“Over the past three years, he has murdered eighteen innocent civilians! I have evidence for every single case!”
“And Prefect Zhang Sheng was clearly aware of these murders, yet he never intervened, allowing Lü Yuan to act with impunity! I submitted multiple petitions to report this, but they all vanished without a trace…”
As Shangguan Lin listened, his brows knitted tighter and tighter, his expression growing increasingly cold.
Despicable! Absolutely despicable!
It was all because he had misjudged people and placed too much trust in the Marquis of Zhenbei.
He had never imagined that the Marquis would become so arrogant and lawless!
The more Shangguan Lin thought about it, the angrier he became. He grabbed the teacup beside him and hurled it forcefully to the ground.
“Impudence!”
Everyone present, except for Lou Changqing and Shangguan Sui, trembled in fear.
Shangguan Sui blinked her beautiful eyes and gently patted Shangguan Lin’s shoulder.
“Abba abba—”
【Daddy, don’t be angry. The one at fault is the Marquis of Zhenbei. He’s the one who betrayed your trust! Don’t make yourself suffer because of him!】
【And now that you’ve discovered his true nature, it’s not too late to set things right!】
Under Sui Sui’s tender and comforting inner voice, Shangguan Lin’s mood inexplicably calmed. Nevertheless, he maintained an outward display of fury as he pointed at the Prefect and berated him.
“A person like you is utterly unworthy of being the ‘parent-official’ of the capital’s citizens! Incompetent and foolish—calling you useless would only sully the word!”
The Prefect knelt on the ground, trembling violently.
Finally, Shangguan Lin delivered his stern judgment.
“By my imperial decree: Zhang Sheng, Prefect of Jingzhao, has occupied his post without fulfilling his duties and has engaged in corruption and perversion of the law. He is hereby sentenced to immediate execution. The sentence will be carried out tomorrow!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
The guards saluted and immediately dragged Zhang Sheng away. He cried and begged for mercy, but his voice soon faded into silence.
Nestled in Shangguan Lin’s arms, Shangguan Sui still felt a lingering sense of fear.
【Whew, that was really close. Fortunately, Daddy was wise and perceptive, judging the case with divine insight. Otherwise, my little uncle would truly have died unjustly!】
【This was clearly a straightforward case, yet inflated power can turn black into white, transform the innocent into murderers, and condemn them to wrongful deaths…】
【The Marquis of Zhenbei’s power is simply too great. Sigh…】
Shangguan Lin fell silent upon hearing this, his gaze shifting to Lü Yuan, who was still kneeling on the ground.
Lü Yuan was so terrified that he couldn’t utter a single word.
In a deep voice, Shangguan Lin pronounced, “Criminal Lü Yuan is to receive one hundred strokes of the heavy board and be imprisoned in the dungeon to await further disposition.”
The Marquis of Zhenbei had not yet been completely dealt with, so his son’s life had to be spared for the time being.
Moreover, although Shangguan Lin fully believed Sui Sui’s words regarding the embezzlement of military provisions, no concrete evidence had yet been found. Perhaps Lü Yuan could serve as a breakthrough.
The guards acknowledged the order and immediately dragged Lü Yuan outside to carry out the punishment. His agonized screams echoed from beyond the hall.
As the courtroom quickly fell silent, Shangguan Lin let out a long sigh of relief.
This time, it was truly all thanks to Sui Sui.
If not for her, he might have wrongfully condemned Lou Changqing and caused consequences he could not now bear.
Not only had he punished corrupt officials, but he had also seized a crucial lead against the Marquis of Zhenbei.
Sui Sui was truly his little lucky star!
Lou Changqing also cast a grateful glance toward Shangguan Sui.
It was all thanks to her.
Shangguan Sui responded with a gentle smile, the small dimples on her cheeks faintly visible.
【It’s great that everything has been resolved~】
【If only Daddy could put Little Uncle to good use. He’s a rare military talent!】
【A truly heroic young general! He could certainly help Daddy expand the empire!】
Hearing this, Shangguan Lin’s ears perked up.
Although the Marquis of Zhenbei possessed considerable military talent, his power had grown too great, and he harbored rebellious intentions. He could no longer be trusted.
Once the Marquis fell, the army would be left without capable leadership…
Shangguan Lin’s gaze shifted to Lou Changqing. Observing his upright posture, bright eyes, and aura of integrity, he nodded in satisfaction.
He asked, “I do not recall seeing you at court before. What is your current position?”
Lou Changqing cupped his hands respectfully. “Reporting to Your Majesty, I currently serve as a ninth-rank Renyong Commandant. I am not qualified to attend the morning court or to meet Your Majesty.”
Shangguan Lin nodded thoughtfully before continuing, “I hold you in high regard. Serving as a mere ninth-rank official is truly a waste of your talent.”
Raising his voice slightly, he announced, “I hereby promote you exceptionally to the rank of Yunhui General, a fourth-rank military position!”
Hearing this, Lou Changqing was both shocked and overjoyed, standing frozen for a moment before finally regaining his senses. He quickly kowtowed.
“Your servant thanks Your Majesty for this immense grace!”
This was a direct promotion from the ninth rank to the fourth rank—and he was only twenty years old!
It was an extraordinary honor.
Shangguan Sui also clapped her little hands happily.
【Hooray! Little Uncle has been promoted!】
【Mother and Grandfather will certainly be delighted!】
Shangguan Lin was equally pleased. Gaining such a talented military officer made this visit to the Jingzhao Prefecture truly worthwhile.
Within half a day, the events that transpired at the Jingzhao Prefecture spread throughout the entire capital.
..
The Marquis’s Residence
“Marquis, what should we do?” The Marchioness clutched her handkerchief, incessantly wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes.
“Our Yuan’er has never suffered like this since he was a child! I heard he received one hundred strokes of the heavy board. His Majesty is being far too harsh!”
Seated at the head of the hall, the Marquis of Zhenbei maintained a stern expression and remained silent.
Growing anxious, the Marchioness urged, “Marquis, please say something! What should we do about Yuan’er? He is our only son! Though somewhat spoiled, he is still a good child!”
The Marquis pressed his lips together and spoke in a deep voice. “Madam, there is no need to worry. His Majesty merely ordered Yuan’er to receive one hundred strokes; he was not executed like Prefect Zhang Sheng.”
“It seems that, out of consideration for me, His Majesty has shown leniency. Yuan’er is currently imprisoned in the dungeon and will likely be released in a few days.”
The Marchioness hesitated before asking uneasily, “Then why did His Majesty suddenly go to the Jingzhao Prefecture today to personally adjudicate such a minor case? Could it be that he has discovered something?”
The Marquis shook his head confidently. “No. The matter we are planning has been arranged with extreme secrecy. It is impossible for His Majesty to have discovered it.”
“His actions are probably just a warning, as we have been somewhat too conspicuous recently.”
“As for Lou Changqing, there is even less to worry about. It was likely just a gesture to give Consort Chen some face.”
After hearing the Marquis’s meticulous analysis, the Marchioness finally felt reassured.
In two years’ time, this realm would belong to them!
Night – Bihua Palace
Shangguan Sui struggled to hold a large Eastern pearl in her hands.
Her beautiful eyes sparkled brightly as she excitedly babbled, “Abba abba—”
【Ahhh! Such a beautiful pearl! I love it!】
【I’ve never seen one so big and so gorgeous!】
【Thank you to the Eldest Prince! He’s truly such a wonderful person!!!】
“All right, Sui Sui. Shall Mother help you put the pearl away?” Consort Chen coaxed gently.
She had not expected the Eldest Prince to send such a precious gift; she had been stunned upon seeing it.
But why was the Eldest Prince suddenly being so kind to Sui Sui? They had barely even spoken before.
Hearing this, Shangguan Sui shook her head and clutched the pearl tightly, unwilling to let go.
【No, no! The pearl and I are best friends forever!】
Consort Chen lightly tapped her nose and chuckled. “You little money-grubber.”
“Your Ladyship! Wonderful news!” Qingping hurried in from outside the hall, her face brimming with joy.
“His Majesty! His Majesty—”