Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 575: Chapter 297 Emperor’s Suspicion_4

The Crown Prince kept his head lowered, not daring to say a word.

"Do you and the second child really think I don’t know what you’ve done to Mr. Meng?" the Emperor scolded the Crown Prince angrily, "Do you truly believe that I am unaware of even a little of your and the second child’s schemes?"

The Crown Prince prostrated on the ground and said, "I dare not."

"What is it that you don’t dare?" said the Emperor, his tone filled with icy sarcasm, "You and the second child think that gaining the favor of Mr. Meng allows you to secure your position as Crown Prince, while the second can become the Crown Prince."

Having his thoughts exposed so bluntly, the Crown Prince blushed with embarrassment, feeling awkward, uneasy, and fearful.

"I dare not."

"As the Crown Prince, instead of bringing prosperity to the common people, you spend your days thinking about underhanded schemes." The Emperor glared at the Crown Prince coldly, "Do you think you’re fit to be the Crown Prince of a nation?"

The Emperor was so angry that he almost cursed.

"Father, I..."

"Shut up!" the Emperor rebuked the Crown Prince, "Mr. Meng was so bothered by you and the second child that he left the mountain to lecture. Why did he choose the capital as his first stop to lecture? It was to get rid of you. He doesn’t want to see you, doesn’t want to read your writings, and yet you blame Minister Li, thinking it’s his fault. You’ve truly opened my eyes."

Having his most unwanted reality stated by the Emperor made the Crown Prince feel utterly humiliated.

"Do you think it’s remarkable being the Crown Prince, that everyone should flatter and fawn over you? Mr. Meng refuses to flatter you, and unable to blame Mr. Meng, you blame Minister Li. You truly are remarkable." The Emperor couldn’t believe he had fathered such a foolish son, "It’s not that you don’t dare to blame Mr. Meng openly, but because Mr. Meng is still useful to you. You still hope that this great scholar might help you ascend the throne."

The Crown Prince was so frightened that he turned pale, kowtowing and pleading, "Father, I dare not, I have no such thoughts."

"You have none? Do you think I’d believe that?" said the Emperor with a face full of sarcasm, "I’m afraid you would disturb Mr. Meng, so I specifically issued an imperial decree, preventing you from bothering him. And yet, you go on sending writings and invitations."

The Emperor continued reprimanding, "Mr. Meng has made things so clear, and yet you shamelessly assume that he wishes to see you, only being obstructed by Minister Li. You never fail to surprise me."

"Father, I realize my mistake."

"Mr. Meng doesn’t wish to see you, so stay away from him. If I find out you’ve sent more invitations or writings, I won’t let it go." The Emperor scolded, "Now get out!"

The Crown Prince hurriedly stood up, saluted the Emperor, and hurriedly exited the Imperial Study.

Sun Doudou saw the Crown Prince staggering out and nearly falling, and was about to step forward to help him when he stumbled further away.

What had happened to the Crown Prince, looking as though he was being chased by a ghost?

Inside the Imperial Study, Sun Kui quickly brought a cup of tea to the Emperor: "Your Majesty, have some tea to calm down."

The Emperor grabbed the tea cup and drank deeply. After drinking, he slammed the cup onto the imperial table.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Do not let it harm your health."

"Is he really my son?" the Emperor said angrily, "How could I have fathered a son as stupid as a pig?"

Sun Kui advised, "Your Majesty, perhaps the Crown Prince was just momentarily... confused." In truth, he meant the Crown Prince was bewitched.

"I’ve always thought he wasn’t hopelessly stupid, just overly reliant on Duke Zhen. But listening to the absurd words he just uttered, I suddenly realize he truly is foolish, and Duke Zhen cannot be blamed for corrupting him."

Sun Kui found it hard to respond to these words.

"Do you think the late Empress might have given birth to a daughter back then, and then they brought a son from outside to pretend to be my son?" The Emperor couldn’t help but suspect.