Chapter 741 - 739: Unforeseen Disaster?
The Emperor coughed lightly, rather undignifiedly touching his nose as he suppressed the smile that almost escaped his lips. By now, Emperor Qianqing was beginning to understand why Ye Xinyan had such a temperament. Having been raised by such a grandfather, it would be even more outlandish if the child were able to conform rigidly to the norms.
After reining in his amusement, the Emperor felt his voice return to its calm timbre, expressing his displeasure towards Duke An, "Among those present yesterday were pillars of our nation; they should have been afforded some respect, not relentlessly pursued when right. Your granddaughter’s behavior was somewhat excessive."
Hearing the Emperor’s judgment, Han Yanhui and others immediately felt as though they had found their backbone.
Right, right, look, there’s someone sensible, right? His Majesty said: your child’s actions were excessive! We didn’t dare argue because of your child’s threats, but you must listen to His Majesty, mustn’t you?
Duke An glanced dryly at the few court officials stirring restlessly and responded, "What His Majesty says is true. This humble servant will certainly admonish his granddaughter to be more restrained should a similar incident arise."
Damn, there’s a next time! His Majesty has spoken, and your granddaughter needs to only be ’somewhat’ restrained? You old fool, are you sure you didn’t misspeak?
The Emperor did not correct Duke An’s verbal error but said indifferently, "Then let her be fined half a year’s official salary as a warning."
Only then was Duke An struck with astonishment. He puzzledly raised his head; in his memory, such a fine was a thing of the distant past—here he was, with one foot in the grave, and yet he was still seeing such a penalty imposed.
Your Majesty, my official salary is quite high, half a year! This wretched girl, she’ll have to use her own earnings to offset the household expenses once I get back.
"Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace," Duke An’s astonishment lasted only a moment before he bowed deeply in gratitude.
Han Yanhui and others looked at His Majesty the Emperor with surprise and joy; if not for the inappropriate atmosphere, they would have knelt and loudly praised His Majesty’s wisdom.
However, what the Emperor said next hit everyone like a lightning bolt, "Beloved Minister Ye, go back and warn Ye Xinyan to speak and act cautiously and to dutifully complete this project for the court. As long as she behaves properly, no one will dare to slander her."