Chapter 53: Penance at the Water Moon Hermitage
"Are you implying that the Grand General of the Realm's Armies, under my rule, is lying?" Although the tone of Bai Li Xuan Ye was soft, it carried an innate aura of authority and dominance.
"No, no, that's not it. The general was misled by the wicked, and I, your servant, have been truly wronged," Su Yu Xiang shivered even more violently, her heart pounding as if it wanted to leap out of her throat.
"Then tell me, who is this wicked person?" Bai Li Xuan Ye inquired.
"It's Su Yu Xin." Su Yu Xiang didn't hesitate in the least. "It's she who seduced the general, who fabricated rumors in front of the general, who conspired with Tao Hong and other wrongdoers."
"Who is called Zhu Da?" Feng Yao suddenly asked without warning.
"It's him." Su Yu Xiang pointed to the young man, blurting out his name.
"So, his name is Zhu Da." Feng Yao's eyes, dark as ink, seemed bottomless. "Didn't you previously claim you had never seen this person before?"
"I..." Su Yu Xiang's pretty face grew even paler, beads of sweat the size of beans rolling down her forehead. "I just remembered suddenly."
No one would believe such words from anyone else's mouth.
The Empress Dowager's gaze towards Su Yu Xiang became increasingly hostile. She detested women with such malicious intentions the most, as she herself had been framed similarly in her youth. Fortunately, the late Emperor believed in her; otherwise, she might have been reduced to a pile of bones by now.
Bai Li Xuan Ye looked at Su Yu Xin standing beside Feng Yao, composed and unruffled, and inexplicably felt that these two were perfectly matched. Initially, when Feng Yao petitioned for marriage, he had very low expectations. Upon investigating Su Yu Xin, he deemed her an unworthy match for the Grand General of the Realm's Armies, a mere useless individual. However, Feng Yao persisted vigorously, and in the end, he relented.
He thought these two would never get along and that once Feng Yao grew tired of her, he would decree their separation and find someone more suitable for Feng Yao.
He even made a bet with the Empress Dowager on whether they could endure for two years.
But now, looking at them...
Bai Li Xuan Ye stroked his chin, feeling like he was about to lose.
"Su Yu Xin," Bai Li Xuan Ye suddenly called.
"Your servant is here," Su Yu Xin curtseyed, respectful but not subservient.
"Earlier, Su Yu Xiang accused you of seducing the general. What is your response?" Bai Li Xuan Ye smirked and asked.
"Your servant is the legally wedded wife of the general. How can there be talk of seduction? Even if it were a young and passionate love, it should be deemed as deep affection," Su Yu Xin replied, lifting her gaze. Her eyes, dark and shining, resembled superior black gemstones.
"Fairly said." Bai Li Xuan Ye nodded. "And about Su Yu Xiang's claim that you wronged her?"
"Her words are riddled with holes, and the evidence and witnesses are present. Your Majesty, chosen by heaven, is exceptionally wise. Your servant has no need to explain further," Su Yu Xin's voice was melodious, warm, yet did not lack the tender charm of a young girl.
"Your words are pleasing to the ears," Bai Li Xuan Ye smiled and said. "Su Yu Xiang, did Peach Blossom serve as her maidservant? Surely they conspired together..."
"Silence!" Su Yu Xiang's words were interrupted sharply by Li De Fu. "In the inner court of the palace, in front of His Majesty, you dare raise your voice?"
"Your Majesty, I beg your pardon. I was just momentarily agitated and couldn't control myself," Su Yu Xiang hurriedly bowed, cold sweat instantly drenching her back.
At that moment, a young eunuch entered to report, "Your Majesty, Minister Su requests an audience."
A glimmer of hope lit up in Su Yu Xiang's heart. Her father, a senior official of the court, must have come to rescue her.
"I'm busy now. Let him wait outside," Bai Li Xuan Ye said indifferently.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the young eunuch replied before bowing and exiting.
Su Yu Xiang felt as though she had been struck in the head. Was the emperor refusing to see her father, an important court official?
Suddenly, she remembered the secret she accidentally discovered many years ago, and her delicate body couldn't help but tremble. If it was true, would she be able to escape this time?
The fear in Su Yu Xiang's heart grew stronger.
Even when Bai Li Xuan Ye inquired of her again, she didn't dare conceal anything and confessed everything.
Neither Zhu Da nor Tao Hong said a word.
Su Yu Xin also found this strange. Was it due to the overwhelming imperial authority? But just a while ago, she was being defiant. How come she suddenly confessed to everything?
Normally, with her father present, she wouldn't have stopped struggling. But by admitting guilt, there would be no room for maneuvering.
Su Yu Xin couldn't understand it after pondering for a long time.
Never mind, she decided to let it go. Su Yu Xiang had already confessed.
After Su Yu Yu admitted her guilt, Bai Li Xuan Ye summoned Su Ming Zhe.
Su Ming Zhe, anxious outside, entered the hall and paid his respects without standing up.
"What does this mean, Minister Su?" Bai Li Xuan Ye frowned.
"I failed to manage my subordinates properly, leading to some scoundrels taking advantage of my daughter's status to do despicable things, causing chaos," Su Ming Zhe said.
"Minister Su, Su Yu Xiang has already confessed everything," Feng Yao coldly glanced at Su Ming Zhe.
"What?" Su Ming Zhe couldn't believe it and looked at Su Yu Xiang.
"It's all my fault. I brought shame to the family," Su Yu Xiang dared not raise her head, kneeling there, trembling uncontrollably.
"This is..." Su Ming Zhe only realized halfway through his words, sighed, and continued, "It's my inability to properly teach my daughter."
If this were a yamen, he would certainly have asked, "Is this a forced confession?" But this was the palace, the Golden Hall. His Majesty personally interrogated her; there was no such thing as a "forced confession."
"Very well, then I decree that Su Yu Xiang is to spend three months at the Water Moon Hermitage in penance, copying the Heart Sutra ten times daily. Minister Su, for failing to discipline your daughter, your salary will be suspended for three months. Do you have any objections?" Bai Li Xuan Ye asked.
"Your servant dares not. I will comply," Su Ming Zhe said respectfully.
"And you, no more clinging to your late wife's dowry. It's improper," Bai Li Xuan Ye added.
"I am ashamed. I have never concerned myself with matters of the rear court. Today, I immediately dispatched people to organize the accounts and send all the house deeds and land deeds to the Grand General
's residence," Su Ming Zhe promptly shifted all responsibility onto Lu Shi Yan.
"As for these two servants, let the Grand General's residence deal with them," Bai Li Xuan Ye glanced at Zhu Da and Tao Hong, who were kneeling on the ground.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your judgment. I am grateful for your grace," Feng Yao bowed deeply.
Su Yu Xin followed beside Feng Yao and also paid her respects.
"You may rise." Bai Li Xuan Ye waved his hand and then glanced at Su Yu Xin, saying, "Today, the General's wife has suffered injustice."
"With Your Majesty dispensing justice, I do not feel wronged," Su Yu Xin said respectfully.
"Now that the matter has been dealt with, you may withdraw," Bai Li Xuan Ye waved his hand dismissively, his interest fading.
He came to watch the spectacle, hoping to see a different expression from the perennial ice block. Yet from start to finish, it remained just as cold and uninteresting.
At that moment, the Imperial Noble Consort suddenly nudged Bai Li Xuan Ye's arm.
Bai Li Xuan Ye turned to see her subtly gesture with her lips. He followed her gaze and was completely stunned.
Because Feng Yao was naturally holding Su Yu Xin's hand, and between them, there was an indulgent smile.
Bai Li Xuan Ye rubbed his eyes.
What in the world!
Is it raining red in the heavens?
His Grand General of the Realm's Armies was actually smiling!