Chapter 266 Sacrificing Family for the Righteous
As expected, Wen Jingchu burst into tears, saying, "Sister-in-law, it was Xiyue who begged me so much that I finally agreed. If it weren't for her, why would I have risked everything for tens of thousands of taels of silver? The old lady and my brother have always doted on me. If it were just for money, how could they bear to let me suffer?"
Jiang's face was ashen, her eyes red, and she pointed at her with a pained expression.
"Xiyue is simple-minded. As her elder, you instigated her and led her astray for money. You corrupted an innocent person with such a vicious heart. You are the truly wicked one! It is a misfortune for the Sheng family to have someone like you as a daughter-in-law..."
Dou Wenyi stared at the two of them with a half-smile.
One moment they were united against a common enemy, and now they're acting independently and turning against each other.
She picked up the conversation, her tone utterly contemptuous, "The truth has come to light. Your further arguments are pointless. Consort Sheng is a noblewoman from a prestigious family. Whether she instigated others or was instigated by others, she cannot have done such a despicable thing. Her virtue is unworthy of her position, and she is utterly contemptible."
Jiang was at a loss for words. Now, hoping to minimize the damage, she said in a trembling voice, "I haven't disciplined Xiyue properly. I'll take her back and discipline her properly."
As long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood to burn.
Sheng Xiyue was a concubine bestowed by the Emperor. Pei Siyan had not yet ascended the throne, so even he could not depose her, and no one could punish her.
"Wait a moment, His Highness the Crown Prince will arrive shortly," Dou Wenyi said leisurely.
Meanwhile, inside the Chongzheng Hall, the atmosphere was strangely eerie.
Duke Wen glanced at the Crown Prince on the throne. He was as handsome as jade, a perfect blend of the gentleness of the emperor and the advantages of Emperor Muzong. He was elegant and refined, and his demeanor was unmatched among the imperial relatives.
Since he assumed the regency, he has shed some of his arrogance and become more composed in his actions and demeanor, showing signs of becoming a wise ruler.
What puzzled him was why these people were discussing the law here.
"...Your Highness, a wife poisoning her husband is a grave crime, one that deserves to be punished. According to the law, even if the poisoning attempt fails and no serious harm is caused, the purpose and intent are still extremely malicious. If it is not severely punished, everyone will follow suit, and if this continues, the country will cease to exist!" Minister of Justice Shen Jin said earnestly.
Pei Siyan's gaze slowly fell on Sheng Chunfang, the Minister of Works. "What if she is just a concubine?"
“Your Highness, the concubine’s crime is even more serious! She should be sentenced to at least five to ten years of exile.”
"Throughout history, the punishment for such crimes has always been extremely severe, without exception..."
Sheng Chunfang felt a little uneasy. He had heard recently that during the plague, a female doctor had dismembered her husband in order to treat the disease. Could it be that the Crown Prince wanted to exonerate that woman, so he sought their opinions on a small scale?
Pei Siyan smiled and said, "I'm sorry to have troubled you all, but I have a troublesome matter to attend to, and it is of great importance, so I have to be careful."
Sheng Chunfang and Duke Wen looked at each other, becoming increasingly uneasy.
He paused, then added, "If the concubine is of extraordinary status, for example, a secondary consort of a prince..."
The Minister of Justice cupped his hands in greeting and continued, "In cases where the evidence is conclusive, the title of concubine should be abolished. However, when it comes to royal affairs, there are always exceptions to the law. Many cases are not tried in public, and the methods used are more radical."
"Isn't the former Prince Dai a perfect example? His concubine, Wei, was reported for drugging him, and then mysteriously disappeared from the Prince Dai's residence..."
Pei Siyan smiled meaningfully, "There are such anecdotes? Aren't there any counterexamples?"
Sheng Chunfang was filled with worry, her heart pounding. Hearing this, she was certain that Sheng Xiyue had caused trouble in the Eastern Palace, and it was a big trouble at that!
What exactly did Sheng Xiyue do wrong?
Pei Siyan glanced at his uncle again, and said softly, "Lord Shen, what if the person who drugged the prince was his relative?"
Shen Jin was somewhat bewildered, feeling that there was something hidden in his words, but he couldn't figure out what he wanted to do. He could only reply truthfully, "No matter what his identity is, if he has evil intentions, he should be punished."
Duke Wen's expression changed repeatedly, and he couldn't help but feel nervous. The Duke Wen's family was related to the Crown Prince. Could it be that the Wen family had angered the Crown Prince?
Why did he have to resort to such a subtle method to remind him to be careful with his words and actions?
Duke Wen's expression was solemn as he respectfully said, "Your Highness, if there is anything thorny, please speak of it. We will pool our wisdom and efforts to help you resolve your troubles. But if anyone dares to disobey or poison Your Highness, we will not let them off lightly."
His words were understated, but they demonstrated his determination to stand with the Crown Prince through thick and thin.
Pei Siyan smiled and said, "Uncle, you're overthinking it. It's not a very difficult matter, but it involves some personal relationships, so we have to be careful."
Sheng Chunfang's face was ashen as she looked at the Crown Prince. "Your Highness, if you have anything to say, please speak frankly."
Pei Siyan paused, then said, "Uncle, Lord Sheng, do you think the laws of the Great Zhou are too harsh?"
"No... harsh!"
It was rare for Sheng Chunfang and Duke Wen to answer in unison.
Seeing that the time was right, Pei Siyan stood up and nodded slightly. "In that case, I am relieved. Uncle, Lord Sheng, please come to the East Palace. I have important matters to discuss with you."
Sheng Chunfang's expression changed slightly. He was related to both Duke Wen and Pei Siyan, but the Crown Prince had not summoned Shen Jin, the Minister of Justice.
Could it be that the Crown Prince's own backyard is on fire?
This question did not trouble Sheng Chunfang for long. When he entered Chaohua Hall and saw many people there, a chill ran through his heart.
Sheng Xiyue has really gotten herself into big trouble!
When Pei Siyan entered, everyone nervously rose to greet him.
Pei Siyan and Dou Wenyi exchanged a knowing glance.
He curled his lips into a smile and spoke slowly, "I suppose everyone is already aware of the case. The evidence is conclusive that Sheng Xiyue and Wen Jingchu drugged me with the intent to harm me."
"Such unhealthy practices must not be tolerated. Uncle, Lord Sheng, what do you think should be the punishment?"
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