Chapter 176: The Fall of Marquis Zhongyong
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
A fierce confrontation erupted in the royal study between Gu Ling and Marquis Zhongyong.
In a sudden rage, the king flung an inkstone at Lu Yuan Ze, striking him on the head and drawing blood.
“Oops, my hand slipped,” the king declared coldly.
The chief eunuch merely lowered his eyes, well aware of the king’s propensity for using his power to settle personal scores.
Clutching his forehead, Lu Yuan Ze looked pitiful but knew better than to voice a complaint at this critical moment.
“Your Majesty, I beg you to seek justice for my sister. Wan Yi was a woman of education and virtue, dearly loved by our family. Yet, she suffered to her death after marrying into the Gu family. Please, Your Majesty, grant her justice,” Lu Yuan Ze implored through his tears, kneeling in the study.
“A truly good girl, lost to the Gu family,” the king murmured to himself.
Gu Ling, also kneeling, had a stern expression. “Your Majesty, there is more to the story.”
“Marquis Zhongyong has kept a mistress for eighteen years, fathering a son who is as old as his firstborn. Wan Yi, living under his roof, was privy to all this. She was not without faults herself; she was unfaithful and secretly entertained a lover! A real man cannot tolerate such disgrace; it was in such a moment that I, unfortunately, harmed her.”
Lu Yuan Ze sprang up, incensed. “You tormented Wan Yi to death, and now you dare slander her name!” He was pale with fury, his body shaking as he struggled to control his anger.
Gu Ling looked at him with contempt. “Slander? I speak only the truth. Madam Xu, married to the Marquis for eighteen years, had her life drained by him. Wan Yi merely emulated him, squandering the Gu family’s wealth on her secret lover!”
“You… you…” Lu Yuan Ze was so overwhelmed with shock and rage that he nearly collapsed.
The king had seen enough.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
“Enough!” he barked. The room fell silent, both men dropping back to their knees.
The king knew well that neither Lu Yuan Ze nor Gu Ling were men of virtue.
Since he started keeping a closer watch over Chao Chao, he has meticulously investigated everyone associated with her, down to the lineage of her pets. He was also aware of Gu Ling’s past.
Gu Ling, once a poor young man, was known to have beaten his child bride to death. Had the king known of his violent past earlier, he never would have elevated him to a position of such honor.
“To kill one’s wife is a heinous crime. If such disrespect and cruelty towards one’s spouse were commonplace, what would become of our kingdom? Gu Ling, you are hereby dismissed and will be investigated. If found guilty of your wife’s murder, you will face severe punishment.”
Gu Ling collapsed, his face ashen and his body trembling.
The king then turned his stern gaze to Lu Yuan Ze.
“And you…”
Lu Yuan Ze’s heart raced with dread.
“I recall, during your absence, it was Madam Xu who cared for your ailing father until his last breath. For eighteen years, she served faithfully while you entertained a mistress. Your heart is as cold as stone.” The king rarely meddled in his officials’ private affairs, but Lu Yuan Ze’s actions had stirred his anger.
Lu Yuan Ze’s face went pale, and he began to sweat profusely.
“Did you know the Xu family has been petitioning daily, claiming the old madam of the Marquis’ mansion used Princess Sunshine’s life force for Xue Huang?” the king said calmly, causing Lu Yuan Ze’s blood to chill.
“Princess Sunshine is the light of North Zhao. How dare you misuse her vitality?! Do you take me for a fool?!” the king scoffed, and Lu Yuan Ze frantically wiped his sweat.
“Your Majesty, my mother is elderly and was misled by the Xue family. She was naive. Please, Your Majesty…” Lu Yuan Ze pleaded, regretting his decision to come to the palace.
“Chao Chao is the legitimate granddaughter of the Marquis’ mansion, dearly loved by us all.” Lu Yuan Ze continued to beg. “Please, Your Majesty, have mercy on us.”
The king looked at him coldly. “Beloved granddaughter? Lu Jing Yao was born on the same day and year as Chao Chao. Why didn’t your mother sacrifice Lu Jing Yao’s life force instead?”
Lu Yuan Ze was left speechless after being called out. He now feared involving Jing Yao, especially given the king’s evident favoritism towards Chao Chao.
“Chao Chao was never listed in the family registry and was cast out from the Marquis’ mansion. Under such circumstances, she is officially never part of your family. So, what granddaughter are you speaking of? She is the hope and light of North Zhao. You deserve nothing less than death for trying to harm her!”
The king was inwardly pleased. Chao Chao remained safe, and the ambitions of the former royal family had been curbed. His fortune had turned.
“Strip the Marquis of his hereditary title. Reflect on your misdeeds in solitude,” the king decreed, sealing Lu Yuan Ze’s fate. The once esteemed title of Marquis Zhongyong and Lu Jing Huai’s inheritance were both forfeited.
“Your Majesty, I implore your mercy. My mother will personally apologize to Princess Sunshine. Please, Your Majesty…” the fallen Marquis pleaded, realizing the grave consequences for his family now without their title.
“Lord Yuan Ze, you are dismissed. The king requires rest,” the chief eunuch dismissed him disdainfully. “You will have ample time for regret at your own home.”
Lu Yuan Ze was escorted from the palace, broken and despondent.
“Your Majesty, I erred. Please, forgive me,” he cried out in vain.
After his departure, the king’s spirits lifted. “Three birds with one stone; quite the gain. Quickly, relay this pleasing news to Chao Chao, and make sure to highlight my benevolence,” he instructed the chief eunuch.
With the Xue family’s problem resolved, Marquis Zhongyong’s title revoked, and Chao Chao’s safety ensured, the king emerged as the ultimate victor.