Chapter 123: A Hit
After two days of fermentation, the rumor that Lu Zhiran was kidnapped by bandits became more and more intense.
Prince Jin personally led 2,000 soldiers to Helian Mountain to suppress the bandits, which further confirmed everyone's speculation.
Lu Zhiran had a good reputation among the people. When this incident spread, some people gloated over her misfortune, but most people felt heartbroken and sorry for her.
At the Marquis Xuanping's Mansion, Jiang's mother and daughter were very happy about this.
Chu Yunqing said viciously, "That woman is out doing business all day, showing her face in public. No wonder she was targeted by bandits. She deserves it."
Jiang's face was also full of smiles. "She's already in the bandit's lair, what's the point of saving her? If she had any temper, she would have slit her own throat and ended herself sooner rather than later, thus preserving her reputation."
Zhao Shuning also felt very happy.
She escaped it last time, but she is destined to not escape it this time. How could God always be on her side?
In fact, the outcome this time is a thousand times more tragic than the last time.
After her death, the property will belong to the Lu family. I hope Fang will be more capable and take all of it away as a dowry for Lu Yingxi. In this way, the huge wealth can be used by the Sixth Prince.
Zhao Shuning was pondering this when he heard Chu Yunqing speak again, "Didn't brother go to suppress bandits these days? Could he be going to rescue Lu Zhiran?"
Zhao Shuning's expression suddenly froze, and his heart was uncontrollably stirred again.
Was he ordered to participate in the bandit suppression, or did he take the initiative to participate after learning that the person in trouble was Lu Zhiran?
That woman's reputation has been ruined, but he still can't let her go?
Men are really mean!
…
When Emperor Defeng learned about this, his expression changed immediately.
Xiao Qi only said that a young lady from an official family was abducted by bandits, but he didn't tell him that the person who was abducted was actually Lu Zhiran!
Lu Zhiran was not only a junior who was pleasing to him, but also a female military advisor who could help him solve his problems. When she suddenly encountered such a thing, Emperor Defeng's brows were never relaxed.
Feng Youcai comforted her, "Princess Pingle is blessed by heaven, and will be safe and sound."
Emperor Defeng's brows furrowed even more. "Even if she's fine after this, her reputation is ruined. She's already a second-time bride, so it'll be even harder for her to find a good family."
"The Emperor is wholeheartedly considering Princess Pingle. His sincere love and care are truly touching."
Emperor Defeng sighed, "That child is very pleasing to me. He is much better than any of my biological children."
Feng Youcai continued, "Perhaps this is the fate between you and the County Princess. Your Majesty, if you truly care for the County Princess, why not choose a good marriage for her? With Your Majesty as the matchmaker, no one else would dare to treat her badly."
Emperor Defeng looked thoughtful and was actually thinking about this matter seriously.
The palace maids were preparing to serve the meal, but Emperor Defeng had no appetite, so he simply stood up and planned to go to Xiao Baozhu's Changle Palace to have dinner together.
"When I eat with Xiaojiu, I can always eat a big bowl more."
Unexpectedly, his sudden visit accidentally revealed a secret.
…
The next day, there was another commotion at the morning court, which was surprisingly related to Lu Zhiran's case.
The person Lu Guanxuan impeached was Jiang Yongkang, the Shaoqing of the Guanglu Temple, who was also Jiang Xingyi's biological father.
"Lord Jiang failed to discipline his children properly, allowing his son to spread the fabricated story of my daughter being abducted by bandits among the people, ruining my beloved daughter's reputation. He deserves death! I cannot tolerate this any longer. I beg Your Majesty to order severe punishment to serve as a warning to others!"
Lu Guanxuan was filled with righteous indignation and hated people so much that he almost wanted to eat them.
The court officials couldn't help but murmur. Weren't the Lu and Jiang families discussing a marriage? Now that this had happened, how could the marriage go ahead?
Lu Guanxuan is very concerned about his reputation. Since the two families are about to get married, he would not break up with others in public.
But today, I really can’t stand it anymore!
As soon as rumors started circulating about Lu Zhiran, the Jiang family sent representatives to their door, claiming that their daughter's reputation was flawed and that Lu Yingxi was unworthy of marriage. However, since the two had already engaged in physical intimacy, the Jiang family reluctantly agreed to the marriage, with the only caveat being that Lu Yingxi would have to bring a substantial dowry.
This action was simply asking for too much, and both Lu Guanxuan and Fang were very angry.
Lu Guanxuan spat in the other person's face and scolded him harshly. That bastard Jiang Xingyi then openly spread the news that Lu Zhiran's reputation was damaged in the brothel. Lu Guanxuan was so angry that he submitted this memorial.
If she was so arrogant before the marriage, wouldn't she be riding on the Lu family's head after the marriage? It's better not to marry such an in-law.
Jiang Yongkang fought back, not to be outdone. "The Princess of Pingle County was indeed abducted by bandits. How can that be considered a fabrication? My son certainly acted rudely, but what he said was true."
Lu Guanxuan stiffened his neck and refused to admit it. "Nonsense, she's obviously just staying at the manor for a while and will be back soon!"
"Lord Lu, just try to fool yourself. If you really were just going to stay at the manor for a while, why would your wife go to Jingzhao Prefecture to report it? Why don't we ask Lord Han?"
Lord Han is the new Jingzhao Yin.
Suddenly everyone was looking at him, and he had no choice but to step out and speak carefully.
"Two days ago, the Lu Mansion did send someone to Jingzhao Prefecture to report that the Princess of Pingle County had been abducted by bandits. However, the case is still under investigation and no conclusion has been reached yet."
These words were very smooth, and he didn't want to offend either side.
But Lu Guanxuan and Jiang Yongkang only selectively heard what they wanted to hear and started arguing loudly again.
Emperor Defeng listened quietly to the argument between the two, his eyes dim and unclear.
At this moment, a high-pitched and sharp message from the eunuch came from outside the hall.
"His Royal Highness Prince Jin has arrived!"
All the ministers were a little surprised. His Royal Highness Prince Jin came back so soon after suppressing the bandits?
A subtle glint of joy flashed across Emperor Defeng's eyes. "Spread it!"
Xiao Yanci strode in. He was wearing armor that was stained with blood and exuded a cold and murderous air, but his face was full of vigor and vitality.
He knelt and saluted loudly, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you, Father! The day before yesterday, I was ordered to lead two thousand soldiers to raid Helian Mountain to suppress the bandits. After a day and a night of fierce fighting, I fortunately succeeded in my mission and captured the bandit's lair. All the bandits have been killed or captured!"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Defeng was overjoyed.
"Good, good, good job!"
Immediately, a minister began to compliment him, and suddenly, the whole court was filled with praise for Xiao Yanci.
Xiao Yanqing's face darkened when he heard this.
Soon, he smiled again, looking like he was genuinely praising.
"Seventh brother is so brave and invincible, and has achieved so many remarkable feats that I am truly ashamed of myself."
He glanced in a certain direction, and Jiang Yongkang immediately spoke up, eagerly asking, "Did His Royal Highness Prince Jin rescue the Princess of Pingle?"
Lu Guanxuan's face suddenly became tense. If His Royal Highness Prince Jin really rescued Sister Ran from the bandit's lair, then there would be no room for excuses.
Xiao Yanci cast a pair of cold eyes at him, his tone icy without a trace of warmth.
"Master Jiang, what do you mean by that? I'm here to suppress bandits. What does that have to do with the Princess of Pingle?"
Jiang Yongkang paused, "Didn't His Royal Highness Prince Jin go up the mountain to suppress the bandits to rescue the county lady?"
"Did Lord Jiang personally witness the Princess of Pingle being abducted by bandits?"
Jiang Yongkang: "Of course not, but the Lu Mansion reported that the Princess of Pingle County was abducted by bandits."
"Who in the Lu family reported the case? Who saw with their own eyes the Princess of Pingle being abducted by bandits? Whoever said this, come before me and I will confront him face to face."
Xiao Yanci's attitude was firm and unquestionable, and he made it clear that he wanted to protect Lu Zhiran.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com