CHAPTER 245: CHAPTER 239: FATHER, DON’T YOU WANT ME ANYMORE?!_3

"I dare not!"

The Emperor snorted, "You dare not? You managed to annihilate a whole Dayue Country, and a mere Yongping Prefecture, how deep can it be? You actually say you dare not?"

Pei Zhan maintained his composure: "Your Majesty, with your discernment, I truly do not know. I just feel that Lou Zhao has shown me no respect at all, even going so far as to use intrigue against my mother-in-law, and this I cannot swallow.

"Thinking it over, I rely on Your Majesty’s affection for me and come to the palace to ask for your help to seek justice. I truly did not come to accuse Princess Yongping, never did I expect she would be the mastermind!"

The Emperor took the medicinal soup handed by the eunuch and sipped a couple of times. Then he said, "What grand promise did Yongping make to Lou Dao? How could Lou Zhao believe she could accomplish it?"

Pei Zhan said, "Your Majesty, without evidence, I truly do not know..."

The Emperor glanced at him, placing the medicine bowl down, "Someone, convey my decree, demote Princess Yongping to a County Lord! Additionally, confine her for three months! As for Lou Zhao’s punishment, let the three departments handle it."

Having said this, he looked at Pei Zhan, "With such a decision, what do you think?"

Pei Zhan looked at him for a moment, then slowly bowed his head: "Your Majesty is wise."

The Emperor smirked slightly, picked up the medicine again: "No objections, then leave."

Pei Zhan acknowledged, stepping out over the threshold.

After stepping onto the colonnade, his steps gradually slowed, and his molars clenched tighter.

Finally, he stopped, calling out to a passing eunuch: "Help me find my guard outside the palace gate, tell him to go to General Liang, saying the Lou Zhao murder case is clear, the mastermind is indeed Princess Yongping, and the Emperor has demoted her to County Lord as punishment. Ask my guard to inquire whether Vice Minister Xu is aware of this matter?"

The little eunuch quickly agreed.

Pei Zhan had him repeat it once, confirming it was correct before letting him leave, then turned back, returning to the Southern Study Room.

"Why have you returned?"

The Emperor had just finished his medicine, taking the silk handkerchief to wipe his lips. Yet, there was no hint of surprise in his eyes as he asked.

Pei Zhan swiftly grabbed two jars of chess pieces from the cabinet and set them on the table by the couch, stating: "I have finished my duties today, Your Majesty should not overexert yourself. It’s been a long time since I played chess with you, today I shall accompany you for a few games to relax."

The Emperor gave him a side glance: "You’re being unnecessarily attentive."

Pei Zhan spread out the chessboard, responding: "Serving Your Majesty is my duty as a minister."

The Emperor picked up a chess piece: "Never thought you’d become a soldier and end up like a crafty one. As a child, you wouldn’t say a word even if beaten, but now you have a glib tongue."

"It’s all due to Your Majesty’s excellent teaching."

The Emperor tapped him on the forehead: "What are you talking about?"

Pei Zhan bent over: "I am guilty!"

The Emperor eyed him, pointing to the opposite side of the table: "Sit down. Your stature is too tall, craning my neck hurts."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

...

With such a significant matter at the Wanbin Building, naturally, the Liang Family had long been informed. Liang Chen and Liang Zhi happened to be in the military camp, and upon receiving the news, they both sought out Pei Zhan. However, Pei Zhan would not let them proceed, only saying the matter should be left to him and Fu Zhen, so everyone had to hold back for now.

Fortunately, subsequent news was better, until it was heard that He Qu had headed straight to the Xu Mansion, finally allowing everyone to let out a foul breath!

The whole family was discussing He Qu and Fu Zhen going to the Xu family for interrogation when the Emperor’s decree demoting Yongping to County Lord came through!

Liang Zhi could not accept it at all: "Yongping committed such a grave offense, it’s not just murder, she was inciting discord among the court ministers, intending to frame others!

"She even sought to meddle in the palace affairs!

"How can the Emperor tolerate such behavior? How can he still allow her to hold a title?

"Could it be the Emperor is reluctant to punish her?"

Liang Chen paced back and forth before stopping: "No, Ming Zhi is still in the palace, since the Emperor allows him to stay, this matter is not over yet!"

Just as he finished speaking, Pei Zhan’s guard entered, led by a house servant:

"Great General, our General sent me to inquire if Vice Minister Xu was aware of today’s matters?"

Liang Chen nodded upon hearing this: "So it’s true!"

Liang Zhi hurriedly asked: "What do you mean?!"

"It’s just imperial tactics. It’s not unwillingness to punish, the old man blames us for using him, unwilling to let us gain an advantage, wants us to offer more ’tribute’ first!"

Liang Chen, after speaking, instructed the house servant: "Go see where Vice Minister Xu is? I shall ’visit’ him. It’s time this Prince Consort also takes the stage!"