Chapter 205.1

Regarding the matter of selecting the empress, there has been continuous speculation and discussion in the court, but Emperor Jin’an has remained silent throughout.

Below, several ministers came forward to present their thoughts, and he listened without saying a word before turning his head and dismissing them. Privately, the courtiers discussed and debated, expressing various opinions, while the matter remains unsettled.

During this time, an incident occurred.

It all started on that day…

As February arrived, the weather finally began to clear up. Although it was still cold, the sun could be seen more often.

Today was the day of rest for the officials, so there were fewer sedan chairs and horses on the road than usual. However, Ximao Alley was very noisy.

Ximao Alley was located near the outer city and was on the edge of the inner city. Most of the people living here were lower-ranking officials. The alley was narrow, and the houses were small and tightly packed together, vividly illustrating the saying that living in the capital was not easy.

Yet, even in Ximao Alley, the houses were in high demand. Whenever a property went on sale, it was quickly snapped up in the blink of an eye.

The reason was simple: the location was advantageous.

Some low-ranking officials were tired of the daily commute to the government office, so they preferred to live as close as possible to save time. The small houses in the alley were much more expensive than those in the outer city.

At this moment, in front of the Mao Family’s gate, a middle-aged couple was quarrelling, attracting the attention of the residents in the alley.

Being from official families, they were generally more concerned about appearances and etiquette, so they couldn’t just stand outside and watch. In the seemingly quiet and deserted alley, many households had their doors slightly ajar, revealing glimpses of what was happening inside. Whether the person behind the door was the master or a servant, only the heavens knew.

The quarrelling couple were husband and wife. The man’s surname was Mao, and he was an imperial censor.

Imperial censors were known for being poor and insignificant, with low ranks and meagre salaries. Of course, this was only true for very few individuals. Nowadays, who among the officials were actually honest, and free from corruption and bribery? However, Imperial Censor Mao was an exception.

Not only was he poor and shabby, but he also had a bad temper. He was well-known in the court for targeting anyone he deemed worthy of criticism, and his reputation struck fear into the hearts of those who had been mentioned by him.

However, as an imperial censor, he had the power to monitor the court, the nobles, and the officials. Others might dislike him, but there was nothing they could do. Some people jokingly referred to him as fearless, claiming that he would even dare to criticize the emperor himself. In reality, Imperial Censor Mao did have someone he feared—his wife, Madam Mao.

Imperial Censor Mao’s fame in the capital was not only because he was arrogant and stubborn but also because he was well-known for being afraid of his wife.

In the matter of selecting the empress, Imperial Censor Mao was an active participant. He did not object to Yaoniang’s humble background; his opposition was due to Yaoniang’s improper behaviour that led her step by step to become Consort Jin.

For a morally rigid person like Imperial Censor Mao, such individuals were greatly disliked. If not for bewitching the master, how could a concubine rise to the position of a prince’s wife? Imperial Censor Mao even criticized the actions of Emperor Jin’an when he was still a prince, accusing him of indulging in sensual pleasures.

In Imperial Censor Mao’s view, the empress was the mother of the nation and should embody virtue and righteousness. It was absolutely unacceptable to have someone like Yaoniang, who seduced and bewitched the master, occupy that position. Such a person would pose a threat to the court and the stability of the country.

His radical behaviour in the court aside, it was unknown how this matter reached Madam Mao’s ears. Because of this, she quarrelled with Imperial Censor Mao several times. However, Imperial Censor Mao continued to turn a deaf ear to her, which infuriated Lady Mao, leading her to demand a divorce and threaten to return to her parents’ home.

Madam Mao had a fiery temper and was determined to leave. Imperial Censor Mao pleaded with her, repeatedly bowing and apologizing. He had a thin and slender build, with a goatee, giving him the appearance of a rigid and old-fashioned person. In contrast, Madam Mao had a round figure, thick eyebrows, and large eyes, exuding a sharp and capable aura.

“But what about the matter I told you? Are you going to address it or not?” Madam Mao asked.

Imperial Censor Mao fell silent, nodding his head without speaking.

Seeing him like this, Lady Mao turned to leave. She had barely taken a few steps when Imperial Censor Mao pulled her back.

“Wife, please stop causing a scene. This matter concerns the stability of the nation and the well-being of the people. It is not something women like you should meddle in. You can say anything else, but not this… not this.”

“Ptui, ptui. What stability of the nation and the well-being of the people?! I am just a woman of the household. I don’t understand grand principles, but I know that one should not forget their gratitude and integrity.”

The Imperial Censor Mao stamped his foot and sighed, “How can you call it lacking integrity? Wife, just listen to what you’re saying.”

Madam Mao extended her chubby finger and poked Imperial Censor Mao’s shoulder, “Then tell me, who saved our family when the rebels caused chaos? Who sheltered us and prevented us from dying at the hands of the rebels? Who provided for you and gave you food and drink during those days? And who ordered people to send us back home after the rebels were eradicated?”

Each probing question left Imperial Censor Mao speechless. He struggled to find words and finally managed to say, “What does that have to do with the selection of the empress? It is the benevolence of the current ruler, not some other person!”

“It may not concern you, but it concerns me! I only know that when we hastily left, it was Jin Wang Manor that took us in, ensuring everything was in order. They didn’t look down on us like those highborn families with their contemptuous eyes. We left in such a rush that neither I nor my daughter-in-law had a change of clothes. It was the consort who personally arranged for someone to bring them to us. She even worried about the quality of the servants’ care and personally gave instructions… You are useless! After serving as an official for so many years, you are still just a seventh-ranked censor. Our family can’t even afford a guard for the residence. You’ve brought suffering upon your wife and children. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have to depend on the kindness of others, living in constant guilt and unease…”

As Madam Mao spoke, she burst into loud sobs that shook the heavens and the earth.

Imperial Censor Mao became anxious, scratching his head in guilt, unsure how to console her. Madam Mao’s words were true, exposing his incompetence and the suffering he caused his family.

After wiping her tears and pausing her cries, Madam Mao said again, “In any case, I don’t care anymore. Since you are causing trouble for others, I have no face to be with you. Don’t stop me, we better part ways. I’ll go back to my parents’ home.”

Imperial Censor Mao stomped his foot and said, “We’re already so old, how can you go back to your parents’ home? There’s no need to make them worry.”

Madam Mao wanted to say something else, but suddenly, several people rushed out from the Mao Family’s home. They were Imperial Censor Mao’s daughter, son and daughter-in-law.

Together, they forcibly pulled Madam Mao back into the house.

“Mother, please stop causing trouble. We can discuss everything calmly. There’s no need to invite ridicule.”

“That’s right.”

The front gate of the Mao Family’s home closed, shielding them from countless curious gazes outside.