Chapter 446: The Emperors Thoughts

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The Third Prince was not entirely convinced by Su Bins explanation. He found Su Bins actions increasingly disconcerting. The fact that even the Emperors cherished fifth princess had been manipulated, and the circ.u.mstances surrounding it, raised suspicion.

The coincidence that the Black Panther Hall was simultaneously undertaking a mission raised further doubts. Su Bins claim of only providing minimal a.s.sistance did little to allay the Third Princes concerns. He couldnt help but suspect that Su Bin might be the mastermind behind it all.

Ultimately, the Third Prince arrived at the conclusion that Su Bin had concealed his true abilities from them. His position in the Dragon Phoenix Hall was likely higher than he had suggested.

The cries of the Empress pulled the Third Prince back to reality. He was immediately incensed by her audacity to implicate him right in front of him.

Did she have no qualms about performing in front of him?

Father for someone to gain access to those around me, coercing them to betray me, they must have the means to move freely within the palace!

Considering I spend most of my time within the palace and seldom venture outside, my acquaintances are largely confined to those inside the palace.

The fifth princesss words were even more explicit, essentially pointing the finger at the Third Prince.

Despite his intense anger, the Third Prince remained composed. After all, he wasnt the only one with the ability to come and go within the palace.

Why should he even entertain their accusations?

The Crown Prince added, Father, I believe its necessary to begin our investigation from within our own ranks.

These words left little to the imagination.

At this point, even the Emperor couldnt contain his frustration and directly inquired of them, The three of you suspect the Third Prince?

The Crown Prince and the others fell silent.

The Emperor was furious. Am I correct? You truly suspect the Third Prince? Are you daft?!

The Third Prince has been convalescing outside the capital. He returned only two months ago. During that time, he has spent the majority of his days in his residence. He only enters the palace three to four times a month and has been at my side the whole time!

How could he suddenly emerge and coerce those close to the fifth princess into betraying her?

Moreover, what possible motive would he have for harming the fifth princess?

Let me tell you, when I summoned the Third Prince to return to the palace, he was extremely reluctant!

He didnt want to return because he was avoiding you!

Infuriating!

The last time the Third Prince had been pursued and nearly lost his life, many signs had pointed to the Crown Prince. In the end, the mastermind was revealed to be a remnant of the previous dynasty due to a lack of conclusive evidence. Consequently, he didnt pursue the matter further with the Crown Prince.

He had insisted on summoning the Third Prince back to the palace to investigate if the persecution had truly been instigated by the Crown Prince.

Simultaneously, he aimed to a.s.sess the Third Princes capabilities and General Manors intentions.

He needed to prevent the Third Prince and the Crown Prince from vying for the throne while he was alive.

The stakes in their power struggle were colossal.

The Empresss family commanded a third of the nations military might, with one-third of the civil and military officials being their a.s.sociates.

Even though the Third Princes mother had pa.s.sed away, the Generals Mansion under his maternal grandfathers control still commanded one-third of the nations military might. One-third of the civil and military officials were aligned with the Generals Mansion.

In the event of a conflict between the two factions, it was inevitable that they would engage in a relentless struggle.

Such a situation would likely be exploited by remnants of the previous dynasty.

However, the Empress couldnt discern the Emperors thoughts.. Instead, she pointed at the Third Prince and rebuked, Did you distort the truth and concoct falsehoods to seek revenge against us in the presence of the Emperor?!