But how many things in this world are truly fair? An Piao'er was unwilling, but she could only stay by her grandmother's side and force a smile at the people who came to congratulate her.
But that alone is not enough.
Lan Jingtang whispered in Emperor Tiansheng's ear, seemingly casually, "Your Majesty, there seems to be quite a misunderstanding about Princess Anle recently. Rumors are circulating that she is an impure person, and this matter also involves many princes and ministers."
"Oh? Is that so?"
At this moment, the ministers arranged by Yi Chenli reported to Emperor Tiansheng in detail the evidence they had collected of Pearl's framing of An Yuan'er and the matter that had stirred up public opinion.
"How dare a lowly prostitute speak ill of the Princess of Anle, whom I personally bestowed upon her? This is utterly absurd."
"What's even more outrageous is that you, who are ministers personally appointed by me, are also spreading such rumors. It is truly unbecoming of yourselves."
"Just before Princess Anle prayed for blessings, I vaguely heard many people saying that Princess Anle was not worthy of praying for blessings. Is that true?"
The Emperor was furious, and the daughters of the ministers who had just been talking big were pushed forward.
"Your Majesty, please spare my life! This humble woman only made a mistake without any intention; she had no intention of attacking the county princess."
"This humble woman was foolish, Your Majesty, please spare my life!"
The Emperor glanced coldly at these women; they were all daughters of insignificant ministers, incapable of causing any trouble.
"Princess Anle, these people have slandered you. What do you think should be done about it?"
Emperor Tiansheng's support for An Yuan'er was not due to An Yuan'er's status or his personal preference, but simply because several auspicious events came true after An Yuan'er finished praying. Emperor Tiansheng took this opportunity to give An Yuan'er face.
An Yuan'er's gaze drifted unintentionally over Lan Jingtang. She knew that this was no accident. There was no one else in the world but Lan Jingtang who could manipulate celestial phenomena to do this.
He was the one who helped her obtain this county princess title.
Their eyes met, and An Yuan'er saw several women kneeling on the ground.
An Yuan'er recognized these women; they were often with Han Yuanyuan. When Mo Ran was around, these women would often mock him for being ugly, saying he looked like a man.
With both old and new grudges, An Yuan'er couldn't find a reason to forgive them.
She simply said, "People have to pay the price for their actions."
Emperor Tiansheng waved his hand and said, "In that case, let Princess Anle handle these people."
Emperor Tiansheng was exhausted and left with his empress and concubines.
*
The fate of those women who spoke out of turn was now in An Yuan'er's hands.
Desperate to survive, the women knelt on the ground and kowtowed repeatedly: "Your Highness, please have mercy! It was our fault. We apologize and kowtow, but we don't want to die!"
Several women tugged at Han Yuanyuan's clothes: "Yuanyuan, please speak up for us, we really know we were wrong."
Han Yuanyuan was initially hesitant, but then she stepped forward and said to An Yuan'er, "Yuan'er, it's good to be forgiving. Since they sincerely asked for forgiveness, let's forgive them this once. After all, forgiveness is the greatest virtue in the world."
Han Yuanyuan spoke in a grand and righteous tone, and several women echoed her, saying, "Miss Han has a kind heart, she will surely be rewarded. But killing is contrary to Buddhism, so the county princess should make a careful decision."
Han Yuanyuan seized every opportunity to cultivate a virtuous and kind image for herself.
More and more people joined in, urging An Yuan'er to release the people.
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