Why Harem Intrigue When You Can Just Raise a Dog Instead

The weather had only cleared up for a short while, and when the third day of the lunar year arrived there was another heavy snowfall. After one night passed, the entire capital transformed into a vast expanse of whiteness, until it was hard to tell the difference between the sky and the earth from a distance.

It was just past 8 am,[1]but the usually deserted eastern main street was bustling with noise and excitement. Every family and household dispatched someone to clear the thick snow from their entryways so that it would be more convenient for the imperial procession to pass through.

Yes, today was the day that Virtuous Consort was to return home and visit relatives, personally accompanied by the Emperor.

Without exception, those who lived on the eastern main street were noble, well-established families. Even if the Emperor was only passing through, no family dared to show the slightest negligence.

As for the meaning hidden behind Virtuous Consorts visit to her parents, some were envious while others remained unconcerned.

Hadnt Gracious Consort also been personally accompanied by the Emperor to return home and visit her relatives? What was the result? Just a few days later, she had been banished to the Cold Palace and the Shen familys ten degrees of kin had been put to death. Therefore, it was hard to say whether this visit was lucky or unfortunate.

Imperial Duke Meng had a clearer understanding than others of the principle that luck and misfortune were interdependent. Therefore, the household was lowkey from top to bottom, from the masters to the servants. The sky had still not brightened when the whole family had already opened the gates of their manor and spread out a scarlet rug in front of the door, braving the cold to respectfully wait for the Emperors arrival.

The bright yellow-coloured imperial palanquin galloped speedily through the heavily-guarded and cleanly swept eastern main street.

On both sides of the street, all of the rich and meritorious noble families opened their main gates and knelt in welcome. Only once the long procession passed them did they dare to get up.

They quickly arrived at the Imperial Dukes manor. Under the strict surveillance of the imperial guards, the young, handsome monarch lifted the curtains and alighted the imperial palanquin in a few large strides. After that, he personally lifted the palanquin curtain and extended a hand towards Virtuous Consort, who was sitting inside.

A fair and delicate lily-white hand was placed in his palm. The monarch unconsciously exposed a gentle smile before tightly gripping the proffered hand and helping the beautiful woman out of the palanquin. His attitude was attentive in every way.

The two people stood side by side, hand in hand. One was peerlessly handsome and the other was incomparably gorgeous. From head to foot, they exuded a noble, threatening aura. In the blink of an eye, they truly looked like a match made in heaven.

Glancing at the newly appointed commander of the Forbidden Dragon Guards, who had sent over a sullen gaze, the light in the young monarchs eyes turned satisfied in a flash.

This humble official respectfully greets Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty! Imperial Duke Meng took two steps forward and half-knelt in salute. The Meng family behind him kowtowed in an orderly manner.

You may rise. Please quickly get up, Imperial Duke. The Emperor stepped forward to support Imperial Duke Meng. His attitude was very amicable.

Imperial Duke Meng bowed and extended an arm, making an inviting gesture. The procession stepped on the felt rug and headed towards the main entrance.

However, unexpectedly, a thirteen or fourteen-year-old young lady suddenly rushed out of the crowd. She knelt in front of the Emperor and loudly cried out her grievance, immediately freezing the scene.

Imperial Duke Meng abruptly turned his head to look back, and his dagger-sharp gaze ruthlessly zeroed in on Meng Ruizhu. Meng Ruizhu, who had snuck outside without permission to broaden her horizons, returned an embarrassed look before hiding behind Aunt Wen and shivering.

As she caught sight of the noble households who had surrounded their entrance to welcome the Emperor, whether they were indulging in schadenfreude, didnt concern themselves, or sympathized with the Meng familys anxious gazes, she knew that she had caused a massive disaster.

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You dare to alarm His Majesty! Someone come and drag her away! Changxi used his horsetail whisk to brush away the young lady as he raised his voice to yell at the nearby imperial bodyguards.

The young lady tightly gripped the felt rug on the ground. From her sharp, piercing voice, which could fully be heard from far away, it was clear she wanted to deliberately cause a big scene. May Your Majesty bring justice for this common girls father. This common girls father was killed by Meng Changxiong. His death was unjust!

The surrounding noble families cried out in alarm and began to talk among themselves. They craned their necks after another to see what was going on.

It was likely it wouldnt even be a day before this matter spread widely throughout the capital. Even if they wanted to suppress it, it would be impossible. The Emperor had accompanied two concubines to visit their relatives, and two visits had ended in chaos. This was too much of a coincidence!

Meng Sangyu narrowed her eyes and looked askance at the young girl kneeling before her. Her eyes were incredibly cold.

This young girl was her younger female cousin on her fathers side, the second branchs legitimate daughter, Meng Yanyu. She had been haughty and imperious as well as impulsive and reckless since she was young.

This hadnt improved much during these last few years when she had lived in the borderlands. It seemed that the second branch wouldnt be willing to leave matters alone until they had caused the death of the main branch![2]

She unconsciously tightened her grip as she thought this, and the Emperor, who was holding her hand, immediately sensed her unease and anger. He lightly patted the back of her hand to comfort her.

After that, he dismissed the imperial bodyguard who had stepped forward and leaned over to take a look at thebattered and exhausted[3]young lady. If they dragged her away now, it would only bring shame upon the Meng family. Why not resolve this while everyone was watching?[4]He clearly understood why Meng Yanyu was crying out in grievance.

Who are you? Though he spoke gently, his firm voice hinted at his majestic presence, making Meng Yanyu feel intimidated.[5]

Everyone in the Meng family observed that the monarch intended to investigate, and everyones faces revealed panic. This made even Imperial Duke Meng, who could command an army of thousands unperturbed,[6]unconsciously grind his teeth.

Todays incident was too fishy. How could a young girl have the courage to obstruct the Emperor? There had to be someone inciting her.If this person was His Majesty

As he thought this, a bone-chilling cold crept upwards from the soles of his feet. No wonder His Majesty hadnt accepted his tiger tally! It was because his prestige within the army was too great, and he wanted to feel assured by eradicating the problem from the root.[7]

Imperial Duke Meng shut his eyes, feeling desolate in his heart.

Meng Sangyu had the same thoughts as her father. Her lowered eyes were filled with unwillingness and hatred. Her hand slightly trembled in the mans grasp.

How could Emperor Zhouwu not be able to guess the thoughts of this father-daughter pair and the suffering they felt from having to hold in their thoughts? His expression darkened even more.

Fixing her gaze on the monarchs hard-to-fathom expression, Meng Yanyu continued to kowtow forcefully.

She lamented, Reporting to Your Majesty, this common girl is the daughter of Left General Meng Changzhi, Meng Yanyu. This ones father did not die in battle, but was secretly ambushed by Meng Changxiong before the troops began to march! May Your Majesty please seek justice for this common girls father!

How do you know that your father was secretly ambushed by Imperial Duke Meng? As his blood-related elder brother, why would he do this? Emperor Zhouwu asked heavily.

Replying to Your Majesty, Meng Changxiong did this in order to steal this girls fathers military achievements. This matter is the absolute truth! Meng Yanyus words held conviction, seeming as if she was just shy of making a vow to the heavens.

Meng Sangyu sneered coldly and she let out a rarified huff. Emperor Zhouwu squeezed her ice-cold fingertips, raised his eyebrows, and said, As far as Zhen knows, firstly, your father had no ability, nor any courage or insight. It was only thanks to his connection with Imperial Duke Meng that he was able to be promoted to the rank of Left General at all. This claim that Imperial Duke Meng wanted to steal your fathers military achievements and killed him for it, putting aside whether others believe it, do you even believe it yourself?

Imperial Duke Mengs valour was unparalleled and his military achievements were outstanding. All of Great Zhous people knew this. If one said that he wanted to steal his own blood-related younger brothers military achievements, it would undoubtedly be a farce.

Meng Yanyu was very clear about her fathers capabilities. Right now, her expression looked especially awkward. Her mouth opened and closed, unsure how to reply.

At this moment, an approximately thirty-year-old woman wearing mourning clothes walked out of the main gate, supported by a sixteen- to seventeen-year-old youth.

She knelt before the Emperor, and after heavily kowtowing, said, Reporting to Your Majesty, this officials wife is Meng Changzhis wife from the Wang clan. This is this officials wifes eldest son, Meng Yanqi, and second child, Meng Yanyu. Regardless of why Meng Changxiong wanted to harm this ones husband, it is indisputably true that he did. This officials wife has a witness. He has hidden in a village on the outskirts of the capital, and this one can bring him to present his account in front of Your Majesty.

Who would have thought that there would actually be a witness? The person behind this must have great influence, to be able to exploit an advantage right under Imperial Duke Mengs nose.Emperor Zhouwu silently pondered, his brows furrowing.

Noticing Meng Sangyus face becoming increasingly pale and that even her fingertips were trembling, he couldnt bear to loiter any longer. Emperor Zhouwu waved a hand and said, Theres no need for a witness. He turned to look at Changxi. Go and invite Commander Yan. Tell him to bring over the evidence collected previously.

Hearing this, Imperial Duke Mengs heart constricted. He raised the hem of his robe and took the initiative to kneel before the Emperor. Upon seeing this, everyone in the Meng family knelt along with him.

Evidence collected by the Embroidered Uniform Guard was naturally irrefutable. The only thing that they could do right now was wait for His Majestys ruling.

Meng Sangyus body stiffened and chilled from head to foot. She wanted to extract her hand from the monarchs grip, but he firmly held onto her.

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Madam Wang bowed her head and wiped her tears. Her expression was full of bitter resentment and elation. If the accusations against Meng Changxiong were proven, the second branch of the family would be the masters of this Imperial Dukes manor.

Yan Junwei arrived quickly and deferentially presented the stack of secret reports.

Emperor Zhouwu took the reports and threw them in front of Madam Wang. He said coldly, Its true that Imperial Duke Meng killed Meng Changzhi. These documents show the reason behind his actions.

Madam Wang and her son and daughter swiftly picked up the secret reports and read through them. Once they had read through all of the content, their pleasantly-surprised expressions were replaced with absolute panic.

Meng Changzhi colluded with Xie Zhenghao and Shen Zhongliang. They desired to eliminate Imperial Duke Meng and seize control of the military. This is the crime of treason, punishable by the execution of ones nine degrees of kin. Owing to the fact that Imperial Duke Meng placed righteousness before blood ties, Zhen originally thought of letting this matter rest. But you insisted on digging to the bottom of this affair, so Zhen has no choice but to indulge you.

Saying this, Emperor Zhouwu paused and squeezed Sangyus slightly tepid fingertips before continuing, Imperial Duke Meng destroyed Yehulan Wangs imperial palace. His meritorious achievements are great enough to counteract the punishment of executing all nine degrees of kin. However, your immediate familys capital offence cannot be excused. Someone come! Throw the Meng familys second branch into the Celestial Prison! Execute them after the Lunar New Year!

The Imperial bodyguards sounded their agreement and advanced forward to detain the three people. Madam Wang and Meng Yanyu had long fainted from fright.

Although Meng Yanqi was unlikely to go as far as to faint, his whole body convulsed with fear while tears overflowed.[8]He pulled at Meng Changxiongs trouser leg, shouting Uncle! Save us! Only just now did he understand the meaning of regret.[9]

Meng Changxiong had already shown the utmost benevolence[10]to the second branch, and had long sorely understood their ungrateful nature.[11]He had no desire to help them plead for leniency, but the surrounding people were watching them, so he couldnt cut them off too cleanly.

He immediately kowtowed on the spot and said, May Your Majesty spare their lives for the sake of this humble official. His tone was indifferent.

Everyone in the Meng family kowtowed along.

Among the Meng family, parents knelt equally with children to spare the lives of the second branch. With so many eyes upon them, even if they were unwilling in their hearts, they still had to model benevolence and righteousness.

Meng Sangyu [finally] extracted her hand from the Emperors grip, raised the hem of her skirt, and unhurriedly knelt before him, saying mildly, May Your Majesty spare them from death.

Even though she said this, her lowered eyes were filled with killing intent. If His Majesty truly spared the lives of the second branch, in the future, she would be sure to think of a way to make her father eliminate them completely.

As the saying went, never bully a poor youth.[12]Although Madam Wang and Meng Yanyu were of no consequence, Meng Yanqi was still extremely shrewd and full of schemes. He wasnt weak, either. Leaving him alive would bring about disaster sooner or later.

Moreover, there was definitely someone pulling the strings behind todays matter. Otherwise, how would Madam Wangs family of orphans be able to bring back a witness from the frontier and hide them in a village on the outskirts of the capital?

After today, it was necessary to ask her father to ferret out the one behind this and return an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth!

Emperor Zhouwu grasped Meng Sangyus chin and raised her small face. Catching sight of the killing intent that she hadnt been able to hide in time, he lightly smiled. He recalled what Sangyu had said before: Never underestimate anyone, especially your enemies.

Sangyu was dreadfully callous towards her enemies but unimaginably soft towards those she cared about. It was precisely this contradictory yet unfiltered characteristic of hers that made him completely enchanted by her, to the point where he couldnt free himself from her spell. Since Sangyu was unwilling, he needed to satisfy her intentions.

Even though Our beloved consort is pleading for leniency. He pulled Sangyu up strongly. Catching the flash of nervousness on her face, he smiled with interest, but his manner of speaking abruptly turned cold. Zhen still must not be excessively tolerant. Someone come, drag them away!

Meng Sangyu subtly let out a breath of relief, but her face showed a sorrowful expression.

Imperial Duke Meng was supported to stand by the Emperor, and he hesitantly opened his mouth to speak. Your Majesty, todays visit to ones relatives. After this kind of event had happened, he was afraid that the Emperor wouldnt be in the mood to stay.

Lets go in. Sangyu hasnt returned in a long time. Emperor Zhouwu wrapped an arm around Sangyus shoulder, his voice indescribably gentle and dripping with indulgence.

Imperial Duke Meng promptly nodded in agreement. Thinking back to how he had doubted the Emperor, he felt extremely ashamed. Since the person behind this was not His Majesty, he was determined to make that person suffer with no hope of reprieve.

Seeing the gates of the Imperial Dukes manor shut tightly behind them with the imperial guards on alert outside, all of the spectators from noble and meritorious families vexedly returned to their homes.

They had thought that this imperial visit was spoiled, but they never imagined that the Emperor wouldnt be the least bit concerned. It was apparent that Virtuous Consort weighed heavily in His Majestys heart!

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