Several shops of Zhang’s were all returned to Rong Xi’s hands.
After checking the accounts, the government found that there were many errors and omissions in the accounts, so they interrogated the shopkeepers.
Under the power of the government, several shopkeepers revealed the truth.
The reason why several people did such immoral things was because they were instigated by Rong Zhou.
After Rong Zhou got the benefits, she would give some to them. People were greedy, and money was attractive. This action lasted for more than ten years.
For more than ten years, the amount of money and silk accumulated was beyond the imagination of ordinary people.
The case involved the wife of a third-rank official, and the Shunan County’s Magistrate did not have enough power, so he reported it to Jing Zhaoyin.
When Jing Zhaoyin received the case, he also had a headache.
The evidence in this case was conclusive. The stepmother stole the stepson’s property, which was the most ridiculous thing in the world! Among the people involved in the case were a third-rank official, Shangshu, and a sixth-rank general, Shaoqing.
However, he had always been fair and strict. Although he was anxious in his heart, he remained unmoved on his face and immediately sent people to arrest Rong Zhou.
Mrs. Rong Zhou was crying to her relatives in the Zhou Mansion. When she saw the government officials entering the house, she turned pale and couldn’t help screaming. Everyone in the Zhou Mansion wanted to stop them by force, but the officials was not a soft persimmon, they toughly dragged Rong Zhou out of the mansion. When she was struggling, her hairpin fell. Her hair spread out, looking like a madman.
In the courtroom, Mrs. Rong Zhou pretended to be calm. She was the wife of a third-rank official, so what should she be afraid of? Beside her, several shopkeepers also knelt on the ground. Theft was a criminal case, and there was no need for Rong Xi to be confronted in court.
He was making glassware with Qin Ke in a glass workshop on the outskirts of Shengjing. The craftsmen in the workshop did not know the two of them, but the owner of the workshop had an order, so everyone had to help. He thought the two were just playing around, but unexpectedly, they actually made some exquisite artifacts. After staying in the workshop for a full day, the two of them returned to the Prince’s Mansion before dark.
As soon as he entered the mansion, he was greeted by Chen Chuangu, who looked quite excited.
“Brother Rong, do you know how the court trial is going?”
Rong Xi smiled and replied: “Jing Zhaoyin has always been impartial and fair, so he will naturally resolve the case reasonably.”
“That’s right!” Chen Chuangu laughed loudly, “With all the physical and witness evidence, they can’t get away with the theft charge!”
Qin Ke asked: “How about the sentencing?”
According to the laws of the Wei Dynasty, the government would convert the value of stolen property into the number of silk. Anyone with fifty pieces of silk shall be sentenced to three thousand miles of exile and three years of hard labor.
Generally speaking, many people could survive three years, let alone a delicate woman?
However, Rong Zhou was the wife of a third-grade official, and most of the property she stole was used for household expenses, and only half of it was used to support her mother’s family.
Jing Zhaoyin thought for a long time and gave a slightly lighter sentence.
Rong Zhou was sentenced to three thousand miles of exile and one and a half years of hard labor.
As soon as this verdict came out, there was an uproar in Shengjing, and there was a lot of discussion in the streets and alleys.
After Rong Weijing heard this, he felt that his colleagues were ridiculing him. He was completely embarrassed. His resentment continued to accumulate in his heart, and his eyes were as red as crazy.
What a stupid and greedy woman!
After leaving the court, he hurriedly looked for Jing Zhaoyin and expressed his desire to meet Rong Zhou.
The laws of the Wei Dynasty allowed relatives to visit the prison, and Rong Weijing’s request was not excessive, so Jing Zhaoyin agreed.
The cell was dark and dirty, and the smell was extremely bad.
Rong Weijing covered his nose with his sleeves and was led by the jailer to the door of Rong Zhou’s cell.
Hearing the sound of footsteps, Mrs. Rong Zhou quickly raised her head. When she saw Rong Weijing, she immediately rushed forward. She was full of panic and was about to cry when she heard Rong Weijing scold her.
“Why did you steal money, you evil woman?”
Rong Zhou’s chest felt cold, like a sharp knife piercing her chest. She was stunned for a long time before she asked, “Are you here to question me?”
Rong Weijing snorted angrily, “You made such a big mistake and still don’t regret it?”
“You think so highly of yourself.” Rong Zhou smiled sadly, with a very resentful look in his eyes, “Rong Weijing, you came today just to scold me?”
Rong Zhou stayed in a dirty place with an unkempt appearance. She was no longer as beautiful and gorgeous as before. The messy hair made her look crazier and more insane. The more he looked at her, the more he felt disgusted.
“You committed the crime of theft and tarnished Rong’s honor. You are unworthy of being the mistress of Rong Mansion.”
Theft was one of the seven crimes, and Rong Weijing could divorce her accordingly.
Rong Zhou’s eyes suddenly widened, and she shouted sternly: “Are you really going to divorce me?”
The gossip in Shengjing had caused Rong Weijing to lose his face. If he didn’t divorce his wife and put the relationship aside, he wouldn’t know what others would say behind closed doors.
Thinking of this, he no longer looked at Mrs. Rong Zhou and turned around to leave.
“Rong Weijing!” Rong Zhou suddenly shouted, “You believe you are innocent, but you don’t know that you are already an accomplice?”
If you were unkind, I would be unjust!
Rong Weijing glanced at her in surprise and said, “I have a clear conscience.”
Rong Zhou sneered in her heart, but begged on her face: “Han’er is still young, can you be kind to him?”
After all, he was his own flesh and blood. He had been raised by his side for so many years, and he was quite emotional. Rong Weijing nodded and replied: “I will teach him to become a good person.”
Mrs. Rong Zhou lowered her head and said nothing. Rong Weijing turned and left without seeing a trace of coldness in her eyes.
Rong Shangshu divorced his wife!
The news flew into the ears of the people of Shengjing like it had wings.
Some people say that Rong Shangshu had always been upright and honest, and it was for this reason that he could not bear to have his wife commit serious crimes.
Some people refuted that Rong Shangshu was cold-hearted. His wife had just been imprisoned. He did not care about the relationship between husband and wife for more than ten years and divorced his wife.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
The two sides argued for a long time and failed to convince each other.
Vevvfcis rbwfbcf wfcalbcfv atja bc atf vjs bo atf Swqgfrr Gbkjufg’r ylgatvjs, Zlclrafg Ebcu vlv cba gfmbuclhf tlr mtliv lc atf wjlc tjii. Lbk rtbeiv kf pevuf atlr wjaafg?
Snfgsbcf kjr rlifca.
Ciatbeut Ebcu Wl ibbxfv atlc, tlr ojmlji ofjaegfr tjv cba mtjcufv, jcv fnfc tlr rafqwbatfg mbeiv gfmbuclhf tlw. Qts vlv Ebcu Vtjcurte, j ylbibulmji ojatfg, cba gfmbuclhf tlr bkc rbc?
“Rong Xi is a rebellious and immoral person. He returned to Shengjing but did not return home. He refused to recognize his father when he saw him. What does Rong Shangshu have to do with it?”
In the teahouse, some people fought back angrily.
Everyone thought deeply about it, and it seemed that it was indeed the case.
From ancient times to the present, the unkindness of parents was considered a small matter, and the unfilial piety of children was considered a major matter. Rong Xi’s behavior was considered to arouse public outrage.
Even the palace heard about it.
The Emperor had just appointed his general as Shaoqing, and felt that he could not lose his face, so he summoned Rong Xi into the palace to inquire.
“Rong Xi, have you ever heard of the rumors in the market?”
Rong Xi knew it well, “I wonder what kind of rumor your Majesty is referring to?”
The Emperor asked bluntly: “I heard that you never returned home after returning to the capital. Why is that?”
Filial piety was so important that even the Emperor had to follow it.
Rong Xi looked ashamed and replied: “Your Majesty should know why I left the capital in the first place.”
The Emperor nodded, he knew the cause of the matter, and Rong Xi was also an innocent person.
“My father ordered me to go to Linxi to reflect. Without other orders, I cannot return to the capital.” Rong Xi explained calmly, “If there is no order from him, I can’t return to the capital. How can I talk about returning home?”
There seemed to be some truth.
After the Emperor figured out the reason, he no longer took it to heart, but he felt a little unhappy with Rong Weijing in his heart.
He also asked about the weapons department, and Rong Xi explained it in detail and talked about interesting things. The Emperor laughed so hard that he clapped his hands in praise.
The two chatted happily, and time passed in a blink of an eye. When Rong Xi left the palace, he saw Qin Ke waiting quietly at the gate. He immediately run to him and said with a smile, “Your Majesty has been waiting for a long time. I am very sorry.”
Rong Xi’s talking skills became more proficient. Qin Ke saw his naughtiness, felt soft, and laughed heartily. His handsome appearance brightened up the scene.
“Let’s go home.”
The two of them took each other back to the Prince’s mansion, and Chen Chuangu came to join in the fun again.
“The Queen Mother’s birthday has passed. When will you two return to Mengshan?”
One person was the commander of military weapons, and the other was the military commander. How could they leave their post for such a long time?
“We will return to Mengshan after the stores are properly arranged.” Rong Xi replied.
He and Shopkeeper Du agreed to meet tomorrow to discuss the business of the stores. The shopkeepers of several other shops in the West Market have all been convicted and sentenced, and they still need to find suitable people to run them.
The next day, Qin Ke originally wanted to accompany Rong Xi, but because his parents sent him a letter, he went there to meet them.
Princess Mingyi held the exquisite glass mirror in her hand. When she saw the fine lines at the corners of her eyes clearly visible in the mirror, she couldn’t help but sigh.
Qin Ke asked: “Why is my mother depressed?”
Princess Mingyi glared at him, “The Queen Mother asked me about your marriage, and I also want to know if you have anyone you like?”
She didn’t care about family status, she just wanted her son to have a close person to accompany him.
Qin Ke was silent for a moment, and Princess Mingyi suddenly sighed.
As a mother, she knows her son. On the day of the Queen Mother’s birthday banquet, she already had suspicions.
“Who is she?”
Qin Ke suddenly knelt down and said without any hesitation: “You must have guessed that my son and Rong Xi…”
“Qin Ke!” Princess Mingyi stood up, seemingly extremely angry, and asked, “Do you really want to stay with a man for the rest of your life? Are you worthy of the Qin family?”
Qin Ke suddenly raised his head and said firmly: “My son has not violated the will of his ancestors. He has always guarded the border and has never been ashamed of the Qin family.”
“You!” Princess Mingyi’s beautiful eyes widened, and she wanted to scold him, but she suddenly fainted and fell down.
Fortunately, Qin Ke had quick hands and quick eyes to catch her.
He was anxious to find a doctor, but he noticed something abnormal. Suddenly, he felt happy and blessed. The panic in his eyes faded away, and he calmly ordered his servant: “Go quickly to find a doctor and the Marquis.”
After saying this, he placed Princess Mingyi on the couch and waited quietly.
After a while, a doctor and Marquis Changxin arrived together. When Marquis Changxin saw Princess Mingyi faintly lying down, he was so anxious that he kept pushing the doctor who was diagnosing the Princess.
After checking her pulse, the doctor respectfully replied: “Your Highness is out of her breath, but nothing serious. She will wake up soon.”
Changxin immediately looked at Qin Ke and asked fiercely: “Did you make your mom angry?”
At the same time, Princess Mingyi woke up faintly. When she saw Marquis Changxin, her eyes turned red, and she sobbed sadly: “Master Marquis, I failed to educate this rebellious son well. I am ashamed of all the ancestors of the Qin family!”
Marquis Changxin signaled the doctor to come out of the room and quickly comforted his wife: “How did this guy annoy you? Just tell me, and I will teach him a lesson!”
Qin Ke sighed secretly, he missed Lanzhi a little.
“He, he…” Princess Mingyi covered her face with a handkerchief and sobbed softly, “I really can’t speak.”
The sky was big and the earth was big, but my wife was the most important.
Changxin glared at Qin Ke, “What on earth did you do to make your mom so angry?”
Qin Ke glanced at Princess Mingyi and said helplessly, “I’m sorry that I feel ashamed to face the ancestors of the Qin family.”
“Have you done something evil?” Changxin asked.
Princess Mingyi suddenly grabbed the sleeves of Marquis Changxin and blamed herself: “Master Marquis, it’s my fault.”
“What’s wrong with you? This traitor must have done something evil!” Marquis Changxin’s firm stance was simply jaw-dropping.
Fortunately, Qin Ke was already used to it. He pretended to smile bitterly and said, “My mother knew that her son and Rong Xi were privately engaged in a romantic relationship and vowed to be together for a lifetime, so she blamed herself and fainted.”
Chang Xinhou: “…”
Wait and let him digest it for a while.
There was silence in the room, Princess Mingyi held her handkerchief and cried softly, Marquis Changxin was dumbfounded, and Qin Ke was silent, looking at the ground.
After a long time, Marquis Changxin suddenly came back to his senses, glared at Qin Ke, hugged Princess Mingyi gently, and said softly: “Don’t be annoyed, this matter has nothing to do with you. It’s the son’s fault for not being a good son. I will beat him up for you.”
Princess Mingyi stopped crying immediately. She was about to stop him, but her husband had already grabbed Qin Ke’s sword and him and went to the courtyard to discuss with each other.
Princess Mingyi stared blankly for a long time and then laughed out loud.
The father and son fought until the sky was dark and the dust was flying in the courtyard. For a long time, Changxin captured Qin Ke with one move, pushed him to the ground, and laughed loudly: “You kid still can’t do it!”
Qin Ke’s face was slightly bruised, and he nodded calmly.
No matter what, father needed coaxing, and there was no shame in letting father win once.
Marquis Changxin didn’t appreciate his kindness, he just let him go and asked Princess Mingyi with a smile: “I beat him up, please don’t get so angry.”
Qin Ke stood up and cleaned up the dust.
Princess Mingyi couldn’t help laughing, “I was worried that you would be angry.”
“He will be with whomever he loves,” Marquis Changxin said heartlessly, “As long as you don’t come to me to cry if you regret it in the future!”
Although he was a rough man, he was not stupid. He knew Princess Mingyi’s little thoughts, but so what?
Her happiness was more important than everything.
“Ah Ke, you go to the ancestral hall and kneel for a day.” Princess Mingyi ordered.
Qin Ke obeyed, went to the ancestral hall to kneel down, and secretly ordered his servants to inform Lanzhi at the prince’s palace.
“The prince is not coming back tonight? What happened?”
Seeing the servant’s eyes twinkle, he asked again.
The servant knew that he was a sixth-rank young minister newly appointed by the Holy Emperor and had a close relationship with the prince, so he answered honestly: “The prince was punished by His Highness to kneel in the ancestral hall.”
“Why?” Rong Xi was shocked.
The servant didn’t know the specific reason, so he shook his head.
Rong Xi frowned.
It stood to reason that Qin Ke had always been impeccable in his actions, but today he was suddenly summoned to the Marquis Mansion and punished to kneel in the ancestral hall, which was really puzzling.
Could it be because of him?
His heart suddenly beat a few times, and without much thought, Rong Xi hurriedly asked, “I want to see His Highness and the Marquis, is it okay?”
The servant was stunned. It was getting late, and it seemed inappropriate to pay a visit at this time.
However, because of Rong Xi’s sincere request, he had no choice but to take Rong Xi to the Marquis Changxin’s mansion, while Rong Xi waited outside the mansion for the announcement.
After a while, the servant returned with a confused look on his face: “Forgive me, young master Rong, but Your Highness will not see any guests today.”
Was it really because of myself?
Rong Xi felt awe in his heart. Later generations still discriminated against same-sex love, let alone this era?
And in the original book, because Rong Lian fell in love with a man, Rong Weijing was kicked out of the Ron’s mansion, and the relationship between father and son was severed.
“It was evident that people at that time still harbored deep prejudice against this matter.
If Qin Ke really quarreled with Princess Mingyi and Marquis Changxin, he would only be punished by kneeling in the ancestral hall, which would be considered a light punishment.
“Thank you.” He thanked politely, but did not turn around and leave.
The servant was puzzled and asked: “Rong Shaoqing?”
Rong Xi smiled lightly, “Nothing, I’m waiting for the prince here.”
He felt heartbroken when someone kneeled alone in the ancestral hall.
The Changxin Mansion was adjacent to the residences of many princes and important ministers. In order to avoid others talking, Rong Xi found a secret place and stood quietly waiting.
The servant had no choice but to go back to the house and close the door.
Princess Mingyi asked him: “Is he leaving?”
“He didn’t leave,” the servant shook his head and said honestly, “He said he wanted to wait for the prince.”
Princess Mingyi waved her hand, and the servants immediately retreated.
She glanced at Chanxin, who immediately asked with a smile: “Can’t bear it anymore?”
“Why can’t I bear it when he abducts my son?”
Marquis Changxin squeezed her shoulders and carefully retorted: “As far as I know, Rong Xi is only seventeen years old, which is much younger than that guy.”
It was hard to say who kidnapped whom.
Princess Mingyi was startled, and Rong Xi’s appearance appeared in her mind.
It was true that he was still young, and although his appearance was not as good as Ah Ke’s, few people can match his appearance and charm. He was also capable of making tools, and his talent was valued by the Emperor, so he was worthy of Ah Ke.
“Send someone to check secretly and see how long he can hold on.”
After receiving the order, Marquis Changxin immediately gave clear instructions to a servant.
As night falls, the mansion was brightly lit.
Princess Mingyi was distraught and called the servant in and asked, “Did he leave?”
She not only hoped that Rong Xi leave, but also hoped that Rong Xi can persist.
Seeing her like this, Marquis Changxin comforted her softly: “If you are really worried, why not call him into the house to meet him? If he is really a good boy, it would not be bad for them to be together.”
“How can you talk like that! You should think of your son and our family.” Princess Mingyi glared at him.
I have never seen anyone like my husband who doesn’t care about his descendants.
She was really tired.
Changxin felt aggrieved and said, “I have given you my heart and soul. I have no mind to take care of others”
Well, we can’t talk to each other anymore.
Until Haishi, the messenger came to report again, and he was still waiting outside the door.
Princess Mingyi couldn’t bear it anymore and finally ordered: “Let him come in to see me.”
After a while, Rong Xi came in guiltily and made a big salute.
He was really well-behaved and gentle, made Princess Mingyi felt that she was too cruel just now, so she said warmly: “Sit down and talk.”
Rong Xi was worried about Qin Ke, so he still knelt on the ground and said sincerely: “Xi took the liberty of coming to disturb the Princess. I hope Your Highness will forgive me.”
“What are you guilty of?” Princess Mingyi asked.
Rong Xi was silent for a few moments and then solemnly replied: “Xi is not guilty at all. However, the matter between Xi and the prince displeased His Highness and the Marquis, which is a huge crime.”
“Rong Xi, do you know how many noble girls in Shengjing want to marry Ah Ke?”
“I know.”
“Did you know that he is my only son?”
“I know.”
“Do you know that if Ah Ke recognizes someone, he will not let him down?”
Rong Xi’s chest was like a drum, and his eyes were trembling.
“I know.”
Princess Mingyi finally refused and sneered, “In that case, why do you think that I will watch Ah Ke jump into the fire pit?”
“Because you love him.”
Rong Xi said softly.
His eyes were filled with gratitude and yearning, and he could see that Princess Mingyi really loved Qin Ke.
He had never tasted selfless maternal love in his two lifetimes, and he actually felt a bit envious from the bottom of his heart.
Princess Mingyi was suddenly stunned.
She stared into the young man’s eyes. She saw his envious, sad, yearning and she felt a bit sad.
Thinking about Rong Xi’s life experience, her heart became softer, but she couldn’t show it on her face. She only said coldly: “Then are you willing to share the joys and sorrows with him?”
Rong Xi smiled so heart-wrenchingly.
“I do.”
Princess Mingyi straightened her face, stood up, waved her sleeves and said, “In that case, you can go to the ancestral hall and kneel with him.”
Rong Xi was extremely happy and said, “Thank you, Your Highness.”
The candlelight in the ancestral hall was flickering, and Qin Ke was kneeling on the futon alone. Thinking about Rong Xi, he couldn’t help but smile softly.
He wished Lanzhi having a good dream tonight.
Suddenly, he heard the foot steps moving closer.
“Young master Rong, here we are.” This was a voice of a servant.
Qin Ke stiffened. After a few breaths, he turned his head and looked at the door. The door of the ancestral hall was pushed open by a slender person. The young man stepped in under the moonlight, smiling and looking very happy. The two people’s eyes met and they didn’t say a word, but they both knew what the other person thinking in their hearts.
Rong Xi knelt beside him, lowering his head and eyes with a very solemn expression. After a while, Qin Ke broke the silence of the ancestral hall.
“Lanzhi, I am both happy and worried.”
He is happy that Rong Xi is fearless and unwavering; he is worried that his body is weak for kneeling down. What should he do if Rong Xi kneels down and hurts his body.
Rong Xi understood the meaning of his words, chuckled and shook his head.
“For me, it’s a blessing.”
The author has something to say:
Don’t be anxious about the ending of Rong Shangshu~
Thanks for the chapter!
So many chapters today!!!! Thank you!!!!
Thank you for your translation 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
The way the parents handled it is impressive❤
Thanks for the chapter!
I feel both sad for Rong Xi, but also really happy. At least his hubby’s parents have both the brain and the heart in their place. Now I am only waitingfor the emperor’s “surprised Pikachu” face when he hears it. And how about changing the law in the country, so his subordinates can get married?
Wahh this chapter was sooo goodd!!🤧