Chapter 318 - 318 Condemnation

318 Condemnation

The old emperor actually did not have much feelings for his daughter, Princess Tao Ran.

When he first found out that she had been born, the old emperor’s reaction was very calm. He was even prepared that the child would die young.

After all, it was extremely difficult to raise children in the palace. Princes and princesses often died young.

A princess like Princess Tao Ran, who was not valued, would definitely not be taken good care of. The probability of her dying early was very high.

However, reality exceeded the old emperor’s expectations. Princess Tao Ran actually grew up smoothly.

When he learned that Princess Tao Ran had committed suicide yesterday, the old emperor’s first reaction was to feel embarrassed.

A dignified princess actually risked her life for a man. She had no backbone as a princess at all. She had really embarrassed the royal family!

Later on, the old emperor thought about it and felt that this was a good opportunity to test Xiao Juan.

He wanted to betroth Princess Tao Ran to Xiao Juan and see his reaction.

If Xiao Juan refused, it meant that he did not sincerely submit to him, the emperor.

If it were the contrary, it meant that Xiao Juan did not have any ill intentions.

Unexpectedly, he hinted so much, but Xiao Juan did not answer. In the end, Xiao Juan even blamed it on him, her father.

The old emperor stewed for a while before finally deciding not to beat around the bush with him and getting straight to the point.

“I’m busy with government affairs and haven’t been well recently. I really can’t find time to accompany Tao Ran often. I’m also deeply sorry about this.”

“In order to make up for Tao Ran, I plan to fulfill her obsession and let her marry you. What do you think?”

Xiao Juan immediately said, “I already have a wife in my family. Princess Tao Ran is precious. She can’t be a concubine!”

The old emperor said, “Then divorce your wife and marry again. Or let Yu Niaoniao be your concubine and Tao Ran your wife.”

Xiao Juan said, “It was His Majesty’s decree for me to marry Niaoniao back then. Now, he wants me to divorce my wife and marry again. Isn’t that going against the imperial edict? How will the world look at me in the future?”

The old emperor stared at him. “So you’re unwilling to marry Tao Ran?”

“Princess Tao Ran is a golden leaf. It’s a blessing from my previous life to be able to marry her.”

“However, His Majesty had already given me a marriage decree. At this moment, everyone in the world knew.”

“If His Majesty issued another decree to give me a marriage and even asked me to divorce my wife and remarry, it would be a treacherous act.”

“It was a small matter for me to lose my integrity and be criticized. However, if the world thinks that His Majesty’s imperial edict has changed overnight and this damaged His Majesty’s image in the hearts of the world, it will be a big deal!”

The old emperor’s face darkened. “How dare you! How dare you say that I went back on my word?”

Xiao Juan knelt down and pressed his forehead to the ground.

“I spoke inappropriately. Please calm down, Your Majesty.”

The old emperor’s voice contained anger.

“Don’t talk nonsense with me. I only have one question for you now. Are you willing to marry Tao Ran?”

A layer of sweat appeared on Xiao Juan’s forehead. He was already prepared for the worst.

“I’m not willing.”

The old emperor’s gaze quickly turned cold.

Now, he was just asking Xiao Juan to marry a princess and Xiao Juan was unwilling.

If he let Xiao Juan do something else in the future, wouldn’t it be even harder?

The old emperor said, “Are you sure you won’t change it?”

Xiao Juan said without hesitation.

“I’m not changing it.”

The old emperor asked again, “Do you know what will happen if you disobey the decree?”

Xiao Juan raised his hands, took off the crown on his head, and placed it on the ground beside him. Then, he respectfully kowtowed to the old emperor.

“If I disobey the decree, you shall kill without mercy!”

“I’m willing to die.”

Seeing his determined look, the old emperor admired him.

“Are you really going to lose your life for a woman?”

Xiao Juan said slowly, “His Majesty has taught me since I was young that the most important thing in life is to be loyal and straightforward.”

“One could not get carried away just because he was in a high position, nor could one be ungrateful just because he wanted to protect himself.”

“I have always listened to your teachings. Be it to my family or to His Majesty, I have to be consistent.”

The old emperor was rather moved by this.

Xiao Juan’s words made sense. If Xiao Juan could divorce his wife and remarry in order to protect himself today, would Xiao Juan be able to betray him, the emperor, for his own benefit in the future?

Compared to raising an ingrate, the old emperor would rather maintain the current situation.

It was easy to get obedient people, but it was rare to see honest people.

The former could make people happy, but at the critical moment, the latter was the most reliable.

The creases on the old emperor’s face relaxed bit by bit, and his gaze on Xiao Juan became much gentler.

But his voice was still harsh.

“I’m willing to betroth the princess to you because I think highly of you. How dare you resist the decree? You’re really bold!”

“Someone, bring Xiao Juan away and flog him ten times as an example!”

Xiao Juan nodded. “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty.”

Soon, Xiao Juan was brought down.

The old emperor glanced at Wei Huai’en beside him.

“Go and watch. Let the Imperial Guards know their limits.”

Hearing this, Wei Huai’en immediately understood that the emperor was just putting on an act and did not really want to punish Xiao Juan.

Wei Huai’en walked out of the study and gave the imperial guards a look.

The guards understood and specially switched the court staffs to hollow versions.

This staff looked thick, but it did not hurt when it was struck.

Just as they were about to attack, they suddenly heard a hoarse voice.

“Wait a minute!”

Everyone looked over and realized that Princess Tao Ran had arrived.

She was supported by two palace maids. Her face was pale and she looked frail and thin. Her eyes were red and her eyelids were puffy. She had clearly been crying for a long time.

Wei Huai’en and the guards bowed to her.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

Princess Tao Ran did not even look at anyone else and stared fixedly at Xiao Juan.

“Cousin Mo Zhu, would you really rather be beaten than marry me?”

Xiao Juan replied calmly, “I’m very grateful for the princess’s love, but I’m sorry. I’m not fated with you in this life.”

Tears flowed out of Princess Tao Ran’s eyes.

She laughed as she cried. Her laughter was desperate and crazy.

“Good! Xiao Juan! Since you’re heartless to me, don’t blame me for being heartless to you!”

She looked at the two guards with the staff and said hatefully.

“What are you waiting for? Hurry up and do it!”

The guards hurriedly raised their court staffs and hit Xiao Juan’s back.

They looked like they had used a lot of strength at first, but in fact, they had secretly absorbed most of it the moment they landed. In addition, the court staffs were hollow, to begin with, so it did not hurt at all when they landed on Xiao Juan’s back.

Princess Tao Ran watched as Xiao Juan was beaten and felt extremely relieved.

“If you beg me now, I can consider pleading for mercy and asking Father to spare you.”

Xiao Juan ignored her.

Seeing that he did not even look her in the eye, Princess Tao Ran hated him even more.

She shouted at the two guards.

“Didn’t you eat? Why isn’t there any sound? If you don’t have the strength, get someone else to do it!”