He was anxious and uneasy, his face carrying visible agitation. When he stepped up the stairs, his legs nearly gave way and he almost fell to the ground.
Fortunately, Eunuch Xia quickly reached out to support him, reminding with a smile, “Wangye, be careful.”
At this moment, Zhou Wang only felt that his three souls and seven spirits were no longer steady. He heard Eunuch Xia’s words, but he simply could not react. He hurriedly lifted his robe and went up the steps, quickly entered Taiji Hall, and then his legs went weak and he knelt directly.
The Emperor had always been extremely lenient toward the imperial clan.
After all, there were not many of them left, and they posed no threat to his throne. Naturally, he had to maintain appearances to avoid criticism from officials accusing him of harshness.
Especially since Zhou Wang had always been obedient and sensible, often handling many matters on his behalf.
But this time, the Emperor sat high above, looking down at Zhou Wang, and asked lightly: “Zhou Wang, your Wangfei has accomplished quite a great matter.”
Zhou Wang’s heart was burning with anxiety. He knelt on the ground and kowtowed repeatedly.
He knew clearly in his heart that this time Zhou Wangfei had truly violated a taboo.
One was Xiao Yunting, the other the Eldest Princess, both were the Emperor’s favorites.
Especially since the Eldest Princess treated Xiao Yunting well and got along with him; this was widely known.
Yet now Zhou Wangfei had helped the Song family stuff Zeng Wenxiu, whom the Song family did not want, into Lu Jintang’s marriage. This was practically defecating on the Eldest Princess’s head.
In one move she had offended both the Eldest Princess and Xiao Yunting!
Zhou Wang could be considered a man who had seen the world, yet at this moment he felt his head on his neck was already about to fall off.
He immediately kowtowed heavily, supported himself with both hands on the ground, and raised his head decisively: “Your Majesty, this subject has only just heard of this matter as well. Madam Qin is unvirtuous and immoral and truly unfit to be the principal consort of a prince. This subject requests permission to abolish Madam Qin’s position as Wangfei!”
Commandery Princess Luochuan widened her eyes and cried out in disbelief: “Father!”
What was he saying?!
Abolish Mother’s position as principal consort?!
If her position were truly abolished, how would that be any different from killing her?
No!
It would be even more unbearable for her than death!
Only now did she belatedly realize that she had truly done something foolish.
And something irreparable at that.
Zhou Wang closed his eyes and shouted sternly: “Shut up!”
Commandery Princess Luochuan was equally terrified, and the more terrified she became, the less she could control herself: “Father, you cannot treat Mother like this…”
She wanted to continue speaking, but Zhou Wang suddenly burst into motion and slapped her fiercely, almost knocking her to the ground. Only then did he reprimand her mercilessly: “In front of His Majesty, where is there room for your nonsense?! Shut your mouth!”
Growing up, Commandery Princess Luochuan had never suffered such humiliation.
But today, it seemed she had endured all the humiliation of her entire life at once.
She covered her face, still wanting to cry, but Zhou Wang kicked her over:
“Idiot! How could this king have given birth to a daughter like you?”
The Eldest Princess and Lu Mingan exchanged a glance, both seeing the same meaning in each other’s eyes, Zhou Wang was truly ruthless and willing to go all out.
At this time, Zhou Wangfei, who had originally fainted, finally woke up. Struggling, she knelt on the ground and began knocking her head repeatedly: “Your Majesty, it is this subject wife’s fault! This subject wife was blinded by greed, this subject wife was driven by profit and eager to curry favor with the Eldest Princess…”
She knew clearly in her heart that once this matter had reached the Emperor, it was destined not to end peacefully.
Now that the evidence was conclusive, continuing to argue would only bring total destruction upon Zhou Wang’s household.
No.
She still had children!
She could not let her children suffer together with her.
Zhou Wangfei hardened her heart and quickly knocked her forehead until it was covered in blood, choking as she took all the blame upon herself:
“It is this subject wife’s fault. It was all this subject wife acting willfully. Wangye knew nothing of this matter!”
Gritting her teeth, she did not look at Zhou Wang nor at Commandery Princess Luochuan: “Your Majesty, Luochuan is only a child. She is merely spoiled and knew nothing of this subject wife’s schemes. Everything was done by this subject wife alone!”
Commandery Princess Luochuan could no longer make a sound.
At this moment she finally understood what it meant to have ten thousand arrows piercing the heart.
Why couldn’t she just endure for a moment?
Why wouldn’t she listen?
Why did she insist on relying on the fact that she knew Zeng Wenxiu had previously been involved with Song Six, and self-righteously make Zeng Wenxiu frame Qi Yuan?!
She regretted it deeply.
But in this world, regret is never useful.
And this time was no exception.
The Emperor lowered his eyes expressionlessly: “Madam Qin, Zhou Wangfei, jealous and without virtue, plotting harm against the imperial clan, excelling in sowing discord and flattery. Now stripped of the position of principal consort of a prince and granted white silk.”
Although she had already anticipated that her ending would not be good, when she heard the words “granted death,” Zhou Wangfei still collapsed in uncontrollable terror, letting out a sharp wail.
But that was all.
Because in the next moment, several guards wearing flying-fish uniforms rushed in from outside. Efficiently, they covered her mouth and silently dragged her away.
Commandery Princess Luochuan could no longer even cry out. She collapsed onto the ground in a daze, watching in horror as her mother was dragged away by the guards, her lips trembling and her face pale.
Zhou Wang also closed his eyes deeply, yet still had to kneel and plead guilty.
He removed his princely crown and said heavily: “Your Majesty, this subject is incompetent and failed to govern his household strictly, producing such a vicious woman and causing such a grave mistake. This subject is guilty!”
The Emperor looked down at him indifferently, with a trace of scrutiny on his face, as though considering.
In truth, only a short moment passed.
But to Zhou Wang and Commandery Princess Luochuan, that short time felt like years.
Even more unbearable than years.
Zhou Wang’s back was already completely soaked with cold sweat.
He understood the Emperor’s temper too well. Though he was usually lenient toward the imperial clan, once truly angered, let alone relatives, even his own sons were not beyond punishment.
Qi Wang had once been so favored, yet after harming the people and the state, he died all the same.
The Emperor had even given him a posthumous title of condemnation.
At this moment, Zhou Wang was extremely anxious, his heart nearly jumping out of his chest.
After an unknown amount of time, the Emperor finally spoke coldly: “Zhou Wang failed to govern his household and is unfit to continue serving as Director of the Imperial Clan. He is demoted to the rank of commandery prince and dismissed from office to remain at home for reflection! Commandery Princess Luochuan, spoiled and reckless, behaved improperly before the throne. Strip her of the title of princess and reduce her to county lady. She is to remain confined at home for half a year and may not leave without permission!”
Commandery Princess Luochuan had never imagined that what she thought would kill two birds with one stone and make Qi Yuan suffer would instead, in an instant, turn her own family into ruin.
The blow was too great. At last she could no longer hold on and fainted as well.
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