After the daughter was treated harshly by her family, everyone knelt down and begged for forgiveness

Chapter 1056: Unable to Bear Hurt

On the day Fang Zhixuan left Shanchang County, Xu Mingqian followed the arrangements, returned to Beijing in secret, temporarily stayed in the western tower in the northern suburbs, and waited for Fang Zhixuan to return to Beijing and return together.

For fear of making mistakes and affecting important matters, Xu Mingqian strictly followed Fang Zhixuan's instructions, went up to the west tower alone, and waited for his news.

Fang Zhixuan returned and deliberately did not inform Xu Mingqian. After meeting Zhuang Shao, he no longer hid himself and went straight into the palace.

Gu Mengzhen was deeply relieved to hear that Fang Zhixuan had taken the initiative to come to the palace to ask for an audience.

With Fang Zhixuan's strategic talent, it is impossible for him to foresee that the identity of the informant would be exposed.

The fact that he dares to come shows that he trusts his royal brother.

Brother Zhuang’s relationship was closer than that of a blood relative, and Gu Mengzhen couldn’t bear to let him down, so he immediately got up from his seat and stood up to greet him.

"Brother, you are finally back."

"It's been a long time since we last met, and I miss you so much."

Fang Zhixuan bowed.

"Your Majesty, may your Majesty be at peace."

Gu Mengzhen was slightly stunned.

"Why change your title to Emperor?"

"My dear brother, do you intend to sever your brotherly ties with me?"

Fang Zhixuan acted as if he was guilty.

"I, a humble official, have deceived the Emperor. My crime is unforgivable, so I have changed my title."

Gu Mengzhen reached out to help.

"Why are you lying? Please sit down, my dear brother. Kneeling for too long can easily hurt your legs and feet."

Fang Zhixuan is sincere.

"I am guilty and dare not stand up. Please kneel down and report to me."

Gu Mengzhen knelt down without thinking.

"Okay, kneel down."

"I kneel with you. We are brothers, and we share the same suffering and death."

Fang Zhixuan was extremely frightened.

"How dare I? Your Majesty, you absolutely cannot do this. Please stand up."

Gu Mengzhen spoke softly.

"Unless you sit down first, I won't get up."

Fang Zhixuan bows his head.

"Yes."

"Thank you for your grace."

Gu Mengzhen pulled him and sat down together.

"Tell me, what are you deceiving me about?"

Fang Zhixuan's behavior is extremely sincere.

"Your Majesty, this humble servant's identity is false. I am impersonating Zhuang Shao and lurking by your side."

"Actually, I am Fang Zhixuan, the fifth son of the third branch of the Fang family."

Gu Mengzhen pretended to be surprised.

"Oh? Are you serious about this?"

Fang Zhixuan spoke earnestly and showed his sincerity.

"Every word I say is true, Your Majesty, please trust me."

"From the beginning, I approached the Emperor for the Fang Clan's greater purpose, taking shelter in the enemy camp to serve as an informant."

"Then, the twin sons were born. The Emperor cared for them meticulously, treating them as if they were his own. This moved my humble wife deeply, and as a result, our resolve wavered slightly."

"For the next twenty years, my humble family enjoyed the Emperor's favor. Unknowingly, we changed our minds and abandoned the Yan clan to support His Majesty."

"I would like to confess everything, but I am worried that the emperor only favors my brother Zhuang Shao. I cannot bear to abandon the emperor, so I have not said it openly."

"I left the capital this time under the pretext of seeking a cure, but in reality I was leaving to find some peace of mind, reflect on the past, and muster the courage to reveal the truth to the Emperor."

"Over the years, I have lived in self-blame and have suffered immensely. Your Majesty, you don't know how much I have longed for this day."

"Since I have chosen to confess, I am ready to sacrifice my life for the sake of the Emperor's peace of mind."

"But please, Your Majesty, forgive my family. The fault lies with me. They are all innocent."

"After years of anticipation, I finally get to be honest. I die with no regrets. Please, Your Majesty, forgive me!"

Gu Mengzhen sighed with regret.

"Alas, Brother Zhuang, how could you possibly think of me as a bad person?"

"We have been together for over twenty years, and we are as close as brothers. Even if I were to kill myself, I would never have the heart to hurt you."

He revealed his innermost thoughts and showed deep affection and loyalty.

"You're right. We should be honest with each other."

"Brother Zhuang is honest, and I will tell you the truth."

"A few days ago, I met Lord Jingshan and recognized him as my virtuous brother."

"However, I have no intention of recognizing him, because I can't bear to leave you either."

"Uncle Zhuang and Mother are upright people. I know that Duke Jingshan will definitely not support me."

"From the beginning of the year till now, you have been by my side, never getting tired of comforting me. Whether your words are true or false, I find them comforting and cherish you like a treasure."

"It is true that I love you, my dear brother, but that does not mean that my love for you is false."

"You are Fang Zhixuan, but you are also my brother Zhuang. As long as you are loyal to me, we will be brothers, living in harmony and friendship, and will never be separated."

He glared at her, showing both anger and affection.

"From now on, when we meet in private, I will not allow you to change your name."

"Quick, call me your royal brother. I haven't heard it for so many days. I'm not used to it and I feel very uncomfortable."

Fang Zhixuan burst into tears.

"Brother Emperor treats me so well. I feel ashamed that I cannot compare to him. I regret not revealing my identity earlier. I feel ashamed."

Gu Mengzhen quickly took out a silk handkerchief and wiped his tears.

"Brother Zhuang, there's no need to blame yourself."

"This matter is my fault. I am usually very harsh in my dealings, and I frightened you, making you afraid to tell the truth."

"Don't cry or be afraid. I love you so much, how could I be so cruel as to hurt you?"

He changed the subject and diverted his brother's attention.

"I remember Mu Rong said before that you and Lord Jingshan became sworn brothers."

"After Prince Dijin's defeat, Duke Jingshan might be resentful. Could you help me persuade him?"

Fang Zhixuan stopped crying.

"I will serve my brother the emperor."

He relaxed for a moment and regained his composure.

"There is something I have considered and decided to report to my royal brother."

Gu Mengzhen listened attentively.

"Well, you said."

Fang Zhixuan reported the matter.

"My eldest sister's fifth disciple, aliased as Cheng Wu, but actually known as Miao Si, took the imperial examinations one by one and infiltrated the Zhong residence."

Gu Mengzhen was shocked.

"Miao Si?"

"Yao Ruopian's attendant, Miao Si?"

Fang Zhixuan's teachings are half true and half false.

"It is also."

"My brother exterminated the Zhong and Yao clans. She luckily escaped and has been hiding in the secret room of the Gao Mansion. She only took action recently."

"She intended to kill Lord Ning. I clearly discovered it, but I did nothing to stop her."

"Lord Ning has already been killed."

"I am not disloyal to my brother, the Emperor. I just see him gaining favor and gradually surpassing me, and I am jealous."

"Brother, please forgive me."

Gu Mengzhen quickly accepted the reality and only cared about his brother.

"Miao Si, you definitely didn't act alone. You were right not to stop them."

"It's difficult to act alone. My dear brother, you must pay attention to your own safety and not take any risks."

"Everyone in Beizhaotai has always insisted on killing everyone. If Mr. Ning is killed, Mr. Fu will not be able to escape either."

"That's all."

"They were just two counselors, I don't care. Their plan failed, and they perished at the hands of Ji Feiyan and the others. It's their fault for being incompetent, they deserved it."

"Having you and Wei'er planning for me is a thousand times better than anything else."

Fang Zhixuan was delighted.

"Thank you for your praise, my Royal Brother."

Gu Mengzhen rubbed his chin lightly, thinking deeply.

"Ning Cangmo's plan has failed. The intentions of the Beizhaotai people are clear. Prince Zhengxian may be rescued."

"The Crown Prince's return to the capital will be disadvantageous to me."

"By the way, did Lord Xu come back with you? I will summon him immediately and go to the enemy camp to gather information."

Fang Zhixuan didn't understand why.

"Which Lord Xu is your Royal Brother referring to?"

"My brother left the capital alone, with no one following him. Why would he come back with me?"

Gu Mengzhen's heart suddenly shook.

"What did you say? He..."