Chapter 044 Unworthy of an Imperial Title

Chapter 044 Unworthy of an Imperial Title

The next morning, the Fu family's small courtyard was bustling with activity. By the time Fu Jiaze, Lin Yingxue, and Fu Wanan arrived at the government office, Wen Hui had already arrived.

Fu Wanan kept looking around. "Where are Uncle and Brother Qin?"

"Uncle is on duty today and can't leave. Thousand Commander Qin has gone to Tianjin," Fu Jiaze replied.

The top priority for the Jinyiwei right now was the kidnapping of the Yao family's third miss.

The Jinyiwei had already searched every possible hiding place in the capital city. The Third Prince had long given up on the search, but Miss Yao refused to stop and insisted on continuing.

Considering Miss Yao's special status, this time the Jinyiwei ventured beyond the capital city to search for the Third Miss Yao.

While Fu Jiaze was talking to his sister, Lin Yingxue had already quietly and quickly informed Wen Hui about Fu Jiaze's intention to take a master.

Wen Hui's brows were tightly furrowed, thinking about what had happened with Pei Qinghe. She pinched her temples, having always been certain that Pei Jin was bad. But...

Wen Hui knew that Fu Jiaze had planned her own affairs, and her daughter's skill in speaking to people was also learned from Fu Jiaze. Moreover, for a scholar, especially one like Fu Jiaze who was about to enter officialdom, finding a master was crucial.

Could there really have been a misunderstanding?

Wen Hui recalled how harsh she had been when she last saw Pei Jin and suddenly felt uneasy. She wanted to ask Fu Jiaze for more details, but seeing the gates of the government office open, she abandoned the idea. It was almost time for the trial, and it wasn't appropriate to discuss this matter then.

/

Today, Tian Youliang had filed a complaint against Fu Heng. He had received assurances that they would bring down Fu Bin, and everything seemed to be going as planned. Fu Jiaze was believed by many to be involved in cheating.

But soon things changed. Fu Jiaze had met the Emperor and impressed him with his writing before the Empress.

Tian Youliang was anxious and unsettled, and what made matters worse was that the person who had contacted him had disappeared!

Tian Youliang wasn't stupid. Since the cheating scandal couldn't bring down Fu Bin, his baseless accusation against Fu Heng would surely incur Fu Bin's wrath. When he tried to leave the capital city quietly, he was stopped by the Jinyiwei.

The leading Jinyiwei officer, Thousand Commander Qin, wasn't ferocious but had a stern expression. With his sword pressed against Tian Youliang's neck, he said, "Didn't you want to sue Fu Heng? Why are you leaving now?"

Smelling the faint scent of blood on the sword, Tian Youliang deeply regretted being swayed by others' suggestions. Why did he get obsessed with the wealth that Fu Heng had accumulated?

As the official sitting above him slammed the gavel, Tian Youliang immediately knelt down.

"Who kneels below?"

Tian Youliang, kneeling on the ground, replied, "This humble citizen is Tian Youliang. I once accused Fu Heng of embezzling my family's property. Now, I withdraw the accusation."

The judge asked, "Why did you retract your accusation today in court?"

Tian Youliang, finally getting a chance to see Fu Heng, repeatedly bowed his head to her. "I was blinded by greed. That day, hearing about Fu Jiaze's cheating, I thought I could take advantage. It was my fault. You are skilled, and since our divorce, you've been making a fortune. I've been envious for a long time!"

Not only Fu Jiaze and the others but also ordinary citizens watching the trial couldn't help but scoff.

They had thought it was the Nine Thousand Years Lord and his family taking someone's wealth, but it turned out to be this?

Someone shouted loudly, "Don't change your story just because of her brother's status. Clear is clear, and murky is murky!"

Hearing this, Tian Youliang became even more anxious. "I slandered Lady Fu. I am the murky one, the stinky one!"

Laughter erupted from the crowd, and even Fu Wanan found it amusing.

Just as she started to smile, Lin Yingxue covered her mouth.

Tian Youliang was still Fu Wanan's biological father, and if she laughed, it could cause trouble.

Hearing the laughter, Tian Youliang became even more agitated and stood up to explain to the crowd, "I'm not human, I'm lower than a pig or dog. When Fu Heng divorced me, I didn't care because I knew life was hard for divorced women. I thought she would suffer, which would make me feel better. But I never expected her to build a successful business!

"She got better and better, and I grew more and more resentful. Why should she live so well when I wanted to divorce her? Seeing Fu Jiaze accused of cheating, I thought it was my chance!"

Tian Youliang didn't want to mention being incited by others; settling the case quickly was best for him.

His words were heartfelt, and the crowd found them convincing.

Seeing the crowd calmed down, Tian Youliang turned to Fu Heng and slapped himself hard. "Lady Fu, please forgive me for our past marriage."

After Fu Jiaze's rise, Tian Youliang deeply regretted accusing Fu Heng. Accusing Fu Heng was equivalent to accusing Fu Bin.

As a man, he understood how important certain things were to men. His mother and father had privately taunted Fu Bin, leading him to become a eunuch.

Looking at Fu Heng, he remembered the man his parents had arranged for her. So weak and useless.

And Fu Wanan, if not for Tian Youliang, she wouldn't have suffered so much.

Fu Heng's expression remained calm. "Since you accused me of embezzlement, let the officials verify the truth and restore my innocence. Then follow the law accordingly."

Tian Youliang showed a pleased expression, wanting to follow the law. "Thank you, Lady Fu, for your kindness. Your skills have built such a successful business."

Tian Youliang kept flattering Fu Heng until the judge had to bang the gavel to silence him.

When the Jinyiwei presented their evidence, Tian Youliang was sentenced to ten strokes and a month in jail. The crowd gradually dispersed, finding this trial slightly more interesting than usual but not as legendary as Wen Hui's case.

Wen Hui wore a veil, concealing her face. No one knew that the "legendary" victim they spoke of was standing right there.

As Fu Heng removed her shackles, Fu Bin was shouting in the palace, "If anyone has matters to report, speak now; otherwise, the court will adjourn."

/

Wei Wuhou, returning from his honeymoon, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I have something to report."

He intended to request an imperial title for his new wife.

After Wei Wuhou finished speaking, Emperor Chengde said, "This matter is temporarily set aside. I do not approve."

Xie Yuan had assumed that requesting an imperial title was a formality and was ready to thank the Emperor, but Emperor Chengde decided to postpone it.

Xie Yuan couldn't help but furrow his thick brows, a look of confusion on his face: "Your Majesty, this humble minister followed the established procedures in requesting a title for Lady Lin."

Emperor Chengde let out a light laugh, though the mirth did not reach his eyes: "Your wife, Lady Lin, behaves recklessly and improperly. I believe her reckless nature makes her unfit to be the Lady of Wei Wu Hou, and she does not deserve the title bestowed by me."

Xie Yuan, gritting his teeth, spoke up for Lin Baozhen; they were now one as husband and wife, and such words from the Emperor were akin to a slight against him. "This humble minister... has not noticed anything improper about Lady Lin."

"The day at the Lin residence's gate, unveiling someone's veil is not considered improper?" The Emperor said this, thinking of He Lanting's tearful appearance. He Lanting used to call their youngest son 'Jier,' but had completely stopped doing so.

Even the Emperor found the name strange, but Yan Ji was already old enough to understand. Changing his name now would only make him more resentful. It would be better to restore Yan Ji's identity and give him a new name when he feigned death.

Thinking of He Lanting and the youngest son, Emperor Chengde's expression turned cold, his voice icy: "To act in such a manner and still want a title? Saying it will be discussed later is giving you some face. Lady Lin is unworthy of the title I bestow!"

The Emperor's anger flared, and Wei Wu Hou knelt down: "Please calm your anger, Your Majesty."

If it weren't for Wei Wu Hou's past assistance to Ting'er, even he would have been punished. Remembering He Lanting's instructions, the Emperor said: "Minister Xie, there is no need to mention this matter again. Court dismissed!"

Emperor Chengde left directly, while Fu Bin called out: "All ministers, please leave the court."

Many officials left, thinking that Wei Wu Hou, who had just married a beautiful wife, had seemed triumphant in the morning but was now facing humiliation.

Without being registered in the jade tablet or receiving a title, both Lin Baozhen and Xie Yuan's face were trampled upon.

Xie Yuan waited until everyone had left before slowly rising.

Lin Baozhen was waiting outside the palace gates, eager to receive her title robes.

Finding the carriage stuffy, Lin Baozhen jumped out, watching as officials streamed out of the palace like water. Her face lit up with joy as she looked around, hoping to see her Lord Marquis.

Looking and looking, she saw no one, so she went straight to find Lord Changqing Wang Ru.

"Grandfather," Lin Baozhen's voice was clear and crisp, drawing everyone's attention.

The love of the Changqing Hou for their granddaughter was well-known in the capital, and this immediately revealed Lin Baozhen's identity.

Wang Ru wanted to cover his face with his sleeve, embarrassed as he pulled Lin Baozhen aside. "Why are you here?"

"Grandfather, where is my Lord Marquis?" Lin Baozhen asked.

"He'll come out soon," Wang Ru said, "just wait in the carriage, don't show yourself."

Wang Ru wanted to leave quickly, but Lin Baozhen grabbed his official robe. "Grandfather, wait! My Lord Marquis requested a title for me; we're supposed to welcome my title robes together."

Upon realizing the woman was Wei Wu Hou's wife, many officials slowed their pace.

They realized something interesting was happening and some couldn't help but chuckle.

Lin Baozhen found this person inexplicable and didn't take it to heart. What surprised her more was when her grandfather said: "Shut up!"

"What's wrong?" Lin Baozhen's heart sank, her lips pouting. "Did my Lord Marquis not request a title for me? He promised he would do it after our honeymoon."

Someone couldn't help but laugh: "Lady Hou, Minister Xie indeed requested a title for you. Don't wrong him."

"Then..."

Lord Changqing Wang Ru jumped up. "Still asking! Wei Wu Hou did request a title for you, but the Emperor rejected it, saying you are unworthy! If not for your reckless behavior, would the Emperor reject the request? Wei Wu Hou is late because he was kneeling before the Emperor's wrath!"

Unworthy?!

Lin Baozhen felt as if she had been slapped hard, standing rooted to the spot, her eyes filled with confusion. She looked around, most people avoiding her gaze, a few showing pity.

Pity for what? Pity for being the first wife whose title request was rejected by the Emperor?

Lin Baozhen murmured: "Impossible. No one's title request has ever been rejected. Grandfather, are you lying to me?"

Wang Ru sneered: "If I say it, can it be false? Indeed, no one's title request has ever been rejected, but you are the first."

As they spoke, Wei Wu Hou arrived.

Xie Yuan had fully calmed down, but his gaze towards Lin Baozhen held a hint of coldness, which he quickly concealed, returning to a neutral expression.

With this demeanor, no one dared to mock him, and the officials left one by one.

Xie Yuan first bowed to Wang Ru, then took Lin Baozhen into the carriage.

As the carriage started moving, neither spoke. When they neared the mansion, Xie Yuan finally said: "I requested a title for you, but it was rejected."

Lin Baozhen's voice was bitter: "I know."

Xie Yuan pinched the bridge of his nose. "This matter can only end here. My mother, Jingzhi, and your parents are at Tenglong Pavilion. I won't go there; you explain it to them. I'll return to the mansion."

Lin Baozhen raised her head sharply, her tone tinged with sorrow: "Lord Marquis, why are you treating me like this?"

Xie Yuan said: "Baozhen, I am truly tired. I'm trying hard not to be angry with you. Losing the title, do you think I have any face? If not for your actions on our wedding day, we wouldn't be in this situation."

Lin Baozhen pursed her lips, knowing she was at fault, but feeling hurt by his coldness. She turned away, her eyes reddening, fighting back tears.

Arriving at the mansion, Xie Yuan got out of the carriage, while the carriage carried Lin Baozhen to Tenglong Pavilion.

Both Lin Baozhen and Xie Yuan had thought the title was a certainty, so they had prepared a feast at Tenglong Pavilion. The elderly lady, the heir, and the Lin family members were all waiting there.

Seeing the Jinyiwei guards at the gate, Lin Baozhen clenched her fists.

The Jinyiwei guard approached and bowed: "Greetings, Lady Lin. I first went to Wei Wu Hou's mansion, but seeing no one there, the gatekeeper directed me here. Mr. Fu said since the title request failed, please settle the three thousand taels owed to him."

Lin Baozhen's eyes were bloodshot, her voice strained: "Very well."

Her chest heaved violently, as if about to explode.

At that moment, Xie Jingzhi came out: "Sir, how could my mother owe Mr. Fu three thousand taels?"

Xie Jingzhi had originally been leaning by the window of the private room. When he saw the Jinyi Guard approach his stepmother, he hurriedly went downstairs and overheard the matter of the three thousand taels of silver.

The Jinyi Guard briefly recounted the events of the return visit day and also mentioned how Wei Wuhou failed to secure the title for her and was instead scolded.

Xie Jingzhi fell silent for a long time before speaking, "Since Father has already promised the three thousand taels of silver, he will certainly provide it. I will personally deliver it when the time comes."

After the Jinyi Guard departed, Lin Baozhen, her voice strained, uttered, "I shall return to the Marquis Mansion first. Stripped of my title, I find no relish in sustenance. I yearn to retreat to the mansion. Prince, now that you are apprised of the entire affair, please convey the news."

Xie Yuan did not want to face those people, and neither did Lin Baozhen. Now that they had seen Xie Jingzhi, it was best for him to explain everything clearly.

Lin Baozhen got into the carriage, and Xie Jingzhi glanced back at the building before getting into the carriage as well.

Lin Baozhen never expected the sudden weight beside her; it was Xie Jingzhi who had sat down next to her.

"On that day, you acted so out of character because of me. Jingzhi never imagined that your actions would cost you your title. I am deeply ashamed."

Xie Jingzhi stood up, his tall frame cramped in the small carriage, and bowed deeply to her. This made Lin Baozhen's nose tingle, and tears rolled down her cheeks.