Help! The innocent prince always tries to seduce me clumsily

His voice was a little hoarse. Chu Shitong guessed that he must have just lost his temper, otherwise Zhang Chunying would not have been kneeling in the hall.

"Thank you, Father."

As soon as Chu Shitong stood up, he heard Chu Shiyu say, "Xiaoqi, the fire at East Fifth Institute has been investigated. Someone deliberately set the fire, and the arsonist has been caught by Zhang Chunying."

Chu Shitong immediately pretended to be surprised and asked, "Did someone deliberately set the fire to kill me?"

The expression on Chu Shiyu's face darkened, he took a deep breath and said, "Zhang Chunying, you go."

"The minister obeys the order."

Zhang Chunying then said, "Your Highness, the Seventh Prince, after investigation by me and my Imperial Guards, and after corrections from the people in the harem, we found out that the arsonist was the eunuch Xiao Yanzi from the East Five Residences. Xiao Yanzi escaped from the palace overnight and was captured by the Imperial Guards outside the capital last night. After being severely interrogated by the Dali Temple, Xiao Yanzi said that it was because Your Highness was very harsh on him on a daily basis, and he burned the East Five Residences in revenge and fled overnight."

Chu Shitong said, "Father, I have rarely seen Little Yanzi, and I don't know how I offended him to make him sprinkle kerosene all over the East Fifth House in the middle of the night in an attempt to burn me to death."

Although it was a respectful explanation on the surface, Chu Shitong actually wanted to kick Zhang Chunying out of the hall.

What’s the use of Zhang Chunying if she can’t even get any information out of him by forced interrogation?

Chu Shitong deliberately mentioned the matter of kerosene in order to remind Chu Shiyu that this reason must be false.

He is a small eunuch in the East Fifth House, with no power or influence. How can he find so much kerosene to set the fire or escape from the palace?

"Zhang Chunying, is this what you found out?"

Chu Shiyu sneered and said, "It seems that you are no more than this as the leader of the Imperial Guards. Otherwise, you wouldn't have waited until the fire at East Fifth Institute became like that before you discovered it."

Zhang Chunying was completely humiliated by what Chu Shiyu said and half-knelt on the ground with his fists clenched tightly.

The Queen pleaded, "Your Majesty, Xiao Yanzi did this on purpose. This matter cannot be blamed on Chunying. The servants of Dongwu Suo themselves also have problems. The fire was so big that they didn't even know to call for help. Such servants must be severely punished..."

Chu Shitong interrupted without giving any face, "Empress, there are not many servants in the East Fifth House. One went out to call for help but to no avail. Of the other three servants, one died trying to save me, and two managed to save me. I wonder what crime the Empress is talking about they have committed? Why should they be punished for saving me?"

The Queen was speechless for a moment after being blocked by Chu Shitong's words, but she didn't want Zhang Chunying to be punished, so she said: "Your Majesty, after all, the arsonist is from Dongwusuo, and he is also a thief in the family. Since Chunying has caught the murderer, I hope Your Majesty can forgive Chunying this time."

Chu Shiyu looked at the queen, who lowered her head obediently.

Chu Shitong did not say anything at this time. The emperor was not stupid and naturally knew that the mastermind of this incident was definitely not Xiao Yanzi. However, Zhang Chunying probably had no way to investigate this matter further. Xiao Yanzi refused to reveal the person behind it, so there was nothing others could do.

There has to be a solution to this matter.

After a while, Master Chu said, "Since this servant himself resented his master for doing this, according to the law, servants who betray their masters shall be punished with death."

Zhang Chunying and Zhang Sinuo's faces immediately turned from gloomy to bright, because the emperor had given in and did not allow the investigation to continue.

"But," Chu Shiyu added, "For intending to harm the prince, the death penalty is too easy for him. Pass the order down and execute all nine generations of his clan!"

Zhang Chunying and Zhang Sinuo were stunned for a moment. Chu Shiyu rarely sentenced people to such a severe punishment.

A person's nine generations of ancestors can involve too many innocent people.

Nine clans: In a popular sense, it includes father, mother, father's brothers and sisters, mother's brothers and sisters, one's own brothers and sisters, and wife's brothers and sisters.

"The nine clans are four from the father's side, three from the mother's side, and two from the wife's side." The four from the father's side refers to one's own clan, the clan of the married aunt and her son, the clan of the married sister and nephew, and the clan of the married daughter and grandson; the three from the mother's side refers to the clan of the maternal grandfather, the clan of the maternal grandmother, and the clan of the aunt and her son; the two from the wife's side refers to the clan of the father-in-law and the clan of the mother-in-law.

When one person's entire clan was executed, at least 1,686 relatives were implicated, and basically all relatives were included.

If it weren't for treason or murder of the emperor, it would be basically impossible to be sentenced to such a serious punishment.

Even Chu Shitong himself was a little surprised. What was Chu Shiyu's intention in sentencing him like this?

The queen was obviously a little panicked. Since she became queen, she had never heard of anyone being punished with the heinous crime of exterminating nine generations of her clan!

"Your Majesty, think twice... It was Little Yanzi's fault that he had gone down a path of no return. Were the others innocent people implicated?"

Master Chu said: "Little Yanzi murdered the prince for selfish reasons and intended to cut off the bloodline of our Beiqing royal family. Why can't he be sentenced to such a punishment?"

Zhang Chunying also advised: "Your Majesty, please think twice. This kind of punishment is too severe. I am afraid that if it is passed on, it will cause panic among the people."

Seeing that the situation was not right, Chu Shitong also began to persuade him: "Father, Xiao Yanzi's fault is only his own fault. Since you have ordered the death penalty, he has reaped the consequences. If you order the execution of nine clans, I am afraid that many innocent people will be hurt and it will also affect your reputation. Please think twice."

Chu Shiyu frowned and stared at Chu Shitong for a long time before he said, "Since Xiaoqi is begging for mercy, then forget it. However, he is such a small servant who is so bold. I can't let him die so easily. Killing Chu's nine clans is a bit serious, so let's kill three clans."

Chu Shitong said: "Father, your majesty is wise."

Zhang Chunying breathed a sigh of relief. He vaguely guessed that His Majesty was not satisfied with the results of his investigation, so he deliberately mentioned such a punishment to warn him.

Chu Shiyu said: "Zhang Chunying has made amends this time. He can be forgiven for the major crime, but he cannot escape the minor crime. I will demote you to the rank of commander-in-chief as a warning to others. Let's see who in the Imperial Guard dares to slack off on palace affairs."

"His Majesty……"

The queen wanted to beg for mercy, but Chu Shiyu didn't want to listen and interrupted her directly.

"Okay, you and Zhang Chunying go down. I have something to say to Xiao Qi."

Seeing this, the Queen knew that continuing to talk would only make the Emperor angry, so she had no choice but to admit defeat to Zhang Chunying.

"Chen and concubine retire."

"My minister retire."

After the two men left, Chu Shitong stood alone in the hall.

Chu Shiyu asked, "Xiao Qi, do you know why I let Zhang Chunying go?"

"General Zhang has been in the Imperial Guard for many years, but this is the first time he has made a mistake while guarding the Imperial Palace. Your Majesty may have thought of his hard work over the years, or maybe it's something else."

Chu Shitong didn't make it clear on the surface, but even though she said it vaguely, it was already very clear.

Chu Shiyu looked at Chu Shitong with a dazed look on his face. After a long while, he sighed and said, "Xiaoqi, the fire at the East Fifth Institute cannot be investigated further. I am really sorry for you."

Chu Shitong's heart was suddenly touched.

It seemed that in the previous life, Chu Shiyu had been so fond of her.

But in the end, he still passed the throne to Chu Shixuan by secret decree.

Thinking of this, the slightest bit of sadness in Chu Shitong’s heart disappeared.

"Your Majesty is thinking about me, I understand, and I don't want you to be embarrassed by this."

"Xiao Qi is still sensible."

Chu Shiyu seemed to have turned into a kind father. His voice lost its solemnity and majesty and became much more friendly.

"You just moved out of the palace. Are you feeling well in the mansion in the south of the city? There are many officials in the south of the city. If you are not comfortable, I can find you a new house."

Chu Shitong smiled and said, "Thank you, father. The Queen had already anticipated this matter, so the mansion she gave me that night was the house in the west of the city."

Chu Shiyu's expression turned cold instantly. "So you have been staying at the house in the west of the city these days?"

"Yes, the Queen sent some servants here. Originally, there was a nanny sent by the Queen to take charge. But when she first arrived, she took advantage of my absence and punished the maid next to me for no reason. When she saw me, she asked me to manage the mansion, including the expenditure of money, the management of the family property, the allocation of positions, and daily trivia. She said that this was also the Queen's intention. It happened that Master Fan and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince who came to visit me saw this and sent her away in anger. I haven't told the Queen about this yet. I think the Queen will be unhappy when she finds out."

"What could possibly make her unhappy?"

Chu Shiyu said sternly, "What do you mean by 'powerful nanny'? This little dog servant clearly wants to be the master! You are too kind-hearted. If Chu Shifan and the prince hadn't been there, would you have let this little dog servant bully you?"

Chu Shitong whispered, "I think... this is what the Queen wants."

"Just remember your own identity. You are my prince. Even if the queen is the mother of a country, she would not dare to send a servant to treat you with contempt!"

"My son, I will obey my father's teachings."

Seeing that Chu Shiyu was angry, Chu Shitong advised him in a dog-like manner: "Father, calm down. This servant's words are also untrustworthy. Maybe he is just too bold to rely on the Empress's power. The Empress is still very good to me."

She raised her hand and handed over the list on her sleeve, and the eunuch serving His Highness immediately took it and handed it to Chu Shiyu.

Chu Shiyu glanced at the list and said, "What is this?"

"This is something that the Queen sent to me. Although the conditions in the mansion are simple, it looks quite presentable with the things sent by the Queen."

Chu Shiyu glanced at the list and said, "You are still young, and the cost of building a mansion must be high. The Queen may have forgotten it carelessly. I will send someone to reward you with some money later. Since the mansion has been built, your salary will be the same as Xuan'er's in the future."

"Thank you, Father."

Chu Shixuan has not yet been crowned king because he has not married yet. He has only built a mansion on his own. The current regular silver is paid annually, at 1,500 taels per year.

The purpose of coming here today has been achieved. When Chu Shitong was about to leave, Chu Shiyu suddenly said.

"Come out and let Xiao Qi pick one."

Chu Shitong followed Chu Shiyu's line of sight and suddenly discovered that there was a row of shadow guards in night clothes beside him.

This is... the Royal Shadow Guard?

The royal family has always had special shadow guards for the emperor, and there are also training camps specifically for training shadow guards. It is said that the training of shadow guards starts from a young age, and basically, those shadow guards who can come out alive and meet the requirements have all undergone professional royal brainwashing, and are completely loyal to their master.

The shadow guards have extremely high martial arts skills. Basically, one of them can match dozens of imperial guards with superb martial arts. Only one batch is trained every five years, and the number of shadow guards sent out in each batch is very small.

"Father, what are you doing?"

Chu Shiyu said: "You are still young, and it is very dangerous for you to live outside the palace. It just so happens that the training camp has sent out three shadow guards these days. You can pick one to stay with you."

Even Chu Shiyu only had three or five shadow guards around him. The three shadow guards sent out this time were considered many, otherwise Chu Shiyu would not have been willing to give one to himself.

"My dear father, thank you very much."

Chu Shitong looked at the three shadow guards beside him. They all wore black face scarves, revealing only their eyes.

Chu Shitong discovered that there was a woman among them.

In his previous life, Chu Shiyu had a female shadow guard by his side. It was said that her martial arts skills were the best in the training camp for such a long time. Later, when he went to the south of the Yangtze River, Jiangdu was attacked. It was this female shadow guard who protected His Majesty and broke out of the siege. She became famous because of this battle.

Naturally, Chu Shitong had only heard of it but had never seen it, because Chu Shitong did not go there when he went to the south of the Yangtze River.

Later, His Majesty passed away. As his shadow guard, this woman was naturally buried with His Majesty.

"Father, I will choose her."

Chu Shiyu smiled and said, "Xiao Qi has a sharp eye. He picked out the one with the best martial arts in this group at a glance."

Chu Shitong pretended to be stunned for a moment, and explained: "I just think that compared to other men, this woman may be a little weaker. I usually don't go to any dangerous places, so ordinary shadow guards are enough. I want to keep some with high martial arts skills by my father's side, but I don't think that appearance is not the best. In this case, I will choose another one."

"No need for that. It's your filial piety. It's your fate that you chose her at first sight." Chu Shiyu said, "I have plenty of shadow guards around me. Xiao Qi doesn't need to be considered for me."

Chu Shitong didn't say anything. Given her personality, Chu Shiyu guessed that she was probably hesitating about how to refuse.

Chu Shiyu said, "You are not kidding, Xiaoqi, there is no need to shirk responsibility. You are my youngest prince. The fire at the East Fifth Institute scared you this time. I will give you this shadow guard to prevent such a dangerous thing from happening next time."

Chu Shitong knelt down and bowed deeply, "Then... thank you very much, father."

Chu Shiyu then said that Yun Xiangrong's health had improved, and asked Chu Shitong to go and see her. Chu Shitong agreed to leave on the surface, but actually had no intention of going at all.

She came alone and left with five hundred taels of silver and a shadow guard, which was considered a big profit.

As soon as I came out of the Yangxin Palace, Wang Zexu came forward with a smile.

"I have not yet congratulated Your Highness on your new home."

Chu Shitong said, "You are too polite, eunuch. How can we celebrate the new house? It's just that our residence was burned down, and the emperor sympathized with us and gave us a house."

"That can be considered a happy occasion of moving into a new house. You are the first prince in this dynasty to be granted a mansion as an exception."

Chu Shitong could see that Wang Zexu was really happy now, but it was definitely not because he was happy about his new home.

"You are too kind, eunuch. I have not yet congratulated you."

Wang Zexu was seen through by Chu Shitong, and for a moment he imitated Chu Shitong and said modestly: "I have nothing to congratulate you for. My affairs are just palace affairs, which are not worthy of public display."

Once the incident with Little Yanzi came out, His Majesty would not only re-select the leader of the Imperial Guards, but would also reorganize the Ministry of Internal Affairs because of the kerosene issue. At that time, it would be easy for Wang Zexu's people to be promoted to the position.

The Chief Eunuch of the Imperial Household Department is different from the Chief Eunuch of the Grand Chamberlain. The Chief Eunuch of the Grand Chamberlain actually refers to the eunuch in charge of the imperial court, who is specifically responsible for serving the emperor, while the Chief Eunuch of the Imperial Household Department is in charge of all domestic affairs in the palace.

This is a good job, not only is it lucrative, but also because of the complicated internal affairs, the palaces in the harem are flattered. If the chief steward of the Imperial Household Department is replaced by Wang Zexu's people, Wang Zexu's position in the palace will be stabilized. There is a very important item in the management of the Imperial Household Department, and that is the monthly salary of everyone in the harem.

Once you have control over the purses of everyone in the palace, it will be easier to deal with any issues in the future.

Wang Zexu only put in a little effort and received such a generous reward. It would be strange if he was not happy.