Chapter 1146 - 262: Death Comes_2
"You don’t know?" Xiao Guangzhao asked.
Pei Qin nodded, "I’ve heard some rumors, but I’ve been busy making fireworks lately, so the only free time I had was during meals and restroom breaks; I haven’t paid attention to the rumors outside."
Seeing her confused look, Xiao Guangzhao’s mouth twitched as he raised the matter of Jian Xiao, "... The officials at the Imperial Court are causing trouble, demanding that Pei Wendong be stripped of his scholarly title, strictly forbidding him from taking part in the imperial examination. It’s really troubling for me to have to protect you!"
After saying this, if Pei Qin had been perceptive, she should have voluntarily suggested that Pei Wendong not participate in the examination. With the Emperor supporting him, although he wouldn’t be able to hold office, he would still lead a prosperous life! Most importantly, Pei Wendong needed to take responsibility for Princess Xiyun and marry the Deposed Prince’s daughter.
But Pei Qin was not perceptive and even had a thick face, "Your Majesty, don’t bother with them; they’re just fussing about because they have nothing better to do! The previous Emperor issued the decree about Jian Xiao, and there are many others with the same status; would they all be forbidden to live normally? Wouldn’t that go against the original intention of the decree?"
"Indeed," Xiao Guangzhao laughed, "Let’s have Pei Wendong lay low for now and prepare for the next spring examination. He’s still young. In a few more years, he will surely silence those critics!" He forcefully decided that Pei Wendong could not participate in this term’s examinations.
Pei Qin cursed inwardly, her face distressed, "There are four great joys in life: meeting an old friend in a foreign place, encountering rain after a long drought, spending the wedding night, and being ranked on the Golden List. My brother’s talents may not be the very best, but they certainly stand out. If he is not allowed to take the examination, I’m afraid he might be profoundly discouraged, and the Imperial Court would then lose a great talent! How about this? Could Your Majesty grant my brother a marriage?"
"A marriage grant? To which lady?" Xiao Guangzhao knew deep inside, but he feigned ignorance with a smile.
Pei Qin sighed, "It’s a debt of gratitude I owe! The debt of a sister to be repaid by the brother! Princess Xiyun approached me... that day! As a result, they ended up fighting but reconciled, and things happened which now require responsibility. If you, Your Majesty, would decree a marriage, both Prince Anping and the Princess would surely appreciate it!" Appreciating your magnanimity, not having exterminated your brothers upon ascending to the throne!
Xiao Guangzhao frowned, "’Things happened’—is this to say that Pei Wendong behaved improperly?"
Pei Qin retorted shamelessly, "More or less!" Since he’s going to marry the princess, he surely couldn’t speak ill of her! Besides, it was Mo Heng who messed things up, and he hadn’t explained himself yet!