The princess regretted it.

Chapter 329 The Emperor Punishes the Two Princes

The Second Prince heard the sound and turned his head to look at Jiaoyu beside him, tears welling in his eyes. In this difficult moment, the presence of his sister made him truly appreciate the warmth and strength of blood relatives.

Some of the things that had happened before had exhausted him both physically and mentally, but now, with his sister's company and sharing the hardships, a warm feeling welled up in his heart. However, he was a little worried about Jiaoyu's health; she looked haggard. "Jiaoyu, why are you here? You are weak, go back quickly. I am your brother, and I am all that matters to you."

"Second brother, let's ask the emperor together. He will definitely remember our past friendship." Jiaoyu's voice trembled slightly, but was firm.

The Second Prince looked at his sister who was so determined, and his heart softened. He took off his own cloak and put it on Jiaoyu. Jiaoyu wanted to refuse, but the Second Prince tied it on her in a domineering manner, "Put it on. Second brother is in good health, it's okay."

In the imperial study, the emperor sat in his seat, still furious, while Jin'an massaged his shoulders. The emperor's brow furrowed slightly at the constant stream of pleas. He gently patted Jin'an's hand, signaling her to stop. Then he slowly stood up and walked to the window, peering through the lattice at his children kneeling outside.

The Emperor watched the Second Prince and his companions' every move, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes. It was only a matter of time before Concubine Zhang was banished to the cold palace, and today was just the right time to get evidence against her. He wanted to see how the Zhang family would react, but also to give them a chance.

Chu Zhou's letter had already informed the Zhang family of their plans, but he wanted to add fuel to the fire. He was actually a little worried about his two children. Otherwise, he would have forced Concubine Zhang to reveal all her movements today, fearing that the two children would be implicated.

He hadn't expected the two children to come forward and plead for mercy on Concubine Zhang's behalf. He was both irritated and relieved, irritated by their lack of understanding of right and wrong, and relieved by their filial piety. But Concubine Zhang's case was irreversible.

Jin An followed her father silently, with delicate steps, slowly approaching the window. Her gaze shifted to the kneeling brother and sister outside, a subtle flicker of thought in her eyes. For a moment, she tilted her head slightly, her movements gentle yet cautious, and her gaze settled on her father's face, carefully examining his expression. A hint of pity shone in her father's eyes, and his furrowed brow betrayed his concern and care for his children.

Instantly, Jin An understood that his father truly loved his two children. Thinking this, she lowered her head slightly, a few strands of hair falling across her cheeks, just enough to cover the corners of her lips. This wasn't surprising, she thought to herself. After all, Jiaoyu and Yunji were his beloved children, lovingly cared for since childhood, well-behaved and sensible, endearing them to everyone. Furthermore, she knew his father hated sibling rivalry, and seeing the siblings pleading for their mother with such deep affection, how could it not touch his softest spot?

Time ticked by, and the imperial study remained silent. Jiaoyu and Changsun Yunji, however, knelt resolutely, like statues, their foreheads pressed to the ground, not daring to slack off even for a moment. A cold wind howled, rustling their clothes, but it couldn't extinguish the burning flames in their hearts, desperate to plead for their mother.

After a long moment, the door to the imperial study slowly opened, and Eunuch Fuquan stepped out. "The Emperor has decreed an audience with the Second Prince and Princess Jiaoyu."

His voice broke the long silence. Jiaoyu and Changsun Yunji looked at each other, a glimmer of hope flashed in their eyes. They hurriedly stood up, tidied their clothes, and followed Eunuch Fuquan into the imperial study.

Entering the imperial study, only the emperor was inside; Jin'an had vanished. The Second Prince and Jiaoyu approached the emperor and knelt again. Jiaoyu spoke first, "Father, Mother was simply confused for a moment and made a grave mistake. I am willing to bear all the blame for Mother's actions. I only ask that you spare her life." Her words were earnest, tears welling in her eyes, threatening to fall at any moment.

Changsun Yunji then said, "Father, I also beg you to show me mercy. Although Concubine Zhang made mistakes, I will always remember her kindness in raising me. I hope you will show me leniency."

The Emperor looked at his children kneeling on the ground, his expression solemn. He was silent for a long time, then slowly spoke: "Concubine Zhang has openly disobeyed the Emperor's order, a crime that is unforgivable. The Imperial decree has been issued, and your words are not to be trifled with. I hope that in the face of such grave and pressing issues, you will understand what is permissible and what is not."

The Emperor paused, then looked at Jiaoyu with a sharp gaze that seemed to see through everything. He continued, "Jiaoyu, you should know where your mother went today! I can let it slide for now, regardless of who she met with today. Do you understand?"

These words seemed to be understated, but they actually contained a deep meaning. The emperor already knew that Concubine Zhang had left the palace to meet Jiaoyu, but he did not get angry and blame her on the spot. Instead, he gave Jiaoyu room to understand the deep meaning of the words on her own.

Jiaoyu shuddered at this, as if struck hard. She knew the weight of her father's words, and fear filled her heart. She prostrated herself on the ground, her voice trembling, "Father, I understand. I acknowledge my guilt." She understood that her father was warning her not to venture into danger, and certainly not to challenge his authority.

The Emperor then looked at the Second Prince, his eyes growing increasingly stern, and he said in a serious tone, "Yun Ji, do you know that your mother left the palace without permission today and was caught by me? In this case, what do you think of your mother's behavior?"

The emperor's question was brief but powerful, like a heavy hammer, hitting Changsun Yunji's heart heavily.

Changsun Yunji's heart trembled, he looked up at the emperor, and said in panic: "Son, son..."

"Okay! I know you are filial, but don't forget that you are a prince. What is your mission? The country has its own laws! Don't interfere in your mother's affairs anymore. You should know that the suspicion on you has not been cleared yet. I hope you can think carefully about what you should do?" The emperor warned him seriously.

"I, your son, will remember your father's teachings and reflect deeply on them." Changsun Yunji lowered his head and said respectfully.

The Emperor looked at his children and sighed softly. "You are all my children. I do not wish to see you embroiled in unnecessary disputes. I want you to understand that you represent the royal family. The dignity of the royal family and the stability of the country are of paramount importance." The Emperor's voice was a hint of fatigue, yet it also carried an unquestionable authority.

Jiaoyu and the second prince said nothing, but just knelt there quietly. Jiaoyu knew that she had escaped the disaster, but she still couldn't let go of her mother.

After secretly pondering for a moment, he slowly raised his head, his eyes filled with tears. He looked at the emperor with tearful eyes and said in a sobbing voice, "I remember your teachings, father. However, when I thought of the suffering my mother might endure in the cold palace, I was so anxious that I temporarily ignored your difficulties. It was my fault. Please punish me, father."