Chapter 269 Let King Xiao impeach King Chu

King Xiao changed into prison clothes and squatted in the dark and damp dungeon.

He had considered the consequences of his countless failed attempts to compete with Xiao Ye, but he never expected that his first time in jail would be with the King of Chu, whom he hadn't even made a move against yet.

He carefully recalled the King of Chu's behavior over this period of time, how he had gradually lost the Emperor's favor from being the Emperor's most beloved prince, and then gradually regained his favor.

It seems that the King of Chu has become a completely different person.

Creak!

Just as King Xiao was still pondering, he suddenly heard the sound of the iron gate outside the prison cell opening, followed by the sound of about two or three people walking towards him.

"Your Highness, please slow down. This place is a bit dirty, and there are a lot of rats. Be careful not to get bumped."

The jailer's cautious voice came through.

King Xiao frowned deeply. Was the Crown Prince here at this time to mock him?

"Your Highness, Prince Xiao is imprisoned here."

In the blink of an eye, Xiao Ye arrived outside the prison where Xiao Wang was being held.

Through the light streaming in through the fence and windows, he could clearly see the disheveled state of Prince Xiao and the sinister look on his face.

"Okay, you may all step aside now!"

Xiao Ye gave the order in a calm tone.

"What do you want from me? Are you here to laugh at me? I do dislike the Crown Princess, but I didn't do this. The real person who harmed you is still at large."

Despite his displeasure, King Xiao still tried his best to clear Xiao Ye of his innocence.

Even knowing that he didn't get along with them and that they might not be willing to help him, he still secretly hoped that Xiao Ye and the others could find out the truth and let him go.

After all, he really didn't do it this time.

"Do you think the outcome matters to me? You can see it, but I can't?"

Xiao Ye's tone was calm, without the slightest hint of surprise.

King Xiao looked up in surprise, his tone somewhat indignant, "Since you all knew it wasn't me who did it, why didn't you say so sooner?"

"Why should we help you prove it? Didn't you ever intend to harm Luo'er?"

"This king..."

King Xiao felt guilty.

Indeed, although he didn't do it this time, he did have the intention to harm Su Liluo.

"However, I've come here today to give you a way to save yourself."

After a while, Xiao Ye spoke again in a low voice.

"What method?"

King Xiao frowned; he knew Xiao Ye must have conditions.

However, as long as he can get out, he can see what the conditions are.

This matter could be a big deal or a small deal, and he didn't know how his father would deal with him.

He wasn't particularly favored by his father, the emperor, and his mother was of low status. He also lacked the support of a reliable and powerful maternal grandfather. His only capable family, his in-laws, had recently become unfriendly to him because of Chu Yan's situation.

If he doesn't find a good way to escape punishment this time, he will definitely be rejected by his father once again.

"The Crown Princess and I can go to the Emperor to forgive you. As long as we don't hold this matter against you, all you need to do is apologize to us."

"Conditions?"

King Xiao stared intently at Xiao Ye, for he certainly didn't believe that Xiao Ye and his group would be so kind for no reason.

"After you get out, have your men impeach the King of Chu, and I will give you evidence of the King of Chu forming cliques and engaging in corrupt practices."

"You want me to impeach the King of Chu?"

"Don't you want revenge?"

"But now is not the time."

"So you want to stay in prison any longer? Father doesn't know when he'll remember you."

"Aren't there any other conditions?"

King Xiao gritted his teeth and looked at Xiao Ye.

He knew that Xiao Ye's purpose in doing this was to watch him and the King of Chu fight like the snipe and the clam, and then the fisherman would reap the benefits.

If he were to send his men to impeach the King of Chu with evidence of the King's faction and corruption as soon as he left, he would likely leave his father with the impression of fratricide.

Throughout history, it has been common for princes and nobles to form cliques and pursue personal gain. Every prince and nobleman has his own followers, some more, some less.

The emperor has always turned a blind eye to their behavior. As long as it doesn't go too far and threaten his interests, he won't interfere. On the contrary, sometimes the emperor even hopes to test his son's abilities through these things.

Although the Prince of Chu is currently forming cliques and engaging in corrupt practices, he has not gone too far and is still within Emperor Wenjian's tolerance. If I were to impeach the Prince of Chu, although my father would punish him, I would not receive any good treatment from my father.

As a result, the King of Chu was punished and lost his father's favor, while the Crown Prince forgave him and gained a good reputation for being tolerant of his brother.

It must be said that the Crown Prince's plan was truly perfect.

King Xiao analyzed this with resentment in his heart.

"If you agree, you can be released without charge by tomorrow at the latest. If you don't agree, then you can only wait for the Emperor's decision."

Xiao Ye said nonchalantly.

King Xiao looked conflicted, clenching his fists in resentment.

He knew that Xiao Ye meant this was his only chance; he could take it or leave it to fate.

"Could you give me a few days to consider this?"

Prince Xiao was really torn. He didn't want to give up this opportunity, but on the other hand, he was also hoping that his father might suddenly be lenient with him.

"Three days."

Xiao Ye said coldly.

He knew that King Xiao wouldn't agree so easily, so he had already planned the timing.

"OK."

*

At the same time, Consort Zhang in the inner palace also learned that Prince Xiao had been imprisoned by Emperor Wenjian.

She, who was usually calm, was now genuinely panicked.

"Quickly, summon Princess Xiao to the palace!"

Consort Zhang anxiously rubbed her forehead and gave instructions to the palace servants.

Her own family was not prominent, so she had no power to speak on behalf of Prince Xiao in court. Now, she could only rely on the Chu family.

Moreover, she knew that Chu Yan and the Crown Princess had a good relationship, and that it was because of the Crown Princess that Prince Xiao was imprisoned.

Therefore, Consort Zhang subconsciously thought of Chu Yan.

At this moment, Chu Yan was happy because Prince Xiao had been imprisoned.

With Prince Xiao not in the palace, she felt the air there was much fresher, except for Chu Yun who would be crying in the courtyard.

Chu Yun came to her courtyard twice, both times begging her to rescue Prince Xiao.

Taking advantage of Xiao Wang's absence, Chu Yan gave Chu Yun another good lesson, and Chu Yun was currently being forced to kneel in the courtyard as punishment.

"Consort Zhang is summoning me to the palace again?"

Upon hearing Consort Zhang's summons, Chu Yan's brows furrowed so deeply they could have trapped a fly.

Last time, I barely managed to escape from Consort Zhang's palace. What good things can I expect to come back this time?

But she simply couldn't refuse.

So Chu Yan said, "Okay, I'll go after I get ready."

Then, Chu Yan went into the inner room and quickly wrote a letter, which she asked her maid to secretly send to the Crown Prince's residence later.

She couldn't be lucky enough to meet the Empress every time, so she had to ask for help in advance.