Chapter 237

Chapter 237: Such Sinister Schemes

When news reached the princess’s manor that the duke’s house had caused a death by scattering silver, Ting Lan felt a surge of satisfaction.

“Serves them right! Let’s see how the Duke’s family cleans this up. They just had to steal our princess’s joy, and now look—their so-called celebration turned deadly. It’s all ill fortune!”

Sheng Zhi Wan frowned, uneasy.

How could someone die from scattering silver?

Did the duke’s house not send people beforehand to keep order?

Ever since her eldest sister’s wedding ended in a stampede, the noble families of the capital always alerted the yamen whenever they held events, having soldiers assist the guards in keeping peace.

Clearly, Duke Qi’s family had neglected this.

“Enough. Someone did die. Don’t speak so carelessly outside,” An Zhi scolded lightly upon noticing the princess’s expression.

Ting Lan pursed her lips, changing the subject. “Princess, won’t you come see the betrothal gifts from Prince Consort? Especially the goose—it’s quite clever! Madam Ye said Prince Consort caught it himself.”

Sheng Zhi Wan recalled Shang Hang Yu mentioning the goose that pecked off Qi Shu Xian’s hat. She shook her head lightly. “Liu Shang, first investigate the family involved.”

As for Duke Qi’s family… surely, tomorrow’s court session wouldn’t let them off easily.

Indeed, the next morning, just as Emperor Chong Sheng permitted the ministers to rise, several censors stepped forward, voices fierce with indignation. They recounted vividly how Duke Qi’s careless silver scattering had injured dozens. Most grievous was the plight of a poor, mentally impaired son and his elderly mother, who knelt begging at the duke’s gates, only for the son to be beaten and the despairing mother to crash against the gate, dying on the spot.

Wang Ye shook with rage, removing his cap to bow deeply. “Your Majesty! Duke Qi’s carelessness led to this stampede, with numerous casualties. Instead of rectifying it, his men further harmed common folk. Where is our law, our justice?”

“We beg Your Majesty to punish Duke Qi strictly!” The censors knelt in unity.

Duke Qi’s expression darkened.

Yesterday’s disaster was unexpected. How dare that woman kill herself at his gates!

Yet, as the censors condemned him, he swiftly knelt in remorse, voice filled with sorrowful regret.

“What the lords say is true! Yesterday, I merely intended good wishes—to have the people pray for my son and our victorious Northern Desert army. Who knew such tragedy would result?”

“Your Majesty, I was too joyful at the news from the frontier. I admit my oversight in failing to notify the yamen. I deserve punishment! Yet…” He paused dramatically, wiping his eyes. “As for the mother and son, my steward mistakenly believed they sought to slander our house. He only questioned them briefly—never imagining she would take her own life.”

“My steward acted in loyalty. If punishment is required, I’ll willingly accept it on his behalf!”

With this speech, Duke Qi bowed deeply.

The censors exchanged stunned looks.

They hadn’t expected Duke Qi to twist the matter so cleverly—seemingly accepting blame yet subtly placing fault elsewhere.

His gift-giving was portrayed as patriotic, joyful forgetfulness a mere oversight, and the disaster itself blamed indirectly on the greed of common folk. The woman’s death was neatly attributed to his steward’s excess, while he nobly offered to bear responsibility.

Anyone unaware of the truth might even praise his virtue!

“Are you sure, Lord Duke, that you truly forgot to notify the yamen?” Minister Ye of Revenue stepped forward at this moment.

Duke Qi stiffened slightly.

Minister Ye continued calmly, “Coincidentally, yesterday my wife served as chief matchmaker for Princess Ning and her consort. According to her, your silver scattering occurred precisely as their engagement gifts were distributed…”

He stopped, leaving his point hanging, a slight mocking smile on his lips.

It became clear to all present that Duke Qi’s so-called forgetfulness was deliberate sabotage against Princess Ning’s event.

How utterly petty!

The ministers exchanged disdainful glances. A duke, and an elder at that, deliberately undermining a younger princess’s joyous day—what narrow-minded spitefulness!

Duke Qi’s expression hardened. He hadn’t realized Madam Ye was the matchmaker, nor that Ye Zhuo Yun would openly oppose him today.

He shot a cold glance at Ye Zhuo Yun.

What benefit was there in offending the Duke’s household for a worthless princess and her foolish consort?

Ye Zhuo Yun ignored him entirely.

The young Shang Hang Yu had guided his son toward the right path. This favor, he would not forget!

“Is that so?” Emperor Chong Sheng’s voice echoed.

Duke Qi hurriedly responded, “Certainly not! Your Majesty, it truly was a coincidence! Had I known, I would have waited until after the princess’s event. It was only my excitement that made me momentarily careless.”

“Hm,” the Emperor nodded thoughtfully. “Even I was overjoyed upon hearing the Northern Desert victory. Your affection for your son must equal my delight. Minister Ye, perhaps you overthink. Women’s gossip shouldn’t cloud your judgment.”

Thus dismissed, Ye Zhuo Yun could only bow and agree, although what he and others privately thought remained beyond imperial control.

“Then, let Duke Qi forfeit three months’ stipend as punishment,” Emperor Chong Sheng concluded casually.

In Sheng Kingdom, dukes enjoyed generous stipends—three hundred silver taels per month, alongside fabrics, grains, spices, and teas. To ordinary folk, substantial indeed, but to Duke Qi’s lavish household?

What kind of punishment was this?

The Emperor’s attitude became clear. The censors returned to their places, expressions darkening in dissatisfaction.

Duke Qi rejoiced inwardly. Clearly, His Majesty favored Shu Xian more strongly than ever!

Thrilled, Duke Qi lingered outside after court. As Minister Ye and the censors approached, he sneered mockingly.

“I thank you all today for your concern over my family’s affairs. Thankfully, His Majesty is wise. Consider my stipend a minor donation to the state treasury—just be sure next time, you properly distinguish truth from slander.”

He brushed imaginary dust from his sleeve and left with a smug air, leaving the censors fuming and Minister Ye snorting coldly.

In high spirits, Duke Qi thought gleefully—now that even that discarded princess Sheng Zhi Wan had found a consort, shouldn’t his victorious son find himself a worthy highborn wife?

This time, he vowed, he’d choose carefully—certainly never again someone like Sheng Zhi Wan…