After everyone left, Yan Shifan tidied up and was about to leave when Yan Song coldly said,
"You can fool others, but can you fool your father?"
Yan Shifan shivered, sneezed, and said, "Father, your son already told you—"
"Enough!" Yan Song put down his brush, stared at him fiercely, and snorted, "Speak quickly!"
Yan Shifan had no choice but to walk over, help him sit down, and adjust his attire before sighing, "There were too many people just now, and your son didn't dare to speak… Father, that Prince Jing is indeed dead… It wasn't your son who harmed him, it was—"
Although there was no one else, he still looked around before lowering his voice,
"It was done by the third son of Prince Ning… Father, that person is extremely cunning. He said the Emperor believes the prophecy of 'kings not meeting kings' and might not remember the appearances of his sons clearly. He is also of royal blood and his appearance is quite similar to Prince Jing. So, he suggested a switch… Your son just listened at the time, he neither agreed nor disagreed with the plan…"
The thought of it still made him feel uneasy. He continued, "Later, he sent word to your son through someone, saying that Prince Jing had been dismembered, and that he was now Prince Jing. To avoid suspicion, he would feign madness… He also said not to go back on the promise, and that he should be supported in ascending the throne if the opportunity arises in the future…"
Even Yan Song, who had weathered a lifetime of storms, was stunned by these words, finding them utterly unbelievable. However, in his perception, the Zhu family did indeed have such a temperament; it would be strange if they didn't. Therefore, although he had no evidence, he still believed that Zhu Mo was likely a member of the Zhu family…
Prince Ning's third son, Zhu Xi, was vicious and strong-willed, and that Prince Jing was also wise and profound. Did these two young men actually engage in such a thrilling and vicious battle? Following Yan Shifan's words, he imagined the confrontation between the two youths in Prince Jing's mansion, and a wave of fear washed over him…
He knew that he had read all the historical texts and had been an exemplary gentleman before the age of sixty. He studied diligently and possessed high comprehension, making the description of being learned truly fitting. Such things, in his view, should be possible… Since ancient times, those who belonged to the royal family possessed an extraordinary quality, and even the very weak Sima clan produced a few formidable figures.
In recent years, the confrontation between the Yan family and the Zhu family had become increasingly evident and sharp, and he often pondered these issues. If he had previously underestimated the Zhu family, after hearing his son's story, he was left only with fear in his heart—
When the Zhu family fought amongst themselves, they were far more formidable than others…
If that was the case,
The Prince Jing in Anlu who had gone mad was actually Prince Ning's third son, Zhu Xi, and he was feigning madness? Then, did the Emperor know? He thought that Jiajing was so capable that he likely knew, but perhaps not who was impersonating. This was a trump card, a royal card, and even the Yan family's last card…
He had thought a lot in the past few days. Apart from Yan Shifan, none of his other family members were capable. In a truly critical situation, he could only discuss it with this neglected son.
Sighing, old Yan Song slowly said, "Shifan, our family wasn't originally a prominent clan, just a moderately well-off family. We saved for generations, and your father was able to study, which led to today…"
Alas… He paused for a moment and continued, "You should be aware of where things have reached… Looking back on your father's progress step by step, there was no other way… Now that the Zhu family will not let us, the father and son, live, we can only see this path through to the end…"
After a moment of thought, he added, "When the Emperor took action, Prince Yu could no longer sit still… He already suspected that Zhu Mo was a prince's heir. This time, it has been confirmed… For the throne, he will do everything he can, everything that is possible… We will ally with Prince Jing, and watch the tigers fight. When the time is right, we will support Prince Jing in ascending the throne…"
Yan Shifan was completely bewildered at this moment—
What was wrong with his father today? He was usually so steady, yet tonight they were talking about rebellion? But amidst his surprise, his heart was naturally also excited: he had been waiting for this day for a long time… In this regard, he always considered himself more insightful than his father—
The Zhu family and his Yan family were already irreconcilably opposed! Whether Zhu Mo appeared or reforms were implemented did not affect this inevitable outcome. The reason was simple: his Yan family controlled two-thirds of the officials, three-quarters of the wealth, and even about seventy to eighty percent of the Ming army. Such power, even in any dynasty, would be overwhelming. Wang Mang in the late Han Dynasty, though superficially strong, only controlled the court; Gengshi raised the banner of rebellion, and the prefectures and counties of the world immediately revolted. The powerful ministers of the Eastern Han were even weaker; even the Yuan family was merely the most powerful among the feudal lords. In comparison, the Yan family was far superior to the Sima clan, and their strength even surpassed theirs… What good end has ever befallen such powerful families since ancient times? Therefore, Yan Shifan had long been prepared for this day.
At this moment, when his father spoke these words, he could only say helplessly, "Father, our family has no choice but to participate. Whether we want to or not, we have to! At that time, your son befriended Zhu Xi with this very thought… Father, just tell me, whether it's our family or Old Luo, Old Yan, and the others, we will all go along with it. At worst, we'll all be beheaded at Wumen!"
Yan Song's heart twitched slightly, and he felt a pang of sadness. He pulled Yan Shifan to sit beside him and sighed, "There was no other way to reach this point… If they don't let us live, then this is all we can do… Shifan, you must think carefully, think meticulously and thoroughly. Let them fight first, don't be hasty, take your time… The important thing now is to keep the fake Prince Jing close, don't let him be harmed, and don't let him speak carelessly… Carefully screen those you can trust, don't force anyone. If they want to come, let them; if not, we won't mind…"
Yan Shifan also looked very solemn and said calmly, "Father, your son understands. We will instigate them and let them fight each other. This time, we must be patient and not make a move until the last moment…"
Mmm, Yan Song tightly grasped his left arm and said solemnly, "Shaoting is still young, and his father-in-law is Lu Bing. Our family must leave an heir… Have him go to Yang Bo, or if that doesn't work, go beyond the frontier… Alright?"
Yan Shifan nodded, his voice choked with emotion, "Father, your son understands. Our Yan family must have someone left…"
After the father and son finished speaking, they sat in silence for a long time. Yan Shifan then hurried back.
…
At the same time,
In the side hall of Yuxi Palace, the portraits of past emperors remained solemn. In the empty hall, under the illumination of the eternal lamp, Jiajing had been kneeling for a long time. Only when he heard footsteps approaching did he stand up, his back to the doorway.
"Your humble servant pays respects to Your Majesty."
Seeing that Lu Fang was not present, Xu Jue's heart suddenly pounded. Jiajing still had his back to him and said calmly, "Have you found out? Prince Jing, is he dead?"
Xu Jue's throat felt dry, and he said in a hoarse voice, "Your Majesty, it has been found out. Prince Jing, Prince Jing is not dead…"
Huh? Jiajing's entire body suddenly trembled—
Not dead? His son was still alive? He was truly not harmed? He could hardly believe it. If Prince Jing had been alive all along, why were there so many rumors outside? And why had some items fallen into the wrong hands? The last time Wu Feng investigated, the details of that madman also did not seem like Prince Jing…
"Why is he not dead again?" He suppressed all emotion. This question, at this moment, seemed to float from the void, devoid of any feeling.
Xu Jue trembled even more and replied, "Your servant has seen the marks you mentioned, Your Majesty. Your servant saw them with his own eyes, they are there… However, he is mad and incoherent, and nothing can be asked of him… Your servant, your servant believes that Prince Jing is feigning madness…"
Oh… Jiajing immediately breathed a sigh of relief—
His son, this child, had the deepest schemes. Perhaps he was indeed feigning? Then, who was forcing him? He knew that although he believed in the prophecy of "kings not meeting kings," he had not been completely ignorant over the years. The Embroidered Uniform Guard had people monitoring him. And before these sons were made princes, he had met and held them. He was clear about the characteristics of each of his sons. This was human nature. The world said that Emperor Jiajing was heartless, but in reality, he had always cared about these sons over the years.