Chapter 69: Unprecedented Disobedience

The court officials and military officers were shaken by her astonishing words.

“Princess, you… this is truly absurd!”

“Women are inherently delicate and should focus on managing the household, raising children, expanding the family lineage, and being a virtuous companion to their husbands. How can they… how can they participate in exams like men or even go to battle? It’s simply preposterous!”

“Princess Pingyao, this unprecedented disobedience, are you trying to overturn the traditions established by our ancestors over centuries?”

“Even if I am, what of it?” Princess Pingyao stood atop the grand hall, single-handedly confronting the courtiers with a chilling demeanor. “Not only do I intend to control the military, but I also plan to attend court sessions daily! Let’s see if your ignorance and foolishness outweigh my words!”

The ministers were shocked and pale, trembling, pointing at her in disbelief. “Are you… are you planning a rebellion? Princess Pingyao, are you inciting a rebellion?”

“We implore the Regent to take severe action against Princess Pingyao! Otherwise, Yong Kingdom might fall into ruin at the hands of Princess Pingyao!”

The Minister of War knelt, speaking loudly, “We beseech the Regent to take severe action against Princess Pinyao to uphold the authority of the crown!”

Uncle Qin, knelt down too, “Princess Pingyao, this is unprecedented disobedience—”

“Uncle Qin.” Princess Pingyao spoke calmly, with a hint of mockery, “Do not forget, there is a betrothal agreement between the Qin family and me. Is Uncle Qin here to sacrifice family for the greater good?”

Uncle Qin froze instantly, his face alternating between pale and flushed.

Even if this Princess acted so disobediently, even if she married into the Qin family, what difference would it make?

Would he support the Qin family or stand by the Emperor?

Moreover, by repeatedly humiliating the Qin family and publicly displaying affection for Qin Yumo in front of the Qin family’s matriarch and legitimate daughter, she had undoubtedly trampled on the dignity of the Qin family.

What use is such a daughter-in-law?

As he was about to speak, Princess Pingyao looked up straight ahead, her voice cold, “Do you think I am rebelling, Imperial Uncle?”

Ji Yucang spoke indifferently, “I judge based on merit, regardless of gender. As long as you are competent, I have no issue with you holding power.”

“Uncle!” Ji Jin’s face turned cold, his eyes embarrassed and flustered, “This is my kingdom. As the Regent overseeing the governance, you are handling state affairs, not subverting imperial authority or overturning the system of male dominance. Today, the Princess words and actions are already unprecedented disobedience. Even if Uncle is reluctant to act against her, he can instruct her to relinquish her military authority early, return home to reflect, and never step into the palace again.”

Ji Yucang tilted his head, a layer of pressure evident in his gaze, his eyes deep and inscrutable, “Since the Emperor knows I am acting as Regent, he should sit quietly and listen, rather than interfering in my decisions.”

As his words fell, the courtiers collectively gasped, and the hall seemed to plunge into a deep winter chill, sending shivers down their spines.

They almost dared not look at the Emperor’s expression.

Was the Regent intending to openly oppose the Emperor?

The Emperor was the sovereign of the nation and would eventually take control himself. While the Regent held immense power, it was only temporary. Normally, the Regent and the Emperor maintained a delicate balance.

What had happened today?

Ji Jin’s complexion drained of color, gripping the armrest tightly.

Was the Regent really so disdainful as to not even bother with proper etiquette in front of all the court officials and military personnel?

“Starting today, Princess Pingyao will temporarily lead the Imperial Army.” Ji Yucang’s tone was icy, “There must be no mistakes.”

Princess Pingyao gave a slight nod, poised and graceful, “Thank you for your trust, Uncle. I will ensure the safety of the court and never let harm befall the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.”

Ji Yucang ignored Ji Jin’s pale, frozen face and the shocked, angry expressions of the ministers. His gaze lowered slightly, fixed on Qin Yanshu, who knelt on the stage, his eyes as cold as an icy abyss.

“Qin Yanshu.” Ji Yucang’s voice was frosty, “I have a matter to discuss with you today, and you better answer truthfully.”

It hadn’t been long since Qin Yanshu endured thirty lashes, his wounds still unhealed. Kneeling now, he appeared pale and dejected, his eyes reflecting a hint of indiscernible despair.

“Regent, are you inquiring about the attack on Shen Ning outside the city?” Qin Yanshu, as if anticipating the purpose of his summons today, calmly raised his head to look at the Emperor and the Regent. “There are perpetrators because there are victims. I wish to meet the Regent’s consort, once the Regent agrees, I will confess everything.”

“Yanshu!” Uncle Qin’s eyes narrowed, glaring at him with uncontainable anger. “The Regent’s consort is a Royal’s wife, not someone an outsider like you can meet at will. Moreover, this is the council chamber, not someone’s private garden!”

Qin Yanshu remained silent, his gaze downcast, exuding an air of desolation. “I confess to everything and wish to apologize to the Regent’s consort in person.”

What?

The ministers in the hall erupted in astonishment.

They stared at Qin Yanshu in disbelief, their eyes filled with shock and disbelief.

“Yanshu.” Uncle Qin’s face froze, a trace of horror creeping into his eyes. “What are you saying? Have you lost your senses during your recovery these past few days?!”

Qin Yanshu’s expression turned mournful. “Father, I haven’t lost my senses. Every word I spoke just now was the truth. The Regent has found evidence, and even if I deny it, it won’t change anything.”

Uncle Qin trembled with rage, suddenly standing up and kicking him to the ground. “You’re talking nonsense! You must be bewitched! Guards! Get him out of here! Drag him out now!”

“Mr. Qin’s outburst is disrespectful.” Ji Yucang’s voice was cold, “Take him out and give him twenty lashes.”

Princess Pingyao gestured, and the Imperial Army soldiers who had escorted Qin Yanshu in forcefully dragged Uncle Qin out.

“Emperor! Emperor!” Uncle Qin shouted furiously, “The Regent and Princess Pingyao are conspiring together, attempting to eliminate dissent and completely strip you of your power! Emperor, Emperor—ah!”

Ji Jin remained silent, sitting on the dragon throne as if in a daze, listening to the cries outside. A chilling sensation crept up his spine, making him shudder.

Is Uncle truly going to take drastic actions?

Does he really intend to seize the throne from him?

Why?

While he was usually distant and hard to approach, he never before allowed himself to be embarrassed during the morning court sessions. What has happened today?

Ji Jin’s thin lips pressed tightly together, his face as white as paper.

Is it because he wants Princess Pingyao to kill Shen Ning, finally provoking his wrath?