Chapter 550: Blood‑Drop Kinship Test

550. Chapter 550 Blood‑Drop Kinship Test

The Moon Consort said that when she was pregnant with that child, her health was poor, so the newborn died shortly after birth.

The maid Qingju who attended the Moon Consort said she had wanted to call the Imperial Doctor, but couldn't get out, and could only watch helplessly as the newborn prince died.

He sent them away.

The Emperor summoned Shi Lin and said, "Shi Lin, what do you think?"

"Your Majesty, I find it difficult to speak on this matter."

Shi Lin whispered.

The Emperor glared at him, "If there's anything you're reluctant to say, say it now!"

Very well.

He had already said so.

Shi Lin then spoke plainly, "I think the Moon Consort and the others are lying; as for why they lie, we must ask them."

The Emperor, recalling Shi Lin's earlier words, rubbed his forehead and said, "I will get to the bottom of this matter."

He ordered that everyone close to the Empress be summoned for questioning.

Each one claimed that the Third Prince was the Empress's biological son, and that no child swapping had occurred.

Shi Lin suddenly thought of a plan; after they left, he whispered into the Emperor's ear.

Not long after,

the Emperor sent for the Third Prince.

The Third Prince claimed he had been sleeping, but in fact he hadn't slept at all; knowing Shi Lin had entered the palace, he stayed awake.

He heard that his own father, the Emperor, wanted to see him.

After tidying himself, the Third Prince entered his residence and said, "Your Son, I have seen you, Father."

"Come in and sit while you wait."

The Emperor's words left the Third Prince puzzled.

Shi Lin was seated nearby, casually eating fruit.

The Third Prince wanted to say something, but recalling his father's recent words, he had to wait patiently.

It's unclear how long passed.

The Moon Consort arrived, and shortly after the Empress came as well.

"Everyone is present, then we can proceed with the blood‑drop kinship test."

The Emperor spoke, and within moments someone brought the bowls and other items.

The Third Prince's face changed instantly.

He felt it was directed at him, and indeed it was.

"Lao San, it's your turn."

The Emperor handed the small knife in his hand to the Third Prince.

The Empress looked uneasy; she wanted to stop it but didn't dare.

The Third Prince hesitated, then cut his finger, letting the blood drip into the bowl as everyone watched.

The blood did not dissolve.

Shi Lin shouted, "Your Majesty, the Third Prince is not your biological son!"

The Moon Consort gave no reaction.

The Empress shouted, "Shi Lin, what rubbish are you spouting? How could the Third Prince not be the Emperor's biological son? It must be that you have tampered with something."

Could it be that the Third Prince was conceived by the Moon Consort with someone else?

If that were truly the case,

what could be done!

At that point she lost her composure.

Shi Lin calmly said, "Your Majesty, you're quick to speak. Everything was prepared by the Emperor; I didn't touch a thing. Could you be doubting the Emperor?"

The Emperor's expression darkened.

The Empress hurriedly explained, "Your Majesty, that's not it. I am your wife; how could I doubt you?"

"Is that not enough?"

Shi Lin, without waiting for the Empress to finish, kept rambling, "Your Majesty, could it be that you want to strengthen your position by having more sons, but when a daughter was born you had her swapped out?"

Swapped out.

The Moon Consort was completely unsettled.

Could the Third Prince not be her biological son?

Were the words he said to her earlier instructed by the Empress?

Was the purpose to secure her own position?

The Empress, infuriated by Shi Lin, burst into tears, "Your Majesty, will you just let him babble on like this?"

Shi Lin declared emphatically, "You call me nonsense—shouldn't I be allowed such thoughts? Could everything before our eyes be false?"