Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 355 The Dust Settles

We haven’t offended anyone!

Hence, today there was naturally no one to trample on him!

Moreover, the reason he provided was so "sincere" that those courtiers who once served under Prime Minister Lin all stepped forward to speak well for Prime Minister Lin.

For a moment, they even forgot about the matter of Prince Zhan.

Luckily, the Emperor timely intervened.

"Prime Minister Lin has done meritorious service for our dynasty. I will deliberate on these matters before making a decision. However, today we are to discuss the affairs of Prince Zhan Mansion. Since it is false that Old Prince Zhan saved the late Emperor, there is no protective talisman. Furthermore, the crime of deceiving the sovereign is added, despising the Emperor. Once all charges are confirmed, execute immediately."

"Yes!"

Upon hearing that Prince Zhan was to be executed, Princess Consort Zhan, who had been standing all along, cried out loudly.

She wept for the grievances of these decades.

She wept for the sorrow of her daughter being forced to marry far away.

She wept for her son who could no longer stand tall and live in the world.

There was too much to cry for.

Seeing her like this, Prince Zhan harbored malice in his heart and wanted to drag her and their daughter to hell with him.

Thus, even though his head was pressed and dragged down, he shouted loudly.

"She is Princess Consort Zhan, her daughter is also a child of Prince Zhan Mansion. Since Your Majesty wants to eradicate, send them both to hell too, hahahaha..."

The laughter sounded like the soul-hunting demons of the underworld, causing everyone present to disdain.

There has always been the principle of withdrawing estranged ones during peril, but never the saying of dragging family to accompany in death.

This Prince Zhan indeed has a heart skewed beyond recognition.

It is simply outrageous!

Princess Consort Zhan knelt but did not argue for herself.

She only said faintly.

"I have been entangled with Prince Zhan Mansion for decades. Even if dragged to death by him, it does not matter. But the Second Prince Consort went to marriage diplomacy with the identity of a princess. Recognized as the daughter of the Empress Dowager, she is Your Majesty’s own sister. I beg Your Majesty to show mercy, do not be deceived by that traitor’s words, spare the Second Prince Consort!"

In comparison, Prince Zhan seems even more contemptible!

Before death, he drags others down, but Princess Consort Zhan seeks her daughter’s liberation.

Such maternal love is truly touching.

The Emperor slightly smiled at the corners of his mouth, perhaps feeling a touch of comfort.

It seems not all within the royal kinship are unfeeling and unrighteous.

Thus he said aloud.

"Before the proclamation of this matter, Prince Zhan has already severed ties with you at the Imperial City gates, ending your marriage. As the repudiated wife of Prince Zhan Mansion, naturally you should not be implicated in this. However, you cannot use the title of Princess Consort Zhan henceforth; you shall be known as Mrs. Jiang."

Mrs. Jiang, this at least preserves some dignity for her.

Returning to her original surname ensured that in the eyes of outsiders, she is not a forsaken wife, but Mrs. Jiang as referred by the Emperor.

Such grace is indeed heaven’s renewal, so Princess Consort Zhan, or rather, Mrs. Jiang is endlessly grateful.

Just as she was about to bow in thanks, she heard the Emperor continue.

"But you gathered the commoners in demonstration before the Imperial City, also a major taboo. Considering you lost your son, I shall not sentence you, but you may not return to Shengjing City without an edict. Understood?"

She originally intended to go to Xidiji City with her daughter, so not returning to Shengjing City is not frightening at all for her.

This punishment might as well be no penalty.

Everyone knew, but rules are rules, and no one could break them!

Thus, after Mrs. Jiang thanked the Emperor in trepidation, she slowly rose and left the hall.

Henceforth, she was no longer the confused Princess Consort Zhan.

But Mrs. Jiang, with a bright future!

With tears in her eyes, she walked step by step away from the Imperial City.

Upon exiting the hall, she discovered that her daughter’s family of four had been waiting for a long time.

Their eyes contained a kind of joy of being reborn.

Towards the end of the 18th year of Yuanhe, just two days before New Year’s Eve.

The Fourth Prince swiftly dealt with all grievances involving Prince Zhan Mansion.

So with a sweep of the brush, the Emperor sentenced Prince Zhan, Consort Wei, and their three sons to be executed by slow slicing.

As for the grandchildren and daughters-in-law, they were to be exiled or entered into official prostitution as necessary.

The strength of Prince Zhan in court and his cronies were eradicated entirely.

At this point, those with sense realized this was long-planned by the Emperor.

Awaiting the opportune moment.

Otherwise, how could the downfall and confession of Prince Zhan’s cronies happen so quickly?

Hence each household shut their doors tightly; this New Year was bound to be somewhat bloody.

And they were forced to reconsider a question anew.

That is, the current Emperor is no longer the young Emperor who ascended the throne as a child and took power as a youth.

But a mature ruler with strategy, vision, and means.

So, whose side to join doesn’t matter—being a loyal minister is better.

Swearing fealty to the Emperor is the only way out!

Thus, using the opportunity of dealing with Prince Zhan Mansion, many new officials were appointed by the Emperor.

Most were bright young Imperial Students who recently graduated.

They are young, energetic, and loyal.

As they grow wave after wave, naturally they will replace the old ministers.

Those wise enough knew it was time to retire.

So, before the Emperor sealed the royal brush, he received over thirty memorials requesting resignation and retirement.

The Emperor withheld them from being issued.

He only said publicly, discuss after the new year.

But astute people knew, a brand new political scene of Da Wei was about to unfold.

And the Emperor has taken eighteen years for this step.

New Year’s Eve.

After the palace feast dispersed, the Emperor still rested alone in Qian’an Hall.

But soon, the lights went out.

Outsiders naturally assumed the Emperor overdrank and went to rest.

Only a select few in Yihua Palace knew, that venerable Emperor was secretly sneaking through the hidden passage to find Lin Wanyi.

After washing up, they both lay down on the bed.

There was no further action, instead enjoying the warmth of the moment.

Lin Wanyi had returned early, with her hair down, having bathed.

Thus, she was fragrant.

The Emperor indulged in this familiar scent.

After a long while, with a hint of satisfaction, he softly said.

"It’s good to have you here."

Then he held Lin Wanyi tighter, and their body warmth transferred between them.

Lin Wanyi also smiled.

Perhaps knowing that with Prince Zhan’s downfall, Princess Rongkang’s wasn’t far off.

So after venting years of grievances, everyone seemed agreeable.

Especially the Emperor.

Thus she laughed and replied.

"I also feel good! Your Majesty is good, the children are good, the family is good, everything is good!"

Her plain words were much more pleasing than wishes for his eternal reign.

At least to his ears, they were no mere flattery.