Chapter 278 - 278 Double Standards

Translator: 549690339 |

Upon hearing these words, Emperor Yong’an hesitated, “I understand.”

“They have been creating chaos for so many years. It is time to round them all up.” Yang Wenxiao swayed the small bowl in his hand. The soy milk inside followed the motion, its white color resembling snow and exuding a kind of purity.

The cold smile on his face slowly faded, replaced by a deep sense of melancholy.

Emperor Yong’an had been watching him all along. Seeing Yang Wenxiao in a trance, he remained silent, simply sitting quietly by his side.

After a while, Yang Wenxiao snapped back from his memories. He set down the small bowl in his hand, leaned back in the comfortable chair, and closed his eyes.

“Once the dust settles, I will go see her one more time.”

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yong’an frowned and said, “The journey has been grueling. I’m afraid your health won’t stand such strain. Maybe I should order someone to…”

“That won’t be necessary,” Yang Wenxiao interrupted him, “Don’t worry. I can still live for a few more years.”

Emperor Yong’an heard this and refrained from persuading him further, “Then I shall order the roads to be repaired.”

“The road is already wide enough.”

“Still, it could be made wider and smoother.”

Upon hearing this, Yang Wenxiao laughed. He waved his hand that was resting on the armrest lightly.

Emperor Yong’an stood up. “I shall take my leave.”

Upon leaving Da’an Palace, Emperor Yong’an issued two imperial edicts. One open to all and the other, a secret one, for Yang Ye.

Like they had wings, the two edicts swiftly reached Bailu Town.

The eunuch who delivered the edicts stated that Yang Ye was only allowed to open the secret edict at dire times when he couldn’t control the situation, which left Yang Ye baffled.

However, he was obedient to Emperor Yong’an and decided not to open it.

He and the eunuch who delivered the edict cheerfully left for Huai’an County.

Cen Hong was penalized for intervening in local government affairs by withholding his salary for three years and demoting him from his post as the General of Cavalry to a State-protecting General.

In Daqi, a General of Cavalry is the highest-ranking military official, responsible for all the national troops, while there are several State-protecting Generals, each overseeing regional military forces. Such a demotion was indeed severe.

Upon receiving the edict, Cen Hong’s face turned ashen.

Yang Ye stood aside, waving his fan triumphantly. “General Cen, your penalty was strictly according to the ‘Daqi Law’. How is it? Are you satisfied?”

Cen Hong clenched his teeth, “I admit my mistakes. However, I wonder how Qiao Xiaomai’s case was decided?”

“Oh, the Emperor mentioned that the ‘Daqi Law’ doesn’t prohibit severing familial ties, so since there isn’t such a law, the judgement of the county magistrate can’t be deemed incorrect.”

Cen Hong was dumbfounded. He then nearly crushed all his teeth.

What double standard!

“By the way, the Emperor recently summoned all the civilian and military officials to revise the ‘Daqi Law’. General Cen, if you don’t have any urgent matters, you should return to the capital.” The smile in Yang Yefeng’s eyes deepened.

People like Cen Hong deserved to be dealt with severely. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

He planned to dip into their strategies, but ended up losing out. Serves him right!

Being demoted a rank and regaining it would be rather difficult.

Leaving Cen Hong’s residence, Yang Ye immediately followed the eunuch who delivered the edict to Anping Village.

The punishment for Qiao Xiaomai had to be publicly announced.

The arrival of the eunuch who delivered the edict caused a stir in Anping Village.

He was someone from before the Emperor! Perhaps, this would be the one and only time they could see someone like this in their lives!

And Qiao Xiaomai was so influential now, even having her name known by the Emperor!

What a tremendous honor!

Qiao Xiaomai, leaning on her lame leg and bearing the various gazes cast upon her, showed a look of profound gratitude on her face.

Emperor Yong’an disregarded her insolence, and she was bound to reciprocate with appropriate respect.

Moreover, deep down, she genuinely appreciated Emperor Yong’an’s kindness.

For a feudal emperor like him to ignore the ‘Daqi Law’ and side with her, she felt deeply moved and grateful.

Such a benevolent emperor should not be disturbed by that Tong Li..