"What misunderstanding? Did I offer any explanations? I don't recall you asking me any questions! This madam was inexplicably brought to the Jingzhao Prefecture and directly condemned by you, without even a chance to defend myself. Now you're releasing me with such a casual remark, what do you mean? Is the attitude towards cases in this yamen like playing games?"
Zhao Jiaqi rose and walked to him, raising an eyebrow. "It's easy to invite a god, but difficult to send one away. If you don't give me a satisfactory answer today, I will even dare to beat the drum in front of the imperial palace!"
The Prefect of Jingzhao was stunned by the situation. Her questions left him speechless. Supporting his advisor, he retreated in shame.
Stepping out of the prison, his temper flared. "Who the hell said this woman was a village wife? Her words are pearls! Go, summon the heir of the Ningyuan Marquis!"
The advisor dared not make a sound and turned to leave. Before he had taken a few steps, he was called back. "Tell Hu Yurong, if this matter isn't handled properly and reaches the Emperor's ears, and I lose my position, he won't have an easy time either."
After the advisor left, the Prefect of Jingzhao thumped his chest and stomped his feet.
He had handled many such matters before, but had never encountered such resistance. Now, this was not just a tough opponent, but a blazing hot iron.
The news of the military surrounding the Jingzhao Prefecture quickly reached the Crown Prince. At the same time, the Prince of Leisure and the Prince of Virtue also heard about it.
People were dispatched from various residences to gather information and find out what was happening.
General's Mansion.
Wangcai returned, his face covered in dust and looking miserable. "Steward, I was too late. Master has taken people to the mountains and said he won't be back for at least a month!"
Li Chuang rubbed his aching forehead and waved at Wangcai. "Go and rest. Call you if there's anything."
These events happening in the mansion in less than a day left Li Chuang feeling utterly exhausted. He realized that behind the seemingly bright lives of these prominent families lay hidden hardships. It was better to live freely in the village, he thought, without having to guard against this person or be wary of that one.
Crown Prince's Mansion. Huangfu Yifan was furious upon hearing the news brought by his subordinates.
"You scoundrels! I think the Prefect of Jingzhao is tired of living! To condemn someone without even questioning them, how outrageous!"
Liu Ying said respectfully, "Your Highness, the Prefect of Jingzhao was personally promoted by the Marquis of Ningyuan. It's understandable that he sides with Hu Yurong, but this time it's the General's wife!"
"Don't underestimate the General's wife just because she's a woman. Her temper is no less than Fan Zehao's, and her position in the General's heart is irreplaceable. Now, while the General is risking his life training outside, his wife is suffering such treatment at home. If he finds out... he will surely cause an uproar!"
Huangfu Yifan was also troubled. He waved his hand to the person behind him, "Prepare the carriage. We're going to the palace. This matter cannot be kept hidden!"
Liu Ying bowed and retreated to prepare the carriage.
At this time, the Prince of Leisure's carriage was galloping on the road. He went to the Jingzhao Prefecture, but Zhao Jiaqi ignored him as soon as he arrived.
No matter what Huangfu Xu said, Zhao Jiaqi remained in prison. "It's quite nice here, with food and drink. Why should I go back?"
They could arrest her whenever they wanted and release her whenever they wanted!
Had they asked for her consent!
Huangfu Xu felt awkward but still patiently persuaded her, "This was Yurong's mistake. I'll have him come and apologize to you personally, alright? Please don't be angry, madam. There are mosquitoes, insects, snakes, and ants in this prison, how can it be good!"
Zhao Jiaqi smiled at him, "This is a good opportunity for my husband to see that while he risks his life defending the country in the front lines, his family is suffering inhumane treatment here!"
Huangfu Xu chuckled bitterly, "Madam, escalating this matter will not be good for you or the General. Yurong he..."
"What do you mean by that, Your Highness? Are you threatening me? Also, how can you say I escalated the matter? Clearly, someone dislikes me and is using this opportunity to retaliate against the General's mansion. I'm tired, I don't want to talk anymore."
Zhao Jiaqi had no desire to waste more words with him and sat on the straw, closing her eyes to rest.
Imperial Palace.
The Crown Prince reported Zhao Jiaqi's incident to the Emperor in detail. The Emperor merely raised his eyelids, his veins bulging on his forehead.
"Hmph, who else could Hu Yurong have offended but this simpleton? Just wait, this matter won't be resolved so easily!"
The Crown Prince, unable to fathom the Emperor's intentions, asked cautiously, "So, should we pretend not to know about this and let them carry on?"
"Is the General's wife you know someone who doesn't make a fuss?" the Emperor asked the Crown Prince, not answering directly.
The latter thought seriously and shook his head. She was the epitome of someone who wouldn't let go when in the right.
The Emperor heavily placed his brush on the desk and took a deep breath. "Hu Yurong dares to occupy the shops I bestowed, and even brazenly seize the deeds and land certificates. Is this his dissatisfaction with me? Does the Ningyuan Marquis's mansion intend to rebel!"
He grew more and more angry!
"Colluding privately with the Prefect of Jingzhao, arbitrarily convicting people without question, what else are they hiding from me!"
After a bout of roaring, Huangfu Jintao finally vented his displeasure and seized the opportunity to admonish these people.
"When one man succeeds, his whole family prospers. It seems I have been too lenient with them, for they no longer know who is the master of this world!"
Huangfu Yifan raised an eyebrow and lowered his gaze, remaining silent. It seemed the imperial harem was about to undergo a change, but it had little to do with him.
Wang Zhanlin entered from outside. "Your Majesty, the Marquis of Ningyuan is here with Hu Yurong kneeling outside, requesting an audience!"
His anger not yet subsided, Huangfu Jintao retorted, "I will not see him."
Wang Zhanlin went out to deliver the message, not daring to linger, and immediately entered the study to serve him attentively.
Before he could even steady himself, he heard the Emperor say, "The Noble Consort did not manage her brother well. He colluded with court officials and acted recklessly. Her position as Noble Consort is revoked, demoted to Consort, and she is to reside in Huaqing Palace, forbidden to leave."
Outside the door, the Marquis of Ningyuan heard that his eldest daughter was implicated. He closed his eyes, wishing at that moment he could beat this unfilial son to death.
A moment later, the Emperor's voice was heard again. "The Marquis of Ningyuan failed to discipline his son, punished with one year's salary. Hu Yurong incited people to publicly seize property by force, bully others with his status, and was dissatisfied with the things I bestowed upon the General. He is forbidden from entering officialdom for life."
The Noble Consort, Hu Yuhui, was also implicated without reason. The Emperor, too lazy to assign another charge, directly used this excuse to dismiss her.
After Huangfu Jintao finished speaking, Hu Yurong collapsed. His father, Hu Lixin, instantly felt ten years older.
Forbidden from entering officialdom, he would only be a wealthy young master for the rest of his life. This hinted at the future fate of the Marquis's mansion.
Wang Zhanlin, seeing the dejected look on the Marquis of Ningyuan Hu Lixin's face, felt a pang of sympathy. He had finally gotten a legitimate son in his old age, only for him to...
"My Lord, let's return! Your health is paramount."
Hu Lixin bowed deeply, then stood up and dragged the troublesome Hu Yurong away.
The Prefect of Jingzhao was thrown into prison, awaiting investigation by the Supreme Court into how many wrongful cases he had handled over the years. Once verified, he would be dealt with immediately.
The Crown Prince entered the prison holding the land deed for the shops bestowed by the Emperor, smiling at Zhao Jiaqi. "Madam, are you planning to make the prison your home?"