129: Close your face and give Li Chengze a big shot!

Chapter 129: Confronting Li Chengze! Brothel Education for Bear Kids! (23)

Hearing Li Chang'an's words, Emperor Qing's expression immediately turned serious.

"Oh? Is that true?"

In fact, Emperor Qing knew about this matter; in the original plot, he even obstructed Fan Xian's investigation.

But the current Emperor Qing clearly had other ideas and appeared very calm.

Li Chang'an continued, "It is true!"

"The Brocade-Clad Guards' intelligence records in detail the channels and routes the Cui Family used to smuggle large amounts of goods to Northern Qi for years, passing through Shijia Town in Cangzhou."

"My younger brother has already secretly investigated these channels and routes with the Shadow Guard, and the Imperial Treasury smuggling is indeed true!"

"The millions of taels of silver obtained from smuggling to Northern Qi each year all went into the pockets of Li Yunrui and Li Chengze!"

"As for what those two did with the money, that requires further investigation."

Hearing Li Chang'an's words, the Second Prince could no longer sit still. He immediately retreated two steps and knelt down.

"Your Majesty! Your son has been wronged!"

The Crown Prince's eyes darted around. Although he was laughing maniacally inside, his exterior showed no emotion.

He secretly observed Emperor Qing's expressionless face, then decisively stood up.

"Your Majesty! From what Your son knows of Second Brother, it's absolutely impossible for him to do such a thing!"

"This, this, this... there must be some misunderstanding!"

Li Chengze's mouth twitched uncontrollably. He knew very well that he absolutely could not admit to such a thing, even if it meant death.

Smuggling with an enemy nation and embezzling Imperial Treasury funds were grave offenses!

Moreover, where did all that money go? That wouldn't stand up to scrutiny!

He absolutely couldn't back down now, hoping that His Majesty would be wary of The Eldest Princess and wouldn't completely expose them.

"Your Majesty, Your son and The Eldest Princess have never done anything to betray Qing Kingdom."

"The intelligence from the Brocade-Clad Guards might have been prepared to incite internal strife within Great Qing!"

"I implore Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly!"

Emperor Qing looked coldly at Li Chengze, and after a long while, turned to Li Chang'an and asked, "Are there any witnesses or physical evidence?"

Li Chang'an was well aware of the current situation. If he said there were witnesses and physical evidence, then he would inevitably have to hand them over.

Once the witnesses and physical evidence were handed over, the initiative would no longer be in his hands.

Li Chang'an knew that Emperor Qing would never pursue the investigation.

Therefore, the witnesses and physical evidence could not be handed over.

Li Chang'an had his own methods to maximize the impact of the witnesses and physical evidence.

What Li Chang'an needed to do now was to strike at the heart of the matter, cut through the Gordian knot, and push Li Chengze out.

The little alpaca had been completely manipulated by Li Yunrui; getting out early was the Righteous Path.

"Your Majesty, without Your Majesty's clear decree, Your younger brother only sent people to investigate and did not collect evidence."

Hearing this, Li Chengze's wildly beating heart finally calmed down.

No concrete evidence was good news; everything was still salvageable!

But who held the key witnesses who disappeared from Shijia Town?

If Uncle Prince Yong had captured them, why would he now say there was no concrete evidence?

What did Prince Yong mean by publicly accusing The Eldest Princess and him of smuggling with an enemy nation, yet not producing concrete evidence?

Could it be that because the Brocade-Clad Guards' intelligence had to be submitted to His Majesty, he was giving him a heads-up to prepare?

But if it was a benevolent reminder, why didn't he say so privately earlier?

The Crown Prince also thought of this layer. Prince Yong must have been reminding Li Chengze to quickly destroy the evidence!

Meanwhile, the First Prince, the Third Prince, and Fan Xian all had expressions of onlookers, unable to figure out the situation for a moment.

Emperor Qing said solemnly, "Prince Yong has done very well. Both publicly and privately, for the country and for the family, the Imperial Treasury smuggling will absolutely not be tolerated!"

"Prince Yong, formally transfer the Brocade-Clad Guards' intelligence to the Supervisory Council. I ask Director Chen to immediately investigate this matter thoroughly!"

Li Chengze nervously swallowed, but also secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

It would take time for the Shadow Guard to transfer the intelligence to the Supervisory Council; he and Li Yunrui still had time!

His Majesty's words seemed stern, but it was just for show; how could he truly punish him and his aunt?

After Emperor Qing finished speaking, he turned to Li Chang'an again and said, "Prince Yong, is there anything else you wish to say?"

Li Chang'an decided to handle this matter first. Things needed to be done one by one, not too many at once.

"Your Majesty, not for now."

Emperor Qing said with satisfaction, "Very good! Prince Yong's righteousness in putting family aside for justice greatly pleases Us!"

"Don't be nervous, everyone. Since Second Brother is confident he hasn't done anything wrong, continue eating."

Emperor Qing's face showed no discernible emotion, and he even finished the meal with laughter and conversation.

After Emperor Qing left, Li Chengze rushed to Li Chang'an and said, "Uncle Prince Yong, what exactly is this plan?"

Li Chang'an patted Li Chengze's shoulder and said meaningfully, "Child, this King is saving you."

These words confused Li Chengze even more, but also convinced the Crown Prince that Li Chang'an was indeed helping Li Chengze.

Empress's sleeping quarters.

Because the Empress was afraid of the dark, the room was brightly lit.

Li Chengqian took off his shoes and walked exaggeratedly, bouncing around on the wooden floor.

The Empress, however, suddenly changed her expression, took out several paintings of Female Officials from behind her, and threw them on the ground.

"What are these?"

"Are these paintings yours!"

"Should I ask you again, who exactly are these faceless portraits of!"

Upon seeing these paintings, Li Chengqian immediately broke out in a cold sweat.

"Your son! I was merely drawing for amusement..."

The Empress had evidently guessed most of it. She said angrily, "You are the Crown Prince!"

"For your position as heir, I gave up avenging myself against Fan Xian! I agreed to you befriending Fan Xian!"

"But look! What have you been doing!"

Although Li Chengqian was afraid, he knew very well in his heart that the person before him was his Imperial Mother, who would always stand with him.

He stood up and burned all the portraits in his hand.

Seeing the Crown Prince burn the paintings, the Empress thought he should know his limits, so she no longer pressed the issue of the paintings.

"Prince Yong's accusation against Li Chengze is a good opportunity; we cannot let Li Chengze destroy the evidence first."

Li Chengqian said with a dark face, "Even if it's destroyed, there's no fear. Slaughter that town, then burn it all down; that's the cleanest way."

The Empress was somewhat puzzled, "Why so?"

Li Chengqian said directly, "In this world, besides a madman, who would do such a cruel and heinous thing, devoid of conscience."

"Second Brother is allied with Aunt. How crazy Aunt is, everyone knows!"

"Once this matter comes out, everyone will think Aunt did it, to cover for Second Brother!"

The Empress sighed, then said, "It's just like the matter of Wan'er's poisoning; it makes Li Yunrui unable to defend herself, who told her to always do bad things!"

Li Chengqian chuckled, "It was inspired by that incident that I came up with this brilliant idea."

The Empress looked deeply at her son, "You, indeed, are the one who resembles His Majesty the most!"

In the eyes of the Empress and the Crown Prince, the incident where Lin Wan'er was given an aphrodisiac was likely Emperor Qing framing Li Yunrui.

Guangxin Palace.

Li Yunrui's eyebrows furrowed as she listened to the Female Official recount the family banquet.

"To openly caress the imperial seat, and even sit in the same row as His Majesty! Truly arrogant to the extreme!"

"Has Li Chang'an taken the wrong medicine these past six months? Why is he acting more and more arrogantly, doing so many things that others want to do but dare not!"

"Truly worthy... of being my younger brother!"

At this moment, another Female Official entered the palace, reporting the latest news about Li Chengze.

"Your Highness, the Second Prince sent word that all stored goods and personnel in Shijia Town have been evacuated."

"The smuggling trade with Northern Qi is now suspended for a period, and all personnel have been dispersed and hidden."

"However, those previously disappeared people and accounts are extremely fatal; once exposed, it will be eternal damnation!"

After listening, Li Yunrui clicked her tongue and sighed, "I wonder whose handiwork this is; even I can't guess."

"Chen Pingping? The Crown Prince? Or... Li Chang'an?"

The next day, Embrace the Moon Brothel.

Several burly guards urgently knocked on the manager's room door.

However, the one who opened the door was the gentle and frail Second Manager, Sang Wen, not the strong and feisty Head Manager, Yuan Meng.

At this time, Head Manager Yuan Meng had already been secretly captured by the Net and was giving a statement to incriminate Li Chengze.

"Manager Sang, this is bad! Embrace the Moon Brothel is surrounded by the Shadow Guard!"

Sang Wen skillfully feigned surprise, "What! Prince Yong's Shadow Guard? What are they doing surrounding our establishment?"

The guard said, "Commander Xing said that assassins have infiltrated our establishment, so no one is allowed to enter or leave!"

Using assassins as an excuse to seal off the building was because the Shadow Guard's duty was to assist in maintaining order in the capital, specifically to search for and capture assassins.

Sang Wen stomped her foot in exasperation, "Oh dear! What are we to do!"

Manager Yuan isn't here, and today, both Big Bosses are still upstairs checking accounts!"

As the two were speaking, a large number of Shadow Guard had already poured into the courtyard.

The Shadow Guard were all experts of the seventh rank or higher; how could these Embrace the Moon Brothel guards compare?

"Rescue all the women who have been confined!"

"Have them give statements, then temporarily keep them under guard!"

"Where is Yuan Meng? Prince Yong is coming; quickly have her come out to greet him!"

Hearing the clamor, Sang Wen, as rehearsed, stepped out the door to greet them.

"This humble woman, Sang Wen, greets Commander Xing."

Xing Yusen sternly asked, feigning ignorance, "You are the Second Manager, where is your Head Manager?"

Sang Wen quickly replied, "I don't know where she went; she was here last night."

At this moment, a childish voice of reprimand suddenly came from the third floor.

"You are... Xing Yusen? Why has the Shadow Guard sealed off Embrace the Moon Brothel!"

Xing Yusen looked up and saw a child in brocade robes, not very old, frowning and questioning him.

Xing Yusen didn't recognize Li Chengping and immediately cursed, "Where did this little brat come from, visiting a Brothel at such a young age?"

Sang Wen quickly said, "Commander Xing, that is the Second Boss of Embrace the Moon Brothel!"

Xing Yusen shouted at Li Chengping, "I don't care how many bosses you are, Prince Yong will be here soon, so stay put!"

Hearing that Li Chang'an was coming, Li Chengping's legs subconsciously trembled.

Fan Sizhe, hiding behind him, also had a bad feeling.

"Cousin, we're running a legitimate business here, what's my brother-in-law doing here?"

Li Chengping was also inexplicably nervous, "Yes, why is Uncle Prince Yong coming here? I get scared just seeing him!"

In the eyes of this little prince, Li Chang'an was the only person in the world who wasn't afraid of Emperor Qing.

Someone not even afraid of the Emperor was inherently terrifying.

An hour later, Li Chang'an slowly walked into Embrace the Moon Brothel.

Fan Sizhe and Li Chengping, who were secretly watching from the third floor, simultaneously pulled their heads back.

Both felt that they must have gotten into serious trouble!

Wherever Li Chang'an appeared, something big was bound to happen!

"This humble woman, Sang Wen, greets Your Highness Prince Yong!"

Li Chang'an nodded and said, "Yuan Meng ran away, but you can't. Come upstairs with this King."

Sang Wen nervously followed Li Chang'an upstairs. Although the Net had informed her of what needed to be done today, she was still a bit nervous.

She hadn't seen Li Chang'an since singing 'A Branch of Plum Blossom' for him last year.

Li Chang'an reached the third floor, kicked open the door, and found Fan Sizhe and Li Chengping huddled in a corner, trembling.

"G-greetings, Your Highness Prince Yong!"

"G-greetings, Uncle Prince Yong!"

At this moment, Fan Xian had no idea about the Embrace the Moon Brothel incident, the Crown Prince was unaware, and the Second Prince dared not show his face.

Li Chang'an sat in the Head Boss's main seat and coldly glanced at the two bear kids.

"Give them paper and pens, and have them write down the entire story of how they came to open Embrace the Moon Brothel!"

Before long, writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones were placed before Fan Sizhe and Li Chengping.

Li Chang'an said, "You two, write seriously, don't be lazy!"

"Sang Wen, sing a song for this King!"

Sang Wen picked up her pipa, elegantly cradled it, and asked with a gentle, sweet voice, "Your Highness, which song would you like to hear?"

Li Chang'an didn't think much, "'A Branch of Plum Blossom' again."

Subsequently, Sang Wen's melodious voice echoed in the room. Li Chang'an listened to the music while admiring the beauty.

This woman, Sang Wen, truly became more charming the more he looked at her.

Before long, Fan Sizhe and Li Chengping each held a piece of paper and came before Li Chang'an.

Li Chang'an merely glanced at them and said with dissatisfaction, "What kind of garbage have you written?"

Hearing Li Chang'an's words, Li Chengping and Fan Sizhe both flinched in fright.

Li Chang'an said to Xing Yusen outside the door, "Lao Xing, have the girls' statements been recorded?"

Xing Yusen replied, "Reporting to Your Highness, they have been recorded!"

Li Chang'an pointed at Li Chengping and Fan Sizhe and said, "Bring them all up, and let the two bosses review them."

Soon, the statements of more than a dozen women all appeared before the two bear kids.

With each page Li Chengping flipped, his face grew more astonished, and the fear in his eyes deepened.

"Cousin, we... we actually forced good women into prostitution?"

Fan Sizhe was also sweating profusely, "Not only forced into prostitution, but almost beaten people to death!"

Li Chengping nervously said, "It's over, it's over. Yuan Meng speaks so nicely, how can she be so vicious!"

"If Imperial Consort Yi finds out about this, she'll beat me to death!"

Fan Sizhe also turned ashen, "My dad's been in a bad mood lately. If he finds out, he'll beat me so badly my mom won't recognize me!"

The more they talked, the more dejected they became, and they actually started crying, scaring each other.

Li Chang'an pointed at their noses and cursed, "Now you know to be scared? What were you doing before? Did you think being a hands-off boss was easy?"

"You two, write a letter each to Consort Yi and Official Fan."

"Clearly write the entire process of how you were misled, the wicked deeds of Embrace the Moon Brothel, and your remorse."

Thus, the two bear kids, to the melodious sound of Sang Wen's singing, wrote letter after letter to their respective parents.

They wrote until their hands ached, through more than a dozen drafts, and Sang Wen's throat was dry from singing, before their letters barely passed Li Chang'an's Dharma Eye.

"You two listen carefully. These two letters are to be delivered to Consort Yi and Official Fan immediately upon your return."

"If you dare to conceal anything, or exaggerate and talk nonsense, this King will make you regret ever being born!"