Lord Chengen saw the look in the imperial concubine's eyes and suddenly had an inspiration, quickly saying, "Take these scholars down!"
The imperial concubine clutched her handkerchief tightly. It was over. Was her elder brother mad?
Fortunately, Second Master Yao wasn't completely foolish. No matter how the Yao family fought internally, they were still one family to outsiders.
"Elder brother was too eager to retain talent for the Sage, and his words were a bit rash. Please forgive him, sirs!" Yao Zhinian said with a smile.
Although Lord Chengen was displeased with his second brother for currying favor with the Sage again, it did give him an out. "This minister misspoke."
"I fear Marquis Chengen did not misspeak, but rather acted tyrannically due to his power. It's no wonder the young lady from the Duke of Dingguo's manor dared not accept your manor's apology," Zhou Zixuan sighed.
"The late Duke of Dingguo was a great general who fought alongside Emperor Taizu. His military achievements were illustrious, and he was personally enfeoffed as Duke by Emperor Taizu. He is now buried with honors in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Yet, only a few years after his passing, his descendants are subjected to such humiliation. I wonder if he can rest in peace," someone quickly chimed in.
"My daughter thanks you all for showing consideration for my grandfather's reputation and protecting a junior. Please accept a bow from my daughter!" Yu Mingyue and her brother bowed to the scholars who had spoken for them.
Everyone quickly returned the bow. The siblings had Cui family blood, and they had all studied at the Cui family academy. The Cui family had been kind to them.
"My grandfather always admonished the descendants of the Yu family: a tree that grows a thousand feet has roots, and a river that flows ten thousand miles has a source. The ancestors of the Yu family were merely farmers in Hebei Province, struggling to even have enough to eat."
"Later, my grandfather was fortunate enough to follow Emperor Taizu. Emperor Taizu said, 'Are kings and generals born to their stations?' My grandfather was deeply inspired. All the glory of the Duke of Dingguo's manor today is bestowed by the Sage. The Yu family will never forget this kindness. If you all leave today because of this young lady, I will have no face to see my grandfather, nor will I be able to bear the Sage's benevolence. I implore you all to stay."
The upbringing and heritage of a family could be glimpsed from its younger generation. The difference between the Yu and Yao families was evident at this moment.
The scholars felt a bit ashamed and cupped their hands towards the Sage, saying, "It was our rashness, Your Majesty, please forgive us."
The Sage laughed heartily, "It is difficult for one person to achieve much, but easy for many to work together. My Great Wei has such talented individuals working in unison, and the common people have hope!"
"Your Majesty flatters us."
The Sage breathed a sigh of relief, growing even more pleased with Yu Mingyue. The Duke of Dingguo's manor was indeed commendable.
"Sixth daughter, you have been wronged today. Whatever punishment you wish to impose on Lord Chengen's manor, I will grant it," the Sage said kindly.
"The Duke of Dingguo's manor has always been benevolent. This subject's daughter does not wish to make enemies. I only ask that Lord Chengen's manor not trouble me again. I am not afraid of being wronged, but I fear causing my parents worry and implicating the Duke's manor."
The Sage narrowed his eyes and spoke after a long pause, "Sixth daughter is magnanimous, but there are laws for the state. Madam Luo of Lord Chengen's manor, having committed insubordination by colliding with the family members of the Duke's manor, is confined for half a year. Lord Chengen, for abetting his wife's aggression, will have his salary docked for one year. Henceforth, no one from Lord Chengen's manor shall seek trouble for this matter. Should anyone violate this, I shall not forgive them lightly."
The Duke of Dingguo's manor held a higher rank than Lord Chengen's manor. For the latter's family members to provoke the former's was indeed insubordination.
"Your Majesty is wise," General Song quickly said.
Indeed, karma comes around. He had been fined three months' salary because of the Yao family. Now Yao Zhihuan was fined one year's salary, and he felt like he had gained.
General Song was the Sage's confidant among the court officials, a general of the Imperial Guards, loyal only to the Sage.
As General Song offered his flattery, other ministers followed suit, as none wished to be left behind.
It was the Shangsi Festival, and not only ministers but also commoners had come out for a spring outing. Seeing that the Emperor had handled the matter impartially, without favoring the Yao family due to Consort Yao, everyone exclaimed, "Your Majesty is wise! Long live His Majesty, long, long live!"