The public was getting restless as the Emperor had not made his decision over Prince Jing"s case. Jiang Xiao Xian was summoned into the palace and received a decree to keep the peace in the city before a riot could break.After almost a week, the result of the investigation came out. A few servants from Prince Jing"s testified that the dead girls were all murdered by Chancellor Chen"s granddaughter, Chen Chun Hua.
Chancellor Chen wanted to build an alliance with the Imperial family by proposing a marriage between his eldest granddaughter, Chen Chun Hua with Prince Jing. However, because his granddaughter was too young, the engagement was put on hold. It wasn"t until last year that Prince Yi and Chancellor Chen met with the Emperor and asked for the emperor to grant the two a marriage.
The servants attested that Chen Chun Hua killed those girls due to jealousy. Prince Jing took an interest in the young maidservants and would spend a night with the girls.
The first time she murdered a maidservant was two years ago when she accidentally found out about Prince Jing"s entanglement. The first murder was an accident. However, when Prince Jing took interest to the second, and third girl, Chen Chun Hua could no longer stop herself from killing them.
The public was outrage. Chancellor Chen granddaughter killing the young girls was one thing. How old was Chancellor Chen"s granddaughter when she first murdered someone? The people also found out of Prince Jing"s disgusting behavior. Some of the girls were not even in their marriageable age!
Prince Yi and Chancellor Chen could not do anything to resolve this matter. Their attempt to silence Prince Jing"s servant did not go well. Their attempt to bribe a few officials to solve the issue quietly also failed.
In the end, the Emperor was forced to make his verdict. He called over both Prince Yi and Chancellor Chen to discuss the matter before they came out with a decision.
Prince Jing and Chen Chun Hua"s marriage was called off. The Emperor banished them to the Eastern part of Da Cheng where the area was impoverished. The servants in Prince Jing"s household were turned as the government slaves. The family members of the dead were given money as compensation.
The people were not satisfied with the punishment. However, there was nothing else they can do. The Emperor commanded that no one should be talking about this matter as it has reached its conclusion. Anyone who spoke of this incident will be taken to the department of justice, and they will receive punishment.
"Are you not glad that this matter has reached its" conclusion?" Jiang Xiao Xian asked as he saw the frown on the second brother"s face after the verdict was out.
Jiang Xiao Tian forced a smile. "It"s not that. Although I was not satisfied with the verdict, at least we get to keep Prince Jing away from Princess Lingchen. However, I am still worried. Prince Jing had his followers. I"m worried that he will send his men to continue to harm Her Highness. My people tried to find any suspicious substance that Prince Jing might have used to trigger the poison during the raid. However, they could not find anything. How do we protect Her Highness from something that we did not even know?"
"Prince Jing has been banished away to Eastern Da Cheng due to his crime," Jiang Xiao Xian pointed out. "Do you think he still has the chance to ascend the throne?"
"If Princess Lingchen were ineligible to ascend the throne, the next successor would be Prince Yi and then Prince Jing," Jiang Xiao Tian pointed out. "This fact will not change unless if the Princess gave birth to an heir. When the country is without a successor, Prince Jing"s supporters will convince the others to bring him back."
Jiang Xiao Xian could only sigh at his brother"s words. "You worry too much."
Xiao Tian merely smiled as his elder brother walked away.
Perhaps Elder Brother was right. He was worrying too much. Still, he could not stop his concern over this matter. Prince Jing being away from the city might give him the chance to plot something else to harm the Princess.
Jiang Xiao Tian then made his decision to sent a few of his men to continue to monitor the Prince"s every movement.
As the matter with Prince Jing had reached its conclusion, Jiang Xiao Tian went into the palace to see the Crown Princess. When Xiao Tian arrived, the Crown Princess was in the middle of a treatment session with her physician, Ying Yi.
Jiang Xiao Tian waited at the receiving hall as usual and not a long after, the Princess came out with Ying Yi. Xiao Tian quickly stood up to offer his greeting. Then he turned to Ying Yi and asked her again about the potions they have in hands.
Ying Yi moved her hands to say that their answer was the same. The medicine they have might not be enough for the Princess to continue the treatment.
"What"s the matter?" Princess Lingchen asked suspiciously.
"Your Highness," Jiang Xiao Tian bowed. "I have something to discuss with you."
Jiang Xiao Tian then told the Crown Princess of his meeting with the Prince of Qian Rong last week. When he finished, the Princess was silent as she was in deep thought.
"You"re saying that Prince Lu Wei knew of the other way to treat me?" Princess Lingchen asked.
Jiang Xiao Tian nodded. "Yes. However, His Majesty might not agree with the Prince"s terms."
Princess Lingchen thought over the Prince"s conditions and agreed with what Jiang Xiao Tian had said. There was no way that her parents would allow her to be in the same room with a man. "And you believe that he knows something about the poison?"
"I did not want to believe him. But, Prince Lu Wei could identify the cold poison in your body when the other experienced physician could not," Jiang Xiao Tian pointed out. "Even though Prince Lu Wei denied it, I think he is related to the Nanlin Tribe in Sui Country."
Princess Lingchen closed her eyes as she thought over Jiang Xiao Tian"s words. "I will think about it."