Chapter 529 - 520 Acting
Marquis Chu, seeing the astonished expressions of the third lady and Afu, said, "Everyone, please take a seat." He then briefly outlined the events that had transpired.
Apparently, the emperor had managed to attend court despite his ill health, and had started by praising Marquis Chu for his vast contributions in supporting the Crown Prince to defeat the Second Prince’s party, demonstrating unparalleled strategic wisdom. He also commended him for disciplining Princess Rong Zhao appropriately on his behalf. Since he was no longer a prince consort, he should no longer shirk his responsibilities and was thus appointed as the Right Army Commander and the Grand Preceptor, both of the first rank...
However, upon hearing this, Marquis Chu was terrified. The emperor’s incessant praises of his immense contributions were veiled criticisms of his overreaching influence. By claiming that Marquis Chu had disciplined the princess on his behalf, he was implying that Marquis Chu harbored disloyal intentions.
Even if Marquis Chu had not planned to retire from his official duties, upon hearing the emperor’s words, he did not dare to continue serving in his capacity.
Moreover, although there were currently three people in the court holding honorary titles such as Grand Preceptor or Grand Tutor, they were all well into their sixties and none of them held any substantial power. Marquis Chu was aware that if he dared to accept these two positions today, the emperor would find an excuse to deal with him the next day, and his entire family could be put in danger.
Without hesitation, he knelt down and declined the offer. He admitted to his shortcomings, confessing that he had committed treason by attacking the princess in a fit of rage. Although the emperor had a large heart and did not hold it against him, he felt the need to constantly reflect upon his actions. Furthermore, he cited his poor health as a reason for him to be unfit to serve in the court. Not only did he refuse to hold public office, he also promised to transfer his title of Marquis Yong’an to Chu Lingxuan, his son, upon his return. After that, he would retire to the countryside for health and self-reflection reasons.
The emperor was not pleased, insisting that Marquis Chu had done right in disciplining the princess and that he was still in his prime, capable of many contributions to the court. Admitting laziness was not an option.
Deeply moved by the "Emperor’s boundless grace" and embarrassed that he could not share the emperor’s worries, Marquis Chu remained kneeling and sobbed uncontrollably, expressing his remorse for betraying the emperor’s kindness and overstepping his boundaries by hitting the princess. He mentioned his health struggles, including his weak legs and waist, and his difficulty in breathing. The doctor suggested that his condition could improve if he retired to the countryside...