Chapter 193: Marquis Cheng'en's Choice
Emperor Jing'an originally intended to arrange a marriage for the daughter of Prince Zhenbei, but now there is no need for that.
King Zhenbei glanced at the somewhat crazy Madam Shen, and seemed still unable to accept the fact that his son had betrayed her.
Meanwhile, Shen Shaohuai, who was standing aside, had a calm expression, so calm that he seemed almost indifferent.
The people in Cheng'en Marquis' Mansion are truly more heartless and disloyal than each other.
"Your Majesty, fourteen years ago, Shen Liushi bribed the troupe owner in Nanling Prefecture to abduct my youngest daughter. According to the laws of the Great Zhou, those who abduct others shall be hanged." The King of Zhenbei bowed and said, "Please Your Majesty investigate and deal with it according to the law."
Emperor Jing'an understood the truth of the matter from the words of Madam Shen and Shen Shaohuai.
“Ms. Shen Liu, do you admit your crime of kidnapping the daughter of the King of Zhenbei?”
Madam Shen's eyes were dull, her heart was dead, and she no longer tried to argue like before: "I know my crime."
Upon hearing this, Shen Shaohuai pinched his fingers into his palms and buried his head even lower.
Even though he was selfish and cold-hearted, and his mother had a strong desire to control him, she was still his biological mother. When he heard her confession, he inevitably felt uncomfortable.
He had no choice, he was forced into it.
Otherwise, given the revengeful nature of the King of Zhenbei, neither they nor their son would survive.
As long as he is alive, he can revive the family business.
And... avenge them.
Emperor Jing'an looked at Marquis Cheng'en with deep eyes, holding a longevity lock in his hand, and asked, "Shen Wenxian, why did Yizhen give you this longevity lock?"
Marquis Cheng'en's face turned pale, his thoughts were in a mess, and he didn't reply for a while.
Back then, the Duke of Zhuguo was accused of treason and Empress Xiaoen was given a cup of poisoned wine. The status of Emperor Jing'an and Princess Yizhen plummeted, and even the lowly eunuchs and palace maids could bully them at will.
During the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet, he and his elder brother encountered eunuchs from Concubine De's palace bullying Princess Yizhen, and he rescued her.
Princess Yizhen was grateful to them and gave them the only precious longevity lock she had.
Now that Princess Yizhen is dead, Emperor Jing'an is the current emperor.
The princess of the Great Zhou Kingdom was actually humiliated by a eunuch. This not only damaged the reputation of the royal family, but also slapped Emperor Jing'an in the face.
If he dared to tell this story, Emperor Jing'an might get angry and make the Marquis's family even more guilty.
If he doesn't explain the origin of the longevity lock now, Emperor Jing'an will definitely not forgive his children.
Marquis Cheng'en was in a dilemma.
After a long while, Marquis Cheng'en made up his mind and said vaguely, "I saw Princess Yizhen being harassed by the eunuchs in Concubine De's palace, so I stepped in to help her out. Princess Yizhen was grateful to me and gave me the longevity lock as a thank you gift."
Emperor Jing'an's face was gloomy. Back then, Concubine De was deeply favored by his father and always competed with his mother for attention. His mother was very strong-willed and always suppressed Concubine De, and Concubine De had a deep resentment towards her mother.
After her mother passed away, Concubine De allowed the eunuchs in the palace to bully her and her siblings.
The emperor turned a blind eye and never made a decision for them. He even sent him to Northern Qi as a hostage instead of the prince born to Concubine De.
After he ascended the throne, he purged Defei's faction and punished the mother and son.
Now that Marquis Cheng'en has brought up this past event, there's no need to explain it too clearly, as Emperor Jing'an also knows what happened to Yizhen.
"Your crimes are overwhelming, the evidence is irrefutable, and every one of them carries the death penalty." Emperor Jing'an said in a deep voice, "In recognition of your kindness to Yizhen, I will spare one of your children. As for who to spare, it's your choice."
Marquis Cheng'en was startled and subconsciously looked at Shen Shaohuai.
His mind replayed the words his father had taught him: "If you brothers have harmonious relationships, support each other, and have the courage to share hardships, your family will surely prosper. If you brothers are not harmonious, are selfish and ungrateful, and are willing to sacrifice everything for profit, even if you gain power, it will only be temporary."
Today, when he thinks back on this sentence, it turns out to be a prophecy.
Shen Shaohuai clenched his fists tightly, knowing very well that his father would definitely choose him.
Because he is the most promising son among his father's children.
Only he can revive the portal.
"Chen Shaobai." Marquis Cheng'en's voice was hoarse, and he squeezed out a sentence with difficulty: "The guilty minister chose the youngest son, Shen Shaobai."
Shen Shaohuai suddenly raised his head and looked at Marquis Cheng'en in disbelief.
It was clearly agreed that they would do their best to protect him.
Shen Shaohuai opened his mouth: “Father…” Why?
Marquis Cheng'en knew what Shen Shaohuai was going to ask, and his voice was filled with desolation: "If your brother were to make a choice today, he would rather be angered by the King of Zhenbei than betray his own mother."
If it were before Shen Shaohuai exposed his mother's lies, Marquis Cheng'en would have chosen him without hesitation.
Mrs. Shen didn't even want her own life for Shen Shaohuai.
What did Shen Shaohuai do?
He personally sent his mother, who gave birth to him and raised him, to the guillotine.
Death is approaching, and the spirit of Marquis Cheng'en is clear and bright, and all the wealth and glory are like passing clouds.
For the sake of power, he killed his brother and sister-in-law, and ended up being deserted by everyone.
Even if he saved Shen Shaohuai today, with Shen Shaohuai's character, he would end up like him.
The youngest son is different from them. He is loyal and righteous. Although he doesn't have much ability, he can live a stable life.
If Shen Qingtan remembered Shen Shaobai's kindness and was willing to help him, he might be able to rebuild his business.
Shen Shaohuai's thoughts were in chaos and his brain was blank.
My mother's fate had long been determined. Even if she put aside the crime of kidnapping Shen Qingtan, she could not escape death.
He was just going along with the situation...but his father believed that he was heartless and ungrateful, and left the chance of survival to Shen Shaobai.
Shen Shaohuai found it extremely absurd, and hatred rose in his heart, hating their cruelty and heartlessness.
But apart from being filled with hatred, he could do nothing.
Emperor Jing'an was somewhat surprised by Marquis Cheng'en's choice, but this choice was in line with his wishes.
In order to survive, Shen Shaohuai disregarded his mother's kindness, which showed his poor moral character. Even if Marquis Cheng'en chose Shen Shaohuai, he would not spare his life.
This child will eventually be a disaster.
"The death penalty can be avoided, but the punishment of life cannot be escaped. According to the laws of the Great Zhou, anyone over the age of sixteen will be beheaded. Those under fifteen will be exiled to the frontier." Emperor Jing'an said in a deep voice, "Since your youngest son is under sixteen, I will not pardon his crime and will spare the lives of your daughter and son-in-law."
Zhao Jue was also involved, but Emperor Jing'an, out of consideration for the favor shown by the Duke's Mansion, did not convict him, which was considered as the last act of divine grace.
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