Chapter 67: No Respect, Only Fear

What Madam Zhao said was quite realistic.

That female official, Song, was definitely smart enough, and her way of doing things was also quite unique.

The fact that she was willing to donate her entire dowry and then become a lady-in-waiting in the palace shows that she had cut off all her escape routes and was ruthless enough to go down a dark path.

Song Zhimin has no way out, but she still has her granddaughter.

Therefore, granddaughter should not blindly follow the example of Lady Song and donate her dowry as well!

"Grandmother, what are you saying! I still have you all!" Princess Yongxin leaned against Old Madam Zhao and acted coquettishly.

Old Mrs. Zhao looked at her granddaughter, who was living a carefree and unrestrained life, with a kind expression on her face.

All she ever wanted in her life was for the younger generation to live well.

For the younger generation to live well, there is one prerequisite: the Korean government must not fall...

Considering the current situation, Old Madam Zhao narrowed her eyes.

"Mu Xiao, there's something your grandmother almost forgot to tell you." Old Madam Zhao suddenly took Princess Yongxin's hand.

Princess Yongxin was taken aback.

“Grandmother, what have you forgotten? Has someone been gossiping about my marriage again?” Princess Yongxin asked immediately.

Madam Zhao quickly shook her head.

"No! Who would dare to whisper about this in front of me!"

"Your father sent someone yesterday to take you back," Madam Zhao quickly said.

Princess Yongxin pursed her lips.

"Take me back? Why would they want to take me back out of the blue? They'll only feel uncomfortable if I go back!"

"What's wrong? Does someone else owe me a whipping?" Princess Yongxin asked with a disdainful look.

When she went back last time, she caused quite a commotion in the manor!

She even whipped her so-called younger brother.

Did they even come all this way to pick me up?

Hehe, who knows what mischief they're up to!

“Your younger sister is getting engaged. Your father sent someone specifically to tell you that as the eldest sister, you should go back home.”

But I haven't given in yet.

"No one can make you go back unless I agree," Old Madam Zhao comforted Princess Yongxin.

Princess Yongxin understood.

My sister, whom I've only met a few times, is getting engaged!

She also said that as the eldest sister, she had to go back to her hometown to handle this matter.

Heh, that little sister of mine who always pretends to be weak will definitely be subtly provoking me, saying things like she's not like me, having the title of princess and having plenty of good marriage prospects in the future...

Then they'll definitely mock themselves for chasing after that guy Xiao Huaijin all day long...

Back then... I had a hard time resisting the urge to beat her up!

“Sure! If you’re not afraid I’ll ruin her marriage, then take me back!” Princess Yongxin said readily.

Madam Zhao sighed.

Didn't they stop using the whip during the day and start talking about persuading people with reason?

Why are they bringing out the whip again now?

“You’re such a grown man. There must have been many nobles in the capital that day. If you whip someone, wouldn’t that give them something to talk about?”

There are plenty of opportunities to remove people from positions! But you can't just remove people for no reason!

"You are a princess, a princess personally appointed by the imperial family!" Old Madam Zhao said earnestly.

Princess Yongxin thought about it and agreed that it made sense.

It seems that whipping someone won't subdue them, but if you talk back to them... it's better to make them cry!

"Okay, I won't whip people as often anymore."

"Grandmother, when will they come again? I'll tell them myself!" Princess Yongxin immediately agreed.

"Three days from now! I'll be recuperating these next two days, so even if they come, they won't be able to get in!" Old Madam Zhao said with a smile.

...

The next day, news suddenly spread throughout the capital.

During today's court assembly, the Censorate suddenly impeached Du Lianzhou, the eldest son of the Minister of Personnel, who was serving as a fifth-rank assistant secretary in the Ministry of Rites.

It is said that when Du Lianzhou received foreign envoys at the Court of Colonial Affairs, his words were inappropriate and damaged the prestige of the Great Yu Kingdom.

Judging from the name on which this accusation was made, it seems that the Censorate was just making trouble out of nothing.

Under normal circumstances, Emperor Xiao Xuan would simply give a verbal reprimand.

Who knew that Emperor Xiao Xuan would get angry on the spot and dismiss Du Lianzhou from his post as Assistant Minister of Rites.

Furthermore, he was instructed to return and write a letter of apology to submit...

This really startled everyone.

It's not a big deal, why is the punishment so severe!

Upon further reflection on the events of the past two days, everyone understood that the Tian family was avenging their maternal clan!

Although the imperial family disliked the abuse of power by maternal relatives, the maternal clans of various families in Dayu were all quite content with their lot.

After the Empress Dowager's passing, the Korean government became even more discreet.

But that is His Majesty's maternal family, after all. Those people from the Duke of Han's mansion can all be considered His Majesty's relatives!

Last night, everyone knew that Madam Zhao had suddenly summoned the imperial physician.

When the imperial physician returned, he said it was because he was angry...

What could have upset him? It must be something to do with the younger generation!

The emperor may not be able to reprimand you for keeping a mistress, but he can discipline you for any improper conduct...

How about it?

To keep a mistress, I lost my job and even got scolded by my father. Wasn't that a bad deal?

Although impeaching people is the responsibility of the Censorate, why would the Censorate keep harping on such trivial matters if it wasn't authorized by the Emperor?

Furthermore, why would the imperial family be so furious over such a trivial matter and punish someone on the spot?

According to the usual practice, shouldn't we have a round of back-and-forth debate?

This time, they didn't even listen to Du's eldest son's defense; they simply stripped him of his official position...

Everyone could see that this time, the imperial family was openly and legitimately standing up for the eldest daughter of the Duke of Han's family.

When Minister Du returned to his residence, he was also terrified and broke out in a cold sweat.

This reflects His Majesty's dissatisfaction with his betting on both sides...

This is also a warning...

If there's a next time... then it'll be his hat that falls off... or his head!

The entire Du family panicked.

The old lady of the Du family immediately told Du's eldest son to send away the mistress and then go to the Duke of Han's mansion to bring his wife back.

To everyone's surprise, Du Jiadalang made two trips but still couldn't find the person.

The first time, they wouldn't even let me in the door.

"Our madam is not feeling well and will be declining all visitors today!"

...

“An’er, remember this: when the Du family and our family formed a marriage alliance, it was out of a sense of awe and respect.”

Since respect is gone now, fear is a good alternative.

Go back and be a good young mistress of the Du family!

Other things... are not important!

"Once you put men aside, you'll find that things in this world are very simple!" Grandma Zhao taught Zhao Yi'an with a smile.

"Grandmother, your granddaughter remembers!" Zhao Yi'an, who had completely changed her mental state, immediately replied respectfully.

...

Meanwhile, Song Zhimian also heard the news of Du Jia Dalang's dismissal from his post at the East Palace.

"It is said that every old lady in the Korean royal family is a formidable character."

"Looking at it this way, it's really impressive!" Song Zhimian exclaimed as she listened to the eunuchs talking.

Upon hearing this, the eunuchs realized that the head lady was very interested in these matters and immediately wanted to recount everything they knew about the Duke of Han's mansion...

"Master Song, Princess Yongxin has brought gifts to see His Highness!" The eunuch outside the second gate immediately reported.

Song Zhimian quickly stood up.

Princess Yongxin is here! Perfect timing, we can enjoy the gossip in person!