Chapter 115: Moving Out of Qin Residence

Chapter 115: Moving Out of the Qin Mansion

After Qin Yuanshan was taken away by the Dali Temple, the capital soon began a sweeping campaign to punish the wicked, eradicate evil, and break the old to usher in the new.

First, Xie Xuanran issued an edict proclaiming Xie Chengyi's heinous and inhuman crimes, stripping him of his princely status, sentencing him to one hundred strokes of the cane, reducing him to the status of a commoner, and exiling him to the Western Cold Lands for hard labor at a date to be determined.

Next, Consort Dowager Ying was convicted of failing to properly educate her son and of abetting his crimes, stripped of her title as Consort Dowager, and immediately moved out of the palace and confined for life to a secluded lane by the imperial mausoleum.

As for Guozhang Li and other officials of the Second Prince's faction, Shen Fuqing of the Dali Temple led a one-by-one investigation. If found guilty of corruption, malfeasance, or other crimes, they were punished by law without leniency.

Additionally, the Prince of Lingnan brought back from Nanzhou a roster of personnel from the Embroidery Tower, which was handed over to the Ministry of Justice for review, with a two-month deadline. If the case was not resolved within this period, the responsible officials would be severely punished.

At the same time, Chancellor Lin Wen was ordered to assist Imperial Preceptor Wu Xianyi in conducting a thorough assessment of all officials in the court, recording the results in a ledger, to be updated by designated personnel to prevent officials from forming factions or clinging to imperial power.

...

Qin Jiao heard this news at his new residence, now, one month after the Second Prince's conspiracy had been exposed and Qin Yuanshan's imprisonment.

In just one month, Xie Xuanran's decisive and swift actions to punish evil, purge corruption, and implement good policies demonstrated resolute leadership.

Court officials sighed with admiration, remarking that with such a wise ruler, Tianyuan was bound to achieve great success.

Indeed, Qin Jiao thought so as well.

Today the weather was bright and fine. When Jiang Qingrong arrived excitedly with news, Qin Jiao was in the yard, hoeing a flower bed. His new residence, which Jiang Qingrong had helped him find, was by the river and street, with a rare courtyard-style layout—Qin Jiao liked it very much.

"I never imagined that Qin Yuanshan would collude with the Second Prince to harm you—those two filthy scoundrels are truly detestable!"

Jiang Qingrong had already cursed them several times since arriving. Cong Shuang, growing annoyed, handed him a hoe and signed: "Less talking, more doing. Help turn over this patch of land!"

"Fine! I'll talk while I work!"

Cong Shuang: "…"

Qin Jiao chuckled to the side: "Enough, Sister Congshuang, just let him talk."

After all, Jiang Qingrong's concern for him was genuine.

Emboldened by Qin Jiao's agreement, Jiang Qingrong wielded the hoe energetically while cursing angrily: "And that Miao Mao—he's no good either. He deserved those eighty strokes of the cane, being expelled from the Imperial Medical Institute, and having all his property confiscated!"

Qin Jiao: "Yes, he deserved it."

Encouraged by Qin Jiao's agreement, Jiang Qingrong continued: "At least the Fifth Prince saw the error of his ways, but since the mistake was already made, it's not unjust that he's confined for three months and fined three years' salary!"

Qin Jiao: "Indeed, it's not unjust."

Jiang Qingrong pressed on: "Qin Yuanshan's dismissal from office and investigation are exactly what he deserves. In my opinion, sixty strokes of the cane is too light—His Majesty is still too merciful!"

This time, Qin Jiao did not echo Jiang Qingrong. Instead, he fell into a thoughtful silence.

He had already learned Qin Yuanshan's verdict a few days earlier. As soon as Shen Fuqing finalized the case, Xie Nai sent Luo Yue to deliver the news.

After going through the Dali Temple, Qin Yuanshan's life was spared, but he could never serve as an official again. He first had to serve seven years of hard labor in the Western Suburb Mines before he could return to the capital as a commoner to earn a living.

Life in the mines was harsh, and Qin Yuanshan was no longer young. After seven years, he would emerge nearly white-haired.

"What? Having second thoughts?" Jiang Qingrong nudged Qin Jiao. "In the end, he chose this path himself—you can't blame yourself."

"It's not second thoughts... It's just... a bitter feeling, all muddled up." Qin Jiao's voice was low.

After Qin Yuanshan was taken to the mines, Yu Shuhan took Qin Han to live at a remote country estate, while Qin Ji traveled with classmates. As for Qin Chaole, Qin Jiao had seen him a few days ago—the "Charming Spring" poison had been mostly removed by Military Doctor Hou. After two more acupuncture sessions to fully remove the poison, he planned to take Concubine Yin to Jiangnan to visit his granduncle.

Qin Yuanshan entering the mines, Qin Jiao moving out, Yu Shuhan secluding herself with her children, Qin Chaole leaving with his mother... Suddenly, a perfectly good Deputy Minister's mansion had fallen apart.

The Qin family's fall was abrupt, and coupled with the unexpected spread of the news of Qin Jiao and Lin Wen's broken engagement, everyone in the capital now lamented the Qin residence, while Qin Jiao, who remained in the capital, was subjected daily to speculation and gossip.

Some said, "No wonder the eldest son of the Qin family doesn't look like Qin Yuanshan—he truly isn't his biological son." Others said, "Chancellor Lin and Qin Jiao broke off the engagement because he already knew about Qin Jiao's background. Chancellor Lin did nothing wrong—Qin Jiao isn't worthy of him..."

In short, all sorts of rumors circulated, including one particularly absurd speculation: "The reason the Qin family fell is that Qin Jiao offended Lin Wen, and Lin Wen, out of love turned to hatred, retaliated against the Qin family."

When Cong Shuang relayed this rumor to Qin Jiao, he was at a loss for words, but fortunately Lin Wen was even less tolerant of such nonsense. Without Qin Jiao needing to say anything or Xie Nai getting involved, Lin Wen swiftly dealt with the gossips, finally giving Qin Jiao some peace.

However, while open criticism diminished, people still whispered behind his back. Since it didn't reach his ears directly, Qin Jiao turned a blind eye and pretended not to hear.

"If your heart is troubled, let's not talk about these unpleasant matters." Jiang Qingrong patted Qin Jiao's shoulder and pulled an invitation from inside his robe. "My birthday banquet is in three days—remember to come."

Qin Jiao looked puzzled.

Beside him, Cong Shuang stopped her hoeing, looking equally puzzled.

"Are you a goldfish? Forgetful as always—I already received your birthday invitation days ago." Qin Jiao pointed to the open window, where a desk held an indigo invitation.

"I know, this one isn't for you." Jiang Qingrong's face showed a rare look of embarrassment.

"You... please pass this to Qin Han." Prince Jiang stammered, shoving the invitation into Qin Jiao's hand, then fiercely swung his hoe, digging into the ground with a loud clatter.

The commotion clearly suggested a guilty conscience and a transparent attempt to cover it up.

Qin Jiao and Cong Shuang exchanged a glance, then burst into uncontrollable laughter.

But Qin Jiao collected himself. As his laughter subsided, he agreed to have the invitation sent to Qin Han, though whether she would come was up to her.

Jiang Qingrong expressed approval of Qin Jiao's willingness to help, but also threatened: "Little Master Qin, I advise you to wipe that silly, gleeful look off your face, or this very hoe in my hand might just land on your head."

Jiang Qingrong's warning wasn't very intimidating. Qin Jiao kept laughing until a sudden loud crash came from outside the courtyard.

"What's going on?"

Jiang Qingrong reacted first, shouldering his hoe and running out as if ready to fight.

"Hey, wait..."

Qin Jiao quickly chased after him.

With a loud clang, the courtyard door opened, and Qin Jiao stood stunned at the scene before him.

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