themonasnovels Chapter 547 - 539: Denial
Chapter 547 - 539: Denial
Prince Xian was stumped by Gu Yifeng’s question. On one side was Gu Yifeng staring coldly, and on the other was Mrs. Kong’s gaze. Prince Xian was in a quandary, facing a life-or-death situation, yet he had only just made a big statement, and now he had to refute his own words. For the moment, Prince Xian couldn’t make a decision.
Gu Yifeng wasn’t in a hurry. He strode over to find a seat for himself and sat down. Without needing much instruction, Zhao Wu was already beside the restrained old woman, "Now that the Marquis and the Prince are both here, you should tell us everything. If you have any evidence, just present it. The Marquis is kind-hearted. Now that the young master has been found, it has nothing to do with you. If you wait until the Marquis investigates it himself and then speak out, it will be useless, and you should know well what the consequences will be. Besides, given the current situation, you should know that if no one admits to it, the blame will fall on you alone to bear."
When the old woman was initially captured, she was scared out of her wits and confessed everything. Now brought to the Prince Xian Mansion, Mrs. Kong denied everything, and the matter had reached this stage. The old woman knew that if she didn’t bring forward some evidence, she would have to take the fall for everything.
Not keeping everyone waiting long, the old woman confessed, "I received a message from the Duke Mansion, given to me by the madam of the mansion. At the time, I was wary and secretly called a young maid from the mansion to eavesdrop unnoticed just in case the other party denied it later."
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Kong’s eyes widened noticeably.
She was almost about to curse on the spot, but feared that would expose herself, so she could only glare fiercely. Meanwhile, the old woman seemed to have made a firm decision, "I beg the Marquis to spare me. I was only helping to open the door. I now know I was wrong. I beg the Marquis for mercy. If I had known the Duke Mansion would dare to harm the young master, I wouldn’t have dared to be so greedy."
"Take the old woman away and have her find that young maid. Once found, question them separately to see if their accounts match. If they do match, go directly to the Duke Mansion." Gu Yifeng didn’t wait at all.
The sky outside was already dark. Unperturbed, Gu Yifeng signaled Zhao Wu to take the old woman down. Gu Yifeng then stopped speaking, while Prince Xian, sitting there, was restless.
In the current situation, everything pointed to Mrs. Kong and the Duke Mansion. If Prince Xian continued to be involved, it would essentially be an admission of being allied with the Duke Mansion.
Sweat trickled down Prince Xian’s forehead, "Marquis, at this point, it is unknown when we will find out by questioning the Duke Mansion. Would you prefer to have dinner here or go to the Duke Mansion?"
Prince Xian wanted to send the people away first, then have a proper talk with Mrs. Kong, or maybe go plead with his emperor brother. He only had this one heir. If he were disposed of in this way at his age, could he really take another concubine?
Given Prince Xian’s age, he wasn’t inclined for such things anymore. Listening to music was his way of passing time. Even if he had the desire, he didn’t have the capability. Now, with Mrs. Kong carrying a boy, Prince Xian knew he couldn’t confront the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, but he also couldn’t care less at this point.
Mrs. Kong breathed a sigh of relief at his action, knowing that as long as Prince Xian protected her, she would be safe. As for the Duke Mansion, having lost her daughter, Mrs. Kong held resentment in her heart. If her maternal family truly cared for Sister Yue, how could Sister Yue possibly be gone?
But now she was pregnant, helpless despite her desires.
She could only protect herself first and then avenge Sister Yue, and the first target was the Heir of Prince Xian.
Mrs. Kong lowered her head, hiding behind Prince Xian to conceal her true emotions.
Upon hearing Prince Xian’s words, Gu Yifeng looked up, "This involves Mrs. Kong and concerns the Duke Mansion. In that case, let’s bring Mrs. Kong to the Duke Mansion as well."
Prince Xian exclaimed in panic, "That won’t do. The Marquis can see that Mrs. Kong is pregnant. I assure you, if she is truly involved, she will not be shielded."
Gu Yifeng sneered, "Naturally, Prince Xian will not shield Mrs. Kong, but you will enter the palace. Since Prince Xian wishes to involve himself in this matter, then you might as well go to the palace. Just make sure to tell the Holy Emperor what’s going on. Before Brother Zong was born, the Holy Emperor mentioned wanting to bring him to the palace to see him. Now that something has happened to Brother Zong, this Marquis is at a loss on how to inform the Holy Emperor. It’d be better for Prince Xian to take the responsibility."
As Gu Yifeng spoke, he stood up.
Without staying long, he left with his people after saying those words.
He came quickly and left quickly, leaving Prince Xian sitting there drenched in cold sweat, powerless as he fell back into his chair. Mrs. Kong knew it was best to remain silent at this time.
After an unknown silence, Prince Xian finally looked at Mrs. Kong, "You see how the situation is now. With things like this, even if I wanted to protect you, it would be difficult. Why did you have to do such things?"
Prince Xian wanted to scold Mrs. Kong, but seeing her pregnant belly, and considering his unpromising son, he suppressed his anger.
Mrs. Kong lowered her head, "I know nothing I say can justify my actions now. But I was forced into this. I wouldn’t have the courage to do such things otherwise."
Prince Xian looked at Mrs. Kong without saying more, stood up and strode out of the study. Mrs. Kong watched him leave, then finally sank into the chair, hands sweaty under her sleeves, biting her lip to hold back her tears.
Xiao Hong looked over and approached, "Madam, what should we do now? Perhaps I should accompany the young lady back to the temple?"
Xiao Hong had come from the temple with Mrs. Kong and was naturally devoted to her. Considering Xiao Hong’s naivety since coming down the mountain and lack of contact with outsiders, she believed hiding in the temple would solve everything.
Mrs. Kong looked at Xiao Hong and managed a rare smile, "Sister Yue was always so naive. It broke my heart. Who could have thought she would end up harmed? Seeing you now, I often wonder whether I should make you understand the harsh realities or let you remain innocent."
She feared Xiao Hong might face harm like Sister Yue in the future.
Facing Xiao Hong’s innocent eyes, Mrs. Kong shook her head. Unable to protect her daughter, if something truly happened, Xiao Hong being just a maid, could always be sent away to be safe.