Chapter 68 Such a commotion over a mere maid
Xiao Jingheng stepped forward, bowed, and said in a steady voice, "Your Majesty, I dare not claim credit for the annihilation of Black Wind Stronghold. Rescuing my younger sister and the maids in my household was my duty. As for the troop deployment procedure, I am willing to accept the blame for my oversight."
He did not take credit, did not make excuses, and remained calm.
After a moment's contemplation, the emperor made his final decision:
"Xiao Jingheng, the heir apparent of the Marquis of Yongning, has rendered meritorious service to the state by suppressing the Black Wind Stronghold. However, his unauthorized troop deployment was indeed inappropriate. Considering that there were reasons for his actions and that the outcome was beneficial to the country, I have decided that his merits and demerits will cancel each other out, and he will neither be rewarded nor punished. I hope that you will carefully abide by the laws of the court in your future actions."
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor." Xiao Jingheng bowed in gratitude, his face still expressionless.
This result, while seemingly assigning equal blame to both sides, actually favors Hsiao Ching-heng.
"Merits and demerits cancel each other out" means he will not have to bear any real punishment, while "no reward" barely shuts up the mouths of the Third Prince's faction.
After the court session ended, the Third Prince's faction looked gloomy, while the Crown Prince's faction breathed a sigh of relief.
As Xiao Jingheng walked out of the Golden Palace, following the flow of people, a mocking voice rang out from behind him.
"I never expected that the young master Xiao, who is known for his cold-faced ruthlessness and iron-fisted methods, would actually be such a devoted lover?"
"To make such a fuss over a mere maid, it's truly... quite remarkable."
It is the Third Prince, Chu Yan.
He strolled forward slowly, a seemingly warm but actually calculating smile on his face. His meaningful gaze swept over Xiao Jingheng, as if he had caught him in some serious weakness.
Xiao Jingheng bowed respectfully, his tone calm:
"Your Highness flatters me. Suppressing bandits and protecting the people is my duty. As for the maids in the manor, it was just something I did on the side. I didn't know Your Highness would be so concerned about such trivial matters."
Chu Yan chuckled softly, took two steps closer, and lowered his voice.
"Ha, Young Master Xiao has the most beautiful woman in the capital, the talented and beautiful daughter of the Grand Tutor's family, but instead he personally went into a bandit's den for a lowly maid. Young Master Xiao's taste is really... unique."
"I wonder what the Marquis of Yongning and his wife will think when they find out about this? I heard that the Marquis will be returning to the capital soon. If he knows that his proud eldest son has made such a fuss over a maid... I'm really looking forward to this show."
Xiao Jingheng's face darkened, and a murderous aura emanated from his body.
His tone remained cold and hard, "Your Highness need not trouble yourself with my family affairs. If Your Highness has the time, you should pay more attention to the allocation of grain and fodder."
Chu Yan's recent grain and fodder allocation has gone awry, and this has turned the tables on Chu Yan.
Chu Yan's face darkened, and he was about to lash out when he heard someone call his name from behind.
"Third brother, Jingheng."
It was Crown Prince Chu Yu. He walked slowly over and finally stood between the two, resolving the situation.
“Third brother, discussing the family affairs of officials on the palace road is not something a prince should do. Jingheng has made meritorious contributions in suppressing bandits. Even if he has committed minor offenses, Father has already made a clear judgment. Why bother to make a fuss about it?”
After saying that, he turned to Xiao Jingheng and said, "Jingheng, my third brother is just worried and confused. There are many things to do at the end of the year. You should go back to the yamen to handle your official business as soon as possible."
Seeing that the Crown Prince was clearly biased, Chu Yan knew he wouldn't get away with it today. He snorted coldly, cupped his hands in greeting, and walked past the two of them.
The Crown Prince watched Chu Yan's departing figure and sighed softly.
“Now that he has his eye on your maid, you need to be even more careful. As for the Marquis… you also need to make plans as soon as possible.”
Xiao Jingheng nodded slightly; "Thank you, Your Highness, I understand."
Chu Yu pondered for a moment, his expression becoming more serious.
"Jingheng, you are my right-hand man, the future pillar of the court. Although personal feelings are important, you must not let them interfere with important matters, or give others a handle to use against you, and lose more than you gain."
These words are both a reminder and an admonition.
Xiao Jingheng looked up and met Chu Yu's gaze.
He did not evade the question, but replied, "Your Highness, I did not act on impulse. Grand Tutor Lin's daughter... is not a suitable match. This matter is absolutely impossible."
Before this, Chu Yu had always thought that Xiao Jingheng would choose Lin Wan'er.
After all, Lin Wan'er was impeccable in terms of family background, appearance, and talent.
Looking into his determined eyes, Chu Yu knew Xiao Jingheng's nature; once he made up his mind, it was extremely difficult to change it.
In the end, he simply reached out and patted Xiao Jingheng on the shoulder, sighing, "That's enough! Love is the most misleading thing. Since you have made up your mind, I will not say anything more. If you need my help, just ask."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Xiao Jingheng felt a warmth in his heart.
After finishing their business, Xiao Jingheng seemed to suddenly remember something, his gaze sweeping over Chu Yu's legs, and he whispered:
"Your Highness, if it is not necessary these days, it is best to use a carriage for travel and try to avoid riding horses."
Chu Yu was taken aback upon hearing this, and asked with a puzzled expression, "Why is that?"
Xiao Jingheng naturally couldn't say that he heard it from Su Xiaoyu's inner thoughts, so he only said, "I've just heard some rumors recently that concern Your Highness's safety. It's always good to be cautious. Your Highness, please trust your minister."
Although Chu Yu was puzzled, he trusted Xiao Jingheng completely, so he nodded and said, "Okay, I'll remember this and give the order."
Afterwards, the two exchanged a few more words in hushed tones before parting ways.
After returning to the mansion, Xiao Jingheng saw his mother's carriage at the gate.
He asked the gatekeeper and learned that his mother had returned from her Buddhist pilgrimage a day early and had ordered that Su Xiaoyu, who was recuperating, be transferred from Moyunzhai to her and her mother Zhao Yueru's small courtyard.
Xiao Jingheng's gaze darkened, and he immediately understood. It seemed that some rumors had already reached his mother's ears, causing her displeasure and vigilance.
His expression remained unchanged as he walked straight into the inner courtyard, intending to pay his respects to his mother.
Just as they turned the corner of the covered walkway, they saw Xiao Lingxi waiting there with a nervous expression.
Upon seeing Xiao Jingheng, Xiao Lingxi immediately ran over, her face full of anxiety.
"Big brother!"
She grabbed Xiao Jingheng's sleeve: "There are rumors everywhere that you went to Black Wind Stronghold to save Xiaoyu, saying that you were so angry for a beauty that you were willing to risk everything. Brother, are you alright in court?"
Before Xiao Jingheng could speak, she continued angrily, "It's all my fault! You clearly risked your life to save me, and Xiaoyu was implicated because of me. I can't let her bear this reputation for you. I... I'll go and explain to Mother right now!"
As Xiao Lingxi spoke, she prepared to turn around and head towards Yilan Garden.
"stop!"
Xiao Jingheng stopped her.
"Big brother?"
Xiao Jingheng took two steps forward, looking at her calmly: "Go tell your mother, and then what?"
"Then...then Mother found out the truth, that you, brother, did it to save me, not what they said!"
“The truth is,” Xiao Jingheng interrupted her, “that you were secretly seeing Shen Moyan and were bewitched by him, almost causing a disaster. Is this the truth you want your mother to know? To make her worry about you, to make her fear for you, and perhaps even to make her control you more strictly because of it?”
Xiao Lingxi was stunned. She opened her mouth, but couldn't say a word for a long time.
Why did she feel that her older brother was a little different today?
Is my brother... on her side?
But didn't he always side with his mother and discipline her strictly?
She touched her nose, wanting to say something, but then her older brother said to her again:
"Now that you have seen through Shen Moyan's true colors and have no intention of having any further entanglements with him, let's leave it at that. There's no need to bring this up again, causing unnecessary trouble for your mother and putting yourself in an awkward position."
"As for the rumors outside, there's no need to pay them any mind."
"But elder brother..."
"Let's go, come with me, to pay our respects to Mother!"
Xiao Lingxi opened her mouth, then whispered, "But... this is so unfair to Xiaoyu..."
Xiao Jingheng paused, then instructed her, "Mind your own business and don't cause any more trouble."
After saying that, he didn't say anything more and continued walking towards Yilan Garden.
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