Сhарtеr 47: Рrinсе Ying
The jаr wаs а tоrturе device invеntеd by Lai Luоzhi, plaсеd оvеr а firе to roаst—a method known as "Inviting the Lоrd intо the Jаr."
Thе оnlооkers wаtсhеd with fеаr and unеase, but Lai Luоzhi, knоwn as thе Black Yаma King, wаs not somеоnе thеу dаrеd to plеаd with.
At thаt mоmеnt, the сhild's pаrеnts arrived аnd knеlt at Lаi Luozhi's feet, bеgging him to sparе thеir сhild.
Lai Luоzhi sneered disdаinfullу, "If еverуоnе usеd thе еxсusе that thеir child is уoung to sрreаd suсh trеasоnоus rumоrs frеely, wouldn't Сhang'an City beсome a lаwless land?"
"Yоur Hоnоr, the сhild is still young. We will discipline him properly when we return home. Please spare him this once."
Tears streamed down the father's face, fearing that Lai Luozhi's cruelty would mean he would never see his child again.
"Hmph." Lai Luozhi remained unmoved. "Recently, Chang'an City has been thrown into chaos by this ballad. You failed to educate your child earlier, and now, at this critical moment, you realize your fear. Isn't it too late?"
With that, Lai Luozhi prepared to take the child away.
Just then, a loud shout suddenly came from the crowd, "His Highness the Prince of Ying has arrived."
The gathered citizens quickly made way as Princess Yong'an, holding her usual Butterfly Plays with Peony Silk Fan, slowly approached Lai Luozhi.
"Your Highness, His Highness the Prince of Ying."
The child's mother, as if seeing a lifeline, crawled on her knees to Princess Yong'an's feet and clutched the hem of her skirt. "Your Highness, please save us! The child is still young. Please, save him!"
Princess Yong'an lowered her gaze, her delicate brows slightly furrowed. "What has happened here? Why is there such a commotion?"
"Your Highness," Lai Luozhi interjected before the woman could reply, bowing with clasped hands. "This humble official was patrolling the streets today when I suddenly heard a child uttering treasonous and outrageous words. I detained the child, but his parents insist on using his youth as an excuse to demand his release. As I refused, this disturbance has unfortunately reached Your Highness."
"I see." Princess Yong'an nodded slightly.
"Your Highness," the child's father also hurriedly knelt at Princess Yong'an's feet. "Your Highness, please show mercy! The child spoke recklessly, but it was an unintentional mistake. I will discipline him strictly when we return. Please, save our child!"
The child's parents looked desperate, while Lai Luozhi wore an arrogant expression, refusing to yield even when in the right.
"The sages said: 'If a child is not taught, it is the father's fault.' It seems you should also be taken away for questioning."
Immediately, cries filled the air.
"Lord Lai," Princess Yong'an said after a moment of thought, turning to Lai Luozhi. "As the saying goes, 'To err is human.' How much more so for a mere child? A wise man like you, Lord Lai, need not argue right and wrong with a child. Wouldn't that tarnish your esteemed reputation?"
Hearing Princess Yong'an's words, Lai Luozhi seemed to ponder.
"Though that may be true, the child's words were treasonous. If Her Majesty the Empress were to hear of this, it would be a crime punishable by the extermination of nine clans. Today, I am only taking the perpetrator, which is already showing great leniency. Your Highness the Prince of Ying would do well not to interfere in this matter."
"If I had not encountered this, I would not intervene. But since I have come across it today, it means this child and I are fated to meet. Lord Lai, why not spare this child once, for my sake?"
As soon as Princess Yong'an spoke these words, the child's parents immediately turned their anxious gazes toward Lai Luozhi.Lai Luozhi's reputation as the Black Yama King was not undeserved—he was ruthless and showed no mercy. Yet now, with His Highness the Prince of Ying personally pleading for leniency, could he still remain so "impartial and incorruptible"?
After a moment of thought, Lai Luozhi revealed a meaningful smile and waved his hand. "Since His Highness the Prince of Ying has interceded, this humble official must naturally honor this favor and release the child."
The attendants behind him freed the child, who returned to his parents' embrace, trembling like a frightened fawn.
Princess Yongan crouched down and gently stroked the child's forehead to comfort him.
The child's father hurriedly knelt to express his gratitude but was stopped by Princess Yongan, who said calmly, "As long as the child is safe, that is what matters."
Princess Yongan's actions earned the praise of the surrounding commoners.
Princess Yongan had always maintained a low profile, and even after being enfeoffed as the Prince of Ying, there had been no rumors or scandals.
Now, by rescuing a child on the street, she had truly earned the gratitude and remembrance of the people.
"His Highness the Prince of Ying truly has a heart of compassion. Since this matter is now settled, a new teahouse has recently opened in Chang'an. Would Your Highness be free to join this humble official for a taste of its offerings?"
"Lead the way, Lord Lai."
Bamboo Green Teahouse.
Under an open-air pavilion, Princess Yongan and Lai Luozhi sat facing each other.
"Today's matter was thanks to you, Lord Lai. I offer you a cup of tea in place of wine."
"To serve His Highness the Prince of Ying is this humble official's honor. How could I trouble Your Highness to offer a toast?"
Both took a sip of tea, and a smile spread across Princess Yongan's face. "I believe that after today's incident, the commoners in the city will surely view me in a new light."
"Without a doubt," Lai Luozhi echoed. "Your Highness has always acted with discretion, yet today you generously rescued someone in the city. As long as those commoners are not devoid of conscience, they will surely spread the tale of Your Highness's heroic deed far and wide."
Princess Yongan said nothing more, but her delicate features now carried an added touch of confidence.
Imperial Palace, Main Hall.
In the magnificent and imposing court, civil and military officials stood in rows on either side.
Empress Zhou Zhao, clad in dragon robes, stood tall upon the dragon throne. Her forehead was broad, her brows slightly raised, and an aura of authority emanated from her as she surveyed the assembly.
"Your Majesty."
Prime Minister Zhang Xingwei presented a memorial to the Empress. "I have a matter to report, clearly detailed in this memorial. I humbly request Your Majesty's review."
The palace maid beside the Empress promptly presented the memorial. As soon as the Empress opened it, Zhang Xingwei continued, "Lord Lai Luozhi publicly intimidated a child and employed the 'Inviting the Lord into the Jar' punishment to imprison the child in a jar. Had His Highness the Prince of Ying not arrived in time, the consequences would have been unimaginable. I believe Lord Lai handled this matter poorly, completely disregarding Your Majesty's wisdom. I implore Your Majesty to punish him severely."
"Heh..." Lai Luozhi, standing to the side, let out a light chuckle, completely unconcerned. "Prime Minister Zhang, your report omits crucial details. Do you know why this humble official punished that child?"
"He is merely a child. Even if he made a mistake, it was unintentional. Lord Lai holds a high position—why be so strict with a child?"
"Enough." Having finished reading the memorial, the Empress cut short their argument. "His Highness the Prince of Ying handled this matter well. I will reward him accordingly to commend his actions. Let this matter be laid to rest.""Your Majesty," Zhang Xingwei persisted, continuing, "Your Majesty may not be aware that a nursery rhyme has been sweeping through Chang'an City for many days. Its content is utterly disgraceful and truly damages Your Majesty's prestige."
Upon hearing this, Shen Du, standing to the side, darkened his expression.
He naturally understood Zhang Xingwei's intention. This case was under his control, and with the nursery rhyme now widespread, it was clear that Zhang Xingwei intended to use this opportunity to corner him.
"Oh?"
The Empress drew out the syllable, seeming quite interested in this nursery rhyme.
Zhang Xingwei then added, "I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness, and I shall now recount its content for Your Majesty."
"Speak freely."
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