Chapter 1036: Transforming into a Different Kind of Father-in-law (1)
If Xiao Xiong were merely incompetent, Emperor Huian would not have stripped him of his title in a fit of anger. However, by digging his own grave, not only did he condone Lady Wei’s private issuance of loans with interest, but he also shielded her family’s relatives who committed multiple evildoings, resulting in several lives being lost.
Such a person, who contributed nothing to the state, lacked personal virtue, yet held a high position and squandered the Court’s resources, was not someone Emperor Huian could tolerate. Moreover, Xiao Ruiqing dared to commit fratricide; in Emperor Huian’s heart, it was likely that any mistake his own son made was led astray by such an unscrupulous person. Not only was he unwilling to pardon this "chief culprit," but even the family members of the "chief culprit" would not have an easy time either.
For various reasons, Xiao Xiong became the first Lord Hou in Great Chu’s history who was not dead, nor had his family’s property confiscated, yet lost his title.
The Imperial Edict issued by Emperor Huian won him much praise among the people and somewhat consoled the depressed monarch.
Through this ordeal, while Emperor Huian did not imprison Xiao Xiong, considering the past contributions his ancestors made to Great Chu, Xiao Xiong, without a title or official position, became a commoner and would have to rely on Xiao Ruiyuan for the rest of his life.
Compared to Xiao Xiong, who still had the possibility of continuing to live in luxury, Lady Wei was not so fortunate. Her private issuance of loans had already violated the criminal laws of Great Chu and she was to be held accountable by law. Besides, she had also helped her family’s relatives commit multiple atrocities, costing several lives, so she was thrown into jail on the same day. Once Xiao Ruiqing was brought back to the capital, mother and son would be tried together.