Meanwhile, beyond the imperial walls, caravans were being burned by unknown forces. The minor sects began to doubt the central power. And in the palace corridors, there was already talk, in poisonous whispers, of which brother should rule if the emperor fell.
Many rumors circulated in the streets and quickly reached the palace. "Did you hear that?" "What?"
"The rumors say that His Highness Prince Ian is funding a group of bandits because he wants to weaken the throne. It's even said there's evidence and a witness.
"How horrible! How can he be so selfish? Considering how well His Majesty and the Crown Prince treat him?"
"I was told he had demonic blood." All these rumors reached the ears of the imperial court.
"Your Majesty," said Minister Xue, "there have been rumors circulating in the palace and on the streets. I think Your Highness owes us an explanation." Jing Shao stood up and said sternly, "Minister Xue, I've told you before. Don't slander my brother. What's circulating in the streets are just rumors. It has nothing to do with my brother." "Your Highness, I understand that you love your brother very much, but I'm not the only one saying this. Please be understanding."
Minister Xue took out a letter.
"Your Majesty, this is a letter from a witness who says they saw a servant killed in a suspicious manner. Please review it." Xue approached and gave the confession to the Emperor. The Emperor couldn't help but frown.
"It says here that they witnessed my two sons, Jing Lian and Jing Shao, massacring a palace servant."
Everyone in the room erupted in shock, and someone stood up and said sternly,
"Nonsense! The Crown Prince would never do such a thing."
Another said.
"Who knows? If His Royal Highness Lian beats and humiliates civilians, how could the Crown Prince not do it?" The room was in chaos.
Many looked at them with contempt.
Jing Lian stood up and said, "I know my reputation isn't good. You can say whatever you want about me, but how dare you say anything about my brother? How can you? Are you even human?"
Some lowered their heads, others were embarrassed, but most were looking at Jing Shao with suspicion and hatred. Jing Shao had never received such a look. He couldn't say anything; words wouldn't come out.
Minister Xue gave Jing Shao a murderous look and said to His Majesty, "Your Majesty, this matter is very serious. This humble one suggests that you please lock up His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and his brother until we resolve this matter."
Many in the room nodded. One person said in the distance, "Your Majesty, consider the people. Isn't His Royal Highness a just man? Why would you be afraid if he is innocent?
The emperor's eyes were distorted and he had no choice but to have Jing Shao and Jing Lian placed under house arrest until the matter was resolved.
The rumor that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and his younger brother were arrested quickly spread throughout the Tianmeng Kingdom. Some were worried, others proud, and some doubted. One person said:
"His Royal Highness is so good, always attentive to his people. There must be a mistake."
Another said:
"Pff, that good-for-nothing deserved it. Immortal? Good character and wisdom? How is he now? Pure nonsense."
Another:
"I don't know. This matter seems very strange to me, but it's better not to talk about it."
"I wonder what His Royal Highness and his brother are doing?" This was said by a village maiden who was always in love with the Jing brothers.
Meanwhile, in the palace, Jing Shao was meditating in his room when someone opened the door. It was Jing Lian.
"What are you doing here?" he said, a little surprised. "We are not allowed to see each other or receive visitors. We might raise more suspicions."
brother.... Jing Lian said, sobbing , "It was my fault, it's all my fault, please don't hate me, I beg you, brother."
Before Jing Lian could react, Jing Shao was already in front of him with red eyes. He patted him on the shoulder and told him that it wasn't his fault and that they would find a solution. Little did they know what was coming.