Chapter 162: Confrontation in the Palace
After seeing off the three officials' sons, Princess Zhaoyang's good mood disappeared. She gently stroked the bracelet on her wrist, which jingled.
Princess Zhaoyang ordered the palace maids to clean up the blood on the ground and said goodbye to Du Qingtang: "I'm going to see my aunt. Xianyu has been away for a long time, so please go back quickly."
Du Qingtang shook his head and said righteously, "They have also offended me. How can I stay out of this and let Arong bear all the consequences? I will go with Arong."
Seeing Du Qingtang's resolute attitude, Princess Zhaoyang curled her lips subtly, gently grasped her wrist with her long fingers, and said in a light tone: "Then let's go."
Lord Du was always so considerate, which made her so happy that she could hardly contain herself.
Du Qingtang had long been accustomed to Princess Zhaoyang's occasional closeness. He responded without changing his expression and went straight to the main courtyard where the eldest princess lived.
The eldest princess was old, and after meeting with several ladies from the royal family, she refused to meet with others on the grounds of being tired.
Princess Zhaoyang and Earl Wen'an asked for an audience. Considering their identities, the Grand Princess still met them.
"You two, please come in."
The maid lifted the door curtain and the two of them walked into the main room.
The eldest princess was leaning on the chaise longue with her eyes closed, as if she was asleep. Two maids were massaging her legs.
Du Qingtang and Princess Zhaoyang greeted each other. The eldest princess slowly opened her eyes and looked at Princess Zhaoyang with a kind and friendly expression: "It's been many years since we last met. Zhaoyang has grown into a big girl."
Princess Zhaoyang smiled warmly: "Aunt, you are still as charming and graceful as you were back then."
The eldest princess said angrily, "You little girl, you are always so smooth-talking and trying to make me happy."
Princess Zhaoyang, her smile unwavering, explained her purpose to the Grand Princess: "...those three men insulted Zhaoyang and Master Du with their words. Infuriated, Zhaoyang had her servants teach them a lesson. They were then sent back to their respective homes, and I hurried over to apologize."
As she spoke, she and Du Qingtang bowed to the Grand Princess, covering their faces with their sleeves and sobbing softly, "Aunt, you don't know how extreme their words were. They even...even cursed Zhaoyang to die in Da Qi."
The eldest princess showed no surprise on her face. It was obvious that she had already known that Princess Zhaoyang had severely punished the children of officials. She sighed softly when she heard this.
"Zhaoyang, I'm sorry for wronging you over the years. As your aunt, I'm very happy to see you return safely. However, I'm getting older and my legs and feet are not so convenient, so I haven't been able to see you in person."
"Those three, though sons of officials, behaved inappropriately and offended the heroes of Daxia. They deserve to be punished."
Princess Zhaoyang lowered her wide sleeves a little, revealing a pair of watery eyes: "Aunt, don't you blame Zhaoyang?"
The Grand Princess shook her head, her jade earrings swaying slightly. "Even if you, Zhaoyang, killed them right then and there, no one would dare to say a word."
In Daxia, offending the dignity of the royal family was considered disrespectful and one of the ten evil crimes, with no possibility of forgiveness.
Princess Zhaoyang finally burst into laughter and said, "Thank you, auntie. You are the best."
The eldest princess' smile deepened, as if she was very pleased. She turned to look at Du Qingtang and said, "Seeing is believing. Wen Anbo has a graceful demeanor and extraordinary talent. No wonder my little granddaughter admires him so much."
Du Qingtang said modestly, "Your Highness, thank you for your compliment. It is my honor to be favored by the County Master."
The Grand Princess spoke to the two of them for a few more words, and seeing that she looked tired, Princess Zhaoyang tactfully pulled Du Qingtang away.
After leaving the main courtyard and walking a distance, Princess Zhaoyang winked playfully and said, "My aunt is very soft-hearted. I'll just act a little coquettishly and cry a little, and this matter will be over."
Du Qingtang: "...Your Highness is extremely intelligent, and I admire you."
Princess Zhaoyang snorted softly, with a smile on her face.
"It's just..." Du Qingtang changed the subject, "In my opinion, those three families are very likely to impeach you and me at the grand court meeting on the 16th day of the first lunar month."
Princess Zhaoyang glanced sideways, raised her eyebrows, and asked, "Is Xianyu scared?"
"They were the ones who offended me first. As the victim, how could I be afraid of them?" Du Qingtang said, with a rare sly smile. "Then again, it's truly an honor for me to be impeached alongside Ah Rong."
Princess Zhaoyang gave a short laugh, but her eyes were devoid of a smile. "The last few times the censors impeached me, I wasn't there, so they ruined my reputation for nothing. This time, I'm going to live up to my reputation as a tyrant and show off my power in the Golden Throne Hall."
Du Qingtang raised his voice at the end, hinting at anticipation: "Then I will just stand behind Your Highness and watch you slaughter everyone."
No one knew better than her the lifelong and incurable trauma that the ten-year marriage to the Qi Dynasty had brought to Princess Zhaoyang.
Princess Zhaoyang returned to the court after going through numerous hardships, but some people were ungrateful and instead regarded her as a disgrace.
Those who give do not get anything in return. Instead of enduring the grievances, wasting their energy, and being driven crazy by others, it is better to go crazy, drive others crazy, and make life miserable for everyone.
Princess Zhaoyang turned her head and said solemnly, "Okay, I will protect you."
Du Qingtang was stunned for a moment, then slowly smiled.
......
However, the palace maids, under the order of Princess Zhaoyang, sent the three officials' sons back to their respective homes.
When their families saw that their cheeks were torn and their right leg bones were broken, and that it had lost its support and was hanging limply, they felt as if they had been struck by lightning and were fuming.
The palace maid left a few words and left leisurely. There was a commotion in the mansion, with people crying, cursing, and calling for doctors. It took a long time for the noise to subside.
The mother's eyes were filled with tears, her expression was icy cold: "Master, you must not let the villain who harmed my son go!"
As a father, he was a little hesitant when he thought about the identities of Princess Zhaoyang and Earl Wen An.
The mother choked up, "The doctor said that unless something unexpected happens, my son will have difficulty walking. His life has been ruined by those two women who abused their power to bully others."
The father's eyes hardened, and he gently stroked his wife's shoulder: "Don't worry, Madam. Several censors in the Censorate have been dissatisfied with Princess Zhaoyang and Wen Anbo for a long time, especially the Right Censor-in-Chief. He and Wen Anbo have a deep feud. Let me tell him about this matter. He will definitely not miss the opportunity to impeach Du Qingtang!"
As for Princess Zhaoyang, she was originally a shameless woman. Impeaching her would only enhance the reputation of the Right Censor-in-Chief and lead scholars all over the world to praise him for his fearlessness of power. Why not do it?
-
The fifteenth day of the first lunar month is the Lantern Festival.
According to tradition, every household eats Yuanxiao this morning.
There are many kinds of fillings for Yuanxiao, but the girls in the Du family only like to eat those with black sesame filling.
Du Qingtang had no interest in glutinous rice products, so he only ate six and then had a bowl of wontons.
After filling his stomach, Du Qingtang went to the study to write a letter.
Yesterday, I promised Princess Zhaoyang to ask Yao Jingzhou to send some beef and mutton from Shaoqing Prefecture, but I forgot about it after returning home and only remembered it when I was having dinner just now.
Du Qingtang asked Du Yi to deliver the letter and head straight to the imperial farm.
As soon as I stepped into the research institute, two researchers came to greet me with ecstatic looks on their faces.
"Master, we have built the steam engine you mentioned!"
"We just did a test. Driven by the steam engine, the carriage traveled a full eight miles!"
Du Qingtang's face showed a rare joy: "Take me to have a look!"
"This way, sir."
Last August, due to the floods in Hubei, Du Qingtang came up with the idea of building a train.
However, materials were limited in ancient times, and even if oil was discovered, it would be very difficult to refine it into diesel.
As a result, Du Qingtang gave up the idea of using an internal combustion engine to drive the train.
After careful consideration, Du Qingtang decided to use a steam engine instead of an internal combustion engine as the drive for the train.
Generally speaking, the manufacturing technology of steam engines is similar to that of mechanical engineering.
So in September, after the first round of assessments at the research institute was completed, Du Qingtang selected six mechanical engineers to work with her to develop steam engines.
It took three months and more than ten failures, but we finally succeeded today.
The three of them soon arrived at the wasteland behind the research institute.
Parked on the wasteland was a very simple-looking four-wheeled vehicle consisting only of wheels and seats.
Four other researchers surrounded the four-wheeled vehicle, all with excited expressions on their faces, their mouths grinning from ear to ear. They carefully wiped the huge object under the seat and between the wheels as if it were a priceless treasure.
Seeing Du Qingtang coming over, the four of them hurriedly saluted: "Your subordinates pay their respects to the abbot..."
Du Qingtang waved his hand and urged impatiently, "Don't worry about these empty formalities. We can only travel eight miles at the moment."
The researcher nodded in agreement and assured him, "But now we've already built the steam engine. We just need to find ways to improve it. With time, we'll be able to extend its travel time!"
Du Qingtang's expression relaxed slightly. It happened that she also thought so. She raised her chin and said, "Try it once and let me see where the problem lies."
"yes!"
The researchers first checked the various components of the steam engine to ensure that there were no leaks in the boiler, cylinder, pipes, etc., and then added water to the boiler and ignited the coal.
After the water in the boiler boils, the researcher opens the steam valve.
White steam filled the air, emitting a low and rhythmic hum.
Driven by the steam engine, the four-wheeled vehicle started moving.
The four-wheeled carriage was much faster than the horse-drawn carriage. In just half an incense stick of time, it reached the edge of the southernmost wheat field of the imperial farm and condensed into an almost invisible black dot.
The white steam dissipated and the humming sound also stopped.
In the wheat fields, many tenant farmers are checking the growth of the wheat seedlings.
Suddenly, a four-wheeled vehicle came with a strange humming sound. Everyone stopped their farm work and looked around curiously.
"What's that? It can actually run on its own without any animals pulling it."
"It ran faster than a carriage and arrived in the blink of an eye."
"If I could ride it and go out, wouldn't it be possible to get to my destination in the blink of an eye?"
"Don't even think about it. This kind of four-wheeled vehicle is like colored glass. Ordinary people can't make it. It must be only the nobles who can ride it."
The researcher stood beside Du Qingtang and explained respectfully, "After the first trial run, I had someone measure the distance, and it was slightly more than eight miles."
"To achieve this result on our first trial run is quite good." Du Qingtang was quite satisfied, a smile etched across his face. "Thank you all for your hard work over the past three months. Everyone will be generously rewarded!"
The six researchers were instantly flattered, their fatigue vanishing as they bowed and said, "Thank you, sir."
No matter what the reward is, it must be something good.
Being able to receive the reward from Lord Du is worthwhile for their sleepless three months of working day and night to develop the steam engine.
Du Qingtang asked the researcher to drive the four-wheeled vehicle back and then instructed, "Today is the Lantern Festival. You didn't even get a rest on New Year's Eve. I will specially grant you a day off. I will send someone to pick up your family members later so that the whole family can reunite and have a lively meal."
"One thing to remember is that family members are not allowed to approach the laboratory and can only move around near the dormitory."
During these three months, the researchers have come up with some results.
Although they are not as important as firearms and steam engines, they are also rare items that benefit the country and the people.
Du Qingtang never underestimated the evil in people's hearts and did not want to give neighboring countries an advantage, so he added a rule to the academy's rules:
Family members who come to visit are not allowed to approach the laboratory. Violators will be expelled from the institute and will never be hired again.
The researchers haven't seen their families for a long time and miss them very much.
But there are more important things they need to do than family reunion.
"Sir, I want to strike while the iron is hot and improve the steam engine as soon as possible."
"That's right. It's not like we haven't seen it for ten or eight years. The steam engine is still more important. If it can travel eight miles today, it will definitely be able to travel eight hundred miles tomorrow!"
Du Qingtang didn't force it. When the four-wheeled cart came back, she rolled up her sleeves to prevent the coal from staining her clothes. She squatted in front of the steam engine and reached back: "Screwdriver."
The researcher presented it with both hands.
For the next few hours, Du Qingtang stayed with the steam engine until the sun set and her stomach protested for the umpteenth time before she finally stopped.
"I have to go to the Ministry of Industry for duty tomorrow, and I don't think I'll be here for three to five days. Please follow the method I've suggested and make some improvements. Submit the data directly to the Ministry of Industry after the trial."
"If you have any other questions, you can also send someone to the Ministry of Industry to pass on the message. I will find time to come over."
The researchers responded in unison.
Du Qingtang washed the coal dust and oil off his hands and went home.
The girls of the Du family had returned before her and were sitting in the dining room chatting and waiting for the youngest to come back.
When he saw someone, he ordered the maid to serve the food.
Du Qingtang ate and drank his fill, and his stomach finally stopped making noises.
After a short pause, he called the girls and boys over and examined their learning achievements over the past few days one by one.
After the test, Du Qingtang casually asked, "How is Mr. Qu's teaching?"
"He can draw inferences from one example and apply it to other similar situations. He is much better than the previous Mr. Huang."
"I wrote down everything Mr. Qu said in class. I plan to go to the Qiong English Club tomorrow and share my notes with the members."
Du Qingtang had an idea in mind: "Since Mr. Qu has a good teaching method, you should all study hard. The Academy Examination will be held in August this year. Quan and Rui can try their luck. The Provincial Examination will be held next year. Cheng should also prepare in advance and try to pass it on the first try. Then you can directly participate in the Imperial Examination the year after."
The three nephews who had already passed the imperial examinations stood respectfully in front of Du Qingju, nodding their heads frequently.
"I've been reading your articles from that year recently and have benefited a lot from them."
"As for the test questions that Yao Daru gave you, we do them every day. However, some of the questions are too difficult. I only understood them after asking Mr. Qu."
Du Qingtang was not surprised by this: "The questions my master sets are already quite difficult. As long as you master these questions, it won't be a problem to cope with the academy and provincial examinations. But if you want to go further, you have to work harder."
After she finished speaking, she looked at the girls again and said, "Ran Jie'er, Fang Jie'er, Zhi Jie'er, and Jiao Jie'er, you should not slack off either. Start with the county exam questions. If you don't understand something, ask Cheng Ge'er and the others directly."
The girls and boys said in unison: "Don't worry, Auntie, we will try our best!"
Du Qingtang looked satisfied.
If nothing unexpected happens, the opportunity for women to serve as officials will come soon.
She has no children and will never have any, but she sincerely hopes that her nephews and nieces will have a bright future.
In this cannibalistic era, the four classes of scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans each have their own duties. If one does not want to suffer oppression and bullying, he can only become a superior person, that is, a "scholar".
If you want to be an official, you must have real talent and knowledge.
If the younger generations of the Du family are not capable of doing the job, Du Qingtang will not promote them even if their relationship is good.
Just like Guo Qian, this person has evil intentions and is unworthy of his position. In addition to all the conflicts in the past, even if Du Qingmei comes to her for help, she will not show favoritism and seek an official position for her.
When he returned to the main courtyard, Du Jiu had been waiting for a long time.
"Master, Guo Qian went to Duke Cheng'en's mansion again."
On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, Du Qingtang sent Du Jiu and Du Shi to keep an eye on Guo Qian and Du Qingmei.
As expected, Guo Qian was resentful after his request for an official position was rejected, and went to the Cheng'en Mansion early the next morning.
Du Qingtang was a little surprised that Guo Qian actually boarded the broken ship of Cheng'en Mansion.
After careful consideration, it is most likely that they sent people to Shaoqing Prefecture to investigate her last year, and also sent people to Baoding Prefecture.
The girls in the Du family have always been united, and their brothers-in-law are all good people.
Only Guo Qian, who married Du Qingmei but gradually drifted away from the Du family because of the affair of having a child out of wedlock, was the best breakthrough point.
In this case, it is not surprising that Cao Yuan's people came to find Guo Qian.
Guo Qian and Cao Yuan had clear goals: the former wanted to become an official, while the latter wanted to deal with her. The two hit it off and became accomplices from then on.
Du Qingtang sat behind the table, playing with the Shangshu seal. After a while, he ordered, "Try to let the Fifth Miss know about this."
Du Jiu did not suspect anything and retreated immediately.
Du Qingtang picked up the wick with a hairpin, took out a blank piece of rice paper, and used a charcoal pencil to draw a blueprint.
The steam engine has been built, and Du Qingtang plans to hand over the task of subsequent improvements to the researchers. The next step is to build a train.
Du Qingtang spent the whole night drawing blueprints of train parts such as the locomotive, carriages, wheels, bogies, couplers, etc. He did not stop until the end of the night of Hai, when he washed up and went to sleep.
-
The next day, Du Qingtang asked Du Yi to deliver the drawings to the research institute. After morning exercises, he ate a bowl of crab porridge, changed into his official robes and went to attend the first morning court session of the 22nd year of Qingyuan.
At the hour of Mao, civil officials entered the palace through the Zuoye Gate, and military officials entered through the Youye Gate.
When we meet on a narrow road, we are all in high spirits.
"Mr. Zhu, Happy New Year!"
"I haven't seen you for half a month. Lord Sun seems to have gained a lot of weight."
"Well, during the New Year, we've been eating, drinking and having fun all day. If you're not careful... But it's not a big deal. I'll be busy with official duties after I get back, so I'll be out of meat in three or five days at most."
"To be honest, this official robe of mine seems a bit tight."
"Hahahahahahaha, this shows that everyone has had a very comfortable time in the past half month!"
While exchanging greetings, the officials walked towards the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the cold wind.
As Du Qingtang was climbing the stairs, the Right Censor-in-Chief Wang Zhongliang passed by. He glared at her, snorted, and then walked away, leaving Du Qingtang with a short and thin figure.
Du Qingtang: “…”
He walked slowly into the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where a charcoal basin was burning and the air was warm as spring.
Du Qingtang rubbed his hands, greeted the leaders of the six ministries, and said no more. He stood in his seat with his hands hanging down, waiting for the grand court meeting to begin.
About half an incense stick of time later, a sharp voice was heard from outside the hall.
"Your Majesty has arrived—"
When Emperor Qingyuan, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, sat on the high throne, all officials knelt down and saluted, shouting "Long live the emperor" three times.
"Everyone, please stand up."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
All officials stood still, and Fu Rui sang loudly: "If you have something to report, please report it. If not, please leave the court——"
Wang Zhongliang stepped out and knelt, saying, "Your Majesty, I have something to report."
Emperor Qingyuan raised his hand: "Approved."
Wang Zhongliang kowtowed and said in a trembling voice, "I would like to report Princess Zhaoyang and the current Minister of Works, Wen'an Earl Du Qingtang, for abusing their power and brutally breaking the right legs of my son, the second son of Minister Gao, the Minister of Public Administration, and the youngest son of Minister Miao, the Minister of Rites, rendering them lifelong paralyzed!"
As soon as these words were spoken, silence fell in the Golden Palace.
All the officials looked at each other, their expressions difficult to describe.
Why is it Wen Anbo again?
Will she die if she gets into less trouble?
The last time before that he attacked in the street, the time before that he caused a big disturbance in the Ministry of Rites, and this time he broke the right leg of an official's son.
Do you really think you are a crab and can walk around Xiajing as you please, so you bully the weak and cause trouble every few days?
Little did he know that Du Qingtang's mood was also hard to describe.
Because Princess Zhaoyang was determined to ascend the throne, Du Qingtang did not send anyone to investigate the identities of the three people after he returned.
Who would have thought that there was an old acquaintance among them.
Right Censor-in-Chief Wang Zhongliang was the one who impeached her in August last year.
Mr. Gao, the Minister of Public Administration, was the one who expressed the theory that the victim was guilty and was hit on the head with a tablet by Du Qingtang.
Emperor Qingyuan naturally knew what Princess Zhaoyang had done at the Grand Princess's residence. He was secretly annoyed at his ministers' poor parenting, but he showed no sign of it. "Lord Du, what do you say?"
Countless gazes came from all directions, some worried, some gloating.
Du Qingtang walked out without changing his expression and bowed: "Your Majesty, please allow me to report that two days ago..."
Before he could finish his words, a eunuch's shrill voice came from outside the palace: "Your Majesty, Princess Zhaoyang requests an audience."
Emperor Qingyuan and all the officials were stunned.
"This is the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Why does Princess Zhaoyang want to see you?"
"The Hall of Supreme Harmony is where His Majesty receives officials and hears about state affairs. For a princess like her...it's truly inappropriate!"
"That princess was the first princess in Daxia to dare to keep a concubine. Like Wen Anbo, she was extremely unconventional."
"No wonder he colluded with Earl Wen An and broke the official's leg."
Emperor Qingyuan vaguely guessed Princess Zhaoyang's intention and rubbed the dragon pattern on the jade ring with his fingertips: "Xuan."
Fu Rui flicked his whisk and sang loudly, "Princess Zhaoyang is here to see you!"
A few breaths later, Princess Zhaoyang, wearing her court dress and a phoenix crown, walked slowly into the Golden Throne Hall.
"Your son pays homage to His Majesty the Father."
Princess Zhaoyang stood in the hall and bowed gently.
Emperor Qingyuan asked, "Why did Zhaoyang ask for an audience?"
Princess Zhaoyang turned abruptly and faced the civil and military officials. "Yesterday, I heard someone wanted to impeach me, so I came here to see what was going on."
"I didn't want to oversleep and almost miss the court meeting. I hope you won't mind."
Officials: "......"
You are the only one who knows that you are being impeached and still comes to watch the fun.
Princess Zhaoyang turned her head and looked at Du Qingtang and Wang Zhongliang, who were standing outside the civil officials. Her gaze fixed on the latter: "Could it be that you are the one who wants to impeach me?"
Recalling his young son's tragic plight, Wang Zhongliang was enraged. He stiffened his neck and said in a stern voice, "Your Highness and Du Qingtang colluded to break my son's right leg and beat him so hard that his cheeks were bruised and torn. Shouldn't I impeach you?"
Princess Zhaoyang raised her eyebrows, her smile undiminished. "Does your Excellency know why I ordered your son's right leg to be broken?"
Wang Zhongliang's heart skipped a beat, and he had an inexplicable sense of foreboding.
He looked at the Minister of Public Administration and the Minister of Rites, both of whom had confused expressions on their faces.
Wang Zhongliang swallowed his saliva and forced himself to remain calm: "Even if my son's words and deeds are rude and offend you and Wen Anbo, you can't interrupt..."
Princess Zhaoyang chuckled, her heroic features unable to conceal the sarcasm in her eyes: "It seems your son has never told you the truth."
"Yuan Shuang, tell everyone how they gossiped about me at the Grand Princess's residence."
Aunt Yuanshuang, who had entered the palace with Princess Zhaoyang, stepped forward, her face gentle, and she softly repeated, "Princess Zhaoyang has never made any contribution to Daxia, yet she relies on Your Majesty's favor to act arrogantly and keep concubines. This is truly despicable."
Wang Zhongliang's pupils suddenly contracted.
"If you ask me, Earl Wen An shouldn't have allowed Princess Zhaoyang to return to the court."
The Tongzhengshi was horrified.
"Rather than being disgraced in Xiajing and bringing shame to the imperial family, it is better to die in Daqi. At least it will be a glorious death."
The Minister of the Ministry of Rites was terrified.
The three of them fell to their knees on the ground like dumplings, beads of sweat rolled down their foreheads, their cheeks trembled, their tongues were stiff and numb, and they couldn't utter a word. They cursed their son for betraying his father in their hearts.
No wonder when asked how they had offended Princess Zhaoyang, they all hesitated and couldn't explain clearly.
Although Princess Zhaoyang was a woman, she was a legitimate princess of the royal family.
It would have been fine if he had just judged the princess, but he even spoke wildly, cursing the princess to die in the country where she was married.
Princess Zhaoyang is not a person with a good temper. After hearing these words, how can she let them go?
Princess Zhaoyang raised her chin slightly, the smile on her lips suddenly fell, and she said in a cold voice: "I came here today to ask you a question -"
"Who exactly has attacked and impeached me in the court?"
"Who are these people who are slandering me behind my back and spreading rumors about me?"
The faces of all the officials changed slightly, and they all denied it.
"Your Highness, please understand. I have never done this!"
Princess Zhaoyang turned a deaf ear to the rumors, her brows stern and her voice tinged with chill. "I have a terrible reputation outside, and now even three commoners who only know how to fight cocks and run dogs have the audacity to speak ill of me, claiming that I have made no contribution to Daxia, and that it is all thanks to you gentlemen."
"Now, I am going to call upon all those who have spoken ill of me to come forward."
"Otherwise, when I find him, I will tear his mouth and pull out his tongue with my own hands."
There was complete silence in the Golden Palace.
All the officials were silent, and the Right Censor-in-Chief, the Minister of Public Administration, and the Minister of the Ministry of Rites were even more trembling. They huddled themselves into a ball, fearing that Princess Zhaoyang would notice them.
The reason was simple: they had been slandering Princess Zhaoyang and speaking very viciously.
Princess Zhaoyang raised her hand and gently stroked her hair: "Fourteen years ago, I sacrificed my life for the country and married into the Qi Kingdom, which brought Daxia several years of peace."
"I was a slave in Da Qi, and suffered humiliation and was on the verge of death countless times."
"He ate leftovers and drank snow and rainwater. Before he was twenty, his hair was already covered in frost and snow. He was as thin as a sheet of paper and could be blown down by a gust of wind. He also had a lot of hidden diseases."
"What has sustained me through these ten years of hardship?"
"It's Daxia!"
"It's tens of millions of people in Daxia!"
"I never imagined that upon returning to my motherland, I would first be impeached by the Imperial Censor for my arrogance and keeping concubines. Then, the sons of officials believed that I was disrespectful and brought shame to the imperial family. They even bluntly said that I should die in the Great Qi."
"Please don't forget, it's all because of my sacrifice that you can live a life of luxury in Xiajing."
"You all eat my flesh and drink my blood, yet you regard me as a disgrace, blaming me for not being able to return to my motherland alive and for dying in Da Qi."
"But I still remember the day I left Xiajing and went to Daqi to marry. You all shed tears and saw me off for ten miles. You were so grateful and praised me so highly."
"You pick up the bowl to eat, and then put it down to curse your mother. You are too shameless."
Princess Zhaoyang spoke the most heartbreaking words in an ordinary tone, and everyone present felt a burning pain on their faces.
They couldn't help but recall the urgent report from Loushan Pass when Wen Anbo negotiated with Da Qi, demanding that the other party cancel the tribute, return the five southwestern cities and Princess Zhaoyang.
Some people said that Princess Zhaoyang became the concubine of Emperor Qi, and was a Qi person, and was not worthy of returning to Daxia.
Some people believe that Princess Zhaoyang may have been instigated to rebel during her ten years in the Great Qi Dynasty, and would cause endless troubles if she returned to the court.
Instead of asking Da Qi to return Princess Zhaoyang, it is better to take the opportunity to ask for some tangible benefits.
For example, asking Da Qi to pay compensation, or in turn paying tribute to Da Xia.
In the end, His Majesty overcame all objections and insisted that Princess Zhaoyang return to Daxia.
Although all the officials stopped their protests, they were still dissatisfied in their hearts.
Especially after Princess Zhaoyang returned to the court, she was deeply favored by His Majesty. She spoke and acted without restraint in the capital, acted recklessly, and even kept a lover. The dissatisfaction instantly reached its peak.
They began to impeach Princess Zhaoyang, attack her fiercely, and speak ill of her to everyone they met.
They found unprecedented satisfaction in the echoes and got the answers they wanted -
Princess Zhaoyang was just a woman who looked down on herself, acted licentiously and indulged in promiscuous things. How could she become a hero of Daxia?
She doesn't deserve it.
Daxia can be what it is today, all thanks to these civil servants and military generals!
They seemed to have deceived even themselves, bullying a weak woman with a clear conscience.
A woman who had devoted her best ten years to Daxia and suffered humiliation in a foreign country.
Until today, Princess Zhaoyang walked into the Golden Palace and tore open with her own hands what they were trying so hard to cover up.
It was Princess Zhaoyang who sacrificed her life to save the country.
She sacrificed everything in exchange for several years of peace and tranquility for Daxia.
......
There was a dead silence in the Golden Palace; even the air seemed to be stagnant.
Emperor Qingyuan sat on a high seat, beneath his twelve-tasseled crown, his dim eyes fixed on Princess Zhaoyang's back.
Those eyes contained sadness, self-blame, and grief.
"I have impeached Your Highness before, but now I know I have made a mistake. I beg Your Highness to punish me."
In full view of the crowd, a middle-aged official stepped forward and knelt beneath Princess Zhaoyang.
This sound seemed to press the start button, and more than twenty people came out one after another.
"I know I was wrong. Please punish me, Your Highness."
"I know I was wrong. Please punish me, Your Highness."
"I know I was wrong. Please punish me, Your Highness."
“…”
One sound after another, extremely low, but deafening.
Princess Zhaoyang raised her chin slightly, looking down at the people from above, and said word by word, "We should have finished counting ten people long ago, but there are still three people missing."
The three of them gasped and lowered their heads even lower.
Almost as he lowered his head, Princess Zhaoyang's voice, like a demon demanding his life, rang out: "Lord Wang, Lord Gao, Lord Miao, do you want me to tear your mouths apart and pull out your tongues?"
Wang Zhongliang's short, thin body trembled, and he suddenly raised his head and looked at the man on the dragon throne: "Your Majesty, are you really going to allow Princess Zhaoyang to treat the Hall of Supreme Harmony as the back garden of the princess's mansion, to cause trouble and make unreasonable trouble?"
Emperor Qingyuan twirled his beard and said calmly, "I have said many times that Zhaoyang is a meritorious official of Daxia. Whether it is me, you beloved ministers, or the common people, we all owe her a debt of gratitude."
"However, Lord Wang seems to have not taken my words to heart. Instead, he has intensified his behavior and even allowed his youngest son to offend my princess."
Wang Zhongliang did not expect that Emperor Qingyuan was so unable to distinguish right from wrong and actually allowed Princess Zhaoyang to do this.
Wang Zhongliang couldn't help but think of last year, when he impeached Du Qingtang for causing trouble in the Ministry of Rites, but Emperor Qingyuan only lightly fined Du Qingtang a year's salary.
For Du Qingtang, a one-year salary deduction is equivalent to no fine at all.
Emperor Qingyuan was so partial to the two women that he allowed them to kill his old ministers. Was this the behavior of a wise ruler?
"You tyrant ruler! You are a tyrant ruler who favors treacherous villains!"
"Daxia will surely perish! You will surely become the king who destroys Daxia!"
Wang Zhongliang pointed at Emperor Qingyuan and cursed loudly, then turned around and bumped into the dragon pillar in the Golden Palace.
Blood splattered three feet, and he died on the spot!
All the officials were horrified and their faces turned pale.
Some people subconsciously looked at Cao Yuan, who was standing at the top of the civil service.
As everyone knows, Wang Zhongliang is a member of Cao's party.
They thought that Cao Yuan would react after seeing Wang Zhongliang's blood splattered in the Golden Palace, but Cao Yuan kept his brows lowered and his eyes closed the entire time, like a statue with no joy or sadness.
Looking back over the past few years, every time Your Majesty ordered the execution of Cao's party, Cao Yuan looked like this.
Everyone couldn't help but sigh that he was worthy of being the Prime Minister who had served in three dynasties, and was extremely cold-blooded.
Or maybe he's lost enough and has nothing left to lose.
Emperor Qingyuan looked straight ahead, as if the blood-red beneath the Coiled Dragon Pillar didn't exist. He said in a deep voice, "Officials who confessed their crimes will be demoted two ranks. Miao Xin and Gao Mao will be demoted three ranks to serve as a warning to others."
Although there are only two levels, for some officials, these two levels mean that their efforts of ten, twenty or thirty years will be wasted.
Looking at the Minister of Public Administration and the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, this punishment was tantamount to a disaster for them.
His eyes rolled back and he fainted on the spot.
The Golden Palace was in a mess, with people fainting and dying.
Princess Zhaoyang stood before all the officials and said calmly, "From now on, everyone, shut up! Otherwise, I won't mind pulling out his tongue and feeding it to him."
Du Qingtang: “…”
The official from the Ministry of Rites inexplicably felt that these words sounded familiar. After thinking carefully, he realized that they were the words that Wen Anbo used to threaten Ning Yucheng last year.
Ministry of Rites official: “…”
"Thank you all for your cooperation today. I am deeply pleased." Princess Zhaoyang changed the subject. "Actually, I just loved listening to music and loving beautiful women, but you all have accused me of keeping a lover, and I have ended up in disgrace."
"Now that I think about it, men can have concubines and prostitutes, why can't women?"
Officials: “?”
"I am a royal concubine, a meritorious official of Daxia. What's wrong with having a few concubines?"
Officials: “???”
"Thank you for your reminder. I will pick out a few beautiful ones and bring them into my room when I get home today."
Officials: “???”
Du Qingtang: “…”
Emperor Qingyuan: “…”
After Princess Zhaoyang finished speaking, she waved her sleeves and left without a single cloud, leaving all the officials dumbfounded and deeply doubting their lives.
-
On that day, the news that Princess Zhaoyang had "go on a killing spree" in the Golden Palace spread.
Everyone was deeply saddened to learn that all the officials who had impeached and attacked Princess Zhaoyang in the past were demoted without exception, and that the Right Censor-in-Chief even died by hitting his head against a pillar, causing his family to be convicted and exiled.
"Fortunately, I never said anything bad about Princess Zhaoyang."
"Actually, if you think about it carefully, Princess Zhaoyang is quite pitiful. She was sent to the Great Qi as a princess at the age of 15. She was unfamiliar with the place and suffered a lot of bullying. She was extremely strong to be able to come back alive."
"Anyone who dares not acknowledge Princess Zhaoyang's contributions to Daxia is a coward."
From then on, all the rumors about Princess Zhaoyang were wiped out, the wind direction was completely reversed, and Princess Zhaoyang was transformed from a ridiculous and useless princess into a great benefactor who saved the people from dire straits.
......
It happened to be a holiday, and Du Qingtang originally planned to stay in the research institute and continue building trains, but was dragged away by Princess Zhaoyang to Ningxiang Tower for nursing care.
Princess Zhaoyang said confidently: "It is best to combine work and rest. I feel bad that Xianyu has exhausted herself."
Du Qingtang propped up his chin and said, "It's okay. I'm not very tired."
Princess Zhaoyang decisively changed the subject: "Xianyu, do you know that your fifth brother-in-law has entered the court as an official?"
Du Qingtang took a sip of tea and nodded slightly.
On the 18th day of the first lunar month, Guo moved to the Tongzhengsi and took up the position of Right Councillor.
However, Du Qingtang has never met Guo Qian. It was Du Jiu who reported this.
Princess Zhaoyang picked up a piece of dried fruit and chewed it carefully. "Xianyu should know through whose connections he entered the Ministry of Public Administration."
Du Qingtang nodded again and pushed the small plate of dried fruits to the opposite side: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
Princess Zhaoyang stopped asking questions, and the two of them went to Ningxiang Tower to take care of each other, and then went to Shixiang Pavilion to have a meal. After eating and drinking, they went back to their homes.
......
At the same time, at Guo’s house.
In the east wing, Du Qingmei was sewing small clothes for her unborn baby, and suddenly she sighed.
The maid Cuizhen looked over at the sound and asked in confusion, "Why is Madam sighing?"
If she were to tell him that the young master was now a fifth-rank official, his future was limitless, and the lady should be happy, but for some reason, she had been frowning these past few days.
Du Qingmei held the embroidery needle, wanting to speak but hesitant for a long time. In the end, she couldn't help but speak out her heart: "Xianyu refused to help, and the Guo family has no relatives in Beijing. I don't know whose connections he has used. I am a little worried."
The ominous premonition kept lingering in her heart, making her lose her appetite and unable to sleep all night.
"Madam, instead of letting your imagination run wild here, why don't you go and ask Langhao about it?"
Langhao is Guo Qian's servant, and the maid who is speaking is Cuiyue, who was bought in the first month of the year to serve the pregnant Du Qingmei.
Du Qingmei's eyes lit up, and she thought this plan was feasible, so she sent Cuiyue to find the wolf hair brush.
Cuiyue found Langhao and asked directly, "Brother Langhao, do you know how the young master became an official?"
Langhao said fiercely, "Get lost! Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask!"
Cui Yue curled her lips and said after returning to the east wing: "Madam, I found out."
Du Qingmei quickly put down the half-made dress and asked impatiently, "Who is it?"
Cuiyue glanced outside the door and whispered, "Langhao secretly told me that it was the Prime Minister of the current dynasty."
Du Qingmei was stunned: "Prime...Prime Minister?"
"Yes, it's absolutely true." Cui Yue nodded and said mysteriously, "Madam, please don't spread this around. If anyone finds out, the young master might lose his official position."
Du Qingmei responded randomly, picked up the small clothes, but was unable to sew.
She suddenly remembered that last year, before she broke up with her sisters, she happened to hear Du Qingju mention -
"Originally, the research institute could have been established immediately, but it was Prime Minister Cao Yuan who interfered, causing Xianyu to suffer so much that he couldn't even rest on his days off."
The Prime Minister was competing with Xianyu, so why did he help Guo Qian to become an official in the court?
......
Time flies, and two months have passed in the blink of an eye.
In March, the grass in Beijing is green and the birds are singing, and spring is in the air. The steam engine has also been completely developed. From the original eight miles that could be traveled after one heating, the current range is ninety miles, achieving a qualitative leap.
After the trial was successful, Du Qingtang returned to the city in the midday sun.
As soon as he stepped onto the horse stool and landed on the ground, a figure jumped out from the side and hugged Du Qingtang's calf, with a tone of helplessness and crying.
"Sir, please save my wife!"
Du Qingtang took a closer look and saw that the person kneeling on the ground was Du Qingmei's maid, Cuizhen. He couldn't help but frowned: "What's going on?"
Cuizhen sobbed, her words incoherent. "Madam... Madam discovered that the young master was trying to collude with others to frame you, so she secretly went looking for evidence, but was... discovered by the young master."
"The young master was very angry and kicked the lady. The lady was pregnant and heavy, so he kicked her down."
"My wife has lost a lot of blood, but the master forbade me to call a doctor. I was at my wit's end, so I crawled out through the dog hole... My lord, please, save my wife!"
"If this continues, she'll die!"
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