ebookland Chapter 93 The Greeting Incident: Lin Qianqian Pleads for Mercy
Chapter 93 The Greeting Incident: Lin Qianqian Pleads for Mercy
The Empress Dowager snorted, her face cold and stern. She glanced at Su Wan'er and said indignantly, "Hmph, so presumptuous on the very first day of your marriage! Such an important matter as paying respects has kept me and everyone else waiting for quite some time. Does she have even a shred of etiquette left? Look at the Ninth Prince's Consort, who arrived early to wait for you, attending to every detail with utmost care and showing utmost respect and virtue. And you, relying on a little favor, are so arrogant and disrespectful. You have truly disappointed me to the extreme!"
Su Wan'er was filled with grievances, yet she was speechless and could only cower behind Murong Yi. She pouted, her pink lips so delicate they seemed capable of holding an oil bottle, her eyes filled with resentment and anger, like a trapped beast.
She gently tugged at Murong Yi's sleeve, swaying slightly, just like a child who had been wronged and was complaining to an adult, trying to seek protection and comfort.
At this moment, Murong Yi stepped forward slightly, his expression sincere as he spoke in defense of Su Wan'er: "Your Majesty, this matter is my fault. I was negligent this morning and was delayed a little. Wan'er is new to the palace, and she follows my instructions in many matters. She is still quite naive and hasn't had time to familiarize herself with the palace etiquette. If Your Majesty insists on punishing her, I am willing to bear the consequences alone, and Wan'er must not be implicated." After speaking, he stood tall and straight, his gaze fixed firmly on the Empress Dowager, showing no sign of backing down.
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager trembled with rage, her chest heaving violently. She pointed a trembling finger at Murong Yi, the fingertip quivering with fury. "You—you unfilial son! How dare you so blatantly protect her! Completely disregarding the dignity of the royal family and the rules of the palace! I am utterly disappointed in you. Have you forgotten all my teachings?" Her eyes widened in fury as she declared loudly, "Fine! Then today I will give each of you twenty strokes of the cane as a warning to others, so you will know that the dignity and order of the palace cannot be violated lightly!" Her words were firm and resolute, instantly escalating the tension in the hall.
At this critical moment, Lin Qianqian hurried forward. She first bowed to the Empress Dowager, then said softly, "Mother, please calm your anger. The Prince and Consort Su are newly married, and occasional mistakes are inevitable. The Prince has always been filial and keeps your teachings in mind; this was truly an unintentional blunder. Consort Su is new here and is still learning the palace rules; she did not intend to disobey. If we punish her severely today, it may damage the harmony between the Prince's residence and the royal family, and it will also tarnish your reputation for kindness. How about we let them go back to reflect on their actions and copy the palace rules as punishment? What do you think, Mother?" Lin Qianqian's words were earnest, her eyes filled with worry and pleading.
Upon hearing Lin Qianqian's words, Murong Yi's tense and somewhat stubborn expression softened slightly. He raised his head slightly, the tension and anger in his eyes fading somewhat, replaced by a hint of gratitude and surprise. Gratitude surged like an undercurrent in his deep eyes, while surprise subtly surfaced between his brows. His lips trembled slightly, as if he wanted to speak, but he suppressed it for the time being due to the tense situation.
Hearing Lin Qianqian's words, the Empress Dowager's brows remained furrowed, her eyes still filled with lingering anger and authority. Her sharp gaze swept over Murong Yi and Su Wan'er, and after a moment of silence, she slowly spoke, her voice tinged with helplessness and resentment: "Hmph, out of consideration for the Ninth Prince's wife's plea, I will spare you today. But these palace rules must be copied down; if there is a next time, I will not let you off lightly!" With that, the Empress Dowager lightly flicked her sleeves, as if to vent all her anger.
Upon hearing this, Murong Yi and Su Wan'er's expressions instantly became extremely respectful. Murong Yi stood upright, clasped his hands in front of his chest, bowed deeply, and replied clearly and firmly, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will obey Your Majesty's decree and will carefully copy the palace rules, remember them in my heart, and never repeat them in the future."
Su Wan'er slightly bent her knees and squatted down, placing her hands folded at her waist, bowing her head in greeting, and softly echoing, "Yes, Your Majesty, I dare not disobey Your Majesty's will."
The two men were humble and devout, showing no sign of negligence or disrespect.
The turmoil caused by the greetings slowly came to an end thanks to the Empress Dowager's lingering anger, Murong Yi and Su Wan'er's trepidation, and Lin Qianqian's mediation. Only the thoughts of everyone involved and the lingering tension remained, like a calm lake that had just experienced a storm. Although it was temporarily at peace, ripples still quietly lingered.