245 Whats My Crime? (2/2)

Wen Jinkai revealed a cunning smile. ”Your Majesty, let's be honest. This isn't the real reason you summoned Li Xueyue. I've witnessed countless abuse of servants before by the hands of the Empress. Let us cut to the chase. Why did you really summon her?”

Emperor Fadong angrily stood up and pointed a finger to his son. ”You insolent imbecile. Who gave you the right to speak to me as such?! Do you think the Empress's protection will keep you away from punishments?!” he bellowed.

Wen Jinkai didn't even blink. ”What's my crime? Answering the Emperor when he addressed me? Should I have ignored you? Or perhaps, the truth was a crime. I wouldn't be surprised if you punished me for this reason.”

A vein popped out on Emperor Fadong's forehead. His skin had become a furious shade of red. His patience had snapped.

”If you want to charge anyone of servant abuse, especially that pesky and disrespectful one, I will gladly take the charges upon my name. But then, word will get out about the importance of this specific servant. A Commander is punished for what? Mistreating her? Bullying her?” Wen Jinkai let out a loud laughter.

”It'll truly make the public question this servant's identity. What makes her so important? Is the Second Prince having an illicit relationship with a peasant? Is this girl the illegitimate daughter of someone in the Royal family? Or perhaps…” Wen Jinkai trailed off, eyeing the Emperor.

Everyone knew what he was implying.

By now, Emperor Fadong had reached his last straw. ”You preposterous brat, today is the day I've tolerated enough of you.”

Wen Jinkai nearly rolled his eyes. Yeah, yeah, it would be some punishment in the Cold Palace. There wasn't a single thing that he wouldn't be able to handle. Bring it on then.

When he felt a pressing stare on the side of his head, he already knew who it was.

Li Xueyue didn't understand Wen Jinkai's rash words and actions. He had the courage to directly insult the Royal family. What pushed him to do it? He shifted his head and their eyes met. His lips curled into a tiny, sympathetic smile before he glanced away.

It was the first time that Li Xueyue actually felt safe with Wen Jinkai. What influenced that sudden change in him?

Li Xueyue wasn't sure she wanted the answer to that question. Instead, she averted her gaze, but it accidentally met an unwanted one. She had looked at the Emperor directly in the eyes.

Emperor Fadong was instantly reminded of the reason why he summoned Li Xueyue in the first place. He let out a humorless chuckle. What an intelligent son he had. Rude and bold, but a genius.

Emperor Fadong realized Wen Jinkai's plan. It was to distract and shift the blame onto him so that Li Xueyue would walk out of here a free woman.

Emperor Fadong's lips curled into a dark, twisted smile. ”The servant is precious to the Second Prince because she was the only one not afraid of serving him when his illness was at its peak. She has earned a good place in many people's hearts.”

He stared Li Xueyue directly in the eye as he issued his next words. ”Before the High Courts of the Imperial Family, Li Xueyue is hereby charged for servant abuse and offense against the Crown. Her punishment shall be a public canning before the palace servants.”

Just like that, chaos ensued.