Chapter 369: A Strict Gag Order
"There were a lot of people there."
"You don’t understand."
"Your Highness, someone from the Imperial Palace is here."
Prince Helian had just finished speaking when the steward rushed in.
"Your Highness." Princess Heliang stepped forward.
"They’ve sent someone to shut us up."
Prince Helian knew all too well.
When the Emperor wanted to suppress a matter, even the most explosive news would never reach the common people. As for Xiang Minghou wanting to resign, if that rumor reached the public, the fallout would likely be unpleasant.
「Changyang Prince Mansion.」
After Princess Changyang returned to the mansion with Nanxiang, she immediately told her husband, the Prince, about what had happened at the Imperial Palace. Prince Changyang, who was also a General, was so furious when he heard what the Sixth Princess had said that he slammed his hand on the table.
"That insolent little girl! How dare she show such contempt for a General of the nation."
"Sigh. I don’t want to take Xiang’er to the Imperial Palace again. It’s just too disheartening."
"Never mind Xiang Minghou wanting to resign—after hearing that, even I have no desire to serve. If it weren’t for the people’s peace and prosperity, who would willingly live a life of licking blood from a blade’s edge?"
"Xiang Minghou’s resignation is one thing, and dissolving the engagement is another. But from what I see, the Emperor is unwilling to grant either. Even the Crown Prince knelt and begged to have the engagement dissolved, but the Emperor just won’t budge. Why is that?"
Prince Changyang had been racking his brain since that day but still couldn’t figure it out.
"Regardless, on the matter of Xiang Minghou’s resignation, I still need to go and sound out the General. That way, I’ll be better prepared for morning court tomorrow."
"That’s true."
"Your Highness, someone from the Imperial Palace is here."
’Princess Changyang’s heart skipped a beat. They had just returned to the mansion, and someone from the Imperial Palace was already here. Could the Emperor have discovered that the military caning was a sham?’
"Don’t panic. I’ll go see what’s happening."
Noticing his wife’s anxiety, Prince Changyang turned back to reassure her before leaving.
The groups from the Gu, Zhan, and Qian families didn’t leave the General’s residence until nearly midnight. Each departed with their own thoughts and troubled expressions; clearly, the negotiations had failed.
’Ye Qianning had already woken up after a nap. Her father’s path to resignation was not an easy one. News came from the various mansions that the Emperor had issued a strict gag order: no one was to spread rumors about what had happened at the Imperial Palace.’
’In just half a day, the news had been completely suppressed. And yet, the streets were buzzing with rumors of her father’s intention to resign.’
’None of the other information had leaked, only the news of her father’s resignation was spreading like wildfire. The situation was not looking good.’
’Tomorrow at court, her father would probably have to fight this battle alone. As for her engagement, its dissolution was no longer a certainty. If she couldn’t get the engagement annulled at the Imperial Palace tomorrow, she would have to procure an imperial edict all the same.’
’An edict that would make everyone dare not question her again. If you’re not ruthless, your position is never secure.’
’Her position had to be stable, and she had to be ruthless.’
The crescent moon had not yet completely faded as a faint light appeared on the horizon.
Ye Qianning was already dressed and ready. She had been waiting in the main hall for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea when Xiang Minghou finally emerged, dressed in his court robes.
"Dad." She trotted over to him.
Xiang Minghou was taken aback. "You’re up so early?"
"I was worried you’d be late for court." Ye Qianning took his hand, and the two walked toward the mansion’s entrance.
"If you’re sleepy, you can nap in the carriage."
Xiang Minghou lifted her into the carriage, then scrutinized her face. "Why does it look even more swollen? Did you have someone apply medicine?"
"Well, we’re going to the Imperial Palace, aren’t we? Since my bottom didn’t get beaten, my face has to look a bit more tragic." Ye Qianning’s face was so swollen that her words were muffled as she pouted.
"Just don’t let the swelling get permanent." Xiang Minghou reached out but didn’t dare to touch her. Just looking at it was frightening enough.
"Don’t worry. Don’t you trust my medical skills, Dad?"
Xiang Minghou sighed. He trusted her, of course, but it still pained his heart to see her face swollen like that.
In the morning, aside from a few scattered vendors, there was hardly anyone around. The carriage quickly arrived at the gates of the Imperial Palace.
