Chapter 1523: Her Highness the Princess (73)

 “Your Majesty, please forgive this subject!”

Lü Qing first said, “It is true that Lü Qing once had a wife and children. This is a fact, and Lü Qing cannot deny it.”

The Emperor was rather surprised. His indifferent gaze rested on Lü Qing below. “Then you admit to deceiving the throne?”

“Lü Qing admits it.”

Seeing this, all the officials in court were somewhat puzzled. Lü Qing had admitted it just like that? Somehow, it was different from what they had imagined.

Looking at the calm and composed mother and children standing to one side, they felt that this drama was far from over.

Tang Guo’s lips curved upward as her eyes remained fixed on Lü Qing. This Lü Qing really was something… whenever a critical moment came, he always managed to come up with some underhanded scheme.

Back then, the conflict between Tang Xi and the original host had been no more than a rivalry over affection. There had never been any deep hatred. In her previous life, the original host and Lü Qing had become a couple, while Tang Xi had later set her sights on another man, only for him to die early. It was only after the original host fell from grace and was confined to a nunnery for the rest of her lonely life that Tang Xi finally had the chance to be with Lü Qing.

By then, though Lü Qing had reached middle age, he was still spirited and full of vigor. Even Tang Xi, a princess, had obediently catered to him. He stood below one man and above ten thousand, with countless bedchamber attendants and concubines.

In this life, however, the person Lü Qing intended to frame at this critical juncture had become Tang Xi.

But would it really be that easy?

Over the years, Tang Xi’s every action had shown remarkable restraint. She had always avoided Tang Guo’s edge and never opposed her directly, choosing instead to shut her doors and live her own life quietly. In that regard, she was far smarter than the Third Prince.

Tang Xi, who no longer loved Lü Qing, would never fall into his schemes.

“Lü Qing admits to having once married and had children, but Lü Qing does not admit to sending men to hunt down his own wife and children.”

At that moment, Lü Qing raised his head. His face was covered in tears. Hearing his choked voice, the court officials all felt that something seemed amiss.

Seeing his appearance, Lin Yuexiang sneered inwardly. She remained silent at the side, thoroughly enjoying Lü Qing’s brilliant performance.

Had she still been the crude country woman she once was, she probably would not have been able to restrain herself and would have confronted him on the spot.

Although Lü Yuzhi was furious, she did not reveal it.

As for Lü Yufan, he was even more composed. Ever since his rebirth, he had thought about killing Lü Qing every single day. There was no need to rush now.

Lü Qing had seen the three of them earlier, but he had failed to recognize them. That was the true joke. He wanted to see who Lü Qing could fool this time.

“Then tell us, what exactly happened?”

As for the Emperor, he was even more patient. His voice held neither joy nor anger, making it impossible for anyone to discern his thoughts.

Lü Qing could not read him, but he believed that his display of tears and grief would surely make everyone question the person accusing him of murdering his wife and children.

“I never imagined that they would still end up losing their lives.”

His face streaked with tears and snot, Lü Qing looked blank and dazed, appearing lost and helpless.

Had Lin Yuexiang and her children not actually been his wife and children, the ministers present—including the Emperor—might truly have believed his nonsense.

The officials who had initially thought there might be some hidden story behind the matter now wore amused expressions. Lü Qing clearly had not recognized his own wife and children, had he?

Interesting. Truly interesting.

Even the Emperor nearly laughed. It was indeed amusing.

His wife and children were standing right there in the Golden Throne Hall, visible at a glance upon entering.

Yet Lü Qing was weeping over their deaths. Who exactly was he performing for? Did he really think the Emperor had grown blind with age?

Lü Qing vaguely sensed that something was wrong, but he had no choice but to continue.