Chapter 204 The harem is not allowed to interfere in politics
At this moment, the culprit Wang Xuehua had already sneaked away like a rat crossing the street, not even caring about his maid Hong Tao.
The loyal maid Hong Tao was sent to the government by the wife of Ningyang Marquis. Hong Tao had never thought that she would fall into such a desperate situation because of her master's impulse.
The wife of Ningyang Marquis was decisive and resolute. She could not tolerate such a thing happening in her own house. Sending Hong Tao to the authorities was a punishment for her and also a warning to Wang Xuehua.
However, Wang Xuehua's escape did not end the matter. Her family and her future would be implicated because of her mistake.
Wang Xuehua hurried back to the Shangshu Mansion, and her mother Tian had already returned from the palace.
Wang Xuehua threw herself into Tian's arms, "Mother, you have to make the decision for your daughter."
Tian pushed Wang Xuehua away suddenly. Seeing her daughter's aggrieved look, she calmed herself down and said, "Xuehua, don't make a fuss anymore. Mother is very upset right now. Your sister thought her pregnancy was a done deal, but it turned out to be a false alarm. But she used the false pregnancy to flaunt her power in the harem. Now, she has offended the queen, and even the emperor has become disgusted with her and demoted her to a concubine. You must learn from your sister's lesson. In this situation, you must keep a low profile and don't cause any trouble.
Wang Xuehua's heart suddenly sank. Her sister was demoted to a concubine. She stood there in a daze, her mind in a mess. In the past, if she got into trouble, she still had her sister's support. Now that her sister has lost power, how will she end up with this trouble?
Xue returned home with her two daughters. Prime Minister Zhu, dressed in court robes, had already returned home from court. He sat upright in the main hall and only smiled when he saw his wife and daughters return.
As soon as Xue came back, she started packing up and prepared to leave for Qingzhou Prefecture the next day. However, Zhu Mingyue was full of resistance. Last time in Qingzhou Prefecture, she was pushed into the lotus pond by Zhu Mingyang and almost drowned. This left an indelible shadow on her mind. She firmly expressed her unwillingness to go back. Xue looked at her daughter's stubborn appearance and although she was worried, she did not force her.
The next morning, before it was completely light, Prime Minister Zhu brought his wife Xue and his youngest daughter Zhu Mingqiao to the city gate and met up with the eunuchs and guards who had been waiting there. With solemn expressions, they set off for Qingzhou Prefecture together.
It was the time when the palace was holding court. The atmosphere in the court was serious and all the ministers stood solemnly.
Master Pang, a minor official of the fourth rank, stood up resolutely at this moment. His expression was solemn, and his voice was steady and powerful: "Your Majesty, I ask the emperor to make the decision. Wang Xuehua, the youngest daughter of the Minister of Revenue, instructed her maid to steal the Buddhist beads of Princess Lao Hui, and then framed my wife. This incident almost caused her to miscarry. Your Majesty, my wife has always been virtuous and kind, how could she bear such an unjust accusation. I beg your Majesty to investigate carefully and clear my wife's name."
At this time, Zhao Chengguang from the Imperial Censorate came forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to report. Wang Xuehua, the daughter of the Minister of Revenue, is an arrogant and domineering person. She is lawless and reckless. I heard that she openly mocked the daughter of the Minister of Revenue, and her words were extremely vicious, saying that she looked like a toad, completely disregarding the feelings and dignity of others. I remember that the young lady fell and injured herself in order to save a child who was about to be trampled by a horse, and the man riding a horse in the downtown area was the son of the Minister of Revenue. What's worse is that she was so bold as to steal the Buddhist beads of Princess Laohui. Princess Laohui has a high status, and the Buddhist beads are of extraordinary significance. She dared to commit such a serious crime, which is really a disregard for the law. I implore Your Majesty to investigate this matter and severely punish Wang Xuehua to rectify the government and demonstrate the majesty of the royal family."
Wang Zhongling, the Minister of Revenue, was standing in the court, and he suddenly panicked. The incident of his son riding a horse in the downtown area was finally suppressed, but who would have thought that Xuehua, this idiot, would cause trouble again and bring up the matter again.
His face suddenly turned gloomy, and his heart was filled with anger and worry.
When Long Xiaotian heard about this, his face instantly darkened. He slapped the armrest of the dragon throne and said angrily, "Lord Ke, this matter is up to you to investigate. Make sure to thoroughly investigate the incidents of Wang Zhongling's son riding a horse in the downtown area and his youngest daughter Wang Xuehua stealing Buddhist beads and mocking others. Wang Zhongling, you have been an official for many years, but you have failed to educate your son and daughter. Go back and reflect on yourself. You don't have to come to court tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, Wang Zhongling's heart trembled and his face turned pale. He quickly knelt down and said in fear: "Your Majesty, please calm down. I know my crime. I will discipline them strictly when I return and never let them cause trouble again." After saying this, he stood up tremblingly and slowly left the court under the complicated gazes of everyone.
Long Xiaotian looked at Wang Zhongling's back as he left, his anger still lingering. The officials in the court were also silent, no one dared to say a word at this time.
After leaving the court, Lord Ke, the Minister of Dali Temple, did not dare to slack off and immediately summoned his most capable officers and investigators.
Lord Ke first investigated the incident of Wang Zhongling's son riding a horse in the downtown area. They visited the people in the downtown area on the day of the incident and carefully inquired about the situation at that time. The people recalled the thrilling scene, describing the arrogant appearance of Wang Zhongling's son riding a horse and the panic it brought to everyone. Lord Ke's men carefully recorded every detail, not missing any clues. Then, they checked the shops and stalls around the downtown area, trying to find possible evidence. After a detailed investigation and visit, they gradually restored the whole process of Wang Zhongling's son riding a horse in the downtown area that day.
At the same time, the investigation of Wang Xuehua, the youngest daughter of Wang Zhongling, was also in full swing. Lord Ke sent someone to question Wang, the wife of the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Wang, who remembered Wang Xuehua's ridicule, told the investigators in detail what happened that day. Afterwards, Lord Ke took people to Princess Laohui and respectfully asked about the specific circumstances of the theft of the Buddhist beads. Princess Laohui told him everything.
After investigating and sorting out day and night, all the evidence gradually appeared clearly before his eyes. Lord Ke did not dare to be careless and immediately put the evidence in front of Long Xiaotian. After seeing it, Long Xiaotian was furious and directly dismissed Wang Zhongling from his post. His two children were also imprisoned.
Since learning that her family was under investigation, Concubine Rou was extremely anxious. She had mustered up the courage to plead for her family many times.
Once, Concubine Rou dressed up carefully, and when Long Xiaotian came to her palace, she gently went forward to greet him and said carefully: "Your Majesty, my family may have done something wrong, but please be lenient with them for my sake."
However, after hearing this, Long Xiaotian's face darkened and he said seriously: "The harem is not allowed to interfere in politics. As a concubine, you should abide by your duties and don't mention this matter again." Roupin felt a chill in her heart, but she was unwilling to accept it, and tears welled up in her eyes.