Princess Consort, in particular, seethed with anger, berating anyone who dared to slander the Crown Prince and even suggesting they deserved dire consequences!
However, the sudden eruption of such fervent defense raised suspicion rather than quelling it.
It seemed as though she was plagued by a guilty conscience.
Before the Crown Prince could provide evidence of his innocence, an imperial censor swiftly lodged an impeachment against him, and the news spread like wildfire within the Imperial Court.
The Emperor, incensed by the allegations, summoned the Crown Prince and other princes to interrogate them.
One couldn't overlook the gravity of the situation—embezzlement from the national treasury by the Crown Prince was an enormous scandal, one that could lead to the forfeiture of his position.
Naturally, the Crown Prince vehemently denied the accusations.
How could he possibly commit such an act?
