Even though he was accustomed to receiving bows and prostrations from others in his daily life, kneeling before a memorial tablet—and that of General Xiao, no less—prompted Xuanyuan Jing to hastily bend down and support Madam Xiao’s arm.
“Madam Xiao, please rise quickly. I have always held General Xiao in the highest esteem. Such a grand gesture from you is overwhelming. Today, whatever grievances the Xiao family has suffered, speak freely. The court will never let loyal subjects be disheartened.”
Madam Xiao stood up, her eyes brimming with tears, her voice tinged with unmistakable grief and indignation.
“Your Highness may not be aware, but my Xiao family has been loyal and devoted for generations, sacrificing ourselves for the nation. We should have been honored, yet who would have thought that the daughters of the Xiao family would suffer abuse in their marital homes. Fuguang married into the Gu family, diligently managing the household and showing filial piety to her elders.”
“But Gu Chuan not only failed to cherish her, he also entangled himself with his own sister-in-law, blinded by lust and losing all reason. Gu Chuan and Zhuang Linan caused the death of the General of Martial Virtue, and at the border, they shamelessly shifted the blame onto my husband, accusing him of failing to act in time to save him.”
“Today, Gu Chuan and Zhuang Linan’s scandal was exposed by those close to the General of Martial Virtue. In his fury and humiliation, Gu Chuan publicly assaulted my daughter, nearly taking her life. Instead of reflecting on their actions, the Gu family shielded and indulged him, attempting to use the excuse of ‘respecting the deceased’ to delay the mutual divorce and continue trampling on the dignity of the Xiao family’s daughter. Today, my family has brought the coffins of my late husband and the young general here to seek justice.”
Upon hearing this, Xuanyuan Jing furrowed his brow, his sharp gaze sweeping over the Gu family before finally settling on Gu Xiu’s face.
“General Gu, do you have an explanation for this matter?”
Gu Xiu’s face turned ashen, sweat beading on his forehead.
“Your Highness, there has indeed been a misunderstanding. Our Gu family will handle this matter properly…”
Xuanyuan Jing shifted his gaze to Lord Zhao.
“Since Lord Zhao is also present, perhaps you could share your perspective?”
Lord Zhao was renowned for his integrity and impartiality. He had always looked down upon the Gu family’s conduct, and he immediately clasped his hands toward the regent prince.
“Your Highness, I witnessed today’s events from beginning to end. The Gu family has indeed acted unjustly. Gu Chuan wrote letters to Zhuang Linan, colluding to cause the death of the General of Martial Virtue on the battlefield. I, along with several other ministers present, verified the letters, and they are indeed in Gu Chuan’s handwriting.”
“Just moments ago, in full view of everyone, Gu Chuan struck Miss Xiao twice, causing her to vomit blood. I did my utmost to intervene, but alas…”
He wore an expression of helplessness.
Xuanyuan Jing’s gaze fell upon Xiao Fuguang.
At this moment, Xiao Fuguang leaned weakly against Liuyue’s embrace, her head bowed, her breath faint, and her face as pale as paper.
Madam Xiao knelt once more, clutching the memorial tablet.
“I beg Your Highness to uphold justice. Both sons of my Xiao family have died in battle, and now… I implore Your Highness…”
Xuanyuan Jing supported Madam Xiao, speaking with a hint of apology.
“Madam Xiao, please rise quickly. This matter was an oversight on the part of the court.”
“Today, I shall take charge of this matter on behalf of the Xiao family.”
His gaze turned sharp as he looked at Gu Chuan.
“Gu Chuan, as a military officer, you not only failed to uphold martial virtue but also behaved licentiously in your own home, engaging in an affair with your sister-in-law, causing your elder brother’s death, and publicly assaulting your wife. Such conduct is utterly reprehensible!”
Xuanyuan Jing’s voice was low and forceful, each word striking like a heavy hammer upon the hearts of everyone present.
Gu Chuan’s face turned deathly pale, his legs trembling so violently he nearly collapsed to his knees.
“Your Highness, I am wronged…”
Xuanyuan Jing coldly looked at him and interrupted his words.
“Whether it is a false accusation or not will be investigated by the Dali Temple.”
He then swept a glance over the crowd.
“As the regent of the court, today I grant Miss Xiao and Gu Chuan a mutual divorce. From now on, they shall have nothing to do with each other.”
“I will request the Emperor to write the mutual divorce decree and deliver it to Miss Xiao.”
His gaze then fell upon Gu Chuan.
“As for Gu Chuan, he is unrighteous, unfaithful, and unfilial.”
“Guards, take him to the Dali Temple and have them conduct a thorough investigation.”
This was his only son left. Despite committing such a grave mistake, the Gu family could not do without him. Gu Xiu hurried forward and knelt down.
“I beg Your Highness for mercy. Gu Shan and Gu Chuan have been close brothers since childhood. Gu Chuan would never have conspired to harm his elder brother. There must be some misunderstanding.”
“I have spent my entire life on the frontier. Now, my eldest son has died on the battlefield, and Gu Chuan is my only remaining bloodline. I will comply with Your Highness’s order regarding the mutual divorce with the Xiao family. However, whether Chuan’er truly conspired against his brother is a family matter of the Gu family. I implore Your Highness to show leniency.”
Xuanyuan Jing’s expression darkened immediately. This matter could indeed be handled with severity or leniency. Moreover, Gu Xiu had just achieved military merit. If he showed no consideration at this moment, it would likely invite criticism from the court, as this was, after all, a family matter of the Gu family.
Having achieved the goal of mutual divorce, Madam Xiao did not wish to put the regent in a difficult position, especially since the Xiao family could not afford to owe anyone any favors now.
“Thank you, Your Highness, for standing up for my daughter. As long as she can return home safely, I am already satisfied.”
Lin Qingwan also quickly spoke to Liuyue.
“Liuyue, did you hear? The regent has granted the mutual divorce. Your young mistress is free. Hurry and help your young mistress over so we can see Father off together.”
Upon hearing this, Liuyue hurriedly supported Xiao Fuguang and led her into the Xiao family’s funeral procession.
“Yes.”
Xuanyuan Jing cast a cold glance at Gu Chuan.
“In consideration of General Gu’s military achievements, the Dali Temple is exempted. Gu Chuan shall receive twenty public lashes.”
He then followed the Xiao family’s procession.
“Madam Xiao, I will accompany the Xiao family to see General Xiao off.”
The regent’s guards quickly approached Gu Chuan, forced him to the ground in humiliation, and began the punishment.
Gu Chuan’s face was filled with resentment and shame as he looked up and watched the Xiao family’s funeral procession depart.
Xiao Fuguang walked beside General Xiao’s coffin.
She turned back to look at Gu Chuan lying on the ground. Their eyes met, and a meaningful smile curled at the corner of Xiao Fuguang’s lips, though her eyes were filled with murderous intent.
Gu Chuan, this is only the beginning. There is plenty of time ahead—we will take our time and fight this out slowly.