Chapter 134

Chapter 134: Public Confession

Minister Yang’s words were perfectly crafted.

First, he acknowledged his son’s wrongdoing, then clearly stated Yang Jun Kang had already faced punishment for his past mistakes, and most importantly, emphasized that this time Yang Jun Kang had not truly caused severe harm.

Yet, he assured everyone that should investigations reveal otherwise, he, as Minister of War, would willingly bear responsibility and accept punishment for failing in his parental duties.

With just a few words, he transformed Zhang Huan’s accusations—claims of disregarding imperial laws and harming the nation—into mere family affairs and issues of personal discipline.

Zhang Huan froze.

He hadn’t expected Minister Yang to admit guilt so readily, without even attempting a defense.

His carefully prepared passionate arguments felt like a fist striking cotton, utterly wasted.

On the Dragon Throne, Emperor Chong Sheng casually nodded. “Beloved Minister Yang speaks reasonably. However, since Jun Kang is the brother of Consort Qi, he is also my brother-in-law. If someone dares to falsely accuse him, I must intervene. Su De Yun, instruct Commander Xie to thoroughly investigate the merchant and his wife.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Eunuch Su responded cheerfully, preparing to leave.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Minister Yang gratefully bowed, rising from the floor.

The Emperor’s statement openly favored Minister Yang.

If the accusations proved true, it would simply require Minister Yang to discipline his son. If not, those daring to “falsely accuse” Yang Jun Kang would face severe punishment.

Among the gathered ministers, the faces of those aligned with the Second Prince grew particularly grim.

But even worse was Duke Qi’s expression. Standing among the officials, he watched Eunuch Su step away, body trembling slightly. His lips quivered, and cold sweat dripped heavily down his forehead.

The Emperor instantly noticed this strange behavior.

“Duke Qi…”

Before he could finish speaking, Duke Qi’s knees buckled, and he fell to the floor. “Your Majesty! I—I have committed a grave sin!”

Emperor Chong Sheng stared in astonishment.

All the court officials froze in surprise.

Qi Shu Xian turned abruptly, bewildered by the sight of his father kneeling.

[Father, what is he doing? What has this matter to do with him?]

“Your Majesty, the merchant mentioned by Zhang Zhong Cheng… is actually an identity I falsely created. That woman… she is my mistress whom I keep secretly outside. I know this behavior is treacherous and against moral virtues. I willingly accept punishment,” Duke Qi stammered, wiping sweat as he confessed painfully.

Countless gazes pierced him like blades, making it impossible to raise his head.

He pressed his forehead against the cold tiles of the grand hall, wishing desperately for a hole to vanish into. But reality offered no such mercy, forcing him to remain bowed, ignoring those judgmental eyes.

Emperor Chong Sheng was speechless.

Minister Yang was speechless.

Zhang Huan was speechless.

Everyone stood in stunned silence. Eunuch Su halted abruptly.

If Duke Qi was indeed the merchant, should Commander Xie still investigate?

Qi Shu Xian gazed across the hall, confused and shocked.

His father’s confession echoed clearly in his ears.

[A mistress… outside? How could this be?]

Father had always adored Mother deeply, rarely even visiting his two concubines. How could he have kept another woman secretly?

Yet, reality lay plainly before him, undeniable and harsh.

Qi Shu Xian restrained his urge to confront his father publicly.

The Emperor finally broke the heavy silence, his expression darkening. “Duke Qi, I believed you resembled the Old Duke, a gentleman of virtue. Yet, you cannot even manage your household properly?”

“First, your eldest daughter traded in illegal salt, and now you secretly keep a mistress? If you favor her, openly take her as a concubine. If not, do not disgrace yourself with such immoral actions. Or… does this woman have questionable origins?”

Emperor Chong Sheng’s stern gaze made Duke Qi shrink lower. He trembled, quickly responding, “Your Majesty, Lady Tao’s background is perfectly clear. It’s just…”

“Just what?”

“Just that my wife, Madam Cui, is excessively jealous. Though I have two concubines, they have borne no children. This is why I resorted to secretly keeping someone outside.”

His words drew peculiar looks from the officials—some filled with pity, others disdain and contempt.

[So this was the famous Duke Qi, renowned for his devotion?]

[So this was the husband all wives admired?]

Ha! They would surely share this juicy news with their wives, proving that compared to openly flirtatious men like themselves, Duke Qi was the truly hypocritical carved figure.

And Madam Cui—did she still dare boast about her husband’s loyalty? She herself had driven him into secretly keeping a mistress!

Only Qi Shu Xian stared wide-eyed in disbelief.

[Father, how could you speak of Mother like this?]

“I see,” Emperor Chong Sheng sighed. “Then Zhang Huan’s claims—are they true?”

Duke Qi quickly wiped more sweat from his brow. “Though true, it happened because Young Master Yang mistook my mistress for someone else after becoming drunk. It was simply a misunderstanding.”

Of course, he would not provoke Minister Yang further, especially since the Emperor had already favored him.

“I understand now.” Emperor Chong Sheng relaxed his frown.

Minister Yang promptly bowed toward Duke Qi, “Lord Duke, my son’s conduct was disgraceful and rude.”

“It’s nothing, truly nothing. Merely a misunderstanding.”

“Good. If it’s just a misunderstanding, let’s leave it at that. However…” Emperor Chong Sheng paused, eyes narrowed sternly at Duke Qi. “Duke Qi, since your mistress is pregnant, you shall properly bring her into your residence. She must not remain outside.”

“Yes! Yes!” Duke Qi breathed easier, about to rise.

Emperor Chong Sheng continued, “Su De Yun, after court, accompany Duke Qi personally to ensure he properly settles the woman. Additionally, deliver my message to Madam Cui.”

“Her jealousy has disrupted the harmony of her home and adversely impacted the upbringing of her children. She has abandoned the virtues of kindness and gentleness befitting a wife, thus damaging her family’s reputation. She must reflect and correct herself immediately! Should she persist stubbornly, I will not be lenient.”

“Yes!” Eunuch Su agreed cheerfully.

Duke Qi thanked the Emperor repeatedly, but he knew his dignity—and the Duke’s household—had been utterly shattered today.

After the tense court session finally concluded, Eunuch Su walked beside Duke Qi, grinning warmly. “Lord Duke, shall we?”

Duke Qi helplessly nodded.

Qi Shu Xian had wanted to confront his father, but seeing the disgrace ahead, he felt too frustrated to return home. Instead, he boarded a carriage and entered a nearby tavern.

Meanwhile, under Eunuch Su’s supervision, Duke Qi quickly brought Lady Tao out from Alley Gate Lane.

Lady Tao sat dazedly in the carriage.

All her previous scheming to become pregnant had been aimed at someday entering Duke Qi’s household openly.

Who could have guessed?

Just one frightful incident, and suddenly her dream had come true!

She wouldn’t mind enduring such frightful moments several more times.