034. He Turns Out to Be the Third Prince
Before the emperor could speak, Chancellor Yang had already stepped forward and declared, “Your Majesty, the actions of Le Qianxue today were utterly outrageous! She has shown complete disregard for imperial law!”
Le Qianxue stood in the center of the grand hall, her gaze calm and indifferent. She had expected that Chancellor Yang would be the first to censure her. At this moment, she could tell he was thoroughly incensed.
Le Yongcheng cast a worried glance at his daughter. Though he didn’t know why she had acted as she did, being summoned to the palace to answer to the emperor spelled trouble.
The emperor turned to Le Qianxue. “Le Qianxue, I have only just returned to the capital and already heard of this matter. For a young woman to cause such a disturbance in the Pear Blossom Pavilion is indeed improper.”
From these words, it was hard to tell if the emperor was truly angered, for he did not immediately mention punishment.
But Minister Li fell to his knees, weeping. “Your Majesty! But my son was crippled by Le Qianxue! For the rest of his life, he will never be a real man! Your Majesty, he is my only son!”
The emperor narrowed his eyes and his expression darkened upon hearing this. “What? Le Qianxue, you were so ferocious as to ruin a man’s life?”
Yet, Le Qianxue showed no regret. In a clear voice, she replied, “Perhaps Your Majesty should ask why your subject’s daughter struck Young Master Li so harshly.”
Minister Li turned to glare at her. “Le Qianxue! Your reputation in the capital is well known! Do you ever need a reason to strike someone?”
Le Qianxue answered, “Minister Li needn’t flatter me so.”
Le Yongcheng also stepped forward. “Your Majesty, though Qianxue can be a bit unruly at times, she would never attack someone without cause. I beg Your Majesty to judge wisely.”
Chancellor Yang’s voice was cold. “General Le has failed in teaching his daughter, yet you still defend her? She should be punished, so she learns her lesson and does not offend again!”
Le Yongcheng bristled at Chancellor Yang’s aggressive stance. He straightened his back and declared, “Chancellor Yang, my daughter is fine as she is. I see no fault in her. His Majesty will make his own decision. There is no need for you to insist so vehemently that Qianxue must be severely punished.”
“Is that not so?” Chancellor Yang retorted. “No one but your daughter would do such a shameful thing!”
The gathered officials murmured amongst themselves, their voices rising until the emperor grew weary of their squabbling.
He waved his hand. “Enough! There is no need for further argument. Le Qianxue, do you have anything to say in your defense?”
Given that her father was a great general, the emperor would not decide rashly.
Le Qianxue spoke in a serene tone, “I struck Young Master Li because he attempted to take liberties with me. As for the disturbance at the Pear Blossom Pavilion, that was because they were forcibly buying and selling young women. I may have no evidence for the former, but as for the latter, Your Majesty can send someone to investigate and the truth will come to light.”
The emperor frowned. In Tianlong, forced buying and selling was strictly forbidden, yet some dared to flout the law?
Chancellor Yang hastened to say, “Your Majesty, the Pear Blossom Pavilion has always conducted its business with propriety. How could they commit such acts?”
Le Qianxue smiled. “Chancellor Yang, as a high official, you are responsible for state affairs, yet you seem to know so intimately the workings of the Pear Blossom Pavilion?”
Having served long in the court, Chancellor Yang was not easily rattled by her sharp tongue. “As an official, it is my duty to be concerned for the people and be well informed, so that all may be at ease!”
Le Qianxue asked, “Then tell me, Chancellor, how many stalls are there under the Heavenly Bridge? How many inns are there in the capital?”
He scoffed, “How would I know such things? They are not my concern!”
“Exactly. If you don’t know those matters, why do you know so much about the Pear Blossom Pavilion? Unless you frequent the place yourself? Yet, the court has rules: as a minister, you must not patronize such establishments regularly.” Her reasoning was sharp and clear.
Chancellor Yang was left momentarily speechless. Le Qianxue’s tongue truly was formidable.
Seeing this, Minister Li cried out, “Your Majesty, whatever the case, Le Qianxue has indeed injured my son!”
The emperor paused to think, glancing again at Le Qianxue.
He then said, “Le Qianxue, though you defend yourself, you have no proof, and you did go too far. I will not concern myself with the matter of the Pear Blossom Pavilion, but you must be punished for injuring Minister Li’s son.”
Le Yongcheng tensed, about to speak, but the emperor raised his hand. Though Le Qianxue had reason, the fact remained she had harmed another.
“I shall punish you…”
But a voice from outside interrupted him, “Let her copy the Buddhist scriptures ten times as punishment!”
The emperor was surprised—who dared to interject?
A young man walked into the Qianlong Hall, bowing to the emperor. “Your son greets you, Father.”
Seeing him, the emperor’s heart filled with joy and he laughed. “So it’s Zhiyang! When did you return to the capital?”
The young man straightened. His hair was bound with a jade crown, his demeanor gentle and elegant, a faint, almost imperceptible smile on his lips—a strikingly handsome figure.
But his beauty was not as bold and intimidating as Zhan Lianjing’s; it invited a second glance, while Zhan Lianjing’s made others look away in fear.
The Third Prince, Yu Zhiyang, had left the palace to travel from a young age and seldom returned. Even when he did, only a few high officials had met him.
Chancellor Yang and Le Yongcheng both recognized him and paid their respects.
Le Qianxue met his gaze and was startled—it was him! Wasn’t this the man she’d met while evading Hao Yue’s pursuit, to whom she’d lent a cloak? She had given him a silver needle, telling him to collect some money from the general’s mansion, but he had never appeared, and over time, she’d forgotten the matter.
Yu Zhiyang smiled at her warmly.
He addressed the emperor, “I’ve only just returned today, but I’ve already heard several amusing tales—all concerning the general’s eldest daughter.”
The emperor nodded. “You do love to chase after lively stories.”
Yu Zhiyang continued to smile, turning to Le Qianxue. “Naturally. Besides, Le Qianxue is my friend. I know she can be mischievous, and perhaps she overstepped this time, but I ask that Father show mercy.”
The emperor pondered, glancing at Le Qianxue again.
Chancellor Yang hurriedly said, “Your Highness, if Le Qianxue is not punished, she will not learn her lesson and is sure to offend again.”
Yu Zhiyang replied, “Chancellor Yang is right. Father, since I have returned, allow Le Qianxue to attend lessons with me. With proper guidance, she will surely mend her ways.”
The emperor frowned. “Is that so?”
“If not, then I shall depart the capital again tomorrow,” Yu Zhiyang said.
The emperor immediately relented. “You have been away for years. It’s high time you stayed in the capital for a while. Very well, let Le Qianxue copy the Buddhist scriptures ten times, and from tomorrow, she will study with you. You are responsible for her instruction.”
This way, he could keep Yu Zhiyang in the capital, and letting Le Qianxue off lightly was of little consequence.
Minister Li’s heart shattered at these words. He tried to protest, but the emperor had already dismissed everyone, eager to spend time with Yu Zhiyang.
As Le Qianxue was about to leave, Yu Zhiyang blocked her path. “Do you remember me?”
“I do,” Le Qianxue replied, surprised to learn he was the Third Prince. “Thank you for your cloak.”
Yu Zhiyang’s smile deepened. “Think nothing of it. Wait half an hour for me, and we’ll leave the palace together.”
Le Qianxue was about to refuse, but he quickly took her hand and hooked his pinky with hers. “Good, you’ve agreed.”
She found it all rather baffling. Leaving the Qianlong Hall, she found Le Yongcheng waiting at the foot of the steps.
“Xue’er, you’re in trouble again,” he said. “When will you ever behave and be the proper young lady you’re meant to be?”
Le Qianxue turned away. “Father, should I not resist if Young Master Li tries to force himself on me?”
Le Yongcheng was stunned. “He always seemed so proper—how could he do such a thing?”
Since his daughter said so, he had no reason to doubt her. He had once thought highly of Young Master Li, even considered him a suitable son-in-law.
Le Qianxue said, “Many wear a mask of respectability, Father. You needn’t worry about me. I’ll choose my own husband.”
“Nonsense! Marriages are arranged by parents!” he objected.
“I don’t care for such customs. If I fancy someone, I’ll bring him home for your approval. If you agree, I’ll marry him. Will that do?”
Le Yongcheng, hearing this, found it agreeable. At least she still considered him in her heart.
He nodded. “That’s not too bad. Let’s leave the palace.”
“No, I must wait for the Third Prince,” Le Qianxue replied, a bit exasperated.
Le Yongcheng paused. “When did you and the Third Prince become acquainted?”
“Just last month,” she said. “Father, you go ahead.”
“Mind your manners with the Third Prince. He may have spent years away, but he’s the emperor’s favorite,” Le Yongcheng reminded her before departing.
Le Qianxue then waited outside the Qianlong Hall for half an hour, growing impatient. But as the sun set, she saw Yu Zhiyang at last emerge.
His robes fluttered elegantly, the azure fabric suiting him perfectly—not because the garment was fine, but because Yu Zhiyang made even the simplest attire look extraordinary.
He smiled broadly on seeing her still waiting. “You really waited for me.”
Le Qianxue replied, “You hooked my pinky, Your Highness. If I didn’t wait, wouldn’t I be breaking my word and have to be called a little dog?”
Yu Zhiyang laughed. “No need to take it so to heart. Come, let me treat you to a meal.”
“Your Highness helped me today,” Le Qianxue replied. “But I suspect you wanted me to treat you, didn’t you?”
“Smart girl,” Yu Zhiyang said. “I haven’t been back to the capital in ages. You decide where we go.”