Chapter 131 A Child’s Misbehavior Is the Parents’ Fault…

Chapter 131: A Child’s Misconduct Reflects the Parents’ Failure...

While the eunuchs went out to deliver the imperial decree, the Emperor continued reviewing petitions, while Bai Xiuming stood quietly nearby.

After approving two memorials, the Emperor suddenly spoke: "How do you think Prince Ying’an and his family should be dealt with?"

Bai Xiuming stood with his hands lowered: "I am only responsible for investigating the case. How to handle them is entirely up to Your Majesty."

The Emperor ignored his response and continued, "Yesterday, many members of the imperial clan pleaded for leniency, arguing that Prince Ying’an was merely deceived and wasn't truly at fault."

After what had happened the day before, anyone with half a brain should have some idea what really happened.

Moreover, the Astronomical Bureau had gone house-to-house checking lineages and had indeed uncovered several cases of false lineage claims. They should all know exactly what the problem was.

Bai Xiuming was not surprised. Though Prince Ying’an wasn’t particularly accomplished, his reputation had always been decent. If not for this, His Majesty would not have considered appointing him as the head of the imperial clan.

In the past, Bai Xiuming would not have commented on such matters, but for some reason, he thought of A Chan’s so-called act of chivalry.

He didn’t particularly care about the fate of Prince Ying’an’s family, but he imagined she would enjoy knowing they came to a bad end.

Thus, Bai Xiuming said, "I suggest Your Majesty could consider giving Prince Ying’an a chance."

The Emperor was surprised he spoke up and asked, "Why?"

"I have no proof that Prince Ying’an knowingly mistook his daughter. Based solely on this matter, it is impossible to judge the character of his family."

Bai Xiuming knew full well that this was what troubled the Emperor.

Princes of the imperial family could have their own petty schemes and could even be incompetent, but their moral character had to be passable.

"Then how do you suggest we judge them?"

"Your Majesty might test them later. If Prince Ying’an and his wife merely mistook their daughter, it’s understandable. But if they remain indifferent even after learning of their true daughter’s suffering, then their character is indeed questionable."

The Emperor seemed to find this proposal reasonable and nodded. "Very well, let’s try it."

Prince Ying’an’s family had not expected the case to be resolved so quickly. Upon receiving the summons from the Emperor, they dared not delay and hurried into the palace by carriage.

On their way to the imperial study, the family was filled with unease. The swift resolution of the case might not bode well for them.

Prince Ying’an was especially anxious. He had yet to devise a strategy, and now the Emperor was summoning them. He had no idea how they would be dealt with.

Upon entering the imperial study, the four of them knelt and kowtowed deeply.

The Emperor glanced at them and spoke coldly, "Rise."

With the support of Prince Ying’an, Princess Ying’an stood up. The Emperor said nothing, and none of them dared to speak first.

"Bai Xiuming, proceed."

"Yes." Bai Xiuming, who had been standing to the side, addressed Prince Ying’an’s family: "According to the investigation, the woman who replaced Princess Xinan was originally named Han Xiaotong, the daughter of a minor official in Jiaozhou. She was acquainted with Xu Zecheng in their youth. After Xu Zecheng and Princess Xinan went to Jiaozhou, they reunited. Unhappy with the princess’s bossy nature and drawn to Han Xiaotong’s gentleness, Xu Zecheng began a secret affair with her."

After finishing, Bai Xiuming glanced at Prince Ying’an’s family.

Princess Ying’an paled slightly. She felt Bai Xiuming’s words were mocking her for mistaking a fake for the genuine article and doting on her for over a decade.

Bai Xiuming paid no attention to her reaction and continued, "Later, Xu Zecheng learned from Han Xiaotong that her fiancé’s family possessed a secret method for changing faces. The two conspired to swap Princess Xinan’s face. Han Xiaotong then murdered her fiancé and the princess."

The Prince of Ying’an’s wife gasped softly at this. Bai Xiuming glanced at her before adding, "Fortunately, the princess miraculously survived."

A long silence followed before Prince Ying’an finally reacted: "Lord Bai, are you saying... Xinan is still alive?"

"Indeed. You must have seen her—she recently arrived in the capital with the Ghost Opera Troupe and even performed for you."

Prince Ying’an was stunned. "What?"

"Her name is Yu An, though most know her as Master Yu."

At this title, all four of them froze.

The Prince of Ying’an’s wife turned to Princess Ying’an, remembering how the princess had even rewarded her during the chrysanthemum banquet.

That day, the fake Xinan and Xu Zecheng had also been present.

A pang of sympathy rose in her heart. What had Xinan endured all these years? How had she borne it, especially in such circumstances?

"So she was Xinan all along..." Princess Ying’an murmured. "If so, why go through such a roundabout way? Why not simply reveal herself to us?"

Her tone was so blunt that it left everyone momentarily speechless.

"Watch your words before His Majesty," Prince Ying’an whispered in warning.

Princess Ying’an reluctantly fell silent.

"That is an excellent question. I too would like to know why Xinan did not reveal herself to you directly but instead made such a spectacle at My birthday banquet," the Emperor said expressionlessly. "Prince Ying’an, do you admit your guilt?"

Prince Ying’an took the Emperor’s words as anger over the ruined banquet being directed at his household.

He fell to his knees heavily, his voice trembling slightly. "Your Majesty, this is my fault. I misidentified my daughter, leading to this calamity and disturbing Your Majesty. I beg for mercy!"

Seeing this, Princess Ying’an also knelt but could not resist protesting: "Your Majesty, Xinan’s actions have nothing to do with us."

"Nothing to do with you? Is she not your daughter?"

"But... but it has been over a decade since either the prince or I last saw her. Even if she caused trouble, how can you blame the prince?"

The Emperor’s expression darkened as he studied the kneeling figures. Suddenly, he changed tack: "Princess Ying’an does have a point."

Seeing their visible relief, he added, "Xinan dared to act outrageously at My birthday banquet. While she may escape death, she cannot escape punishment. How does Princess Ying’an suggest she be punished?"

Princess Ying’an quickly replied, "It is entirely Your Majesty’s decision. The prince and I have no objections."

"Truly?" The Emperor seemed skeptical. "Xinan has suffered greatly all these years. Can you bear it?"

Princess Ying’an said self-righteously, "This is the punishment she deserves. I would never shield her."

"And Prince Ying’an?"

Prince Ying’an lowered his head. "I also have no objections."

Only the Prince of Ying’an, kneeling behind them, spoke up nervously: "Your Majesty, my sister... though she was out of line..."

He stammered without finishing.

"Does the Prince of Ying’an have a differing opinion, or are you willing to take her place in punishment?" the Emperor asked.

The Prince of Ying’an said nothing more.

The emperor's eyes flashed with disappointment: "Since you all agree with me, how should the Princess of Xinan be punished?"

Seeing that no one dared to speak, the emperor turned to Bai Xiuming: "Bai Xiuming, what do you think?"

"A child's misdeeds reflect the parents' failure. The actions of the Princess of Xinan are inseparable from Prince Ying'an and Ying'an Princess. I believe Your Majesty should punish them severely."

Prince Ying'an abruptly turned his head to glare at Bai Xiuming. He never expected the man to betray them at such a moment.

"Bai Xiuming, my prince has no grudge against you. How dare you make such false accusations!"

Bai Xiuming remained impassive, as if he hadn't heard the accusation. The emperor, however, slammed the imperial desk and thundered, "You forget yourself! Do you know where you are?"

Only then did Ying'an Princess realize they were before the emperor. Trembling, she knelt back down.

"Indeed, I find Bai Xiuming's words quite reasonable. Prince Ying'an and Ying'an Princess failed in educating their daughter, spoke out of turn before me, showed no manners, and showed no contrition. They are clearly unfit to remain in the capital. Let them go to the Imperial Temple for spiritual reflection."

At the emperor's words, Ying'an Princess slumped to the floor.

The Imperial Temple—euphemistically called a temple, but in truth, it was a place for detaining royal family members.

When imperial relatives committed offenses, minor ones were confined to their estates, while serious offenders were sent to the Imperial Temple.

What had she and the prince done wrong?

It wasn't their fault they misidentified their daughter. That ungrateful wretch deliberately chose this day for revenge, angering the emperor, yet dragging their entire family down with her!

Ying'an Princess mused bitterly: If only the Princess of Xinan had never returned.

If no one had exposed Han Xiaotong's identity, their family would still be living peacefully. How could things have come to this?

Prince Ying'an was no better off. He protested, "Your Majesty, I am wronged!"

"How are you wronged?"

"I truly knew nothing of the Princess of Xinan's actions. I didn't even recognize her."

Not recognizing his own daughter had ironically become Prince Ying'an's defense.

Unfortunately, he couldn't read the emperor's mind and didn't realize that such excuses only deepened the emperor's disgust.

The emperor brushed aside his protest, replying lightly, "As I said earlier, a child's faults lie with the parents. Whether you recognized her or not, now that she's gone, you shall take responsibility for her actions."

"As for you..." The emperor looked at the pale-faced Prince of Ying'an and showed some leniency to the younger generation, "You shall return home and reflect on your mistakes for a year."

Just like that, Prince Ying'an's family was confusedly ushered out of the palace, never understanding what they had truly done wrong.

Perhaps they would believe they had offended Bai Xiuming and that the emperor had merely been misled by his slander.

After they left, the emperor snorted coldly, "The whole family—some foolish, some wicked. I wasn't mistaken about them."

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger," Bai Xiuming soothed. "They are beneath your notice."

With Prince Ying'an's family dealt with, the main offenders remained unpunished.

Bai Xiuming asked, "Your Majesty, how should Xu Zecheng and Han Xiaotong be punished?"

After brief consideration, the emperor declared, "The Xu and Han families shall have their properties confiscated and be exiled. As for these two—for falsifying imperial lineage, their crimes are unforgivable. Since the evidence is irrefutable, have them executed promptly."

Bai Xiuming quickly considered. The Spring Festival was approaching, and the new year was no time for bloodshed. They would have to carry out the executions before then.

He gave a slight bow. "As you command."

After saying what needed to be said, Bai Xiuming still showed no intention of leaving, which puzzled the emperor. "Is there something else?"

"Last night, while interrogating Han Xiaotong, my subordinate learned something unexpected about the Marchioness of Jinyang. As I found it difficult to make a decision on this matter alone, I came specifically to report it to Your Majesty."

"Jinyang again?" The emperor raised an eyebrow. "People say you hold some grudge against the Marquis of Jinyang's family. What exactly is this grudge that keeps you fixated on them?"

Bai Xiuming wore a look of resignation. "Your Majesty, this time it truly is a coincidence."

He cared little for the fate of the Marquis of Jinyang's household, but A Chan wouldn't let up in pursuing them. To his surprise, she'd been right this time.

"Very well, let’s hear it."

Bai Xiuming composed himself. "Han Xiaotong confessed that Xue Shi, the Marchioness of Jinyang's father, once worked as a low-ranking official in the same yamen as her own father. The two had been acquainted long ago."

"What a coincidence," the emperor remarked, perking up slightly. "So, was Xue Shi colluding with Han Xiaotong?"

"Not exactly collusion, but she was aware and failed to report it. During the previous investigation into the Marquis of Jinyang over his daughter’s marriage into the Shen family, Xue Shi sought out Han Xiaotong—then the Princess of Xinan—hoping she would assist the Marquis out of past affection."

"Past affection? She knew Han Xiaotong’s true identity all along?"

"I had the same suspicion, which is why I came to seek Your Majesty’s guidance."

The emperor glared at him. "You dared arrest the Marquis of Jinyang himself, yet fear his wife? Do I need to spell it out for you?"

"As you say, Your Majesty."

"Hmph, get out!"

Not long after Bai Xiuming left the palace, Bright Mirror Bureau Guards once again surrounded the Marquis of Jinyang’s residence.

The Marquis, who had only recently enjoyed a few peaceful days, turned ashen upon hearing of Bai Xiuming’s arrival.

Yet he didn't dare turn him away and reluctantly went out to greet him. "Lord Bai, what brings you here?"

"I'm not here for the Marquis. Please summon the Marchioness."

His face flashed with anger. "What is the meaning of this, Lord Bai?"

Bai Xiuming gave a slight smirk. "It seems the Marquis is unwilling to cooperate. Then we shall search the premises."

At his command, the Bright Mirror Bureau Guards moved in, unimpeded even by the household guards.

Soon, Xue Shi was brought out under guard.

White-faced with fear and unaware of what was happening, she asked the Marquis urgently, "My lord, what's happening? Why are they arresting me?"

"Lord Bai, you had better provide an explanation, or I will surely take this to His Majesty against you!"

Bai Xiuming turned to Xue Shi. "The name Han Xiaotong should be quite familiar to the Marchioness, isn't that right?"

Xue Shi stiffened but immediately denied it. "Who is Lord Bai referring to? I have never heard that name."

"Is that so? Yet Han Xiaotong tells us differently."