Chapter 572 The Ye Family's Desperate Measures

After the Insect King Festival, public opinion in the capital city suddenly underwent a subversive change.

Especially in the women's circle, the three words "Sui'an people" appear more frequently.

"Sui'an people tore off the hypocritical facade of the Ye family in public. They are courageous and resolute. They are truly a role model for women."

"The people of Sui'an dared to stand up for their sons at the risk of offending Consort Yun. Was it because they were reckless? No, it was because they were mothers and had a responsibility that every woman should learn from."

"The General of the Cavalry has openly given special treatment to the Ye family, allowing them to run rampant in the military camp. I think the General's good days are numbered."

“Sui’an has offended Consort Yun and the General at once, making two formidable enemies. I’m worried for her.”

"..."

At this moment, the General of Cavalry was summoned to the imperial study, where he knelt on the ground with a depressed look on his face.

The reason why he allowed Ye Lingbo to enter and leave the military camp was because once when the emperor went to the military camp, he brought Concubine Yun and the fifth prince with him, and the emperor doted on the fifth prince.

It is said that the emperor loves his eldest son and the people love their youngest son, but the current crown prince is too outstanding and is already married with children. The emperor can no longer openly favor the crown prince, so he puts his deep paternal love on the fifth prince. Anyone who has seen the emperor and the fifth prince interact can see that the fifth prince is currently the most favored prince.

Because of the Fifth Prince, he, as the Grand General, had to treat the Ye family with courtesy. Ye Lingbo was a civil official in the Ministry of War, and he would come to the military camp from time to time to participate in discussions. At first, he was well-behaved, but later, for some reason, he and Shao Hua became at odds.

Shao Hua was originally a subordinate of He Xiao. Because He Xiao collaborated with the enemy and betrayed his country, Shao Hua had been secretly investigated by the military.

Therefore, even if Ye Lingbo committed an insubordination against Shao Hua, he, as a great general, never said anything.

Unexpectedly, because of Shao Hua, a lowly soldier was dragged into the mess, and that unfortunate soldier turned out to be the son of a man from Sui'an.

I never expected that a woman like Sui'an would dare to cause a scene in the military camp and say such words in front of all the people...

"Your Majesty, I have never accepted any benefits from the Ye family, and Consort Yun has never spoken to me privately. I beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly!"

The emperor toyed with the brush in his hand and said in a calm voice, "If that's the case, then why did you give such great power to a mere sixth-rank official?"

The General of the Cavalry was sweating profusely: "Because, because Concubine Yun gave birth to the fifth prince for the Emperor, and Concubine Yun is a member of the Ye family, so this humble official..."

The emperor's brow furrowed: "You mean, you'll grant the military power to any family member of a concubine who has given birth to a prince? If that's the case, then the family members of Consort Lin and Consort Xian in the harem can move freely within the military, even arbitrarily disposing of soldiers?"

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty deserves to die!"

The General of the Cavalry prostrated himself on the ground, not daring to explain anything further.

"I had Imperial Censor Liu investigate, and it's true that you didn't have much contact with the Ye family." The emperor's tone softened a bit. "You may be spared a major crime, but you can't escape punishment. I'll punish you by confining you to your quarters for a month to reflect on your mistakes. During this month, you will temporarily be in charge of military affairs under the command of the Central Army. If this happens again, you will no longer be able to serve as a general."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for making an exception!"

When the General of the Cavalry came out of the Imperial Study, he breathed a huge sigh of relief.

News of his punishment spread quickly, and soon it reached Cheng Wanwan's ears.

"Even the general has been punished. The Ye family is finished this time." Aunt Qiao's face was full of joy. "If the Ye family is finished, Concubine Yun will not dare to be so arrogant in the future."

Because the Crown Prince's position is stable and the Queen's position is also extremely stable, no one has dared to do anything naughty in front of the Queen over the years.

Until two years ago, after Consort Yun became pregnant, she often disrespected the Empress. Later, after giving birth to the Fifth Prince, Consort Yun became even more arrogant. It was common for her not to pay her respects. The Empress was magnanimous and did not hold it against Consort Yun, but the servants were very indignant. Now that they saw Consort Yun about to fall out of favor, they were extremely happy.

Cheng Wanwan smiled and said, "Of course the Ye family will be finished, but it won't be completely over."

Now that she has taken action and made such a big fuss, there will be no hidden dangers left behind.

She stood up and said, "I'm going to the reading room."

Cheng Jia immediately came over: "I'm afraid the Ye family will resort to desperate measures. From now on, wherever Madam An goes, please have my subordinate and Cheng Ding accompany her."

"That's exactly what we want—for them to resort to desperate measures." Cheng Wanwan paused and said, "You all come out with me, then we'll split up when we get to a crowded place, leaving me alone."

Zhao Sidan walked over with a worried look on his face: "Mother, does it have to be this way?"

Zhao Sanniu came out of the room and said, "Mom, let me be the bait. I have a tough skin and can withstand a beating."

"When I'm old, you can stand by my side to protect me from the wind and rain. Now I'm still young, so this is nothing." Cheng Wanwan smiled at the two children, turned around and said, "Let's go."

She was wearing a moon-white dress and a silver hairpin in her hair, looking no different from an ordinary woman.

Cheng Jia and Cheng Ding were three steps behind her.

Walking out of the alley is the main street of the capital. This street is always bustling and sells all kinds of things. Cheng Wanwan looked left and right, and slowly shook off the two guards behind her.

She walked out of the busy street and keenly noticed a tail behind her.

A cold smile curled at her lips.

Ten meters away from her were Ye Lingbo and two servants from the Ye family.

"Master, let's go back." A servant pleaded, "If the master knew that you had sneaked out, he would be furious."

Ye Lingbo's face was covered in bruises, the whip wounds on his body had not yet healed, and he was beaten by his father last night, so there was not a single spot on his eyes or nose that was unharmed.

And he fell into this situation because of this vicious woman.

He was determined to vent his anger before the Emperor officially dealt with him!

He stepped up to catch up with Cheng Wanwan's pace.

Another servant hurriedly said, "Master, don't be impulsive. Even if you want to take action, you have to wait until there are fewer people around. If someone sees you, it will be another crime..."

Ye Lingbo adopted this suggestion.

Cheng Wanwan walked all the way to the city gate, but her tail didn't make a move. She pretended not to know anything, walked out of the city gate, and turned into De'an Lane.

This is the most bustling alley outside the city. In front of it is a spontaneously formed street, and then there are residential courtyards. There are lively places and deserted places.

She deliberately stayed in a deserted place for a while, and sure enough, the footsteps got closer and closer.

She turned around abruptly and saw three people standing behind her. The one in front was Ye Lingbo, but his face was covered in bruises, probably because he had been beaten into a pig's head by the Ye family head. He was walking unsteadily, and it seemed that his leg was also injured. He deserved it.

"You filthy bitch, you didn't expect to fall into my hands, did you!"

Ye Lingbo grinned evilly and pulled out a knife from his waist with a bang.

Cheng Wanwan also smiled and brought her own weapon, saving her a lot of trouble.