He admitted his mistake, prostrating himself on the ground, and said in a sorrowful voice, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. This humble subject knew nothing about these matters. It is all due to my failure to properly educate my daughter. I beg Your Majesty to show leniency."

Di Jingcheng was also aware of the inside story. Apart from today's "revealing Nalan Mingzhu's identity," he and his scoundrel were truly unaware of anything else. Besides, this Minister Wu was a capable man; sparing his life wouldn't be a problem.

"Therefore, Consort Wu is guilty of heinous crimes and shall be demoted to slavery and executed in three days." Upon hearing this, Minister Wu felt as if he were about to faint. He wondered if the emperor would implicate his family. What a tragedy! How could he have given birth to such a daughter?

"Minister Wu has served the court well over the years, and I will not punish you for your contributions. However, your crime of colluding with the harem must be punished. You will be demoted two ranks and have your salary reduced for three years."

Minister Wu kowtowed excitedly to apologize: "Your Majesty, I am grateful for your great kindness. I will certainly work diligently and be loyal to the court from now on."

Seeing the emperor's lenient treatment, the crowd felt a sense of relief; the emperor had become increasingly humane in recent years. With the abolition of the harem, they no longer needed to live in fear that their daughters' misdeeds in the palace would implicate their entire families.

After court, Emperor Jingcheng hurried back to the palace. Azi had finished washing up and was having breakfast. It was all food that Emperor Jingcheng had specially ordered the imperial chefs to make, which Azi liked to eat. Azi had rested well and her complexion was much better. When she saw Emperor Jingcheng stride in, she showed a happy smile.

"Ah Cheng, you're back! Come and have breakfast with me. I haven't had much of an appetite since you weren't here." Ah Zi waved her little hand at him.

Emperor Jingcheng, still dressed in his court robes, stepped forward and bent down to place a kiss on the girl's forehead: "Baby, I'm going inside to change my clothes, I'll be right back."

Azi reached out and nudged him, playfully saying, "Go quickly, go quickly!"