Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 789 - 625 Plea

The Second Prince cast his gaze towards the Emperor, only to see that after uttering these words, the Emperor remained silent.

But in his eyes, as he looked at his third sibling, there was a thick disappointment.

The Second Prince sighed; father must be reluctant to give up Huo Huai Zhong, but it’s only a matter of face.

It’s a pity that the Third Prince didn’t even dare to plead for Huo Huai Zhong, leaving father with no way out.

At the same time, father must be disappointed with the Third Prince, such conduct is rather too selfish.

"Father, please allow me to speak on behalf of Mr. Huo."

"Oh? What is it? You want to plead for Huo Huai Zhong?"

The Emperor looked at the Second Prince; for this kind and loyal son, he was usually angry at his lack of competitiveness.

But now when he thought about it, among the sons, only the Second Prince was kind and loyal.

If it were during a time of peace, having such a benevolent king, it would naturally be a blessing for the people.

Unfortunately, the Second Prince lacks some determination; if faced with Da Xing’s ambitious and brave small countries, Dayan would certainly suffer.

"Father! Mr. Huo was momentarily confused; considering he has diligently served the court for decades, please be lenient."

The Second Prince pleaded for Huo Huai Zhong, with his own calculations.

On one hand, he believed his father was also reluctant, and on the other, with this incident, he trusted that the relationship between Huo Huai Zhong and the Third Prince couldn’t remain as close.

The Third Prince had just effectively abandoned Huo Huai Zhong, surely Huo Huai Zhong’s heart would bear resentment? It’s highly possible he would cease to be loyal to the Third Prince.

Besides, the Third Prince’s support is unreliable; Huo Huai Zhong and those officials relying on the Third Prince understood this.

Pleading for him might even bring them over to my side.

As for the Third Prince’s concubine, she is even less of a concern. In the face of family, what does a legitimate daughter count for?

For their family, when absolutely necessary, even a legitimate daughter could be abandoned.

At that time, I would not only gain benefits but also reputation, wouldn’t it be perfect?

If we take a step back, even if Huo Huai Zhong continues to be loyal to the Third Prince, it wouldn’t matter.

Anyway, the two of them could not have no conflict at all, mutual suspicion is inevitable.

I’m just speaking a few words on behalf of Mr. Huo to father, such a deal is advantageous.

If my father doesn’t want to spare Huo Huai Zhong, it’s at most a matter of losing a few words. Worse come to worst, being scolded a few times, it is worth it anyway.

The Second Prince internally weighed the pros and cons of this matter just now, confirmed its feasibility, and then spoke up.

He had to be cautious because he wasn’t alone. Otherwise, if he implicated his mother and those officials relying on him, he would be truly a sinner.

The people in the hall, upon hearing these words, all had different expressions. It was already quite obvious that Huo Huai Zhong belonged to the Third Prince’s faction.

Why did the Second Prince plead for someone from the Third Prince? It was really baffling!

Everyone looked at each other, finding it too unbelievable.

Even the Eldest Prince secretly ridiculed the Second Prince for being foolish, taking the risk of being scolded by father for pleading for someone belonging to the Third Prince?

Isn’t this like having a braying donkey kick your head? It’s simply foolish to the extreme.

The Second Prince habitually pitied this person and that person, was it just to show off his righteousness?

The Eldest Prince wasn’t oblivious to the Second Prince’s intentions; he suspected that the Second Prince intended to bring Huo Huai Zhong into alliance, but he didn’t think highly of this person.

Regardless of whether the Second Prince was genuinely righteous or hypocritical, he did not regard those originally allied with the Third Prince highly.

Although earlier, he hadn’t planned to intervene, now he couldn’t let the Second Prince play the role of a good person and also reap benefits.

Huo Huai Zhong’s previously dim face burst into color upon hearing the plea.

He turned his stiff neck to the side, discovering that it was the Second Prince who was pleading for him.

He then glanced at the Emperor, seeing the Emperor’s expression soften a bit, he immediately began to cry and plead.

Earlier, he had been stunned, but now his wits returned all over.

The Eldest Prince also hurried forward to plead for him. This person had opposed him previously, yet now pleading for him would surely earn a good reputation for generosity.

"Father! Earlier, Mr. Huo was also momentarily flustered, which led him to utter nonsense. Although I am angry, please consider his past contributions and forgive him."

This statement left everyone surprised. To say the Second Prince pleaded for Huo Huai Zhong, though startling to some extent, was still acceptable.

After all, the Second Prince was inherently kind-hearted, pleading for Huo Huai Zhong out of pity.

But the Eldest Prince’s character is widely known throughout the court.

Huo Huai Zhong had been opposing him earlier, and now the Eldest Prince pleaded for him, leaving everyone dumbfounded.

The Emperor saw the Eldest and Second Prince pleading for him, feeling gratified, and even his gaze softened considerably.

The Third Prince seeing the situation was somewhat unfavorable, hurriedly tried to salvage his image in the eyes of others.

But just as he was about to speak, he was interrupted by a fit of urgent coughing.

"Cough! Cough! Cough!"

Prince Jing coughed twice hastily, quickly covering his mouth with a handkerchief.

The Emperor shifted his gaze to Prince Jing, seeing the Fourth Prince cough until his face turned red, his brows furrowing tightly.

Prince Jing noticed the change in the Emperor’s expression, feeling a chill in his heart. What did father mean? Could it be disgust with him?

The Emperor was thinking instead about how the Imperial Physician had said the Fourth Prince was much better; why had he suddenly started coughing today?

Might it be that the healing herbs weren’t effective?

The Emperor mentally went through the herbs in his private storehouse, planning to send some over to the Fourth Prince’s residence after the court session.

"Fourth, are you still feeling unwell?"

The Emperor’s tone carried a hint of urgency, misunderstood by Prince Jing as father being impatient with him.

He lightly coughed twice again, "Father! I am not gravely ill, perhaps it’s just the root cause hasn’t been eliminated, leading to occasional relapses." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

He naturally could not be fully healed now, otherwise how could these siblings feel at ease?

The Emperor seeing Prince Jing no longer coughing felt temporarily relieved, thinking about letting the Imperial Physician check his pulse after the court.

Prince Jing originally wanted to plead a few words too, but after what happened just now, he could only swallow the words.

Being unwell leaves him worthless, pleading or not pleading makes no difference, which of these courtiers would pay him any mind?

The Emperor nodded, then returned to the previous topic.

"Since both the Eldest and Second Prince are pleading for you, I shall pardon you this time. But a minor punishment still stands as a warning against future misconduct, no matter who pleads then, it won’t work."

The Emperor’s swift consent left the Third Prince missing the chance to assist in the plea.

"I shall deduct a year’s salary from you, with the hope you act wisely henceforth." The Emperor’s cold gaze made Huo Huai Zhong tremble.

He heard it was only a year’s salary deduction, and wept with joy.

Huo Huai Zhong quickly thanked the Emperor for his grace, concurrently thanking the Second and Eldest Prince, notably omitting mention of the Third Prince.

"Third, I see you can’t even handle tasks at the Military Equipment Bureau properly, it’s best to step back for now!"

The Emperor’s words instantly made the Third Prince feel as though plunged into an ice cave; unexpectedly, Huo Huai Zhong’s position remained intact while his own task was stripped away.