Font Size:
Inside the study room, the air felt heavy and uneasy.
“Yan Qing personally went to the Red Swallow Pavilion to catch them in the act?” The young Emperor raised his eyes slowly, his gaze filled with deep anger, “A noble princess like her going to such a filthy place, it’s simply outrageous!”
The palace attendant standing nearby immediately fell to his knees, “Your Majesty, please calm down!”
“There’s no need for Your Majesty to be angry.” Standing beside the imperial desk was the youngest and most gentle Prime Minister of the current court, his voice as soothing as water, clean and clear, “Princess Chang went there on official business, not to cause trouble. Moreover, she went openly in broad daylight and returned openly, no one would dare say a word against the Princess.”
This statement not only defended Yan Qing but also reminded the Emperor that since he ascended the throne, the Ninth Princess Yan Qing had been Princess Chang in charge of the Qilin Guards. The title “Princess Chang” not only represented her noble status but also her control over the military power.
The late Emperor’s decree must not be taken lightly.
A mere brothel was nothing to fuss over.
The Emperor, feeling displeased, said coldly, “You need not defend her.”
Prime Minister Wen Jin smiled faintly, “Princess Chang was away from the Imperial City for ten years. This time she returned to fulfill the late Emperor’s decree and marry Xiao Jinghan. However, Xiao Jinghan openly went to the brothel in broad daylight, tarnishing Princess Chang’s reputation. It’s only natural for the Princess to be upset, and Your Majesty should understand this.”
Yan Qing had been exiled to Zhuque City for ten years. With the late Emperor’s declining health before the New Year, he ordered Yan Qing’s return and arranged her marriage to Xiao Jinghan.
With the marriage still pending, Xiao Jinghan’s public visit to the brothel was a clear disrespect towards Princess Chang. His punishment was well-deserved.
“Your Majesty!” The Chief Eunuch hurriedly came to report, his voice slightly urgent, “General Xiao requests an audience.”
“You see, you see!” The Emperor’s anger flared up again, “Causing such a commotion, the whole Imperial City knows about this disgraceful matter. How can I face General Xiao?”
Wen Jin smiled elegantly, but there was a hint of coldness in his eyes, “Your Majesty, as the ruler of a country, how can you lose your composure like this?”
When something goes wrong, how can the ruler of a nation be so eager to give an explanation to his subjects? Where is the dignity?
The young Emperor shuddered at the words, about to say something, when a middle-aged robust man clad in dark military attire strode in, a sword at his waist, exuding an aura of stern coldness, like he had just returned from the military camp, emanating a solemn demeanor.
Seeing Wen Jin present, the middle-aged man’s expression darkened for a moment, his gaze landing on that exquisitely beautiful face, yet to him, it seemed to carry the visage of a calamitous figure.
Suppressing his displeasure, the man knelt down on one knee, saluting with his sword, “I am Xiao Zhongshan, here to see Your Majesty.”
“Rise, my loyal subject.”
Xiao Zhongshan expressed his gratitude but remained kneeling, bowing in apology, “I have failed in teaching my son, which led to my son, Jinghan, disregarding his status and behaving disgracefully. I come to plead guilty and accept Your Majesty’s punishment!”
Wen Jin cast a fleeting glance at him, his brows tinged with a hint of chilly radiance.
The Emperor was already furious, and Xiao Zhongshan’s act of submission would only further enrage him—of course, this anger was not directed at the Xiao family.
It was entirely aimed at Princess Chang, Yan Qing.
“What are you saying, General Xiao?” The Emperor walked past the imperial desk, personally helping the Grand General up, “This matter is due to Yan Qing’s improper handling. I will ensure justice for Xiao Jinghan.”
Wen Jin lowered his gaze. The new Emperor had just ascended the throne and needed the support of the Xiao family’s military strength. It was understandable to favor and rely on the Xiao family. However, to rely so heavily on a subject, to the point of seeking their approval, even at the expense of imperial dignity, risked tarnishing the royal family’s reputation.
“Wen Jin.” The Emperor turned to Wen Jin, “You will go to Princess Chang’s residence, convey my decree, and command Yan Qing and Xiao Jinghan to come to the palace immediately.”
Wen Jin responded, “Princess Chang may not necessarily obey my words.”
It is well known that Princess Chang is the Lone Star of Calamity. After being exiled to Zhuque City, she rarely returned to the capital. However, in the past two months since her return, she has engaged in many absurd and irrational actions, often going against the palace’s directives.
Moreover, every one of the eight thousand Qilin Guards under Princess Chang’s command are experts, with formidable combat capabilities. If she were to go against the directives, the Emperor would truly find it challenging to deal with her.
The Emperor angrily said, “Go convey my decree, and tell her that if she dares not to come, I will charge her with contempt of imperial authority!”
Wen Jin remained silent, a hint of cold and sarcastic color flashing in his eyes, then he accepted the decree, “Yes.”
And so, this young Prime Minister, who was unmatched in beauty and talent, with high status and power, calmly took his leave, exiting the study room and leaving the palace for Princess Chang’s residence.
General Xiao, who commanded the military, and Prime Minister Wen, who held immense power.
If General Xiao Zhongshan held the military power as the Grand General of the State with control over two hundred thousand soldiers, making people fear him, then Wen Jin, the young Prime Minister, was the highest-ranking minister who could restrain Xiao Zhongshan.
From troop movements to provisions, military pay, and weapons distribution… unless in urgent military matters, Xiao Zhongshan could act first and report later, but in all other aspects, Wen Jin’s word was final.
Within just three years of entering the court, this young and elegant first minister had risen to power, breaking through the court regulations, becoming the chief minister with significant authority…
This process was truly legendary.