Even the emperor was somewhat surprised.
At this time, Minister Jin, who had once said that sending Rong Yang to marry a foreign ruler was a "beauty trap" and was kicked out of the main hall by Rong Ning, has now recovered well and is able to spout nonsense in the court again.
After all, with Rong Ning gone, no one dared to kick him again, and with all his old and new grudges piling up, he was much more talkative than usual.
He said, “Your Majesty… Princess Ningding has no official position, yet she is a princess of the Southern Dynasty, representing the Southern Dynasty’s royal family. She has brazenly come to the territory of Dajing and openly challenged the Duke of Qing of Dajing!”
This is outrageous!
Imagine if the Duke of Qing of the Great Jing Dynasty had acted similarly to Princess Ningding, with provocative words—the consequences would have been unimaginable!
Minister Jin looked at the emperor on the high throne with a face full of righteous indignation and heartache, as if he could no longer tolerate this matter.
He took a deep breath and continued, “Your Majesty… if the other side had not controlled their emotions at that time, and the soldiers of both countries were facing each other on both sides of the Muyang River, a slight mistake could have triggered another war.”
"At that time, there will be widespread suffering and death, and the people will endure immense hardship. What will become of us then?"
At this point, Minister Jin excitedly slapped his thigh, his voice rising eight octaves involuntarily, "Princess Ningding is so willful and reckless, she doesn't take the affairs of both countries seriously at all, it's simply ridiculous!"
Such behavior is truly unforgivable!
As he spoke, he stared at the emperor, seemingly waiting for the emperor to make a statement.
But the emperor only glanced at him and didn't say a word.
The emperor had long disliked this incompetent fool, but the complex network of relationships behind him made him untouchable.
If Minister Jin knew what was good for him, he should shut up!
But Minister Jin's head remained as stubborn as ever.
His expression was grave, and he said anxiously, "I have also heard that Princess Ningding actually followed the northern garrison back to their camp. For a woman to behave in such a way is simply improper and disgraceful!"
Upon hearing this, the emperor seemed intrigued. He looked directly at him and asked calmly, "I haven't received any news about this matter, but Minister Jin has. It seems that Minister Jin knows more about the affairs of the North."
Now that you've spoken, I'll give you a chance to say what you want to say!
That's not a nice thing to say!
Upon hearing this, Minister Jin hurriedly bowed and said in a flustered manner, "Your Majesty, please calm down. I was just in a hurry and offended Your Majesty. Please forgive me."
He gritted his teeth and continued, "But this Princess Ningding... is really outrageous. She is a princess, yet she is entering and leaving the military camp. The impact is extremely bad. I urge Your Majesty to think this through."
The emperor nodded casually, "Princess Ningding's actions were indeed inappropriate, but she did spend some time in the northern border region and led the northern soldiers through life and death."
Her comings and goings from the military camp were probably just to catch up with the northern garrison soldiers, so it's understandable. Why be so serious about it?
What the emperor meant by saying this was actually to say that this was the end of it.
Minister Jin pursed his lips, considered his words carefully, and then, not daring to speak further, retreated.
But the people from the Censorate stepped forward.
"Your Majesty... As a father, you may think that Princess Ningding's infiltration of the marriage procession, her quiet journey north, and her disrespectful remarks to the Duke of Dajingqing are minor matters."
However, looking at this issue from another perspective, it is actually a case of the imperial harem interfering in court affairs and national matters.
As for Princess Ningding's visits to the military camp, on a small scale, she was merely going to catch up with old friends; but on a larger scale, it shows that she, a woman, was presumptuously trying to interfere in military affairs.
These are things that some people may have wanted to say long ago.
Now that someone has spoken up, they've become bolder and started collectively criticizing.
Then someone else stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I know that Princess Ningding is impulsive and sometimes does not consider the consequences of her actions. Her usual minor squabbles are harmless."
But this is a major event concerning national security and the military and political affairs of the North. If it is not severely punished, the consequences may be unimaginable.
Moreover, if this matter were to become public, it would damage the reputation of the royal family.
Upon hearing this, the emperor chuckled, leaned back lazily, and asked, "In your opinion, how should Princess Ningding be dealt with?"
"I believe that Princess Ningding should be recalled immediately and sent back to Nanyang City. As for how to punish her..."
The minister paused, seemingly considering the matter, and after a moment, he continued, "Although Princess Ningding has committed a grave error, she is His Majesty's own daughter, and this is His Majesty's family matter. How to handle it is up to His Majesty to decide."
"You've become quite sensible now, thinking things through so thoroughly."
The emperor spoke in a flat tone, his emotions unclear.
He stopped looking at the ministers and looked at the crown prince instead.
The Crown Prince was released from confinement after the marriage procession left.
The Crown Prince, standing at the very front, suddenly burst into laughter. He turned around, his sharp eyes fixed on Minister Jin, and asked, "May I ask you all, you say Princess Ningding has committed a grave error? What is that error?"
Which of Princess Ningding's remarks on the banks of the Muyang River were incorrect?
Is it wrong to demand that Da Jing treat Zhao Qing well?
As the motherland of Princess Zhaoqing, it is only right that we provide her with support.
I don't think Princess Ningding did anything wrong. I'm just gratified that my sister has more courage and foresight than most men.
My sister, whether she is Zhaoqing or Ningding, is more assertive than the others in the hall.
If that's the case, then what Princess Ningding said was not wrong.
Or do you think that Ningding is wrong for standing north of the Muyang River?
But don't forget, just six months ago, the area north of the Muyang River was still Southern Dynasty territory. You all know better than anyone how that third of the land became part of the Great Jing Dynasty's grasp. There's no need for me to further humiliate you!
The crown prince coldly swept his gaze over all of them, then turned to the emperor on his high throne and said loudly, "Father, I believe that constantly lowering oneself and begging for mercy will not yield any good results. Occasional deterrence is also necessary."
Your Majesty believes that Princess Ningding did a very good job this time, which has a deterrent effect on the Great Jing. From now on, she will have to think carefully before doing anything.
Therefore, I believe that Princess Ningding should not be punished, but rather rewarded for her courage and boldness!
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