The signed confession was quickly presented to the Minister of Justice.
The matter of poisoning involved a prince, and the Ministry of Justice dared not be careless. They immediately entered the palace to report to His Majesty.
Half an hour later, an imperial decree reached the Imperial Prince's Estate, ordering Ye Jingyu to enter the palace.
Ye Yao, the Emperor, sat in his study.
He wore a golden robe embroidered with sea dragons and soaring clouds.
His entire presence exuded a world-conquering aura. Even the corner of his robe resting on the table was impeccably neat, displaying a unique majesty.
Upon entering the study, Ye Jingyu prostrated himself and paid his respects, then lowered his gaze and remained silent.
Ye Yao's sharp black eyes churned with hidden currents as he spoke, his voice serious and authoritative.
"The Ministry of Justice has just reported that someone from the Princess's Estate has confessed that the Princess colluded with the Empress four years ago to frame Consort Mei. Are you aware of this matter?"
Ye Jingyu's expression remained unchanged, calm and composed. "This humble son is unaware."
Ye Yao's eyes shot out a cold glint. "Then are you aware that this old matter has been brought up again? If it is to be investigated thoroughly, many people will be implicated. And this letter of accusation can be considered as evidence?"
Ye Jingyu furrowed his brows, his tone devoid of any fluctuation, as if the Emperor's words were of no consequence. "This humble son is unaware."
Ye Yao gazed at him, his eyes probing.
Ye Jingyu kept his eyes lowered, his expression unchanged since entering, not even a flicker of his eyebrows.
After a long while, Ye Yao sighed inwardly.
This son had always been like this, aloof and uninvolved, shaking his head and knowing nothing when asked.
However, he could understand.
Given his difficult circumstances over the years, speaking less meant offending fewer people and making fewer mistakes, allowing him to protect himself.
"The matter of Consort Mei being poisoned back then involved you. I want to hear your thoughts." Ye Yao's tone softened slightly.
Ye Jingyu pondered for a moment, then looked up. "When Father Emperor first met Consort Mei, this humble son was still too young to understand. Did the Consort, after many years in the palace, have any private dealings with Princess Pingyang?"
This question was thrown back.
Eunuch Chang subconsciously glanced at Ye Jingyu, his eyes flickering.
Ye Yao closed his eyes. "I understand. You may leave."
Ye Jingyu said nothing further, bowed, and withdrew.
Ye Yao watched his departing back and sighed deeply. "Chang Hui, do you notice how much this child has changed in the past two years?"
Eunuch Chang stepped forward and bowed. "His Highness has grown up and has his own concerns. Your Majesty naturally cannot always treat him as a child."
Ye Yao shook his head.
He knew the reason for Ye Jingyu's change, but alas, the past was the past, and discussing it was futile.
"Go summon Consort Qin. State that it is my decree. The matter of Consort Mei's poisoning is being investigated by the Ministry of Justice. Ensure the truth is revealed to me."
Ye Jingyu exited the study and headed out of the palace. As he reached the front courtyard, he frowned slightly and waved for the accompanying palace guards to step back. "Didn't I tell you to wait at the estate?"
"I couldn't wait any longer." Su Yunmo peeked out from behind a stone pillar. "How did it go?"
Ye Jingyu flicked some dust from his robe. "The results will be out soon. Are you happy now?"
Su Yunmo's eyes lit up. "You're amazing!"
She was not stingy with her praise.
But Ye Jingyu couldn't feel much joy.
He knew what she would say next, and before she could speak, he agreed. "If Fifth Brother wishes to see this Prince, tell him to come tomorrow."
Su Yunmo's face immediately broke into a wide smile.
That day, she sent a message to Ye Jingge.
The next morning, Ye Jingge was escorted out of the palace and brought to the Imperial Prince's Estate.
This was his first time at the Imperial Prince's Estate, and he was curious about everything he saw, but he dared not look too closely, fearing he might displease Ye Jingyu.
Ye Jingyu met him in the study. Looking at his brother, whom he hadn't seen much in years, he frowned slightly. "Why do you insist on seeing me? What is it?"
Ye Jingge's hands, which had been nervously clutching his clothes, suddenly stilled. His expression, a mixture of surprise and eagerness, also froze, and a conflicted confusion slowly appeared on his face.
He had simply wanted to mend his relationship with his third brother.
But he had never imagined he would actually get to speak with his third brother, nor had he thought about what he would say upon meeting him.
Ye Jingge was a little nervous and began to stammer. "Third Brother... I, actually, it's just that... I'm very sorry about Mother Consort's matter. Can you forgive me..."
The rest of his words abruptly stopped.
He suddenly remembered that although the matter was being investigated, it hadn't been clarified whether his mother consort was entirely uninvolved in the poisoning.
Perhaps his mother consort had indeed poisoned his third brother, in which case he had no right to ask for forgiveness.
Ye Jingge's eyes dimmed, and his head drooped.
Ye Jingyu was not very patient with children. "You don't need to worry. You are different from your mother consort. No matter what she did, this Prince will not hold it against you."
His indifference over the years was because he himself had not fared well in the palace and had no inclination. Later, when he entered the academy, he simply had no time.
"Is what Third Brother says true? That's wonderful!" Ye Jingge looked up, his eyes shining with a bright light, like a dazzling constellation.
Ye Jingyu was momentarily dazed by this smile, squinting his eyes slightly.
This kid's smile was truly like a bright pearl, so dazzling.
Did that little fellow like him for this very reason?
This was truly... displeasing!
"Do you like Third Brother?" Ye Jingyu leaned back against the chair and looked at him indifferently.
Ye Jingge's ears immediately turned red. He reflexively shook his head, then frantically nodded, his hands fumbling with his clothes, stuttering, "I, I, I..."
How could Third Brother ask such a question? 'Like' felt so awkward~
Ye Jingyu clasped his hands on the table, wearing a benevolent elder brother's expression. "Actually, Third Brother also likes you very much. However, Third Brother dislikes someone."
Ye Jingge's eyes widened, waiting for him to continue.
Ye Jingyu tapped the table. "That little girl from the Su family, is she your friend? Third Brother dislikes her and does not wish for you to associate with her."
Ye Jingge's eyes were full of conflict. "But Momo is a good child. She helps me, and besides..."
"Do you still want to come and play with Third Brother?" Ye Jingyu's face stiffened.
Seeing that his brother seemed displeased, Ye Jingge became flustered. Finally, under his brother's bright gaze, he lowered his head, gritted his teeth, and stamped his foot. "Then I won't talk to Momo anymore!"
Ye Jingyu curved his lips into a satisfied smile. "Good boy."
Ye Jingge's eyes suddenly widened.
Third Brother praised him!
Ye Jingge was sent away in high spirits.
Qian Xue returned from outside and met him at the entrance. Seeing his joyous expression, she thought, this child is truly pitiful.
Anyone who came out of Master's study so excited must have been tricked.
Qian Xue entered the study, where Ye Jingyu was engrossed in writing.
"Master, the person you sent Ying Xiao to secretly follow has entered the bandit's lair."
Ye Jingyu frowned and put down his brush. "Where?"
Ziyuan replied, "There is Black Wind Mountain outside the city, where some bandits have gathered over the years."
"Lin Ze'qu sent too many people to pursue them. Ying Xiao, while fighting in secret, was momentarily distracted, allowing him to escape to the mountain. Should your subordinate lead men to剿 them?"
That man was an important witness in the case of Duke Ying of the former dynasty.
"No need." Ye Jingyu furrowed his brows, his eyes darkening. "Since we are clearing bandits, we must have a legitimate reason. It just so happens that this Prince also wishes to change the plaque for the estate."
Qian Xue knelt and cupped his fist. "Yes."
Master had established his estate a year ago, and it was indeed time to earn a title.