CHAPTER 253: CHAPTER 250: "PLEADING

Princess Jiahui knelt in the room, her frail body seemingly unable to bear such punishment, her arched back trembling slightly. Anyone seeing her would feel pity.

The Empress has no children of her own, treating Princess Jiahui as her daughter. But today is different; the eunuchs and palace attendants were commanded, and it was made clear that Princess Jiahui had likely committed a grave mistake.

Upon arriving at the Princess Manor, seeing the Capital Camp soldiers stationed outside, and the sealed study and accounting room, it became even clearer.

The Emperor was truly angry. The Empress has always been of like mind with the Emperor, and would never defy his wishes.

"Lord Eunuch," the housekeeper at the Princess Manor couldn’t help but plead for the Princess, "Since spring, the Princess has not been well... Look, it’s already been an hour..."

Before the housekeeper could finish speaking, the eunuch coldly interrupted: "Such lack of decorum, a mere servant daring to speak to us, strike her mouth."

The crisp sound of a slap echoed, Princess Jiahui tightened her fingers, feeling a surge of anger in her chest. She knew Empress Xu was thoughtful and adept in scheming, but she’d assisted the Empress many times. Last winter, the Beauty Huang—if not for her help—wouldn’t have fallen out of favor so easily.

Not to mention she had secretly conveyed messages for the Empress to her maternal family and helped save Lord Imperial Uncle.

However, speaking of such favors now seemed like threatening Empress Xu.

Princess Jiahui closed her eyes, feeling her last hope gradually being extinguished.

As it grew dark, Princess Jiahui realized her legs were numb, yet whenever she swayed slightly, the palace attendants would step forward to assist.

Those coarse palace attendants would brutally pinch her waist, such pain making her instinctively tense.

Since it was punishment, not a moment could be spared.

After kneeling, she listened to the rules laid down by the palace attendants, enduring from this afternoon to nightfall, when palace folk only left at dawn.

Once those from Qianqiu Palace departed, Chun Shan then stepped forward to help Princess Jiahui onto the soft couch.

Chun Shan whispered: "Perhaps send a message to the Prince, to ask him for help..."

Princess Jiahui interrupted Chun Shan: "What nonsense are you talking? At such times, how can we involve the Prince?"

Chun Shan’s eyes reddened: "What can be done for you in this situation?"

Princess Jiahui’s eyes flashed with resentment: "Do not forget I am the last descendant of the Prince Guangyang lineage. Everything I’ve done is for the lost dominion of Prince Guangyang; if the Emperor punishes me, where does it leave Prince Guangyang? Hasn’t the Emperor always expressed regret toward Prince Guangyang? Holding onto this, I fear nothing..."

Suddenly, a commotion arose, and Princess Jiahui looked toward the door: "What’s happening?"

Chun Shan quickly stepped into the courtyard to check, only to see a group of soldiers leading several people into the Princess Manor. Those people appeared to have suffered severe punishment, their clothes soaked with blood.

Then the people from the Princess Manor recognized Nanny Liu among them.

Chun Shan gasped in shock.

"It’s Nanny Liu." Upon hearing Chun Shan’s voice, Princess Jiahui felt the cold seep into her bones.

Chun Shan said: "The government office brought Nanny Liu over and ordered all the servants to gather in the flower hall." This is to use Nanny Liu to extract more definite evidence from the servants.

Although Princess Jiahui had prepared herself, she had not anticipated this: "Wasn’t it said Song Xian and Du Zhuo would only be entering the Capital in two days? Why so soon?"

Such formidable intent, it was vengeance directed at her. Princess Jiahui thought of Song Xian’s cold eyes; she had heard much of Song Xian, about his ruthlessness, never sparing anyone. Song Min was killed because of Song Xian...

Only now did Princess Jiahui truly realize Song Xian’s fearsome nature.

A few hours later.

A team of men entered the Capital, passing by the gate of Princess Jiahui Manor.

The leader of the team halted, pulling the reins, his horse immediately stopping in place.

Song Xian looked up at the plaque on the mansion.

Princess Jiahui Manor.

The last bloodline of the Prince Guangyang lineage?

Song Xian’s gaze immediately became more icy.

Standing at the palace gate were the Ministers of War and Justice, along with several eunuchs, who spotted Song Xian and Du Zhuo immediately approaching.

"The Emperor has been waiting; quickly, you two, come with us to the palace!"

The eunuch beside the Emperor carefully observed Song Xian. When the National Guardian General came to the Capital, he brought two sons. The legitimate eldest, Song Xian, stayed in Zhenzhou temporarily managing the Song Family Army. The Emperor exempted Song Xian from entering the Capital to give thanks, considering the heavy duties in the North.

Thus, many were able to meet the renowned Lord Song Xian for the first time, the youngest Commander since Daqi’s founding.

The eunuch withdrew his gaze; even with a mere glance, he could discern the sharpness in Song Xian’s demeanor. A young man indeed, not yet understanding restraint, but that’s good—transparent at a glance, the Heavenly Family would favor that.

The group entered the palace gate, proceeding toward Chunhe Hall where the Emperor handled state affairs.

Entering the hall.

The group bowed to the Emperor seated on the throne.

Du Zhuo knelt and pleaded: "Your Majesty, I am at fault. Due to my poor supervision, a great calamity has occurred. Please impose punishment upon me."

The Emperor hadn’t slept all night, his eyes red and bloodshot, his complexion poor, the scars on his face appearing even more fierce than usual.

The Emperor stood and walked to Du Zhuo, helping him to rise: "How is your third brother now?"

Du Zhuo said: "He was wounded and choked on water, and has been ill ever since."

After saying this, Du Zhuo’s tone changed: "Our Du Family has defended the borders for generations, but it has resulted in nurturing such a... facing such a situation is his own doing, and death is no loss."

"I am aware of the entire situation," the Emperor said, patting Du Zhuo’s arm, then turned to Song Xian, "I’ve ordered the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of War, along with the Ministry of Justice, to investigate this matter and ensure you are not wronged."

Upon finishing, the Emperor returned to the throne, saying: "When the remnants of the previous dynasty allied with the Liao people to attack Prince Guangyang’s domains, I delayed sending troops for rescue, prioritizing internal stability. Prince Guangyang and his family fought fiercely to protect Daqi citizens and perished in battle.

I have always felt remorse towards the Prince Guangyang lineage, providing much care to Princess Jiahui, hoping she would continue the Prince Guangyang legacy. Never imagined Princess Jiahui would dare commit such an act."

At this point, the Emperor paused, showing a complex expression, contemplating whether to impose severe punishment on Princess Jiahui.

"Your Majesty," Song Xian stepped forward, "I implore Your Majesty for mercy. Considering the loyal and honorable lineage of Prince Guangyang... Princess Jiahui should be dealt with firmly."

The Emperor was surprised by this, having thought Song Xian would plead for Princess Jiahui. "How so?"

Song Xian said: "Prince Guangyang followed Your Majesty in various battles and ultimately sacrificed his life defending his territories, setting an example for all military troops. Prince Guangyang’s achievements must not be tarnished by the actions of an ancillary relative.

It would indeed be unjust to Prince Guangyang."