allonlinenovel Chapter 806 Something is wrong!
Chapter 806 Something is wrong!
After Prime Minister Tang finished speaking, the Emperor merely gave him a cold look, his mind preoccupied with the memorial submitted by the Prince of Chu the previous day.
He never imagined that he had relied on Prime Minister Tang for so many years, thinking him a good prime minister who was wholeheartedly for the people, but he never expected that there were so many things going on behind the scenes.
It was hidden very well.
Now Tang Xuening has done something like this again. This is not the first time she has made a mistake. She has always targeted either the King of Chu or the King of Yun.
One time might be a coincidence, but if the Prime Minister really wanted to intervene, he didn't believe that a daughter could cause such a big disturbance if this happened repeatedly.
To be honest, if it weren't for his foolish daughter Tang Xuening, the Prime Minister's deeds would not have been easily discovered.
However, the Emperor's silence was like a knife hanging over Prime Minister Tang's neck, making him sweat profusely.
He made a point of entering the palace as soon as possible, so as to arrive before the King of Chu. Otherwise, if the King of Chu and the King of Yun interfered, things would likely become even more complicated.
At this moment, King Liang also arrived.
"Your Majesty, Prince Liang is outside requesting an audience," the eunuch said.
The Emperor's lips curled into a faint smile, a half-smile playing on his lips. "This lad gets the news pretty quickly. Let him in too."
"My son has met my father."
King Liang bowed respectfully, his gaze falling on Prime Minister Tang kneeling on the ground beside him, and his heart sank.
If the Emperor had agreed to forgive Tang Xuening, then the Prime Minister would not have continued kneeling. The fact that he is still kneeling now proves one thing.
The Emperor was truly enraged.
By coming at this time, isn't he just walking right into the line of fire?
"Are you here to plead for Princess Liang?" the Emperor spoke first.
The Prince of Liang immediately knelt down and said, "Father, today's incident was due to my lack of discipline. Qingyi is quick-tempered and often gets angry at the slightest disagreement. However, she is not a malicious person and would never intentionally harm the child in Princess Yun's womb."
"What happened today was her fault due to impulsiveness, and I have no face to plead for her."
"Oh?" The Emperor raised an eyebrow. "Then, in your opinion, how should this matter be resolved?"
"In my opinion, since Miss Tang has been given thirty strokes of the cane, Qingyi should also be given thirty strokes of the cane."
This serves two purposes: firstly, as a warning, reminding her to be more careful in her actions and never hurt anyone again; and secondly, it helps to appease her fifth brother and sister-in-law.
"Once she returns to the manor, I will certainly discipline her properly and ensure she never repeats her mistake!"
When Prime Minister Tang saw that Prince Liang had arrived, he immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Firstly, by directly admitting his mistake and having Qi Qingyi receive thirty strokes of the cane, he could demonstrate his zero-tolerance attitude.
On the other hand, Xue Ning has already received thirty lashes and is now imprisoned, so she should be frightened and there should be no further triggers.
If something had really happened to the child in the Yun King's womb, this matter would indeed have been difficult to resolve, but fortunately nothing has happened yet, and this punishment is sufficient.
Even if the King of Chu persisted, it was to no avail.
The Emperor nodded calmly, "Thirty strokes of the cane are indeed deserved!"
The eunuch standing nearby immediately ordered the junior eunuch outside the door to relay the news to the prison: thirty strokes of the cane, he must be given!
However, Chu Junting and Chu Yungui arrived shortly afterward.
When the eunuch announced that Prince Yun and Prince Chu had arrived, the emperor's eyes lit up with interest.
"Let them both come in together."
After the two entered, Chu Junting didn't spend any time understanding the situation in the imperial study. He merely glanced at Prince Liang and Prime Minister Tang before speaking first:
"Father, I must accuse Prince Liang of immoral conduct, for he and the daughter of the Prime Minister have been having an affair without proper ceremony before they are even married!"
Upon hearing this, everyone in the imperial study stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with disbelief.
Even the Prince of Yun, who was traveling with him, was shocked. He knew that his third brother had come to the palace today to settle scores, but he did not expect his opening remarks to be so explosive.
They colluded without a matchmaker, secretly carrying out their scheme!
Such a thing would be shameful enough if it happened to ordinary people, let alone to a prince and the daughter of a prime minister.
If this gets out, it will be a real scandal, enough to keep the people of the capital talking about it for three days and three nights!
"What did you say?" the Emperor asked in astonishment.
"Father, everything I have said is true!"
Chu Junting didn't give them any time to process the evidence before presenting it.
"Since returning from Qiyang City, Princess Liang has been unwell. Instead of staying at the residence to take care of her, Prince Liang went directly to the Prime Minister's residence."
Moreover, I have learned from the servants of the Prime Minister's residence that the two have already had an inappropriate relationship, and in order to cover it up, the Prince of Liang agreed to marry Tang Xuening as a concubine.
"Your Majesty may bring back the servants from Prime Minister Tang's residence for questioning!"
Prime Minister Tang's heart skipped a beat. He wanted to cover up this scandal and immediately ordered everyone in his household not to spread it.
However, the servants in the mansion are just ordinary people. If they were arrested by the government, wouldn't it be easy to find out what happened?
"Your subject previously thought that Princess Liang wanted to introduce Miss Tang to the eldest prince, since Prince Xiao does not yet have a principal wife, and it is normal for him to want to get married."
But if this is done, wouldn't it be strange that King Liang and Miss Tang, who already have a very special relationship, would be arranged to marry King Xiao?
Chu Junting frowned and voiced his confusion: sending a woman he had slept with to his elder brother—it was simply too ridiculous to say such a thing!
If you say there's no conspiracy involved, I doubt anyone would believe it!
"Father, I did not!"
King Liang was startled, and his expression became visibly flustered.
He clearly entrusted this matter to the Prime Minister, because the news could be kept under wraps, but judging from the Prime Minister's expression now, it's obvious that he didn't handle it well!
Absolutely terrible!
The Emperor glanced at him, his majestic face showing deep concern. "Is there anything between you and Tang Xuening?"
King Liang lowered his head and said dejectedly, "Yes..."
"Bastard thing!"
The emperor picked up a teacup from the side and smashed it!
"boom!"
The teacup struck King Liang on the forehead, drawing blood instantly.
The King of Liang's already pale face turned even paler, but he dared not utter a sound. This matter could not withstand close investigation and would soon be discovered.
"Father, I know my mistake."
After receiving word of the news, King Xiao also rushed to the Imperial Study.
He was still hesitant about whether to go in, since the news was sent to him by the King of Chu.
He found the news absurd, but after asking his subordinates, he confirmed that Tang Xuening was indeed going to marry into the Liang Prince's mansion.
After thinking about it for a moment, he realized the problem; it was indeed strange in every way!
Something is wrong!
Just as he hesitated at the door, he heard the conversation inside, and even heard King Liang admit it himself. He could no longer swallow his anger!
"Father, I request an audience!"