Everything starts from Menghualu

Chapter 509: Multiple Struggles
The news that His Majesty had changed the presiding judge of the Qingguo case soon reached Qiu Yuan's ears.

"Hmm? Prince Yu recommended Prince Jing to preside over the trial. It seems that all this was done by Mei Changsu." Qiu Yuan said
"Yes, it should be Brother Lin Shu who did it. Now that you are a juror, I think you won't feel so much pressure anymore, right?" Ni Huang said
"Pressure? How can I not have pressure? In fact, as long as Mei Changsu is still alive, I will have pressure, but don't worry, I won't do anything." Qiu Yuan said directly
"You, you still can't let it go? You still don't believe me?" Ni Huang said
"Let it go? Nihuang, you said it so easily, but what about you? Have you let it go? Haven't you let it go either?"

"Because you haven't let it go, I can't let it go. Do you understand?" Qiu Yuan said
"You, what do you want? You can just tell me directly." Nihuang said directly
"I want you to ask His Majesty for permission. We need to get married as soon as possible." Qiu Yuan said directly
"You, okay, I promise you, I will write to His Majesty tomorrow, is that okay?" Nihuang said
"Nihuang, you shouldn't ask me this. You should ask yourself. If you think it's okay, then it's okay. If you think it's not okay, then it's not okay." Qiu Yuan said
"You, what do you mean by that? Why do you say that?" Ni Huang asked
"Nihuang, I don't want to talk about this anymore. I've already explained it to you very clearly last time. If I talk about it again, the little friendship we have left will be completely exhausted."

"You and I will be together for life, so let's not dwell on this issue. This is not what I want to see." Qiu Yuan said
After saying this, Qiu Yuan stood up and walked out, and Nihuang did not try to keep him.

The two of them parted unhappily again, but Qiu Yuan didn't care about this at all, because all this was within his calculations.

Sometimes it is like this. Nihuang is not an ordinary woman, so some words must be said when the time comes. This way, hidden dangers can be eliminated in advance and at the same time, her thoughts can be made clear.

When Qiu Yuan came out of the palace and returned to his own residence, Prince Yu had already entered the harem to meet the queen.

"Jing Huan, I have heard everything. Tell me what you think?" the Queen asked directly.
"Mother, this is what I thought. I thought it made sense, so I gave up Duke Qing, won over Prince Jing, and resolved Qiu Yuan's crisis. It can be said that I achieved three goals at one stroke." Prince Yu said.
"Well, not bad, not bad. Jing Huan, you have a good idea. This method is indeed very good. So, you are coming here now, do you want me to help you win over Concubine Jing?" The Queen said directly
"Mother, you are wise. That's right. This time I came to you to ask you to come forward to win over Concubine Jing. After all, I am not sure about Jingyan's character." Prince Yu said
"Okay, I understand. Leave this matter to me. However, you can't let Jingyan go. You must continue to work hard." The Queen said
After hearing this, Prince Yu naturally bowed and agreed quickly. However, Prince Jing was completely confused at this time, because he couldn't understand why such a thing happened out of the blue.
How did the case of Duke Qing fall on him? Although he couldn't figure it out, now that the imperial edict had been issued, he could only go into the city and report.

"Your Highness, I pay my respects to you, Father." Xiao Jingyan bowed and saluted.

"Okay, get up. You should have received the imperial edict. Jing Huan recommended you to preside over the trial of Duke Qing's case. What do you think?" Emperor Liang asked.
"Father, I cannot take on this important task. After all, I have always led troops to fight in battles. I have never tried a case before, and I am afraid I am not up to the task." Prince Jing said directly.
Well, you still have the same temper. Of course I know what you have done all these years. I didn’t ask you to investigate it yourself. Didn’t I give you a helper?

"When you go back, ask Lord Qiu carefully. You two will jointly try this case. Okay, go down. By the way, since you rarely come back, go see your mother." Emperor Liang said impatiently.
After hearing this, Prince Jing knew that it was time for him to leave, so he bowed and turned to leave. Emperor Liang looked at his son's departing back and shook his head in disappointment.

But Prince Jing didn't care about these things at the moment. Not to mention that he didn't know, even if he knew he wouldn't care. After all, he had disappointed his father more than once or twice over the years and he was used to it.

"Hmm? Jingyan, why are you here? Today is not the day you can come?" Concubine Jing asked
"Mother, don't worry, I came here with the permission of my father," Xiao Jingyan said hurriedly.

"Oh? Really? That's good, that's good. Come on, come on, sit down and have a cup of hot tea to get rid of the cold. I've asked someone to prepare the food. We'll have dinner together later." Concubine Jing said
After hearing this, Prince Jing naturally would not refuse, so he smiled and nodded. After asking about Concubine Jing's well-being, she started talking about business.

"Jingyan, your assignment this time is a hot potato. The Crown Prince and Prince Yu are keeping a close eye on you. Although it was Prince Yu who recommended you to preside over the trial, we don't know what he is thinking."

"So you must be careful. By the way, before you officially try the case, you must go and have a good talk with Qiu Yuan. After all, he is now the princess's consort."

"He holds an important position, so both the Crown Prince and Prince Yu have to give him some respect. If you can get his support, this case will be much easier to handle." Concubine Jing instructed.
"Please rest assured, mother. I understand. By the way, mother, have you been doing well in the palace recently? Is there anything wrong?" Prince Jing said worriedly.
"Don't worry. Your mother has been in the palace for so many years. She has been through all kinds of storms. This time is no exception. On the contrary, you have been in the army for many years and you are inflexible."

"We must communicate well with Qiu Yuan this time. Also, no matter whether it is the Crown Prince or Prince Yu, do not offend them easily again, understand?" Concubine Jing instructed.
"I understand, mother, but mother, why are you so strange today?" Prince Jing asked in confusion.
"It's nothing. Maybe it's because I'm old. I just like to nag. Okay, let's not talk about this anymore. Let's go eat, otherwise it will get cold soon." Concubine Jing said
Although he was still a little worried, since his mother didn't want to talk, he could only obediently stand up, sit down at the table, and then the mother and son had a meal together.

After coming out of the palace, Prince Jing's face was as calm as ever, but his heart was different. He was a little worried about his mother's situation.

Because his mother was acting strangely today, but he didn't know what happened. However, he had no connections in the capital, so he could only choose to go to the mansion of Marquis Wenyuan.

When Qiu Yuan learned that Prince Jing had arrived, he naturally hurriedly stood up to greet him. After saying a few polite words, he led the person into the study.

"Your Highness Prince Jing, I thought you would come, but I didn't expect you to come so soon. Please take a seat, please take a seat." Qiu Yuan said with a smile on his face.

After hearing this, Prince Jing did not hesitate to sit down and said, "To be honest, I came here today to ask you if anything happened in the palace."

"Oh? Your Highness Prince Jing, I thought you would ask me about this case directly? I didn't expect you to ask me this. You just met the Queen Concubine Jing, right?" Qiu Yuan said with some surprise.

"Yes, that's true. I did meet my mother. I don't know why, but I always felt that my mother was a little strange today. I don't have many connections in Beijing."

"After thinking about it, I can only come to you. I don't know if you can tell me something." Prince Jing said
"As expected, His Royal Highness Prince Jing's personality is very straightforward. In fact, you don't have to worry. Empress Jing will be fine this time."

"The reason you feel strange is because there was news from the palace recently that the Queen has been taking good care of Concubine Jing. Your worries may stem from this," Qiu Yuan said.
"Hmm? So that's how it is? Thank you, Commander Qiu. If it weren't for you, I would still be kept in the dark." After hearing this, Prince Jing naturally thanked him directly.
"Ah, Your Highness, your words are too serious. In fact, these things are only known to you because you are away from home for many years. Many people in the capital know about them. They are not worth mentioning."

"I am a little curious now. Now that you know this, what are you going to do?" Qiu Yuan asked directly.
"I am a straightforward person, and I don't like these beating around the bush. I plan to go directly to Brother Yu to ask for clarification." Prince Jing said directly
"Your Highness, I'm sorry that I don't agree with your idea. You can't go to see Prince Yu at this moment. After all, you must not forget the Crown Prince." "The Crown Prince has a concubine behind him. If you go to Prince Yu's mansion, it will definitely cause the Crown Prince's dissatisfaction. At that time, the situation of Concubine Jing will only become more difficult." Qiu Yuan advised.

After hearing this, Prince Jing did not speak for a while, and Qiu Yuan did not say anything else.

"Commander Qiu, I want to know why you are helping me?" Prince Jing asked directly
"Hmm? Your Highness's words are very strange. Why don't I understand?" Qiu Yuan said
"Commander Qiu, I just said that I am a straightforward person and don't like to beat around the bush, so if you have anything to say, it's better to say it now." Prince Jing said directly.
"Your Highness, I think you really misunderstood me. The reason why I chose to help you is not just to help you, but also to help myself."

"Even before you returned to Beijing, I have been troubled by the position of chief judge. After all, this case is very difficult to handle. No matter what I do, I will offend people."

"But now that you're back, you're the main person in charge. My responsibility is much smaller, but at the same time, it's only much smaller. This case must have a result."

"If something goes wrong in this case, you as the chief judge will naturally not be able to escape the heavy responsibility, but you are a prince after all, and His Majesty will not do anything to you, but I am different."

"In the end, most of the blame will fall on me, so do you understand now? Helping you is actually helping myself."

"If you have any questions about this case, you can ask me. I know your character, so I won't interfere with your handling of the case. You can do whatever you want."

"My only request is that this case please satisfy His Majesty." Qiu Yuan said directly
After hearing this, Prince Jing looked at Qiu Yuan and didn't speak for a long time. Qiu Yuan didn't dodge either. After an unknown amount of time, Prince Jing finally said, "Okay, I promise you, I will satisfy my father."

After he finished speaking, he stood up and left, and Qiu Yuan naturally wanted to see him off. After seeing Prince Jing off, he was just about to breathe a sigh of relief when he was called into the study by his father.

"Son, what is the purpose of this Prince Jing coming here? Is he here to ask about your case?" Wen Yuanbo asked

"Father, I guess so, but he cares more about his mother. I have told him everything I know." Qiu Yuan said directly
"Ah? You've said all that? Well, what if he shows partiality? You'll be the one who suffers the most then?" Wen Yuanbo said worriedly.

"Father, of course I know this, but don't worry. Let's not talk about whether he will show favoritism. Even if he does, Prince Yu will not do so."

"Now that the case has been reported to the emperor, and the evidence is irrefutable, the Crown Prince is still holding on to it. Prince Yu is not a fool. This Duke Qing is doomed to die."

"Prince Yu will not do anything out of line at this time. What I am worried about now is that he will use this opportunity to win over Prince Jing. What will Prince Jing choose?"

"Father, you know that when it comes to influence in the army, even if ten Dukes of Qing were tied together, they would not be as powerful as one Prince Jing."

"If Prince Jing is really won over by him, then our family will only have one option, and the timing is not right. It will be difficult, difficult." Qiu Yuan said
After hearing this, Wen Yuanbo also knew that the situation was not good, but he also had no good solution, so he could only frown.

At this time, Prince Jing returned to his mansion and began to think about his next move. His mind was in a mess and he didn't know what to do.

He was worried about his mother and the case at the same time, so his expression was always gloomy.

The prince was also troubled at this time and was also having a headache.

"Tell me, what is Xiao Jinghuan's plan? On the one hand, he lets the Queen win over Concubine Jing in the palace, and on the other hand, he pretends to be willing to sacrifice his relatives for the sake of justice in the court."

"Does he really want to play the trick of pretending to build a plank road while secretly attacking Chencang?" the prince asked
"Your Highness, I think you don't need to worry so much. In fact, Prince Yu's actions remind us that Prince Jing has much more prestige in the army than Duke Qing."

"Prince Yu can get the Queen to win over Concubine Jing, so naturally we can follow suit. What Prince Yu can do, we can do. What Prince Yu cannot do, we can do as well, right?"

"After all, our influence in the army is not comparable to that of Prince Yu. I believe that Prince Jing will make the right choice." Xie Yu said
"Yes, yes, you are right. You are right. Well, it is not convenient for me to see him now. You go, you go see him and tell him what you mean."

"I won't ask him to do anything else, just let him put aside all distractions and try the case with peace of mind. He must be fair and just, without any partiality!" The prince said directly.
(End of this chapter)