a single lit candle, providing dim but adequate illumination until his sleep, when a servant would extinguish them. Yet, how did it happen now when he hadn’t yet slept?
Full of doubt due to Huangfu Wei’s sudden disappearance from the Prince Mansion and his own experiences seeing then losing track of Old Fifth and his wife, Prince Zhuang felt on edge and hastily looked around.
With the candle out, moonlight filtered through the window; however, the light was not as bright as when the candles were lit. Initially, Prince Zhuang’s eyes struggled to adjust.
But soon, he could vaguely see the room.
Just three feet ahead stood a tall, lean figure with hands behind, quietly standing there. Though doing nothing, the figure exuded immense presence, akin to an unsheathed blade, or an imposing mountain.
Prince Zhuang’s mouth fell agape, but whether from extreme fright or overwhelming anger, myriad words welled up in his throat, yet felt caught as though blocked, rendering him speechless.