Zheng Liang leaned casually on the armrest of the throne, supporting his chin with his fingers, and wore a provocative smile as he looked at Yang Luoyang. "Why don't you understand? I was quite clear in my statement. The spy you're talking about, the one who attacked Minister Qin's son and left him battered, is none other than myself," he declared.
Yang Luoyang found himself at a loss for words in response to Zheng Liang's statement, unsure if the prince was being serious or playing a prank. He glanced around in disbelief and said, "Your Highness, if this is a jest, it's not the right time for such humor."
Zheng Huang furrowed his brow upon hearing his son's statement and scolded him sternly, "Zheng Liang, what nonsense are you speaking? This is not a time for jests. It's a serious matter." He reprimanded his son, urging him to take the situation seriously and not make frivolous comments.
As the Crown Prince, Zheng Liang should be aware of the scrutiny he faced in the royal court. Every word and action carried significant weight, and he couldn't afford for his statements to be misconstrued and give rise to baseless rumors.
Despite his father's scolding, Zheng Liang remained resolute and refused to apologize for his words. He looked at the Emperor with a serious expression and reiterated, "Your Majesty, I am not playing a prank on anyone. I was simply stating the truth."
"What are you-", The Emperor was rendered speechless by his son's nonchalant attitude. How could he say something like this so casually?
After responding to His Majesty, Zheng Liang turned to the flabbergasted Yang Luoyang and said, "Minister Yang, the spy that you were looking for is none other than myself. I was the one who beat Minister Qin's youngest son to a pulp. Now, I wonder what kind of punishment you would propose." He said, rather provocatively, as if challenging his authority.
The ministers present in the royal court were left speechless at the unfolding of the events. Who would have expected that the Crown Prince not only assaulted the youngest son of Minister Qin but would also openly confess to his crimes in front of everyone?
What was he planning to do?
Zheng Huang's expression darkened as he observed the reactions of everyone in the court to Zheng Liang's confession. He gritted his teeth and grabbed Zheng Liang's hand, whispering with a solemn expression, "What are you doing? Did you truly do that?"
He had initially thought that Zheng Liang was just making a joke, but it no longer seemed to be the case. Even if Zheng Liang had committed such an act, why did he openly confess everything in front of everyone? Couldn't he have discussed this matter privately with him at a later time?
Zheng Liang offered an assured smile to his father and then turned his attention back to Yang Luoyang, who was still taken aback by the sudden confession.
Zheng Liang glanced at everyone in the royal court and then fixed his eyes on Yang Luoyang, who stood there with a frown. He smirked and continued, "Last night, while the Crown Princess was waiting in a queue to buy something with her maid, Minister Qin's son approached her and attempted to tease her. Not only did he try to hit on her, but he also humiliated her and even made physical advances."
"Minister Qin, now you tell me, what should happen to a man who dares to lay his disgusting hands on the Crown Princess? If I had followed the formal protocols, your son would now be in prison, facing the death penalty for his disgusting crimes.
He not only attempted to humiliate the Crown Princess but also had a history of misbehaving with other women, treating them like objects," Zheng Liang stated firmly.
"Considering your years of loyalty to the royal court, I spared him after breaking his hand. But seeing the way you were asking for punishment on my part, I realized that I should have followed the formal protocols and brought him in front of the royal court.
Your story source m_v lem|p-yr
Even if it meant him being sentenced to death, it would have been none of my concern, right?" Zheng Liang said, causing everyone in the royal court to fall silent.
No one dared to whisper a word, let alone speak. They held their breath, afraid to make a sound. Just moments ago, they had been supporting Minister Qin and his eldest son, pleading for justice. But now, after learning the truth, those who had been sitting close to Minister Qin's eldest son turned their heads away, fearing they might become entangled in this matter.
Zheng Huang's face flushed with rage. He struck the armrest forcefully, exclaiming, "What audacity! That despicable man dared to lay hands on my daughter-in-law? Zheng Liang, have you lost your mind? Such a vile act calls for the harshest of punishments! You merely broke his hand?" His voice trembled with anger as he fixed a disapproving gaze on his son.
Minister Qin, already on his knees, shuddered with dread and collapsed back onto the floor. He had long turned a blind eye to his son's unruly actions, giving him free rein. Yet he was in disbelief that out of all the women at the carnival, his son had the audacity to approach the Crown Princess in such a manner.
His son's actions amounted to nothing short of treason! Years of loyal service to the throne were now tainted by this one reckless act. It forced Minister Qin to bow his head before His Majesty and beg for his son's life.
"Your Majesty, I beg you. My son has committed an unforgivable act, and I vow to give him a stringent punishment. I will exile him to a distant land, ensuring he never steps foot here again.
But I plead in front of you, for the sake of the years of loyalty my eldest son and I have dedicated to this Empire, please show mercy upon his life." Minister Qin's plea was heart-wrenching as he kowtowed deeply, his tear-streaked face touching the cold palace floor.