PNB Chapter 165: Saving the Crazy Mistress in Sheep's Clothing
Chapter 165: Saving the Crazy Mistress in Sheep's Clothing
That year, after the Queen Mother's issue was resolved, Xiao Qing'an was named King of Jin, and Ling Han granted him a fiefdom. Xiao Qing'an later moved to the fiefdom and lived a relatively peaceful life.
When natural disasters occurred in Jiang State, he would open his fiefdom and accommodate some refugees, so people in the country praised him as a kind-hearted prince.
At this moment, Xiao Qing'an received Ling Han's summons and was very confused. After all, in all these years, he only entered the palace to pay tribute during festivals and holidays. This was the first time he received such a sudden summons.
Although he was confused, he did not dare to neglect the emperor's summons and immediately set off for the palace. However, as soon as he arrived at the palace and had not figured out what was going on, he was led to the main hall by the eunuchs in the palace.
When Xiao Qing'an arrived at the scene, he was shocked because all the civil and military officials were present and the scene was very solemn.
He raised his head and looked towards Ling Han on the high platform. Then, he heard Ling Han say something that shocked him even more: "Qing'an, I have decided to pass the throne to you. Are you willing to take on this important responsibility?"
As soon as these words were spoken, many ministers in the hall gasped. They did not expect that His Majesty would gather them together at this moment to announce such news.
After hearing Ling Han's words, Xiao Qing'an's heart was instantly filled with shock and even his eyes widened uncontrollably.
He opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but the voice seemed to be stuck in his throat and no sound came out for a long time.
It wasn't until he took several deep breaths that he calmed down his shock. Xiao Qing'an slowly said, "Your Majesty, I am deeply terrified. This matter is of great importance. How can I be worthy of such a position? I beg Your Majesty to revoke your order."
Ling Han looked at Xiao Qing'an in the audience, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. He knew that his fifth brother was not a person who coveted the imperial power, and his refusal this time was not an act.
He smiled faintly and said to Xiao Qing'an in the audience, "Qing'an, I didn't make this decision on a whim. I want to pass the throne to you because I value your character and talent. Although you have been away from the court over the years, I have heard of the good deeds you have done among the people and the virtuous reputation you have left behind. Your ambition to care for the world will surely lead the Jiang Kingdom to prosperity."
When Xiao Qing'an heard this, the shock in his heart gradually subsided. He raised his eyes and glanced at the ministers around him. He knew that if it was a joke, the emperor would not have summoned so many court officials to witness it. If he refused again, he would be embarrassed.
He collected his thoughts, lowered his head, bowed, clasped his fists, and spoke solemnly, "Your Majesty, I am humble, but it is truly a blessing to receive your approval. I am willing to accept this important responsibility, but I am unfamiliar with court affairs, so before this, I hope Your Majesty can provide me with some guidance."
Ling Han nodded: "I will arrange for ministers in the court to assist you. You can rest assured about this."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qing'an bowed deeply again and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your trust. I will live up to your trust and do my utmost to seek the welfare of the people of the world!"
Xiao Qing'an's clear voice echoed in the hall, and many ministers came back to their senses.
Now that the imperial power has been transferred, it means that the Jiang Kingdom will have to change its name again.
However, none of the ministers present objected to such an important matter.
Especially the old ministers who had been worried about the harem and offspring before, they even wanted to make the final decision and applaud!
No matter how they persuaded him before, His Majesty refused to take a concubine or appoint a crown prince.
Now, His Majesty has passed the throne to Prince Jin. After Prince Jin succeeds to the throne, they can take care of the harem affairs for the new emperor!
So the hall was filled with a joyful atmosphere for a while.
......
With the assistance of the ministers arranged by Ling Han, Xiao Qing'an quickly became familiar with the affairs of the palace, and a hint of an emperor's expression appeared on his face.
After Ling Han saw that Xiao Qing'an was able to take over the affairs of the palace independently, he also put the matter of leaving the palace on the agenda.
Before leaving, the two brothers had a long talk in the imperial study.
It was at this moment that Xiao Qing'an finally found the opportunity to speak. He said to Ling Han, "Royal brother, you and your Concubine Rong are both my benefactors."
At this moment, Ling Han suddenly heard someone mention his long-deceased mother, and a puzzled expression appeared on his face: "What do you mean?"
Xiao Qing'an lowered his eyes and smiled gently, then he told the story: "I was once controlled by the Queen Mother and lived under her surveillance all the time. If she found out that I was in contact with others, she would whip me in private."
Xiao Qingan rolled up his sleeves as he spoke.
Ling Han lowered his eyes and saw that the arm was indeed covered with crisscrossing old whip marks...
Xiao Qing'an then lowered his sleeves and continued, "Because of this incident, I once jumped into the lake in the palace. It was Concubine Rong who personally rescued me from the icy waters. She also told me to wait a little longer, and that as long as I waited a little longer, I would definitely be rescued."
At this point, Xiao Qing'an sighed: "At that time, I didn't understand what Concubine Rong meant. I thought she was lying to me. Later, I heard a lot about you, my royal brother, from Concubine Rong. That's when I realized that I actually had such a powerful royal brother..."
"However, when Concubine Rong encountered difficulties, I had no way to save her... I could only watch her being slandered by the Queen Mother and given poisoned wine..." When he said this, a tear flashed in Xiao Qing'an's eyes.
Ling Han sighed and said softly, "This is not your fault, there's no need to blame yourself."
After all, Xiao Qing'an was so young at that time, and even if he wanted to do something, he was powerless. Ling Han was very clear about this, so he did not intend to blame Xiao Qing'an.
Moreover, the Queen Mother and her entourage received the punishment they deserved, and their end was extremely tragic.
Ling Han did not judge the Queen Mother's guilt based on sentencing, but exiled her on the surface and privately used lynching.
The Empress Dowager and the general's family were tortured to death by his order, and then all of them were chopped into pieces and fed to dogs.
However, this matter is confidential, and no one knows about it except him and his group of secret guards.
Recalling this incident, Ling Han's eyes dimmed slightly, but he quickly adjusted his expression. He patted Xiao Qing'an on the shoulder and said, "Let bygones be bygones. As the new emperor, your next consideration should be how to make the country prosperous and strong, and how to make the people happy."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qing'an also raised his head and smiled. He nodded firmly, "Of course, don't worry, my royal brother."
After everything was explained, Ling Han set the date for leaving the palace.
Xiao Qing'an originally wanted to ask Ling Han where he was going.
But when he saw the gentle look in Ling Han's eyes when he looked at Wen Yang, he knew the answer to this question, so there was no need to ask at all.
So one morning, Ling Han rode in a carriage, accompanied by Wen Yang, Xiao Xiangyang, and a few of his personal servants, and quietly left the palace...