Chapter 277 - 277 The Retired Emperor

Translator: 549690339 |

Qiao Xiaomai was puzzled for two days but still couldn’t figure it out.

And during these two days, Tong Sanlang never really came over.

Qiao Changshun and Qiao Dami were both busy as tops, and she could only lie in bed and rest, frequently refusing Qiao Dami’s efforts to change her medicine.

Darning Palace, the Hall of Diligent Government.

Emperor Yongan sat on the Dragon Throne with a serious expression. Three memorandums lay in front of him on the imperial desk.

Two of them had just a few words, but the remaining one stretched longer than the desk itself.

He rapped his fingers on the longest report, his brows furrowed deeply.

After a moment of thought, he collected the three memorandums and summoned Fang Hai to come in, “Go to Da’an Palace.”

In response, Fang Hai immediately ordered the preparation of the Dragon Carriage.

Da’an Palace was the residence of Emperor Emeritus Yang Wenxiao, who was now eighty-nine – but still hale and hearty, with a lively spirit.

His square face was quite dignified. Although now lined with wrinkles, his bright eyes revealed his youthful vigor.

“Father, I have a matter to discuss with you,” Emperor Yongan got straight to the point.

He briefly summarized the content of the three memorandums, then asked, “What do you think?”

Gu Dean was stating facts.

Yang Ye was lodging a complaint.

Cen Hong was also lodging a complaint, accusing the Huai’an County magistrate of passing random judgments, and Qiao Xiaomai, a village girl, of disrespect towards the state law and the sovereign, requesting severe punishment.

All three had their reasons, all linked to “Daqi Law”, so he came to consult Yang Wenxiao.

Yang Wenxiao held a ceramic bowl as pure as white jade, savoring soy milk. He loved this beverage. That’s why the Imperial Kitchen had come up with many variations, creating different flavors with a variety of ingredients. He was currently enjoying some Dami soy milk.

Having heard Emperor Yongan’s words, he leisurely finished his last sip before sighing, “Ah, Dami, no matter how much you eat, the one you’ll always remember is the first.”

Hearing this, Emperor Yongan paused for a moment, then a slight smile appeared on his stern face, “1 hear from Yeye that this Qiao Xiaomai is an excellent cook. Why don’t I summon her to the Capital City to take care of your meals?”

“No need. What’s delicious is that bowl of rice.” Yang Wenxiao put down his little bowl and shifted his gaze to Emperor Yongan, “Besides, the girl is too fiery. Cen Hong says that anyone else would be just the same.”

“What do you suggest?”

“For the common people, the law is their umbrella. If now the law becomes a boulder pressing down upon them, we can only remedy this flawed law with humanity,” Yang Wenxiao said, reaching for another bowl of soy milk.

This time, however, he didn’t drink but just held it, quietly admiring its pristine color.

A look of nostalgia appeared in his eyes, “Without the common people, where would the emperor come from?”

“But once we set this precedent, what if there are more such cases in the future?”

They initially formulated such a straightforward, one-size-fits-all law for the better control of the common people.

Only when one was dutiful to family at home could they be loyal to their country outside.

Furthermore, filial piety represented morality, and combining morality with law made this rule effective.

“But above filial piety, there are fairness and justice. The actions of the Sun Family have been too much. Are we supposed to force Qiao Xiaomai to death?”

“Hmmm… what if in the future someone follows her example and defies imperial orders?”

“We analyze every case individually. If they want to die, then let them.” There was a trace of a cold smile on Yang Wenxiao’s face.

Threats?

If they want to die, let them.

“Understood.” Emperor Yongan nodded.

“You… give Yeye a secret edict. We’re afraid the secret of Bailu Town can no longer be kept hidden. At a critical moment, let him step forward,” Yang Wenxiao instructed.

Yang Ye was but an idle prince with no real power. He couldn’t control the situation in a critical moment..