Their figures were no longer as upright and agile as before. They thought to themselves that if they were really hit with twenty strokes of the cane, given their physical condition, it might kill them.
Moreover, they did not cause any real harm to themselves throughout the process; they simply made a mistake due to momentary confusion.
Such a severe punishment, if it were to become public knowledge in the future, would inevitably damage the emperor's reputation, causing the people and officials to mistakenly believe that the emperor was a harsh and ungrateful person.
Although Zhu Shiyan never achieved any great feats that would go down in history or be earth-shattering, he has always been conscientious, diligent and thrifty.
He has quietly dedicated himself to his post without committing any major faults. Now is the time when the court needs capable people, the four directions have not yet been completely pacified, and the people's livelihood in the country needs further recovery and development.
If he is punished for this, it will be difficult to find a suitable replacement for him in a short time, which is not good for the stability of the court and the development of the country.
After considering this, Qin Qianluo respectfully straightened her clothes, bowed to the Emperor, and performed a standard and solemn salute.
Then he said, "Your Majesty, I am extremely apprehensive, but out of consideration for my colleagues, I have no choice but to daring to stop you."
Lord Zhu and others have served the court for many years. In the past, during times of turmoil, they stood firm in the court and made great contributions to our dynasty.
Now that they are old and their health is deteriorating, the punishment of twenty strokes of the cane is like a mountain pressing down on them, and they really can't bear it.
Furthermore, I hope that you, sir, have now deeply realized your mistakes, and your remorse is evident in your words, which are sincere.
During this process, they did not cause me any substantial harm, nor did I suffer any loss as a result.
Your Majesty, I humbly beseech you to show your virtuous heart and extend mercy beyond the law, considering their past contributions and present repentance, and grant them leniency in this punishment.
In this way, His Majesty's reputation for benevolence will be fulfilled, and his colleagues will be deeply grateful, dedicating the rest of their lives to repaying His Majesty's boundless imperial grace.
This will also allow all the officials to feel His Majesty's compassion for his subjects, and to serve the court with even greater loyalty.
The Emperor looked at the young girl dressed in prince's robes and his heart softened.
Although imperial decrees cannot be disobeyed, today is, after all, the joyous day this girl is to be granted the title of a prince of a different surname. So be it, let her have her way. It's definitely not because I'm worried she'll curse me in her heart.
On the dragon throne, the emperor's eyes flashed with coldness, sweeping over the seven kneeling ministers in the hall like sharp, cold stars.
That gaze seemed to carry a tangible pressure, making the atmosphere in the entire hall extremely oppressive.
After a long silence, the Emperor spoke slowly, his voice deep and authoritative, echoing throughout the hall:
"I originally intended to severely punish you all to rectify the court, but Prince Jinrui Zhao did not hold a grudge and pleaded for you."
Prince Jinrui Zhao is benevolent and magnanimous, a model for all court officials. I am also moved by his sincerity and have granted his request to show leniency and pardon your great disrespect this time.
You are hereby fined six months' salary as a warning to others. I hope you will take this as a lesson and never repeat such mistakes.
Otherwise, all old and new debts will be settled together, and those responsible will be severely punished. Do you all understand?
Upon hearing the Emperor's words, Zhu Shiyan and the others were astonished. They never expected that Qin Qianluo would plead for them at this crucial moment, disregarding past grievances.
A surge of gratitude welled up in their hearts, and they all prostrated themselves on the ground, their foreheads hitting the cold, hard ground with heavy thuds.
They shouted, "Your humble servants thank Your Majesty for your great kindness and King Jinrui Zhao. We will certainly work diligently and conscientiously in the future, and live up to Your Majesty's kindness."
The Emperor slightly raised his right hand and waved it gently, the gesture carrying a hint of impatience, signaling them to quickly get up and return to their original positions.
Zhu Shiyan and the others felt as if they had been granted a pardon. They quickly got up from the ground, looking slightly disheveled, but they dared not delay for a moment and returned to their positions with trepidation.
At this moment, they were filled with shame and remorse for their actions over the past few days, as if they had been struck by a heavy hammer.
He secretly thought that he must find the right opportunity in the future and do his best to make up for his previous mistakes.
After receiving congratulations from the officials, Qin Qianluo heard that she would not be going to her fiefdom but would remain in the capital to take up her post. She then calmly returned to her original position.
Seeing this, the Emperor shook his head helplessly, his eyes filled with indulgence and helplessness towards the little girl. He then told her to stand in front.
Qin Qianluo silently moved her feet as instructed, gracefully taking her place at the front. Once the officials saw that Qin Qianluo was in position, they all composed themselves and began today's meeting agenda.
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