Chapter 126: Apologizing
Every word Xiao Yanci said touched Emperor Defeng's heart.
Which emperor doesn't want to be appreciated by the people? Doesn't want his name to be recorded in history?
Under sufficient conditions, Emperor Defeng was very willing to do things that would benefit the country and the people and also protect his own reputation.
Emperor Defeng waved his hand and said, "Okay, I agree to this matter!"
Xiao Yanci immediately knelt down and kowtowed, "Father, your Majesty is wise. It is a blessing for Great Qi and the people to have such a wise ruler."
All the ministers knelt down and shouted, "Your Majesty is wise."
Emperor Defeng was in a very good mood and couldn't help stroking his beard and laughing.
"Very good, very good. It is my great blessing to have all of you, my beloved ministers, assisting me."
Then he looked at Xiao Yanci and said, "Prince Jin has successfully eliminated the bandits and discovered a gold mine. You have made great contributions. I grant you a token, which authorizes you to act at your own discretion. I hope you will be self-disciplined and cautious, and avoid being arrogant and impatient. Don't let this make you complacent."
Xiao Yanci's eyes suddenly lit up, but he jokingly said, "Only this one chance to do what's best for you? Father, you're being too stingy."
Emperor Defeng's face turned serious. "You think it's too little? Forget it. You don't have to keep the token."
"Yes, yes, yes. Father, you have bestowed upon me a reward. How can I refuse it? Moreover, your words are not joking. How can you so easily withdraw a reward you have promised?"
Emperor Defeng laughed and scolded him, and Xiao Yanci happily accepted the order and thanked him.
Xiao Yanqing's teeth were about to break when he saw this scene.
The court officials could not help but look at His Royal Highness Prince Jin with a new perspective.
He is really a man who either keeps quiet or makes a big splash.
Looking at it now, the Sixth Prince, who was originally gentle, modest and kind as jade, is almost there.
…
Changle Palace.
Lu Zhiran looked at Xiao Baozhu and said sincerely, "Princess, thank you for your help this time."
Xiao Baozhu played a crucial role in her entire plan.
As soon as she saw through the Fang family's plan, she asked Xiao Baozhu for help.
The Fang family thought that she was kidnapped by bandits and slandered her reputation wantonly. Little did they know that she had already been taken in by Xiao Baozhu to Changle Palace, where she lived well and was well fed. Xiao Baozhu was her witness.
That day, Xiao Yanci saw Xiao Baozhu's carriage leaving the city, and she was going to pick someone up outside the city as planned.
Emperor Defeng's "accidental" discovery was not really an accident, but Xiao Baozhu's idea.
She said, "Of course I'm willing to testify for you, but how can I, as a witness, be compared to my father? With my father personally as your witness, I want to see who dares to slander you."
Things went smoothly and Emperor Defeng saw her in Changle Palace.
At today's court meeting, Jiang Yongkang's brazen remarks hit the nail on the head.
Emperor Defeng personally guaranteed her, and from today on, no one would dare to say that she was kidnapped by bandits.
She won this battle.
Next, it was the Fang family’s turn to worry.
Xiao Baozhu patted her chest proudly, "It's just a small matter, what's there to thank me for? I'm so happy that you thought of me first. And I'm also very happy to have you accompany me for the past three days."
She smiled with her eyes curved, and her whole body was lively and bright, like a little sun.
Although she was a princess, she was never truly needed by anyone.
This time, Lu Zhiran's initiative to ask for help made her feel needed, and now that things were done, she felt even more fulfilled and very proud.
A gentle smile appeared in Lu Zhiran's eyes.
How could I have deserved her to treat me so sincerely?
"Sister Ran, please stay with me in the palace for a few more days."
Looking at the other person's expectant eyes, Lu Zhiran wanted to agree, but had to shake her head to refuse.
"After today, the situation outside will definitely change. I can't hide in the palace any longer. It's time to show up."
After hearing this, Xiao Baozhu felt a little regretful, but she did not force it.
After the court was dismissed, Emperor Defeng was still in a good mood, and the curve of his lips never dropped.
"I feel as if it was only yesterday that Xiao Qi was causing trouble everywhere. I didn't expect that he would become so sensible in the blink of an eye. He has really helped me relieve a lot of worries these past few times."
Feng Youcai said with a smile, "Your Highness Prince Jin is the son and grandson of the dragon. He is naturally gifted and extraordinary, unlike ordinary people. He just hasn't been able to open his mind yet."
Emperor Defeng's smile deepened.
"He's a late bloomer."
At this moment, a palace maid came in and reported to Emperor Defeng something he had ordered to be investigated: When did Lu Zhiran enter the palace?
Emperor Defeng was not as confused as Xiao Baozhu thought.
The palace maid reported back that Lu Zhiran was secretly brought into the palace by Xiao Baozhu after the rumor broke out.
Is she really unaware of the rumors outside, or is she aware of them and is therefore deliberately hiding in the palace to allow the rumors to ferment?
Is she a victim of this accident, or a manipulator who sits firmly on the throne?
There was an ambiguous look in Emperor Defeng's eyes.
"This woman is not simple."
Feng Youcai secretly observed Emperor Defeng's expression, and for a moment he could not see what he was thinking.
"If Baozhu had half her intelligence, I wouldn't have to worry."
Feng Youcai hurriedly said, "The Ninth Princess is also very intelligent..."
Emperor Defeng waved his hand and said, "Don't flatter her. If someone else wants to harm her, she will probably just foolishly count money for them."
Feng Youcai asked cautiously, "Is the Emperor angry with Princess Pingle?"
Emperor Defeng snorted softly, "I was genuinely worried about her, but in the end it was just wishful thinking. Shouldn't I be angry?"
Feng Youcai didn't dare to respond for a moment.
At this moment, a palace servant came from outside to report, "Pingle County Princess requests an audience."
Emperor Defeng's eyes moved slightly, then he straightened his back and put on a serious expression.
"Declarate it."
He wanted to hear how this woman would use sweet words to defend herself.
Lu Zhiran knelt down to pay her respects. Emperor Defeng called out to her softly, but she did not stand up.
"Your Majesty, I have come to you to apologize for my crime."
Emperor Defeng pretended to be puzzled. "Oh? You are a great contributor to the Great Qi. What crime have you committed?"
Lu Zhiran lowered his head and spoke in a sincere tone.
"Before, I deceived the Emperor. I knew about the disturbance outside the palace long ago, but I hid in the palace and pretended to be ignorant. I took advantage of the princess and the Emperor, and I am using you to clear my name. I am guilty!"
Emperor Defeng's expression was sharp, "Why did you do this?"
"To lure the snake out of its hole and eliminate future troubles."
Lu Zhiran's tone was a little colder. "I've been so popular lately that I've become a thorn in the side of some people. At the foot of Helian Mountain, I did encounter a long-planned hijacking, but I was lucky to escape."
"They disguised themselves as bandits to completely ruin my reputation. I didn't want to be watched and on guard all the time, so I hid myself to let them down."
"The princess is innocent and kind-hearted. She treated me wholeheartedly and agreed to cooperate with me in this play without hesitation. However, I wanted to use her and concealed something from the emperor, not daring to be honest with her. I have betrayed the trust of both the princess and the emperor, and I deserve death!"
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