无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

According to the Emperor’s usual temperament, he would indeed do so.

Even for their sons, Emperors are unwilling to let them covet the throne.

At least, not while they are still alive.

But unexpectedly, the Emperor not only didn’t get angry but showed a thoughtful expression.

“As the Crown Prince, it’s good for you to take on your responsibilities,” he said slowly. “These days, I want to accompany Concubine Jin. As for state affairs, you can take care of them for me.”

Li Hongyuan was astonished.

This Emperor must be truly lovesick.

When did the Li family ever have such emotions?

The Emperor’s harem was filled with beauties, not quite three thousand, but at least several hundred.

Countless low-ranked concubines had been in the palace for more than a decade without even seeing the Emperor once, and the number of women waiting for his favor was innumerable.

He actually had genuine love for Concubine Jin.

Li Hongyuan, who had a good understanding of his Emperor Father’s ways, found it absurd.

“Alright then,” Li Hongyuan said, “if you can’t bear to leave Concubine Mother, you can just accompany her here. Just make sure you’re not afraid of the Imperial Censor and Historian’s denunciations, calling you a foolish ruler who loses his country and people for a woman.”

“You scoundrel! The one who died is your birth mother!” the Emperor shouted in anger.

“The person is already dead, and you’re behaving like this, who are you trying to impress?” Li Hongyuan said coldly. “Concubine Mother’s death is mysterious, and you don’t investigate the real culprit. Instead, you’re pining away at a portrait and neglecting state affairs, ruining your own health. Moreover, this portrait isn’t even hers! If Concubine Mother knew this in the afterlife, she wouldn’t be able to rest in peace!”

Upon hearing this, the Emperor finally showed some concern: “Didn’t I order the Ministry of Justice, Court of Judicial Review, and the Imperial Prison to investigate? Has there been no result so far? These useless people, I’ve been feeding them for nothing!”

“If you don’t personally supervise their efforts, how could they give their utmost care? Concubine Mother’s family isn’t well-known, and now she died so wronged. She can only rely on you, Father Emperor, to avenge her injustice.”

Li Hongyuan spoke with heartfelt sincerity, only stopping short of crying.

Finally unable to suppress himself, the Emperor sighed and got up, staggering and saying, “What you said is right. I must seek justice for Concubine Jin and let the person who harmed her be buried with her. No, I will wipe out their entire family line!”

Li Hongyuan immediately reached out to support him.

Seven days later, the Emperor finally stepped out of the gates of Splendid Palace.

Upon learning this, the concubines of the previous dynasty heaved a collective sigh of relief.

If the Emperor continued to indulge in his grief over Concubine Jin’s death, it would be truly troubling.

The Emperor returned to his sleeping quarters, first bathed thoroughly, and then ate and rested.

As for state affairs, Li Hongyuan still had to take care of them for the time being.

The Emperor’s mind was now entirely focused on finding the real culprit and avenging Concubine Jin.

He even summoned several highly-skilled detectives from the yamen, asking them to secretly investigate.

However, after investigating for only a few days, these detectives went missing one by one.

The Emperor was puzzled and sent people to search for them.

In the end, they found the bodies of two detectives in a foul-smelling ditch.

While the Emperor was furious, he also felt a chill up his spine.

It seemed that the person who secretly harmed Concubine Jin possessed no small amount of power, even to the point of killing the detectives he had personally sent out.

To have such an influence in his imperial court, it was truly alarming.

Now, even if it wasn’t for Concubine Jin’s vengeance, the Emperor had to find out the truth..