Chapter 402: How will the Chen Family be dealt with?
Chapter 402: How will the Chen Family be dealt with?
Princess Qi's ears rang with the loud shouting, and it took her a while to sit down, holding onto the chair. "It's a bit noisy."
However, it was this very commotion that brought a sense of liveliness to the atmosphere.
The children's robust energy was a testament to their healthy upbringing, and if nothing unexpected happened, they would grow up strong and resilient.
Thinking of this, Princess Qi couldn't help but smile.
Suixui took a detour and came back around from the entrance.
Just then, Feng Xuanbo blocked her path, pretending to be a big tiger. He let out a roar and pounced towards Suixui.
Suixui wasn't afraid at all and imitated her fifth brother's actions, roaring and pouncing towards him!
Feng Xuanrui, seeing that he was lagging, rushed over and intercepted, knocking Feng Xuanbo down.
The two little masters fell together, crying out in pain. The servants hurried over to check on them, and Princess Qi stood up upon hearing the commotion.
Fortunately, neither of them was seriously injured; at most, they had some painful bruises that would heal quickly.
After confirming they were okay, Princess Qi sat back down, relieved.
The children quickly forgot about this minor incident and started a new round of chasing.
Princess Qi finally realized that they weren't chasing a ball; they were chasing their sister.
Suixui was running faster than a horse, her short legs leaving afterimages.
The brothers didn't really chase her; they would stop from time to time, giving each other a chance to catch their breath.
Once Suixui rested, they would chase her again.
Princess Qi: ...
Well, as long as the children are happy.
She wondered how the discussions in the palace were going.
Prince Xing and Duke Ling had entered the palace to discuss Suixui's identity and investigate how the Jingyangzi Manor had learned about Suixui's situation.
Regarding this matter...
The Emperor was indeed aware.
He had many informants in the capital city, and whenever he wanted to know something, he didn't need to ask much. His secret agents or spies would investigate and present the findings to him.
This particular matter had been reported to the Emperor early that morning. He glanced at it, understood the situation, and didn't read further.
When the two younger brothers mentioned it, the Emperor slowly said, "It's said that Madam Xu from the Jingyangzi Manor had a dream about her granddaughter."
Duke Ling: ?
Prince Xing: ??
Was that her granddaughter? She dreamed about her?
Did she have any shame?
Duke Ling's expression turned unpleasant, and Prince Xing's brows furrowed, his face growing cold.
Seeing their displeased expressions, the Emperor sighed softly. "I've already sent people to investigate this matter. The initial report says that Madam Xu had a dream, but we need to inquire further. However, the dream itself is quite bizarre."
As if understanding their thoughts, the Emperor continued, "Is that your granddaughter? You had a dream about her? It's as if she was once your granddaughter."
Prince Xing was a man of few words, especially in the Emperor's presence, where he was always mindful of his manners and didn't speak freely.
In contrast, being the Emperor's younger brother, Duke Ling had fewer reservations. He furrowed his brows, propped his elbows on his knees, and boldly asked, "What kind of dream did she have? Was that her granddaughter? She's quite shameless."
After his criticism, Duke Ling pouted and added, "By the way, Elder Brother, how will we handle the Chen family?"
The handling of this matter depended on the progress of the Ministry of Justice's investigation.
However, this was the first time they had encountered a case of a young duchess being mistreated.
So, even when following the law, there are still many aspects that can be manipulated.
To put it bluntly, whatever His Majesty decides, the Ministry of Justice will most likely follow through accordingly.
Duke Ling asked, and after some thought, the Emperor replied, "I plan to send them to the Southwest Quarry. The conditions there are more challenging."
Quarrying is arduous and extremely dangerous.
Accidents resulting in death from falling rocks are not uncommon.
As a result, the workforce turnover is high.
Furthermore, the Southwest is remote, and although the climate is relatively pleasant, the conditions near the quarry are quite ordinary.
The Emperor felt that exiling them there would be a suitable choice.
As for executing them directly?
That would be too lenient a punishment.
After listening to the Emperor, Duke Ling contemplated and felt that the Southwest was still too lenient.
So, he quickly suggested, "Why not send them to the Northern Region? It's cold there."
Moreover, the border is not entirely stable.
Going there doesn't require much physical labor; they mainly farm and raise pigs for the soldiers guarding the city.
Regarding the decision on where to exile the Chen family, the Emperor had not yet made a final choice. Hearing Duke Ling's suggestion, he nodded, "That's also possible."
Prince Xing initially wanted to send them to the Northwest, where he had lived for many years, knowing how harsh the conditions were there.
However, he suddenly felt...
...that Nian Niang probably wouldn't want to see these people around.
Therefore, to keep her place untainted, he decided not to send them there.
Prince Xing's hesitation was not apparent, and he didn't voice his thoughts, appearing to leave the decision entirely up to the Emperor.
The punishment for the Chen family could be determined at any time.
Regarding Suixui's identity issue, the Emperor didn't consider it a significant problem. Prince Xing's outstanding military achievements were well-known, and even if the Censorate officials were harsh, they wouldn't dare to be so towards Prince Xing.
Moreover, he didn't have any descendants, and now he wanted to recognize his biological daughter. What was wrong with that?
The Emperor expressed that he would handle this matter with the Censorate officials, and there was no need for Duke Ling, Prince Xing, or the adorable Suixui to worry about such adult matters.
Children should just grow up happily.
Regarding the matter of potatoes, the Emperor's rewards had not yet been announced.
However, a good harvest was only one aspect.
After the new year, when they plant again and achieve even higher yields, the rewards will be substantial.
For now, it's about making the children happy.
To put it simply, extensive data is needed to validate the high yield and edibility of potatoes, which will prove Suixui's accomplishments.
Therefore, more results and rewards will have to wait until next year.
As for this year...
After careful consideration, the Emperor said, "I previously granted Xiang Shui County to Suixui as her fiefdom, but now I feel that it's too remote and barren. Let's add Liang Jin County, which is adjacent to it."
Regarding her identity, it wouldn't be appropriate to directly elevate her status from Princess to Duchess.
Moreover, if her status were changed, neither Prince Xing nor Duke Ling would be pleased.
So, compensation could be made in other ways.
For instance, granting her land or property.
The Emperor felt that granting a fiefdom would be suitable.
For Suixui, a child blessed with good fortune, the Emperor was indeed very kind and loving.
By giving her more, Heaven might reciprocate with even better blessings.
The Emperor thought that it was merely the tax revenue from a region, and he could afford it.
Compared to what Heaven might bestow upon him in return, his offerings were insignificant.
He shouldn't be stingy, or else Heaven might look down upon him as a ruler.
After all, he was the Emperor! Being stingy wouldn't reflect well on him!
(End of Chapter)
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