Chapter 133: Rebuttal - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 133: Rebuttal
"In broad daylight, allowing household servants to abduct good men is a blatant violation of our kingdom's laws. I intervened to protect the royal reputation and uphold the justice of our laws. If the Princess truly believes these rogue servants are guilty, she should send them to the Yingtian Prefecture for punishment. Why bring them to my Prince Kang's mansion? This is not a place for interrogating criminals. Or is it that the Princess's servants need to be taught by others? If that's the case, I can indeed teach them a lesson on behalf of the Princess."
After Xiao Mu Qian said this, the guard's face became quite awkward.
The originally favorable situation instantly reversed and the onlookers began whispering among themselves.
"Yeah, you could just deal with the rogue servants yourself. Why drag Prince Kang's mansion into this? Besides, it wasn't anyone from Prince Kang's mansion who ordered them to abduct men. Bringing them here is probably just to embarrass Prince Kang."
"I heard that last time, a family's son was abducted in the western part of the city and hasn't been returned. We don't even know if he's dead or alive."
"Tsk, no wonder the Princess looks so young. Could she be absorbing yang energy to nourish her yin?"
If this continued, the rumors would get worse. The guard didn't want to stay any longer. "The people have been delivered. How Prince Kang's mansion handles it is up to you. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave."
Leaving was easier said than done. The guard wanted to slip away, but Xiao Mu Qian wouldn't allow it.
With a command from Xiao Mu Qian, the servants at the entrance of Prince Kang's mansion lined up behind him in an imposing manner, no longer showing any signs of their previous panic.
"Come on, since the people from the Princess's mansion can't handle this, let's make a big show of sending them to the Yingtian Prefecture, beating gongs and drums along the way to announce how strict her household is. How about that?"
"We obey the Second Young Master's command."
Several servants stepped forward to carry the half-dead servants, while others went back to get gongs and drums, preparing to head to the Yingtian Prefecture.
The guard was desperate. If they really went ahead with this, the Princess's reputation would be trampled. Thinking of the Princess's methods, the guard hurriedly spoke up.
"In that case, there's no need for you to go to the trouble, Second Young Master. I'll take them myself. Please have mercy."
"Hmph, saying this now doesn't seem a bit late? Moreover, didn't you repeatedly say you wanted Prince Kang's mansion to handle it? Why change your tune now?"
The guard was on the verge of kneeling, slapping himself hard twice. "I'm slow-witted and clumsy with words. Please forgive me, Second Young Master. I'll take them away and deal with them right away."
Seeing his pitiful state, Xiao Mu Qian knew not to push too far. As long as the matter didn't tarnish Prince Kang's mansion, how the Princess's mansion handled it was their business. After all, these people were bullies who had been abusing their power under the Princess's name.
"Fine, since you put it that way, deal with it yourself. Just one thing, you sullied the entrance to Prince Kang's mansion, so clean it up properly."
The guard, feeling as if granted amnesty, heaved a sigh of relief and quickly had the 'bodies' carried away. The remaining servants immediately fetched water to clean the entrance of Prince Kang's mansion until it was spotless before daring to leave.
Princess Changlin's Mansion
Hearing the guard's trembling report of what happened at Prince Kang's mansion, the Princess became increasingly displeased.
"My nephew, having spent a few years in Liangzhou, has grown quite bold. So, did you send the people to the Yingtian Prefecture?"
"Your Highness, I dealt with them directly, sending them to the mass grave under cover of night. The matter was handled discreetly, ensuring no one would find out." The guard, having served the Princess for many years, naturally knew how to handle things to her satisfaction.
Hearing this, the Princess finally relaxed.
Although the Prefect of Yingtian wouldn't dare investigate the case, sending the people there would have further tarnished the Princess's mansion's reputation.
The current Prince Kang and his heir were gentle and avoided trouble. Only this Second Young Master liked to act chivalrously. Well, let him continue his chivalrous acts.
"How are the preparations for this year's Mingchi Polo Tournament?"
"Your Highness, the date is set for the end of March after the spring examinations. That time, when everything is revived, is perfect."
"And the invitations?"
"They have been drafted, just like in previous years."
"Good. This year, send a separate invitation to the Second Young Master of Prince Kang's mansion. I want to see his skills."
As she spoke, her eyes remained fixed on the carmine color painted on her fingernails, vibrant as fresh blood.
The guard instantly understood the Princess's intent. "Rest assured, Your Highness. I know what to do."
"Very well. This year's polo tournament should be lively."
Her phoenix-shaped eyes gleamed with deep meaning.
After this incident, the people whispered among themselves, saying that Prince Kang's mansion had produced a Second Young Master who was fearless in the face of authority. Not only was he highly skilled, but he also had a sharp tongue.
Such gossip spread quickly. For every commoner who applauded, there was a noble who wanted to exploit the situation, the foremost being the Duke of Wei.
When the news reached the Wei family, the Ninth Prince happened to be visiting.
"Excellent, truly a heaven-sent opportunity. Princess Changlin's doors have never been open to me, but now Prince Kang's mansion is in conflict with her. This is like delivering an ally to my doorstep."
The relationship between the Bai and Feng families and Prince Kang's mansion had always been stable. The alliance of these three families, plus the Lin family, made them formidable. However, with the Princess in the mix, everything could be easily resolved.
Turning to the Ninth Prince beside him, the excitement in his eyes was unmistakable.
"If we can gain the support of Princess Changlin, Your Highness's path to power is assured!"
A pleased smile curled at the Ninth Prince's lips. "If things go as Grandfather says, when I ascend the throne, I will not forget the Wei family's support."
The ambitions of this grandfather and grandson duo were clear, though they were unaware that someone capable of undermining the Wei family had already begun to act.
In the Feng family, Feng Hai's 'injury' was treated by military doctors, and he was finally out of danger.
The palace, upon learning of the repeated accidents within the Feng family, combined with Concubine Wei's whispers, soon ordered both Feng father and son to stay home and recuperate.
Given the current situation, being able to stay home was a blessing in disguise. When Bai Xiang heard about this, he specifically sent a message through Bai Chaohai to Feng Jinxu.
The two spoke in the study for over an hour. When they emerged, Feng Jinxu's eyes were filled with determination.
"Uncle, tell Grandfather to rest assured. I will handle this matter."
Bai Chaohai knew the gravity of the situation but also saw it as an opportunity that couldn't be missed. He patted Feng Jinxu on the shoulder and advised, "Be careful in all things."
"I understand."
After Bai Chaohai left, Feng Jinxu looked up at the sky. Winter had passed, and spring was approaching. Everything would gradually improve.
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