Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 150. The Crisis of Marquis South’s Mansion

150. The Crisis of Marquis South’s Mansion

Before long, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had no patience left to deal with Su Zuidie’s troubles, as shocking news arrived from the Capital City. The Emperor, accusing Marquis South and the Heir of South Marquis of committing treason, had ordered the entire Marquis South’s Mansion to be thrown into prison, with a death sentence to be carried out shortly. Also, people had been sent to the frontier to escort Marquis South and the Heir of South Marquis back to the Capital City. Upon hearing this, Marquis South was so shocked that he fell to the floor, unable to utter a word for a long time, and only managed a deep sigh. He had lived prudently all his life, but he had not escaped the Emperor’s suspicion and mistrust.

The Heir of South Marquis got up and tried to rush out, only to be stopped at the door by Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao. Ye Li asked, "Where are you going, Heir?"

The Heir of South Marquis said, "It’s because of my Marquis South’s Mansion that we’re involved in this. I’m going to the Capital City to confess to His Majesty."

Before Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao could respond, Marquis South’s harsh reprimand came from inside the house, "Unfilial son! Get back here!" Watching the dispirited Heir of South Marquis, Ye Li sighed softly, "Come back for now. Listen to what the Marquis has to say. Heir, don’t be impulsive." The Heir of South Marquis gave a bitter smile, "What do I count as an Heir now?" As the Emperor had imprisoned the entire Marquis South’s Mansion, he had naturally stripped Marquis South of his title, making the Heir of South Marquis no longer an heir.

As they entered the flower hall, Marquis South stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Prince, Princess Consort, I apologize." The past month had dealt a heavy blow to Marquis South. He had been on a long and tiring campaign, and even though his condition improved after his Heir’s return, he still looked somewhat feeble. His originally grayish temples were now almost fully white. Ye Li softly spoke, "Marquis, please take care." Marquis South shook his head and chuckled bitterly, "Ever since ancient times, serving a monarch is like living with a tiger. Even though I have tried to stay away from this, I can’t help it..." He didn’t finish his sentence and only let out a long sigh. Mo Xiuyao spoke solemnly, "It’s my fault that I involved the Marquis." Mo Xiuyao didn’t believe Marquis South could be accused of treason. He doubted even Mo Jing, sitting in the palace, would believe it. It was just that the Heir of South Marquis had been saved by the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. In the eyes of the Emperor, Marquis South’s Mansion and the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion were probably in the same boat. What’s more, Marquis South had always stayed silent over the years, unwilling to help the Emperor against Prince Ding’s Mansion, which was seen as an act of disloyalty by the Emperor. Now the Emperor would never believe in Marquis South’s Mansion anymore.

Marquis South chuckled bitterly, "Prince, don’t blame yourself. I am a coward by nature, always trying to avoid getting involved in things. If it were not for my son, I would probably not want to get involved in these disputes. Today’s retribution is what people who try to sit on the fence deserve."

"Marquis, don’t belittle yourself like this." Mo Xiuyao shook his head. In his younger years, Marquis South also had his fair share of gallant moments. Afterwards, Regent Prince Mo Liufang died under unclear circumstances, the previous Emperor died suddenly, and Mo Xiuwen also suddenly became seriously ill. Tens of thousands of the Mo Family Army perished at the frontier. Marquis South was a smart man who always saw the full picture and thought deeply about everything. The more he saw and thought, the more fearful he became, leading to his current detached attitude towards worldly affairs. Marquis South remained silent. Ye Li frowned, noticing the hopelessness in his eyes and the desolation in his pupils. Marquis South seemed to be resolved to die.

"Marquis, as long as one is alive, there is hope. Don’t forget, Marquis South’s Mansion is still waiting for you to save it, and the Heir still needs your guidance and support. I sincerely hope you take care."

Marquis South froze, looked at his son standing beside him, and his face showed a determined look, "I will set off for the Capital City immediately. As for my son, I hope the Prince and Princess Consort can take care of him."

"Marquis, consider this carefully!" Ye Li frowned. If Marquis South took the Heir with him back to the Capital City, even though the chances of survival would be slim, at least there would be a glimmer of hope. But if he left the Heir in the army and went back alone, there wouldn’t be any hope of return. Marquis South raised his hand to stop Ye Li. "Thank you for your kindness, Princess Consort," he said. "But... the current Emperor... I watched him grow up, and I probably understand him better than the Prince and yourself. Prince, the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion has always been loyal to the Great Chu. I shouldn’t be saying this... but it makes no difference now. As for the Emperor... Prince, you should make plans early." The flower hall fell into silence for a moment. Marquis South had made it clear that even if he knew that returning to the Capital City meant certain death, he would still go. The Heir of South Marquis said in a resolute tone, "Father, I will go back with you." Marquis South glared at him. "Nonsense! If I don’t make it back, do you want our Nan family line to end?"

"Father!"

"Reporting to the Prince, someone from the Capital City has arrived. They’re here to escort Marquis South and the Heir of South Marquis back to the Capital City," the guard outside reported.

Mo Xiuyao stood up and sneered. "The people from the Capital City arrived as soon as we received the news. His Majesty is making progress. Who has arrived?" The guard answered, "Replying to Your Highness, it’s Wang Jingchuan, Minister of the Ministry of Criminal Justice." Mo Xiuyao frowned, "Wang Jingchuan?" Prince Ding was busy with numerous state matters; he wouldn’t remember such a minor figure. Marquis South chuckled bitterly, "He’s the older brother of Wang Zhaorong from the palace, the legitimate second son of the Wang Family." Mo Xiuyao frowned slightly and immediately understood. Although Marquis South’s Mansion was neutral, it didn’t mean they had no enemies. The Wang Family happened to have a bitter feud with Marquis South’s Mansion. The Emperor sending someone like this to escort Marquis South and his son back to the Capital City was an obvious insult and humiliation. Mo Xiuyao scoffed and said, "Let him in!"

Soon, a young man dressed in the official garb of a third-rank official walked in. He was rather good-looking, but his brows exuded a sinister aura, indicating that he was not a good person. Behind him was a young man dressed in the official garb of a seventh-rank official. Ye Li looked at him and raised an eyebrow slightly.

"I, Wang Jingchuan, Minister of the Ministry of Criminal Justice, pay my respects to the Prince and Princess Consort." Wang Jingchuan, at least, knew what was important. Upon entering, he immediately bowed to Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li. The young man behind him also followed suit, "I, Zhou Yu, Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Criminal Justice, pay my respects to the Prince and Princess Consort."

Mo Xiuyao sat in his seat, looking down at the two men on the ground, and said casually, "Stand up. Lord Wang, why have you come?"

Wang Jingchuan stood, a triumphant look in his eyes. "Prince," he said, "His Majesty has ordered me to escort the traitors, Nan Ye and Nan Junfei, back to the Capital City."

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows. "Traitors? Marquis South is my deputy commander. Although the Heir of South Marquis was captured after losing a battle, he returned safely. Since then, he has made numerous contributions in several battles. Lord Wang, who are you referring to as traitors? Where is the evidence?" Wang Jingchuan obviously hadn’t expected Mo Xiuyao to question him like this. He was stunned for a moment before saying, "Prince, this is His Majesty’s intention. Could it be that the Prince is going to defy His Majesty’s orders?" Mo Xiuyao sneered, "Defy His Majesty’s orders? Where is the imperial decree? I’ve heard that the Wang Family has a grudge against Marquis South’s Mansion. I suspect you’ve fabricated this decree to harm Marquis South!"

"Prince! Please be cautious with your words. Even if I bear a grudge against Marquis South’s Mansion, I wouldn’t dare to commit such treason."

"Where is the imperial decree?" Mo Xiuyao asked calmly.

Wang Jingchuan choked. Under Mo Xiuyao’s pressing gaze, he had no choice but to say, "His Majesty gave a verbal edict."

"A verbal edict?" Mo Xiuyao looked at the somewhat uneasy man before him, an unreadable smile on his face, and said no more.

Wang Jingchuan stood with his head lowered, uneasy, in the hall. The entire hall seemed to suddenly become exceptionally quiet. Under Prince Ding’s gaze, Wang Jingchuan felt as if he could hear his own heart about to jump out of his chest. The back of his clothes was silently drenched in sweat. Just as Wang Jingchuan thought he would collapse under Prince Ding’s pressure, Zhou Yu, who stood behind him, stepped forward. He bowed respectfully to Mo Xiuyao and said, "Your Highness, please calm your anger. We are merely acting on orders. Please, Your Highness, make things convenient for us."

"Acting on orders?" Mo Xiuyao said with a playful smile. Wang Jingchuan clearly felt Prince Ding’s gaze move away from him and couldn’t help but quietly sigh in relief. Wiping the fine beads of sweat from his forehead, Wang Jingchuan even felt a sense of gratitude towards this usually taciturn young subordinate of his. He only heard Mo Xiuyao chuckle, "A fine ’acting on orders.’ Originally, this Prince wouldn’t want to make things difficult for you. However, you must have heard a saying."

"Please enlighten us, Your Highness." Wang Jingchuan was no fool. No matter how happy he was about Marquis South’s Mansion’s misfortune, since Prince Ding was currently displeased, there was no need for him to show his delight. Indeed, His Majesty would surely be on his side. But if Prince Ding were to kill him in a fit of anger, with the Emperor being so far away, the Wang Family would probably have to just grit their teeth and accept it. Mo Xiuyao looked at the two with a smile and said slowly, "When a general is in the field, he may disobey his sovereign’s orders."

Wang Jingchuan was stunned and said with some difficulty, "Your Highness, this humble official has come by imperial decree. It would be best if Your Highness did not make things difficult."

Mo Xiuyao looked at him indifferently. Wang Jingchuan felt a bitter taste in his mouth. He secretly regretted snatching this assignment just to see his nemesis fall. Never mind a mere third-rank official like him; even if it were a first-rank official, if Prince Ding wanted to make things difficult, who would dare to say no? But if he couldn’t bring Marquis South and his son back, his own good days would likely be over once he returned to the Capital City.

"Currently, our army is confronting Xiling. Rashly removing the deputy commander would likely be detrimental to army morale. Lord Wang, you can report this to His Majesty when you return to the Capital City. If His Majesty assigns blame, Lord Wang can just push it onto this Prince." Mo Xiuyao clearly had no interest in making things difficult for Wang Jingchuan and spoke indifferently.

Wang Jingchuan shook his head. "Your Highness, please understand. Marquis South’s crime of colluding with the enemy and treason is unforgivable. His Majesty is furious. He has ordered this humble official to escort Marquis South and his son back to the Capital City within half a month, otherwise... this humble official and the others can only offer our heads. Please, Your Highness, be magnanimous and grant us a way to live."

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and sneered. "A fine ’colluding with the enemy and treason.’ This verdict... is it a judgment from the Ministry of Criminal Justice or the result of a joint trial by various ministries? Where is the evidence?" Before Wang Jingchuan could figure out how to answer, Zhou Yu, standing beside him, spoke, "Reporting to Your Highness, His Majesty was thunderously enraged upon receiving the news and ordered us humble officials to first escort Marquis South back to the Capital City before conducting the interrogation." Mo Xiuyao scoffed. To imprison the entire Marquis South’s Mansion and sentence them to execution without even an interrogation, without even any decent evidence... He then said, "So, it seems this Prince has been negligent. Marquis South was right beside me, yet I failed to see his collusion with the enemy. Why don’t you, Lord Wang, first take back a petition from this Prince pleading guilty? As for Marquis South, once the Northwest campaign is over, this Prince will personally escort him back to the Capital City."

"This..." Wang Jingchuan hesitated, somewhat unwilling. Mo Xiuyao said indifferently, "Is Lord Wang distrustful of this Prince?"

Wang Jingchuan was startled and quickly said, "I wouldn’t dare! To be honest with Your Highness, His Majesty has decreed that if Marquis South and his son are not seen back in the Capital City within fifteen days, everyone in Marquis South’s Mansion, regardless of gender or age, will be beheaded!"

Nearby, Ye Li sighed softly in her heart. The Emperor is determined to drive Marquis South’s Mansion to its doom. I’m afraid the family members in Marquis South’s Mansion won’t last until Marquis South returns to the Capital City. Even if they wanted to send people back to rescue them now, it would likely be too late. Most importantly, given Prince Ding’s Mansion’s current position, it’s impossible to rescue them secretly. To openly ask His Majesty for mercy would require Mo Xiuyao to return to the Capital City personally. But with the current war situation, that’s even more impossible. Just as she was thinking this, Marquis South suddenly walked out from an inner room and said calmly, "This Marquis will go back to the Capital City with you." 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Wang Jingchuan glanced at Mo Xiuyao. Even if Marquis South was willing to go with him, without Prince Ding’s consent, he wouldn’t be able to take him away. Marquis South turned, cupped his hands in a salute to Mo Xiuyao, and said, "Prince, this Marquis is departing, and I do not know when we shall meet again. Everything... I entrust to you, Your Highness."

Mo Xiuyao was silent for a moment, then sighed. "This Prince has failed you, Marquis." He was currently unable to return to the Capital City to handle this matter. Marquis South shook his head. "It is fate, it has nothing to do with Your Highness. This Marquis takes his leave." With that, he turned to Wang Jingchuan and said, "Lord Wang, if you please."

Wang Jingchuan looked at Marquis South, his eyes flickered, and he said, "Marquis South, if this official remembers correctly, your esteemed son is also here." Marquis South smiled faintly. "This Marquis doesn’t know what Lord Wang is talking about."

"You!" In front of Mo Xiuyao, Wang Jingchuan ultimately didn’t dare to be too insolent. He took a deep breath and said to Mo Xiuyao, "Since Your Highness does not interfere, please also ask the Heir of South Marquis to come out. This humble official can then take his leave and return to the Capital City."

Ye Li said calmly, "This Princess Consort has not seen the Heir of South Marquis."

Wang Jingchuan was stunned and frowned. "Princess Consort, why deceive yourself and others? The Heir of South Marquis was captured by Xiling and later rescued by Your Highness. How could Your Highness not have seen him?" Ye Li smiled faintly. "Lord Wang has just arrived from the Capital City, yet you are so well-informed. Truly, your sources are excellent. However... Lord Wang’s information might be slightly inaccurate. This Princess Consort indeed has not seen the Heir of South Marquis. Or... does Lord Wang wish to search this Governor’s Mansion and Xinyang City?" Wang Jingchuan quickly glanced at Prince Ding, who was sitting by the side with a cold expression, and immediately shook his head. Even if the Heir of South Marquis was present in the Governor’s Mansion, he wouldn’t dare to search for him. What’s more, Xinyang City, the Governor’s Mansion, and even the several cities in the Northwest were currently under Prince Ding’s control. Who could guarantee that the Heir of South Marquis was definitely here? What if he angered Prince Ding and couldn’t find the person... Wang Jingchuan was certain once again that he had taken on a hot potato.

"What the Princess Consort said is correct. This Prince has not seen the Heir of South Marquis. Since you are to escort Marquis South back to the Capital City, this Prince will not keep you. Also, since you are pressed for time, this Prince will send two hidden guards to escort you back to the Capital City." Mo Xiuyao stated.

Wang Jingchuan’s heart trembled. He could only say, "In that case, this humble official takes his leave..."

Watching Marquis South turn and leave without any lingering attachment, Ye Li sighed softly in her heart, rose, and saw him off. "Marquis, take care."

A rare hint of liberation touched Marquis South’s smile. He chuckled, "Thank you, Princess Consort. Prince, Princess Consort, take care."