CH 40.1

Emperor Jing Li smiled and said, “Magistrate Liao has returned safely to the Liao manor.”

Liao Qing Qing was overjoyed.

The Empress Dowager nodded and asked, “Who released Magistrate Liao from prison?”

Emperor Jing Li replied, “It was Liang Ju Gang, the father of Noble Consort Liang.”

“How did he do it?”

“He got rid of one of the low ranking corrupt officials.”

“Oh?” Empress Dowager became interested.

Liao Qing Qing was also flabbergasted.

Emperor Jing Li stood in the middle of Empress Dowager and Liao Qing Qing. He said as he walked, “Magistrate Liao is already in prison. He directly released him, saying that there was a mistake in the trial. Regardless of how he said it, his prestige to my Great Wei is damaged.”

Liao Qing Qing and the Empress Dowager nodded.

“But I have clearly told Noble Consort Liang that not a trace can damage Lady Liao of Bright Countenance’s reputation. If not, I will let the Liang clan have a good time.”

Upon hearing that, Empress Dowager looked at Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing hurriedly lowered her head, and warmth spread across her heart.

Emperor Jing Li continued, “Liang Ju Gang has no choice but to beat himself with his own game. He said that Magistrate Liao is upright and plainspoken. When he oversaw corruption cases, he was framed by corrupt officials. Also, for Liang Ju Gang to make the corrupt officials reveal their true self, he deliberately cooperated with Magistrate Liao to pretend to put Magistrate Liao into prison and fabricate rumours of Magistrate Liao among the imperial subjects. Actually, the purpose was to catch corrupt officials.”

The Empress Dowager nodded and said, “Go on.”

“Now that the corrupt officials are caught. Not only should Magistrate Liao face imprisonment, but also be rewarded for his cooperation!” Emperor Jing Li said.

Empress Dowager smiled and said, “This Liang Ju Gang is really something.”

“Indeed, he is really something.”

“Is the Emperor still going to punish the Liang clan?”

“Naturally, I have to punish them.”

“How are you going to punish them?”

“From some other matters.”

As for what the matter, the Empress Dowager was old. She just wanted to grow flowers and did not want to inquire further. However, the topic still revolved around Magistrate Liao. She asked, “Now Magistrate Liao is completely innocent?”

“That’s right.”

The Empress Dowager’s eyes turned to Liao Qing Qing.

From just now, Liao Qing Qing’s heart was joyful and excited. She did not expect that things would go so smoothly once Emperor Jing Li interfered. Not only was Second Master Liao free from corruption, taking bribes and affiliating with a faction, but he also gained credit for fighting corruption together with Liang Ju Gang.

It really didn’t harm her reputation in the slightest!

She looked gratefully at Emperor Jing Li and Empress Dowager. She couldn’t help but bend over and say, “This imperial concubine thanks Your Majesty and Empress Dowager for troubling over this imperial concubine’s family.”

Emperor Jing Li pulled Liao Qing Qing up and said, “Get up quickly.”

Empress Dowager said, “The Emperor is also not specifically troubling over this for your father, but to protect all of the loyal imperial subjects of the Great Wei.”

“Queen Mother is right.” Emperor Jing Li answered.

Empress Dowager asked, “How does the Emperor intend to reward Magistrate Liao?”

Before Emperor Jing Li could respond, Liao Qing Qing curled her left hand and clasped it with her right hand, and then placed both hands above her left hip and did a small curtsy as she bowed slightly with her knees bent.[1] She said, “Your Majesty and Empress Dowager, this imperial concubine has something to say.”

Emperor Jing Li and Empress Dowager simultaneously looked towards Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing said, “Your Majesty, can you not reward this imperial concubine’s father?”

Emperor Jing Li and Empress Dowager looked at one another and asked in confusion, “Why?”

Liao Qing Qing replied truthfully, “Your Majesty, you should know that this imperial concubine’s father has limited talent and has no strengths. Hence, for him to be a judge is his maximum limit. If he is promoted any further, it is probably not good for him and the Wei Dynasty.” It means that her father is not too smart nor capable, so don’t promote him.

Upon hearing that, Emperor Jing Li was taken aback.

Empress Dowager was also a bit surprised. Other imperial concubines would like their families to be Kings, Marquis or Generals, but this Lady Xi of Bright Countenance was begging not to give her father a promotion.

Lady Xi of Bright Countenance is so sincere when one thinks about it.

That’s why it is so rare and valuable.

Empress Dowager’s gaze warmed up a bit and looked towards Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li also understood what Liao Qing Qing meant. He said with a smile, “If you don’t want him to be promoted, what about a reward?”

Emperor Jing Li looked at Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing cautiously suggested, “Reward him with one thousand taels of silver to spend?”

Emperor Jing Li was stunned.

For the first time, Empress Dowager wanted to laugh.

Liao Qing Qing didn’t even know how adorable she looked with this careful probing look. She only thought she had said the wrong thing. She scrutinised Emperor Jing Li and Empress Dowager.

“Alright!” Emperor Jing Li agreed straightforwardly.

Liao Qing Qing let out a sigh, and her eyebrows arched.

Emperor Jing Li turned to Empress Dowager and asked, “What else should we reward?”

“How about allowing Lady Xi of Bright Countenance to return to the Liao manor for three days to meet with her parents and brother.” Empress Dowager was once one of the imperial concubines in the late Emperor’s harem. She had received many rewards, but what she liked most was to be reunited with her parents and brothers. She recalled how Liao Qing Qing cried uncontrollably because of Magistrate Liao the other day and suggested this reward.

Liao Qing Qing was astonished.

An imperial concubine in the harem could return to their family’s residence for three days?

Ah, this lovely Great Wei Dynasty!

Liao Qing Qing looked at Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li’s brows furrowed.

???

What’s wrong?

Emperor Jing Li is unwilling?

As long as Emperor Jing Li is unwilling, she can go nowhere.

She stared straight at Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li lifted his eyes to look at her.

Their gaze met.

Emperor Jing Li asked, “Do you want to go back to Liao manor for a few days?”

Liao Qing Qing immediately nodded her head. Ever since she transmigrated, she had only gone out with the Emperor on the Double Ninth Festival. She really wanted to see the outside world.

With Emperor Jing Li’s brows still knitted, he asked, “Won’t three days be too long?”

“It’s not long.”

“….” Emperor Jing Li remained silent and saw that there was anticipation in Liao Qing Qing’s eyes. So he said, “Then allow Lady Xi of Bright Countenance to return to her family for three days and pacify Magistrate Liao on my behalf. He has suffered recently.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!” Liao Qing Qing quickly bowed with a smile on her face.

Empress Dowager’s lips raised.

Emperor Jing Li wore a reluctant expression.

After that, Liao Qing Qing and the Empress Dowager took a walk for a while.

When Liao Qing Qing returned to Lisheng Pavilion, she ordered someone to pack her luggage.

[1] 福身(fú shēn)- To curled one’s left hand and clasped it with one’s right hand, and then placed both hands above one’s left hip and did a small curtsy as one bowed slightly with her knees bent. It is an etiquette used by women during ancient times.  Credit: Shen Yun Performing Arts & Baidu