Shortly after Hongzhou's wedding, Nian Gengyao was convicted on seven counts. Although Nian Gengyao had not attempted to seize power, he had secretly won over the hearts of the people. However, considering that he was a founding minister and had served by his side for many years, the Fourth Prince did not sentence him to death, but instead demoted him to the position of magistrate of Xiangjiang County. He was to take office immediately, and his position as the Northwest General was revoked on the spot.
After being released from prison, Nian Gengyao was taken to a private house. A tall man stood by the window. Nian Gengyao recognized him at a glance from behind.
He knelt on one knee, "Your Majesty!"
Having served my master for so many years, I am naturally familiar with him.
"Nian Gengyao, do you know why I've come to see you?" the Fourth Prince said through the window.
Although Gengyao made a big mistake, he did help the Fourth Prince to secure his throne, so the Fourth Prince's feelings towards him were still complicated.
Nian Gengyao knew that the Fourth Prince had always been loyal and righteous, but he was no longer worthy of the Emperor's favor. "Your Majesty is loyal and righteous, and has spared this old minister's life. This old minister will definitely do his best to serve the country in the future. If there is anything that can be of use to this old minister in the future, I will do my utmost."
After being imprisoned for so long, Nian Gengyao had come to a realization: the Emperor had spared his life, which was already a blessing from his past life. In this life, his life belonged to the Emperor.
"This is probably the last time I've come to see you. Once you get to Xiangjiang, behave yourself and do what you're supposed to do. We, ruler and subject, shall part ways here, and there's no need for us to meet again," said the Fourth Prince.
It was impossible to reinstate Nian Gengyao. He still had some feelings for him, and this visit was to fulfill his own wishes.
Nian Gengyao wept bitterly, lamenting that his foolish actions had brought him ruin, and that he deserved this fate. After paying his respects to the Fourth Prince, he departed.
When Nian Gengyao returned to the Nian residence, it was deserted and desolate, like a lonely house. Nian Gengyao never expected that his elder brother would scatter first when the tree fell.
The servants heard a commotion outside and rushed out, thinking it was someone from the palace.
"Master! You're finally back!" The servant shouted excitedly when he saw that the person who came was the master who had been locked up in prison for some time.
Hearing the commotion outside, everyone inside rushed out.
When Nian Gengyao's wife arrived before him, she looked at her husband with heartache. "Gengyao, you're finally out! We all thought..." Nian Gengyao's wife began to cry. Her daughter also choked up beside her.
Looking at his wife and daughter, Nian Gengyao was thankful that he hadn't been hurt; otherwise, how would they have lived the rest of their lives? "Thanks to His Majesty for remembering our past relationship and sparing my life, otherwise I would have perished." Thinking of this, his gratitude towards the Fourth Prince grew even stronger.
Lady Nian Gengyao stared at her husband and asked cautiously, "Then... what will we do in the future?"
She knew her husband had seized power and would no longer stay by the emperor's side, so she was afraid of what the future held.
"His Majesty has appointed me as the magistrate of Xiangjiang. My current predicament is entirely my own fault. I am already very grateful that he has reserved a position for me, so that we have someone to rely on. You should hurry up and pack your things; we will set off for Xiangjiang today." Nian Gengyao told his wife the truth.
Nian Gengyao's entire family had been brought here for several days, living in fear and anxiety. They were only relieved to see him return. The family packed their belongings and followed Nian Gengyao to Xiangjiang.
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