Chapter 197. Defending - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

Chapter 197. Defending

"What nonsense are you talking about!" Bai Siruo, in her anxiety, pulled at the injury on her back, causing her inner garment to slip down, revealing a large area of bruises mixed with red, swollen whip marks.

Feeling embarrassed, Bai Siruo wanted to call Haitang in, but Xiao Mu Qian stepped forward and covered her inner garment.

He squatted in front of her, looking at her closely for the first time, as if trying to etch her appearance into his memory.

"I am not talking nonsense. Since I dared to swear, I will not break my promise. You should rest and recover at home. Ignore the crazy rumors outside. I will not let anyone who harmed you go unpunished!"

As he said this, a trace of fierceness flashed in his eyes, making Bai Siruo's heart race with fear.

Her impression of Xiao Mu Qian had always been of a gentle and reserved person, forgetting that he had grown up in the Liangzhou military, quite different from the pampered men of the Eastern Capital.

Being defended like this, Bai Siruo was moved to tears.

She solemnly explained, "I have no relationship with Lu Yuanfeng. A few years ago, he saved me, so I wanted to help him find a physician. I never expected he would..."

"I believe you."

Just three simple words, no flowery speech, completely broke through Bai Siruo's seemingly strong facade.

Since her incident, she had been carrying too much regret, guilt, and sorrow, yet she had suppressed it all. Even when her mother cried by her bedside, she pretended to be strong.

But at this moment, in front of Xiao Mu Qian, she could finally let everything go. She buried her head in the quilt and soon started to cry softly. Xiao Mu Qian held her exposed hand without saying a word, but his silence spoke volumes.

The turmoil at the Bai household had not yet subsided, but the impeachments at the court were becoming more severe.

Yesterday, the incident involving the Bai family had caused an uproar. However, it was a domestic matter at most, a case of poor private conduct and inadequate discipline of their children. But the Lin family was different; they had mobilized the Capital Commandery to search for the Bai family's missing daughter, which was a serious crime!

Thus, in the court, the officials impeaching Lin Wang were speaking with increasing fervor, eager to accuse the Lin family of treason. At first, Emperor Qi found their words tiresome, but as they continued, his expression grew increasingly grim.

"Enough! You all want to impeach Minister Lin, but last night I already punished him with a beating and a salary reduction, ordering him to reflect at home. What more do you want?"

"Your Majesty, General Lin's actions blatantly disregarded the laws of the court. If this minor punishment is all he receives, it might make others think Your Majesty is overly lenient, leading to future emulations. Wouldn’t the Capital’s guard troops then follow only their commanders and not royal orders? How could this be allowed?"

The speaker was from the Duke Wei faction, the most vehement in his impeachment of Lin Wang.

If they could remove Lin Wang from his position as the commander of the Capital Commandery and replace him with their own, they would control the entire Eastern Capital.

The more he thought about it, the more fiercely he spoke, posing as an upright minister, which made Emperor Qi feel sick.

"Is it wrong for me to be lenient? If I were not, considering your dirty deeds, you'd have died ten times over by now."

As he said this, Emperor Qi's gaze fell on Duke Wei, a clear warning.

The official, who had been full of righteous indignation and determination to advise, suddenly froze. A glance from Emperor Qi left him pale and cowering, not daring to speak further.

Meng Da's overnight investigation confirmed that Duke Wei had incited the man to kidnap the Bai family's daughter. The rumors had ruined her reputation, and if Bai Siruo were driven to death, the Bai and Wei families would be in a state of irreconcilable enmity.

Having ruled for many years, Emperor Qi mastered the art of balancing power and imperial politics. He needed to deter and balance powers. Therefore, he had to side with the Bai family to prevent the Wei family from succeeding, and he spoke with undisputed authority.

"In this matter, Lin Wang acted out of necessity and has shown remorse. I have punished him sufficiently. If anyone insists on pursuing this, they can take over as commander of the Capital Commandery. But if even one thief appears in the city, I will exterminate their entire family!"

At this, the outspoken ministers lowered their heads.

Where people are, there can never be complete purity. Emperor Qi's words were clearly in defense of the Lin family.

As ministers, opposing the emperor would either make them loyal martyrs or rebellious traitors. None of them wanted that; they were only seeking promotion and wealth.

Duke Wei realized that the matter had been exposed. The most pressing issue was the Ninth Prince's expedition. If delayed, their plans would be jeopardized.

Since Emperor Qi wanted to protect the Bai family, Duke Wei decided to retreat, suggesting, "Your Majesty, there are different interpretations of the Bai family's daughter's abduction. To protect the Bai family's reputation, please quell these rumors and clear her name."

Experienced old foxes, they understood each other without spelling everything out.

Given Duke Wei's concession, Emperor Qi knew he had to grant some favor to the Bai family. After a moment's thought, he decreed, "Announce my order: Bai Siruo is to be ennobled as a county princess with the title Anping, and granted land in Qizhou. When Mu Qian returns from the expedition, she will be married with the same honors as a royal princess. As for the kidnappers, they are remnants of rebel forces, targeting Bai Xiang after his long service to our nation. They couldn't harm him, so they targeted his granddaughter. They deserve death!"

At this, he narrowed his eyes and said to Duke Wei, "You will handle this, ensuring all involved are thoroughly investigated!"

Those who understood his intentions knew this was Emperor Qi making Duke Wei clean up his own mess. The ministers loudly cheered for the emperor.

When the imperial decree reached the Bai household, it was announced with drums and gongs.

Onlookers who expected to see a scandal were surprised to hear of Bai Siruo's ennoblement.

The title of county princess came with real land, making her rank higher than her mother, Princess Wen Yi. This turn of events was a reversal of fortune.

With this grace, rumors shifted again.

People said that Bai Xiang had made enemies while serving away from the capital, and these enemies sought revenge by kidnapping his granddaughter.