Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 273 - 271. Edict of Confession
272. Edict of Confession
"Ministers, at ease. Attendants, proclaim My edict."
All the court officials in the hall could not help but look at each other. The moment the court session began, an edict was issued without any discussion. This indicated that His Majesty had no intention of discussing anything with them, but simply had them listen to his decision. After a moment of shock, someone quickly reacted, "We, your humble servants, respectfully await the sacred decree."
Once one had agreed, no one else could speak up in disagreement. The ministers in the hall knelt down in unison and said respectfully, "We await Your Majesty’s edict."
The Eunuch-in-Chief next to Mo Jingqi, who was announcing the edict, trembled involuntarily. The words he was about to read paused on his lips. Before he could react, Mo Jingqi’s icy gaze shot towards him from the dragon throne. Startled, the Eunuch quickly announced loudly, "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I, inheriting the throne through meager virtue, have ruled for nineteen years. Since I took personal charge of the government, diverse voices have been silenced, flattery has been rampant, deceitful villains have monopolized power, and corrupt officials have achieved success. I was deceived by slanderous reports, placing the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion in a precarious position, unjustly harming the loyal and good... I am speechless before my ancestors..."
As the Eunuch fluently read the long edict, the faces of those listening below changed color. This wasn’t a mere edict, but an Edict of Confession. The edict also mentioned "deceitful villains monopolizing power" and "corrupt officials achieving success." Hearing these phrases, the officials wondered, If that’s true, then what does that make all of us in this hall? When they heard the subsequent mention of Prince Ding’s Mansion, everyone gasped. His Majesty had actually admitted that the incident concerning Prince Ding’s Mansion was related to him and had even issued an Edict of Confession to repent. Even though word of this had spread throughout the land years ago, and the common people had discussed it extensively, their discussions were one thing; the Emperor officially confessing to it was another matter entirely.
Only when the Eunuch had finished reading the edict did everyone let out a collective sigh of relief. However, they held their breath once more, aware that the day’s proceedings were unlikely to be over so quickly.
Mo Jingqi, who had been resting with his eyes closed, finally opened them when the Eunuch asked for further instructions after reading out the Edict of Confession. He said, "Distribute it. Also, decree in My name to restore the titles of Mo Xiuyao, Prince of Ding Kingdom, and Ye Li, Princess Consort of King of Ding Kingdom. Bestow the title of ’Heir of Prince Ding’s Mansion’ and ’Prince Xiang’ upon Mo Yuchen. Lift the seal on Prince Ding’s Mansion and return all its properties in the Capital City."
"Yes, this servant obeys the command." The Eunuch, whose hands holding the edict trembled slightly, hastily assented.
Mo Jingqi thought for a moment and said, "Have the Sixth Prince announce the decree."
"Yes, this servant takes his leave."
Watching the Eunuch carrying the decree leave, the officials in the hall belatedly realized that His Majesty was not merely putting on a show for them but was truly intending to make the Edict of Confession public. Prince Ding had declared secession from Great Chu several years ago, rallied Northwest troops, and built up his own power with them. Even this had been forgiven. If they didn’t understand His Majesty’s intentions now, they might as well have lived their entire lives in vain.
"Royal Brother! This absolutely cannot be done!" Mo Jingli took a step forward and spoke in a loud voice. He inwardly regretted not anticipating Mo Jingqi’s move and failing to prevent it beforehand. At this moment, standing before a court full of civil and military officials, without Mo Jingqi’s approval, even as Regent Prince, he had no power to recall the decree.
Looking down from above, Mo Jingqi raised an eyebrow at him. "Oh? Why not?"
Mo Jingli said, "Once this edict is issued, it will cause severe damage to the reputation of Great Chu’s imperial family. How will the people of the world view the imperial family, and how will they view Your Majesty? I urge Your Majesty to reconsider."
Mo Jingqi’s eyes shimmered with a gleeful smile. "No need to reconsider. I have issued the Edict of Confession; the error is naturally mine. It has nothing to do with the imperial family or the future imperial heir. Besides... I don’t have much time left in this world. I trust that when the time comes, all subjects in the land will see my determination born of regret and guilt."
"But..." Mo Jingli was still unwilling and wanted to say more.
Mo Jingqi waved a dismissive hand. "There are no buts. What happened in the past was indeed my fault. Now, all I hope is that Prince Ding, for my sake as I am not long for this world, will diligently assist my descendants and secure the foundation of Great Chu."
With these words, everyone understood. His Majesty had no intention of ceding the throne to Prince Li. On the contrary, bringing Prince Ding’s Mansion back into the fold at this juncture was very likely a move to counter Prince Li.
The ministers aligned with Prince Li were naturally disappointed, but Prime Minister Liu was hardly pleased either. Having served in the court for several decades under two reigns, his political acumen in certain areas surpassed that of most. Just now, His Majesty had referred to "the imperial heir" rather than "the Crown Prince." Though it might seem like a minor distinction, a closer examination revealed a world of difference. The Crown Prince was not necessarily the imperial heir, but an imperial heir, even if not the Crown Prince, could still become emperor. Thinking about the news he had heard yesterday—that Noble Consort Liu had been refused an audience with His Majesty—Prime Minister Liu couldn’t help but furrow his brows.
Seeing the ministers’ varied expressions, their words caught in their throats, Mo Jingqi’s lips curled into a faint, cold smirk. He said nonchalantly, "Alright, let’s not discuss this matter for now. I haven’t attended court for some time. Tell me about the war situation in the Northern Territory."
Although Mo Jingqi had been ill for a long time, now that he could be up and about, his formidable influence still remained. When His Majesty ordered them to speak, they naturally couldn’t refuse. Thus, this morning’s court session extended for over four hours. By the time the ministers, their legs weak from standing so long, finally stepped out of the Diligent Government Hall, the imperial decree had long since left the palace.
As soon as court was dismissed, Mo Jingli, his face grim, swept his sleeves and strode out of the Diligent Government Hall. Prime Minister Liu, following behind him, also wore a somber expression. He was an elderly man, and standing for nearly six hours had exhausted him. Only a few retired old ministers had been granted seats by Mo Jingqi; those like him, still serving in official capacities, had to remain standing despite their age. Consequently, he was swaying slightly when he emerged. Someone beside him quickly supported him. "Prime Minister, shall we return to your mansion?"
Prime Minister Liu pushed away the supporting hand and said solemnly, "I am going to see Her Highness Noble Consort and His Highness the Crown Prince." He needed to find out why His Majesty’s intentions had changed so swiftly. And the Sixth Prince... the Sixth Prince...
「Inside the inn」
It being late winter, the small courtyard still felt somewhat bleak and cold. The decree-bearing eunuch stood trembling in the courtyard, holding the bright yellow imperial edict. Before him stood the nine-year-old Sixth Prince, Mo Ruiyun, who was initially somewhat deferential. However, they had been standing for over a quarter of an hour, and Prince Ding, seated on a wide, plush couch cradling a black-clad boy and playfully teasing him, hadn’t even spared them a glance. Mo Ruiyun, who had grown up in the palace and been somewhat spoiled by Mo Jingqi’s indulgence, gradually lost his patience.
"Hey! Father Emperor sent me, this Prince, to deliver the imperial decree, and you dare not receive it!" Mo Ruiyun declared.
Upon hearing this, the eunuch standing behind him grew so frightened that his legs gave way, and he plopped to the ground. He kowtowed repeatedly towards Mo Xiuyao, pleading, "Prince, forgive me! Prince, forgive me!"
Mo Ruiyun glanced back at the eunuch and snorted disdainfully. Such a coward, yet he’s supposed to be Father Emperor’s most capable eunuch.
Mo Ruiyun, who had been deliberately raised to be spoiled and ignorant, didn’t realize that even his mother consort would likely be just as terrified, collapsing to her knees and kowtowing in such a situation.
His reaction, however, piqued Mo Xiuyao’s interest. He looked up at him and said coolly, "So this is the person Mo Jingqi chose?"
The decree-bearing eunuch, his face a mask of distress, dared not answer. How could this Sixth Prince be someone the Emperor chose? This was clearly a choice made when there were no other options. He had been raised in the palace in such a way that, even at nine years old, he was less astute than a child of four or five, as his mother’s humble status meant she couldn’t intervene in his upbringing by palace staff.
Mo Ruiyun announced proudly, "That’s right! I am the Sixth Prince. Since you know who I am, why haven’t you come forward to pay your respects?"
"PFFT..." Mo Xiaobao, lying prone on Mo Xiuyao’s lap, widened his eyes as he stared at this strange prince who seemed to look down his nose at everyone. Is he really not afraid of Father at all?
Mo Xiuyao chuckled, patting Mo Xiaobao’s small head. "What are you laughing at?"
Mo Xiaobao blinked his large eyes. "Is Father going to pay respects to a Prince?"
"Your father doesn’t even pay respects to the Emperor, why would he pay respects to a prince?" Mo Xiuyao said with a smile.
Mo Xiaobao squinted comfortably, basking in the sun on Mo Xiuyao’s lap. "That’s good. I don’t want to pay respects to any princes either." If his father had to pay respects to a prince, wouldn’t that mean he, too, would have to pay respects to this silly-looking prince before him? That would be too demeaning.
Mo Xiuyao leaned down, pinched his son’s small cheek, and said, "It’s simple if you don’t want to bow. As long as you have the ability to make others bow to you, you naturally won’t have to bow to anyone else."
Mo Xiaobao snorted disdainfully. "Of course, this young master is capable."
"’This young master’?" Mo Xiuyao grinned wickedly and, where Ye Li couldn’t see, mercilessly pinched Mo Xiaobao’s little bottom.
"AAH... Despicable! Mommy, Father is bullying me!" Mo Xiaobao squirmed in Mo Xiuyao’s arms.
Mo Xiuyao chuckled. "I just taught you this principle. If you don’t want others to bully you, you have to become capable yourself. Until you are, just obediently let your father bully you. Tattling will get you nowhere."
"SOB..." Mo Xiaobao looked pitifully at his mother, who was watching the fun from the side. Ye Li just smiled and shrugged, indicating she couldn’t help.
Young Master Mo was very perceptive and immediately said cheekily to Mo Xiuyao, "Father, your son was wrong. Please forgive your son..."
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and looked at Ye Li. "When did this little rascal learn to be so flexible?"
Ye Li smiled faintly. "He has always known how to be flexible." This was true. Except when facing his father, Mo Xiaobao rarely suffered for the sake of face. Firstly, he couldn’t bring himself to lose face, and secondly, he was sure his father wouldn’t truly harm him. Now it seemed even the final issue of face had been resolved. Therefore, Young Master Mo could be invincible in the future.
Meanwhile, Mo Ruiyun watched this warm, harmonious scene with growing discomfort. The Sixth Prince had also grown up pampered in the palace. Mo Jingqi’s affection for him even surpassed that for the Crown Prince and his brother, who were somewhat sullen due to Noble Consort Liu’s coldness towards them. Yet, even so, Mo Ruiyun never dared to behave so improperly in front of his Father Emperor. Watching this five- or six-year-old boy frolicking in the arms of the handsome, white-haired Prince Ding, Mo Ruiyun felt a strange, unsettling emotion stirring within him. Mo Xiaobao’s smiling face became particularly jarring to his eyes.
Mo Xiuyao, busy playing with Mo Xiaobao, paid him no mind. However, the eunuch kneeling on the ground clearly saw the expression on Mo Ruiyun’s face. He couldn’t help but curse inwardly. These people before you are not someone a mere Sixth Prince like you can afford to offend! If you anger Prince Ding, never mind the Emperor hoping Prince Ding will support you; you’d likely lose your life right here!
"So, the upbringing in Prince Ding’s Mansion isn’t all that great after all?!" As his attendants had feared, Mo Ruiyun finally fixed his gaze on Mo Xiaobao and suddenly blurted out.
At these words, the three who had been smiling fell silent. Ye Li frowned slightly as she looked at Mo Ruiyun. "How Prince Ding’s Mansion raises its children is likely not for the Sixth Prince to judge. Sixth Prince, please leave. This place is small and cannot accommodate your esteemed presence." Ye Li was genuinely angered. Mo Ruiyun’s words not only targeted Mo Xiaobao but also criticized the entire Prince Ding’s Mansion and everyone who had taught him. As for his reasons, Ye Li could see them clearly. It wasn’t because he had any grudge against Prince Ding’s Mansion; it was purely out of jealousy towards Mo Xiaobao. For a prince who had been doted on since childhood to resort to such malicious words out of petty jealousy, his character was already contemptible.
"I wasn’t wrong!" Mo Ruiyun retorted, unhappy. He hadn’t expected Ye Li to issue an eviction order the moment she opened her mouth. In the palace, although his mother consort wasn’t favored, his Father Emperor doted on him. Even the favored Noble Consort Liu’s son had to defer to him somewhat.
"My son’s upbringing is our concern as parents. In what capacity is the Sixth Prince interfering in this matter?" Ye Li asked calmly.
Mo Ruiyun was speechless, merely glaring fiercely at Mo Xiaobao. Mo Xiaobao, however, had no intention of jumping out to argue with him at this moment, lest he truly appear ill-mannered. He harrumphed haughtily and hid in Mo Xiuyao’s embrace. "Father, your son was wrong. When I return, I will definitely ask Grandfather to instruct me properly in etiquette."
Mo Xiuyao gave him a look that was both amused and serious, then said to Zhuo Jing and the others in attendance, "Please escort the Sixth Prince out."
Zhuo Jing waved his hand, and guards naturally came forward to escort the "guests" out. The eunuch still holding the imperial edict remembered his duty and quickly said, "Prince Ding... this... this is His Majesty’s decree..."
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. "What does the Emperor of Great Chu’s decree have to do with me, this Prince? Take it back. Tell Mo Jingqi his judgment... is truly remarkable."
The decree-bearing eunuch knew the situation was hopeless. He could only put away the imperial edict and say, "His Majesty has already ordered the unsealing of Prince Ding’s Mansion and the return of all its properties in the Capital City that were confiscated. This inn is humble. Please, Prince, consider moving back to the mansion to rest, also to avoid inconveniencing the Princess Consort and the Young Lord."
Mo Xiuyao looked at the eunuch with a smile. "You certainly know how to talk. Go back and tell Mo Jingqi this: I, this Prince, accept this gift."
Having finally accomplished one task, the eunuch breathed a sigh of relief and respectfully took his leave.
After seeing off the large group, Ye Li frowned. "What is Mo Jingqi up to now? Is this the ’good show’ you mentioned?"
Mo Xiuyao laughed. "Isn’t it a good show? I’ve said it before: Mo Jingqi is an unpredictable man, often turning ruthless without warning. He favored Noble Consort Liu for so many years, even defying the Empress Dowager and disregarding the Empress for her. If he hadn’t cared somewhat about his reputation, he likely would have doted on his concubine and eliminated his wife. Even so, now that he’s dying and suddenly learns of Noble Consort Liu’s actions—true or false—he will blame her. If he dwells on it, he might even come to hate her to the bone. After being provoked by the Empress Dowager and me yesterday, he now definitely won’t care about the fate of Great Chu’s empire. As long as he can take revenge on Mo Jingli, Mo Jingli’s mother, and the Liu Family, what wouldn’t he do?"
"Are you saying Mo Jingqi has completely lost his mind?" Ye Li asked, frowning.
"It’s not that he has completely lost his sanity; he has been half-mad his entire life. He doesn’t hate Prince Ding’s Mansion. His initial actions against Prince Ding’s Mansion were merely out of fear that it threatened his throne. But now? He’s about to die, and I, this Prince, pose no threat to his throne. On the contrary, his own mother, his own younger brother, the woman by his side—each one is scheming against him with more hatred than the last. Compared to me, he will only hate them more. At this point, never mind just restoring Prince Ding’s Mansion, he would even agree to me becoming Regent Prince. He’s blinded by hatred, obsessed with revenge," Mo Xiuyao said with a light smile.
Ye Li pondered for a moment. It was indeed as Mo Xiuyao described. Mo Jingqi’s personality was not suited for an emperor. He was too sensitive and suspicious, and his intelligence was mediocre at best. Precisely because he knew his own mediocrity, he was even more insecure. Once he held great power, he was very prone to extremism. Take the incident involving Prince Ding’s Mansion, for example. The imperial family’s desire to curtail the power of Prince Ding’s Mansion certainly didn’t begin in the last two generations, but none of the previous emperors had acted as crudely as he did. However, perhaps it was precisely because of his unexpected approach that he almost succeeded. It was just that the heavens did not abandon Prince Ding’s Mansion; one could only say it was fate. In short, Mo Jingqi was very poor at maintaining balance, yet the most important skill for an emperor was understanding the art of balance.
"Did Xiuyao know all along this would happen?"
Mo Xiuyao smiled. "After all these years of dealing with him, I, this Prince, understand him to some extent. It’s just a pity... Even though Prince Ding’s Mansion has served Great Chu faithfully for generations, this time, I, this Prince, will absolutely not agree to his terms. His wishful thinking will come to nothing."
"Why?" Ye Li raised an eyebrow. Although Mo Jingqi’s move was reckless, it wasn’t entirely irrational. Once this Edict of Confession was issued, if Mo Jingqi were to die, Prince Ding’s Mansion’s refusal would likely incite public criticism. It wasn’t that the common people couldn’t distinguish right from wrong, but rather that the world attached too much importance to an Edict of Confession. Throughout history, as long as it wasn’t a matter of survival, there was almost no problem an Edict of Confession couldn’t solve. Whatever an emperor had done, issuing an Edict of Confession could earn the people’s forgiveness. After all, the notion of loyalty to the sovereign had always been deeply ingrained in the heart and mind of every single common person.
Mo Xiuyao sighed softly, looking down at Mo Xiaobao, who had fallen asleep in his arms. After the earlier commotion, Mo Xiaobao had listened to his parents talk for less than half a quarter-hour before drifting off to sleep, a trail of clear drool at the corner of his small mouth.
"This boy looks quite docile, but in reality, he’s full of pride, even more so than I was at his age. He probably won’t be one to bow his head to others when he grows up. What’s more, now that Prince Ding’s Mansion has finally broken free from the cage that is Great Chu, his future is up to him. As his father, how could I personally lock him back in that cage? After everything that has happened these past few years, no one’s heart would be completely free of resentment. If that happened, it would merely be a reenactment of the predicament Prince Ding’s Mansion has faced for so many years."
Ye Li understood his meaning. Even if the imperial family kept its word, and in this lifetime Mo Xiuyao held great power and Prince Ding’s Mansion enjoyed unparalleled wealth and honor, future generations would once again fall into the same deadlock they had experienced, or worse.
"No matter what others think, Xiaobao and I will always be by your side," Ye Li said softly.
"I know. We will always be together."
