Chapter 1780: Chapter 1782: What Does It Mean for the Emperor to Praise a Maid Like This?
"Hmph, if you had learned properly, you should know a thing or two. Ye Haoxuan is the current Prince An, regardless of his age this year, regardless of where he was born or raised, he is a prince personally conferred by the Emperor."
Yang Chuxia glanced at the children from both families and continued, "Those who have learned proper etiquette should know what the offense is for insulting a royal prince, and what the offense is for slandering a royal prince behind his back. Don’t even mention being beaten, even if he were beaten again, it would be deserved. And you, Madam Tong and Old Madam Luo, speak continuously about how heartless and ruthless the two sons of the Ye Family are. Is there anything wrong with Prince An defending his own reputation? Yet, you not only fail to recognize this, but also speak in such a manner, just for this, you deserve to be punished."
After speaking, Yang Chuxia knelt down, "Emperor, I had not intended today’s matter to disturb you, but it has ended up before you, for which I feel deeply ashamed. However, I beseech the Emperor to uphold justice for my son in this matter today. How can a prince personally conferred by you be freely discussed and criticized?"
Yang Chuxia’s speech made the men present secretly applaud in their hearts; this was how a complaint should be made, with reason and evidence.
Every sentence hit the mark, unlike the previous two, who sounded like two people with a combined age over a hundred, yet making things difficult for two children; truly lacking generosity.
However, her words made both Old Madam Luo and Madam Tong bewildered, as they instinctively overlooked this point, that the matter of Lele being a prince was neglected. Had they not overlooked it, they would have only accused Yangyang, not both of them together.
One wrong move leads to all subsequent moves being wrong.
"Absurd!" The Emperor was displeased. Regardless of the original intent behind conferring the title, it was not permissible to question it. "A prince that I conferred, yet you gossip behind the scenes, what is it? Discontent with my decrees?"
"Pardon, Your Majesty, the little grandchildren are ignorant and unaware of the severity of the situation, begging for Your Majesty’s leniency!"
"Nonsense, if little children are truly ignorant, how could they speak such idle words?" the Emperor declared. "It must be you adults often speaking in private, otherwise how would children know?"
Then the Emperor continued, "The Luo and Tong Residences, each fined a thousand taels. If similar rumors spread again, a fine of ten thousand taels shall be imposed."
Following this, he continued, "This last rule is not just for the Tong and Luo Residences, spread it around, the same applies to all other residences. I just cannot believe, is my decision something for others to gossip about?"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Soon, a young eunuch went out to deliver the message.
Meanwhile, the State Duchess and Old Madam Luo were dumbfounded. What is this? Trying to steal a chicken only to end up losing a handful of rice?
Originally intended to lodge a complaint, but failed and instead lost a thousand taels of silver?
Old Madam Luo cursed silently, this wicked woman is fiercely clever, looks like planning is needed.
"The common woman thanks the Emperor for standing up for her son!"
As the Emperor spoke, Yang Chuxia was satisfied, and she expressed her gratitude.
"Rise!"
Upon the Emperor’s word, a maid played by Mu Shaoling stepped forward to help her up.
Ye Zi’an’s eyes twitched.
Yet the Emperor glanced at this maid repeatedly.
"This maid of yours is quite unique!" the Emperor commented.
"Replying to Your Majesty, this is an exotic beauty. I find her pleasing to the eye, so I didn’t refuse when she was gifted."
"Indeed, quite a distinctive appearance," the Emperor praised again.
Yang Chuxia pondered over what the Emperor meant by lavishly praising a maid.