Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1369: Apology

Editor: Henyee Translations

Honored Princess Mei wiped away her tears, her pretty face reflecting a blend of sorrow and shame, intermingled with a touch of relief and admiration. She gently held the hand of the young palace maid and stood up unsteadily.

The Emperor’s investigation and Honored Princess Mei’s account didn’t unearth much of a source. The Fourth Prince had instructed those who secretly looked into the matter to harbor resentment against the Crown Prince for previous punishments, prompting them to use their influence to exact revenge and falsely implicate the Crown Prince. He had also been the one clandestinely spreading the rumors.

Ironically, his efforts to frame the Crown Prince had backfired, almost leading to his own downfall. Recognizing that framing the Crown Prince would leave him with no escape, he ultimately took his own life.

As the year drew to a close, this incident was far from honorable. With the Qingdi diplomatic delegation also in attendance, as Honored Princess Mei had predicted, the Emperor was disinclined to exacerbate the situation or involve the royal brothers in the feud.

Hence, when Honored Princess Mei implored for clemency with tears in her eyes, he chose not to delve further into the matter.

Consequently, this outcome was realized.

Honored Princess Mei had already accepted responsibility for the Fourth Prince on his behalf, signaling his recognition of his transgressions. After receiving a rebuke and a lesson, the matter would conclude.

What alternative did he have? To conduct an exhaustive inquiry? Not only would it unleash a storm, ensnaring numerous individuals and leading to dismissals, but it would also embroil countless families in investigations and penalties.

Furthermore, if the Fourth Prince were embroiled in the investigation, how would the Emperor handle his own son? Did he desire his own child’s life?

The Emperor would never entertain such an idea.

The Fourth Prince, too, breathed a sigh of relief.

Much like Honored Princess Mei, the Fourth Prince had temporarily set aside his grievances after the ordeal. However, as soon as the matter was resolved, he couldn’t help but harbor indignation and resentment.

Yet, he didn’t dare to defy his father’s decree.

In order to present an appearance of apology, he instructed his subordinates to select a substantial assortment of precious antiques from the palace warehouse. These items included various pieces crafted from gold, silver, jade, and porcelain. While these treasures would be considered rare and valuable in most households, within his own favored prince’s residence, they held little significance. He wouldn’t feel any heartache even if he gave them away.

In fact, he decided to present these items as gifts without a single tael of silver.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The Fourth Prince arrived with a considerable quantity of gifts to offer as an apology. The Crown Prince, not one to let such an opportunity pass, made a few remarks during their exchange. He advised, “Don’t let your subordinates deceive you and damage our brotherly relationship!”, “Avoid such actions in the future!”, and “If you have any doubts, you can always ask me directly. We are brothers, and there’s nothing we can’t discuss!” The Fourth Prince nodded with a forced smile.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, the matter was considered resolved, even though an underlying tension hung in the air.

The Crown Prince was eager to keep the gifts, but the Fourth Prince couldn’t bear to stay any longer. He feared that if he remained in the presence of the Crown Prince’s “gentle and elegant” façade, he might lose control of his emotions and hit him right on the face.

Though he managed to force a smile, the Fourth Prince couldn’t help but feel a seething anger as he looked at the Crown Prince’s deceptive exterior. He longed to confront him.

After struggling to contain his feelings, he finally mustered a smile. If the Fourth Prince decided to stay, the Crown Prince would treat him courteously and keep him company. However, he wouldn’t insist if the Fourth Prince chose to leave.