Chapter 66: Drinking in Human Affairs
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**Chapter 66: Drinking in Human Affairs**
At this moment, it was undeniably laid out before her.
Pei Shi could not accept it.
“No…” After a moment of confusion, she suddenly turned back and looked up at the Holy Emperor above the altar—
“Your Majesty, you cannot treat the Pei family this way! At the beginning of the establishment of the Da Sheng Dynasty, it was our Pei family that provided strong support… The Li royal family must not forget the Pei family’s kindness!”
Everyone around her was taken aback.
What is she doing?
—Kindness?!
The crowd looked at Pei Shi, whose expression was surprisingly resolute, and couldn’t help but feel that she was exhibiting a new kind of madness.
“Sister!” Pei Xiu’s face drained of all color, and he raised his head to glare at Pei Shi, filled with a mix of anger and disbelief: “Sister, can you stop going mad?!”
After saying this, he gritted his teeth and bowed again to the Holy Emperor: “My sister’s words and actions are outrageous; she speaks without discretion, repeatedly commits wrongs, and shows no signs of repentance. She is truly unbearable… Today, I will follow the family rules and expel her from the clan!”
“She is no longer a member of the Pei family. The Pei family cannot offer her any protection. If she has deliberately damaged the grand ceremony, then I ask Your Majesty to investigate and punish her according to the law!”
“What are you saying? Expel me?” Pei Shi's voice suddenly rose: “You want to expel me? Pei Xiu… on what grounds! What qualifications do you have to expel me?”
Pei Xiu could no longer endure it, his eyes filled with coldness as he looked at her: “On the grounds that our father is no longer here, and I am now the acting head of the family!”
His sister was truly going mad!
She was arrogant to the point of being foolish!
The Pei family was now in such a difficult situation; he could not let her drag him down with her!
“No, I don’t accept…” Pei Shi trembled, shaking her head as she repeatedly murmured, “I don’t accept!”
She was born the eldest daughter of the Pei family; no one could change that, and no one could take her identity away!
Pei Xiu no longer paid her madness any mind and continued to bow, pleading: “I ask Your Majesty to forgive the innocent members of the Pei family!”
The Holy Emperor lowered her gaze upon him, letting out a faint sigh.
“I have not forgotten the contributions of the Pei family,” she said softly. “But this world is not solely mine, and this court is not solely the Li family’s; it belongs to all the people. The Pei family has committed a grave mistake, endangering the people and the state. Even if I wish to forgive, I cannot decide solely on my own.”
The surroundings fell silent, only the Holy Emperor’s voice could be heard.
“However, the merits of the Pei family cannot be denied.” The Holy Emperor concluded, “How this case will ultimately be decided, I still need to discuss it thoroughly with the ministers… But I can assure you that no innocent person will be implicated.”
Pei Xiu clasped his hands together and bowed deeply again, his voice trembling: “Yes… Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace!”
The Holy Emperor closed her eyes briefly: “You all may withdraw.”
“Yes, the guilty minister Pei Xiu takes his leave.” Pei Xiu bowed again, rising and retreating with his wife.
Everyone understood that after this retreat, the Pei family would no longer appear among the ranks of the prominent officials in such occasions in the future.
What had just left their sight was the entire illustrious Pei family.
Instead of sighing and sympathizing, what they should think about now was themselves—
The Pei family, as a noble clan, had privately supported the current crown prince—The Pei family always advocated for orthodoxy.
The crown prince was not a direct descendant of the Holy Emperor but had been adopted from the royal family. The Holy Emperor had promised that when the crown prince grew up and could manage state affairs, she would “return power” to the Li family.
Now, the crown prince, Li Zhi, was already thirteen years old.
But just at this moment, the Pei family, who had steadfastly supported the crown prince, had encountered trouble...
This was the first time the Holy Emperor, and indeed the entire Da Sheng Dynasty, had openly taken action against a noble clan.
This act undoubtedly had the intention of setting a precedent to deter others...
“The Pei family was once the backbone of our Da Sheng Dynasty…” The Holy Emperor slowly opened her eyes, the depths of them flickering with uncertainty. “The destruction of today’s grand ceremony is truly a warning from the heavens.”
The ministers each had their own thoughts upon hearing this.
the Holy Emperor would not speak useless words of sentiment.
This was to attribute the mistakes of the Pei family to a calamity for the state through the authority of the imperial power—
Choosing to settle accounts with the Pei family during this auspicious grand ceremony was indeed intentional.
From the very beginning, this Holy Emperor had never intended to leave any leeway for the Pei family.
No one spoke to plead for the Pei family.
This matter had become a foregone conclusion; what mattered now was to focus on themselves and the future.
The officials’ hearts were either in a state of panic or full of schemes, while the ladies’ gazes were more focused on the recently expelled Pei Shi.
The Holy Emperor also turned her attention to the woman whose emotions were fluctuating wildly.
With an authoritative voice resonating from the altar, she said, “You have repeatedly conspired against the daughter of General Chang, causing harm and ruining the grand ceremony—Pei Shi, do you plead guilty?”
“No… it’s not me!” Pei Shi pointed at Yao Yi and others: “It’s them, they framed me!”
The Holy Emperor frowned slightly, clearly losing patience with such a madwoman.
At this moment, the despairing maid beside Pei Shi knelt down, grabbing her sleeve and pleading: “Madam, it has come to this… you should just admit it!”
General Cui had already sent someone to investigate. If the Pei family had not been meddling, how could this have withstood scrutiny!
Rather than insisting on her innocence at this point, it would be better for her to show repentance before the Holy Emperor and the lord; only then would there be a chance of being pardoned!
“Get away!” Pei Shi violently shook off the maid, finally showing a hint of panic on her face.
Her expression changed several times as she suddenly approached Yao Yi, grabbing his arm tightly: “Yao Yi, you cannot treat me this way… Even if the Pei family is in trouble, you benefitted from our support; you cannot abandon me! You cannot betray me!”
Yao Yi gave her one last look before withdrawing his arm.
He raised his hand and knelt before the Holy Emperor.
“Your servant has failed in managing the family, allowing the Pei family to commit such a grave error; please punish me, Your Majesty!”
“No, you cannot…” Pei Shi shook her head in panic, wanting to rush forward, but the maid held her back, crying out.
If the madam continued like this, and if she committed an act that offended the Holy Emperor, it would truly be the end!
It was not surprising that at this critical moment, the maid still had such a sense of loyalty; her life was also at stake!
Having such a master for so many years, she had worn her tongue raw; now, she had to risk her life, and where would she seek justice for this tragic life?
Thinking of this, Aunt Ye cried sincerely.
“Although Yao Qing was unaware of the matter, he is indeed at fault in managing the family,” the Holy Emperor said, looking at Yao Yi. “I will punish you by docking your salary for three years as a form of admonishment.”
She was currently in need of capable people, and Yao Yi was an able minister—
By taking over the investigation of the Pei Min case through the Ministry of Justice, she aimed to let Yao Yi avoid any unnecessary troubles.
For useful ministers, she had always been generous.
Yao Yi bowed his head: “I accept the decree; thank you, Your Majesty!”
The Holy Emperor looked at the Pei family: “The Pei family's evil deeds are well-known. I shall act according to the law and order Yao Qing to sever ties with them.”
Yao Yi did not lift his head, only responding, “Yes.”
Pei shi’s lips trembled as she shook her head repeatedly, struggling to form coherent words: “No…”
Her maternal family disowned her, and now her husband’s family was also cutting ties with her...
What else did she have?
An unprecedented sense of fear suddenly engulfed her, and Pei shi desperately tried to grasp onto something.
Her gaze frantically searched, and upon meeting a pair of tearful eyes, she hurried forward to grab Yao Ran's shoulders.
At that moment, the Holy Emperor's voice rang out again—
“The Pei family has committed many crimes, repeatedly plotting to harm General Qiao Qi's daughter, wounding the divine elephant, framing others, and disturbing the prayer ceremony. Their crimes are unforgivable, and I hereby remove her title as wife, ordering her immediate confinement in the Jingye Monastery to repent until her death.”
Jingye Monastery?
This place was solely for the confinement of noblewomen who had committed grave offenses... Once inside, it would be a life from which escape was impossible!
“How can I go to such a place!” Pei shi shook her head in terror, tightly gripping Yao Ran’s shoulders: “I am your biological mother… You cannot just watch me go to that place!”
She could no longer think about whether the girl before her had the ability to save her; she just wanted to cling desperately to the last straw—
“I am your biological mother! Everything I've done these years has been for you! If it weren't for the illness I contracted after giving birth to you, how could I have fallen to this point!”
She stared intensely at Yao Ran, and her words came out like the most venomous curse: “You must find a way to save me… Otherwise, you will live with a guilty conscience for the rest of your life! You must understand, if I die, it will be because of you!”
“Yes, I am an unfilial person.” Yao Ran gazed back at her, swearing, “Then I shall never marry in this life, living like my mother in solitude, to share in your suffering and redeem your sins!”
With that, she suddenly pulled a gold hairpin from her hair, her expression resolute as she dragged it across her cheek.
The gold pin deeply cut into her skin, leaving a shocking long scar of blood.
Pei shi screamed and pushed her away: “You’re crazy!”
“Ran’er!”
“Cousin!”
“Sister Ran”
Yao Yi quickly stood up and rushed over to support his daughter, his eyes reddening: “Ran’er! Why do you have to do this!”
The bloodied girl surrounded by everyone seemed to have calmed down at that moment.
At this moment, Chang Suining looked at the girl, feeling a strange sense of empathy.
She, too, had once felt this desperate need to repay the debt of gratitude for raising her.
Yet now, as an observer, it was hard not to feel it was worthless, even a bit foolish.
But she still had no regrets.
Pei shi, who was once again overwhelmed with shock, was quickly dragged away by the palace attendants.
Under the Holy Emperor’s signal, the ceremony continued.
Soon, palace servants restored the chaotic surroundings.
Chang Suining was allowed to leave first to have her injuries treated by the physician.
Yao Ran was also taken back by the agitated Yao family members.
“The injuries are mostly superficial; there should be no major issues.” In the Zen room, the physician finished examining Chang Suining and let out a sigh of relief: “Fortunately, there are no internal injuries.”
Otherwise, he would have truly worried for his safety—if anything happened to this daughter of the Chang family, the fearsome General Chang would probably ensure he had a tough time as well.
Indeed, after receiving the physician's confirmation, Chang Kuo’s expression became noticeably more amiable: “Thank you, physician!”
“In addition to some topical medicine, I’ll prepare a calming prescription for the young lady.”
Chang Suining said: “Thank you, physician, but there’s no need for the prescription.”
The physician looked at her in confusion.
Then the girl said: “I was not frightened; there is no need for calming.”
Physician: “?”
She wasn’t frightened at all?!
Good heavens… this young lady must have iron courage!
“Don’t worry, Ning Ning, you should still take some…” Qiao Yumian gently advised from the side.
To her ears, Ning Ning’s statement seemed like the words of someone who had been so shocked they were speaking out of turn.
Qiao Yubai was also present, but surprisingly refrained from urging her further—after all, he could see that Ning Ning’s claim of not being frightened didn’t seem insincere...
But under Qiao Yumian’s worried “gaze,” Chang Suining still nodded: “Then prepare a prescription.”
The physician silently nodded.
At least three prescriptions would be needed; what could one prescription do…
This prescription for calming the Chang family daughter wasn’t for her own peace of mind but rather for everyone else’s.
She wasn’t drinking medicine; she was drinking the complexities of human relationships.
After preparing the medicine, Chang Suining said: “Please have the physician check on my brother as well.”
“No need, no need!” Chang Sui’an hurriedly waved his hand: “I have only minor injuries; it’s not worth the trouble!”
As he spoke, he flashed a bright smile, revealing a set of big white teeth.
Chang Kuo shot him a sideways glance: “You got hurt, and yet you’re quite happy?”
“Since Ning Ning was in trouble, I didn’t manage to help much and couldn’t share in her suffering.” The young man scratched his head and honestly said: “Being able to get hurt a bit, I’m actually quite happy…”
Chang Kuo frowned in disgust: “What kind of foolishness is that!”
Qiao Yubai then looked at him with suspicion: “Sui’an, you didn’t intentionally get hurt so Ning Ning would be grateful and feel sorry for you, did you?”
Chang Sui’an’s eyes widened: “... Do you think I’m you? What a petty thought!”
Qiao Yubai raised an eyebrow: “Then why are you blushing?”
“Qiao Yubai, do you want to be hit!” As Chang Sui’an raised his fist, he suddenly looked enlightened: “You’re deliberately trying to provoke me so I make a fool of myself in front of Ning Ning! Don’t think you can be pitied after being hit!”
Hearing this absurd conversation, the physician decided to rise and leave this ridiculous place.
“Ning Ning…” After the physician left, Qiao Yubai quietly asked: “That Yao Yi… is he really…”
“Of course not!” Chang Sui’an interrupted.
Chang Suining shook her head.
A Li could not possibly be the daughter of Yao Yi.
“Then… why didn’t Yao Yi explain a word in front of everyone just now?” Qiao Yubai said: “Could it be that Yao Yi truly thinks he’s looking for his ‘daughter’ and mistakenly believes Ning Ning is her?”
Chang Sui’an immediately said: “I’ll go clarify this with Lord Yao later to prevent him from always being concerned about it!”
Chang Suining lightly nodded: “That should be clarified…”
But was Yao Yi really looking for his ‘daughter’?
Perhaps not necessarily.
His failure to explain before the Holy Emperor might indicate other concerns?
If that were the case, he could indeed be considered a cunning old fox.
Before Chang Sui’an went to find Yao Yi, members of the Yao family had already arrived.
The old matriarch of the Yao family, Zeng shi, along with the siblings Yao Xia, and even Yao Ran, came together.
The old matriarch of the Yao family first apologized to Chang Kuo and his daughter for Pei shi’s actions.
Zeng shi also looked ashamed.
She had only known that the unprincipled elder sister was causing havoc in the family, but didn’t realize outsiders were also suffering!
Wait...
Could it be that they weren’t necessarily outsiders?
Zeng shi quietly glanced at the girl, who despite having injuries, couldn’t hide her stunning beauty, and felt an inappropriate excitement.
If she truly belonged to their family...
Wouldn’t that directly raise their family's aesthetic value!
At this moment, Yao Ran’s somewhat hoarse voice broke the silence, carrying an uncertain inquiry: “May I… speak to the Chang family daughter alone for a moment?”
(This chapter ends here)
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