Gu Qinlan said solemnly, "After these few days of investigation, we have uncovered Zheng Longyu's crimes. He abused his position to embezzle money, and the amount is outrageous."
Aunt Lian added, "Zheng Longyu also used some of the money for gambling, which led to increasingly larger loopholes in the accounts. At this wedding, he was even more audacious, using two hundred taels of silver to buy chicken in an attempt to cover up his crimes."
Upon hearing this, the kitchen staff were filled with righteous indignation and began to criticize Zheng Longyu.
An older cook stepped forward and said angrily, "Our brothers in the kitchen are all loyal servants of the Prince Duan's mansion. How dare a scoundrel like Zheng Longyu stir up trouble among us? It's outrageous!"
Another cook was also indignant: "The money he embezzled was all public funds from our Prince Duan's mansion. His insatiable greed is simply sucking blood!"
Gu Qinlan said coldly, "Zheng Longyu, do you know your crime?"
Zheng Longyu knelt on the ground, filled with remorse, and kowtowed repeatedly: "I know my crime, I am willing to bear all the consequences."
Gu Qinlan said, "In that case, let's hand Zheng Longyu over to the authorities for punishment as a warning to others."
Aunt Lian hurriedly said, "Your Highness, Zheng Longyu embezzled money, a crime deserving of death. However, considering that he served the Prince Duan's mansion for many years, I suggest that he be given a lighter sentence and allowed to atone for his crime through meritorious service."
Gu Qinlan pondered for a moment and said, "Since Aunt Lian pleaded for him, then let's give him a chance. But if he commits another crime, he will be executed without mercy."
Zheng Longyu was in tears, deeply grateful: "Thank you for your leniency, Princess Consort and Aunt Lian. I will definitely make amends for my crimes."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
