The Prince has to state his position!
So, there's no need to elaborate on the chaotic events of that night.
Everyone had seen Prince Xuan impersonate the Emperor.
Although this was a grave act of disrespect, and everyone's trust in the Emperor had plummeted because of it, who could have foreseen such a twist of fate?
The Emperor had recovered, the little princess was found, and she brought back a powerful backer: Prince Xuan, the God of War of Beiming!
It was the most perfect ending!
If, that is, the little princess's identity was genuine…
"Hold on!"
As expected, someone raised an objection.
It was Prince Yu.
"Your Majesty, the Grand Tutor is gravely ill and unconscious. Putting aside the messy rumors from before…"
He paused deliberately, intending to remind everyone of the tangled affairs that had transpired.
Though the rumors were just rumors, who knew if they were true or false?
What mattered most now was…
"Your Majesty, since the Grand Tutor is unconscious and unable to step forward to personally verify the little princess's authenticity…"
"Does my elder brother not even believe the Emperor's word?" Chu Wang asked angrily.
Prince Yu had anticipated this retort. He said expressionlessly, "This matter is of great importance. The matter of the little princess's return to her ancestral lineage cannot afford even the slightest carelessness!"
While the officials in the court dared not speak out of turn, their expressions betrayed a hint of hesitation.
There was indeed a sliver of doubt regarding this matter.
What if… what if the Emperor had fabricated this princess merely to consolidate his position…
This thought was treasonous, yet not entirely impossible.
Chu Wang was about to say more when Chu Jiangnan on the dragon throne slightly raised a fingertip.
Chu Wang immediately fell silent and retreated to the side.
Everyone looked at the Emperor on the dragon throne.
Although his complexion was still not entirely well, at least he was now lucid and rational.
Chu Jiangnan lowered his gaze, surveying the assembled officials, his sight finally settling on Prince Yu. "Then, Prince Yu, besides the Grand Tutor, who else can verify the princess's authenticity?"
A flicker of unease crossed Chu Wang's eyes, but he immediately lowered his head, concealing it.
However, this slight unease was caught by Prince Yu.
Prince Yu's heart leaped with joy, and he suddenly understood.
This little princess was indeed fake!
Otherwise, why would Prince Jing have such an expression?
He quickly stepped forward, leaning in, and said, "Your Majesty, although the Grand Tutor is gravely ill and bedridden and cannot appear to verify, we have an expert from the Lan clan here."
An expert from the Lan clan… the image of a person immediately flashed in everyone's minds.
Lan Fan.
Indeed, Prince Yu continued, "Mr. Lan is currently in the imperial city. If Your Majesty firmly believes in the little princess's identity, perhaps Mr. Lan could be asked to verify it."
Without waiting for the Emperor's response, Prince Yu turned to the officials in the court.
His voice was clear and loud, "Mr. Lan was the former Grand Tutor's chosen successor. However, Mr. Lan's disposition has always been one of detachment from fame and fortune, which is why he refused the former Grand Tutor's appointment and wandered the world alone."
"Recently, Mr. Lan foresaw a tribulation befalling his junior disciple. With the welfare of the people in his heart, and fearing suffering should his junior disciple fall, he abandoned his leisurely life and rushed back to aid the populace."
Prince Yu glanced at everyone, ensuring his words were clearly heard by all.
He then turned back, meeting the Emperor's gaze. "Your Majesty, Mr. Lan is the Grand Tutor's senior martial brother, and his cultivation is no less than the Grand Tutor's. I suggest that Mr. Lan verify the little princess's authenticity. What is Your Majesty's opinion?"