Protect Our Chief

Chapter 1073: Chapter 70: Suppressing a Second-Rank! The Emperor’s Son’s Plot, Decided (3)

Although this plan was proposed by Zhao Zhikun, once Zhao Hongbo agreed to implement it, he naturally couldn’t shirk responsibility.

"It was my recklessness that caused damage to the reputation of the Wang Family. For this matter, I can only shamelessly ask Your Majesty to mediate somewhat. Our Zhao Family is willing to provide compensation, and let the Three Ministries officially announce that the Wang Family neither evaded taxes nor engaged in smuggling or treasonous activities."

"Your Majesty, in my child’s opinion, this is clearly a case of the Zhao Family failing to steal the chicken and losing the rice, falling into the pit they dug for themselves. How can such a slander against loyal subjects be let go easily?" Prince Deshun added fuel to the fire, speaking with righteous indignation, "I am speaking up for the Wang Family and pleading justice for Shouzhe ~~~~"

"Pah!"

Emperor Longchang almost wanted to spit in Deshun’s face.

Just moments ago, who was it that was insisting on harshly punishing the Wang Family, and now suddenly switched to accuse the Zhao Family of framing loyal subjects? When did Deshun become so shameless and brazen?

"Alright, alright, no matter how you put it, the Zhao Family is still a Duke’s Mansion." Emperor Longchang said irritably, waving his hand, "Their ancestors and our ancestors once fought side by side. For this struggle among the Emperor’s sons, some underhanded tactics were indeed used. But to say they colluded with the enemy and committed treason, I do not believe it."

"However, if this matter is blown up, it would be disgraceful both for the Imperial Family and the Zhao Family. Hongbo, since you want me to mediate, you must show some sincerity before I talk to Shouzhe."

"Your Majesty, we the Zhao Family will comply with whatever Your Majesty says." Zhao Hongbo felt relieved upon seeing Emperor Longchang relent, and he bowed as he spoke, "What Your Majesty says, we shall do."

"Alright, then let me think. First, the position of Prime Minister of the Inner Pavilion is of great importance. Although your Zhao Family has tarnished its virtue and lacks the dignity to assume it, you can’t just allow anyone to take up the post, correct? Hongbo, at the court meeting someday, you will recommend Duke Yinda Wang to temporarily assume the role of Prime Minister of the Inner Pavilion. Do you have any objections?" Emperor Longchang thought for a moment and then spoke.

Zhao Hongbo’s pupils shrank but quickly calmed down, speaking steadily, "I have no objections. Duke Yinda Ancestor is a scholar with boundless knowledge and unparalleled virtue. Taking up the position of Prime Minister is a matter of widespread expectation."

"Second, to appease public discontent, your Zhao Family has failed in strict child-rearing, resulting in a family disgrace. All matters of punishment shall be publicly notified, any objections?" Emperor Longchang spoke again.

"I have no objections. Since it is our Zhao Family’s fault, we must bear all consequences."

Zhao Hongbo bowed again.

Thus, although it will reduce the Zhao Family’s prestige, with Prince Deshun present and many external matters, it won’t be kept secret; official notification of punishment is the best solution, at least it sounds better.

"Quite sensible. In that case, how Shouzhe will be compensated, I will mediate on your behalf." Emperor Longchang’s expression eased slightly, "Besides the three self-imposed conditions by your Zhao Family, you must also reflect on your family conduct and house rules. Otherwise, if such disgraceful offspring appear again, I might not speak so gently as I did today."

"I shall follow Your Majesty’s decree." Zhao Hongbo agreed without reservation.

Prince Deshun sighed inwardly upon hearing this. All outcomes still couldn’t escape Wang Shouzhe’s calculations.

Shouzhe had conveyed through Mingyuan that the heart of His Majesty lies in balancing, wanting to suppress the Zhao Family but never intending to crush them completely.

His purpose for causing a disturbance this time was mainly to muddle things around and expand the original expected results. Today, his interference has exceeded expectations; the shift of the Prime Minister position is the greatest gain.

Next, Wang Shouzhe naturally has his ways to deal with it.

As for whether Zhao Zhikun ends up in the Cannon Fodder Camp, it’s secondary. In essence, he is merely a Divine Power Species. Without reaching divine power, his impact is ultimately limited.

"Old Yao, find time to give some guidance to Wang Shou." For the respectful and submissive attitude from the Mansion of Duke Protector of the Nation, Emperor Longchang was rather satisfied, only then did he speak to Old Yao, "Encourage a meeting with me as soon as possible."

"Is Your Majesty going to issue a summons to Wang Shouzhe?" Old Yao’s eyes lit up, "This old servant has long wanted to meet Wang Shouzhe."

"Pah, what kind of identity is mine, and what kind of identity is his?" Emperor Longchang said proudly, "How can I casually summon him?"

After a pause, he muttered under his breath, "Hint, do you understand hinting?"

"The old servant understands, hint, hint." Old Yao replied with a chuckle.

"Alright, then this matter is settled." Emperor Longchang waved his hand, "Hongbo, you all return and wait for further instructions. Deshun, come with me, I want to compete with you in fishing skills."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Everyone replied in unison.

...

Several days later.

An investigation team led by the Three Talents Department quietly posted the investigation notices.

The Changning Wang Family’s smuggling case had been causing a stir within Gui Long City, maintaining high heat. The number of people paying attention to this case was increasing.

Now, with the investigation results released, the feelings brewed over many days were immediately "exploded" by instigators.

The effect was akin to directly throwing a bomb into a crowd.

No one expected that, under the impression that the case was already settled, such a shocking reversal would still appear.