CHAPTER 696: CHAPTER 576: HARMONY AND GOODWILL

The Emperor’s presence was so oppressive that it left everyone breathless.

Emperor Liang was not a ruler who liked to impose palace rules on people; he only cared about major national affairs and was not overly concerned with trivial matters.

However, at this moment, his Empress and concubines were kneeling before him, and he did not immediately allow them to rise.

He said earnestly to Lu Fengyin: "From now on, do not misuse corporal punishment in the Imperial Palace."

Lu Fengyin argued: "Imperial Brother... she clearly disrespected me first..."

Emperor Liang said sternly: "She belongs to the Diligent Governance Hall. If she has made a mistake, it is up to me to punish her."

Lu Fengyin expressed dissatisfaction: "Imperial Brother, you, being the supreme ruler, should not be troubled by such trivial matters!"

Emperor Liang replied: "You also know it’s a trivial matter, but you made such a fuss?"

No matter how Lu Fengyin tried to justify herself, it seemed wrong, and she truly felt wronged: "Imperial Brother, you weren’t like this before..."

Emperor Liang said: "I am now the Emperor, and you are a Princess. As a Princess, you should act like one, and not behave wilfully or abuse your power."

Lu Fengyin pointed at Meng Qianqian: "Then what about her—"

Emperor Liang said: "I will take her back to the Diligent Governance Hall to discipline her."

"Humph!"

Lu Fengyin stormed off in anger.

Emperor Liang prepared to leave with Meng Qianqian.

After taking a few steps, he turned back and glanced at the shadow of the Empress on the ground: "Empress, I am somewhat disappointed in you."

The Empress was startled at heart!

After leaving the Kunning Palace, Emperor Liang spoke calmly: "The Princess has been spoiled by me and the late Emperor. In the future, do not oppose her head-on; be flexible in everything."

Meng Qianqian responded: "Yes."

Emperor Liang had his hands clasped behind his back: "Are you dissatisfied?"

Meng Qianqian followed him, always keeping a step behind: "Dissatisfied."

Emperor Liang said with annoyance: "Then did you deliberately let me take a beating?"

Meng Qianqian blinked nervously: "It’s only now that I feel dissatisfied."

Emperor Liang snorted: "You admit you deliberately let me take a beating? Do you know that’s regicide? Young as you are, you have quite the nerve."

Meng Qianqian said softly: "This humble girl didn’t do it on purpose. This humble girl heard steady and strong footsteps and thought it was a Prince... Besides, Your Majesty can bear the weight of the realm, a small whip is nothing."

These words seemed to be an excuse, yet in reality, they were full of praises for His Majesty.

Many people praised Emperor Liang, but none did so as shamelessly as she did.

Emperor Liang opened his mouth, wanting to say something but hesitated.

Back at the Diligent Governance Hall, Meng Qianqian bid farewell.

Emperor Liang said: "Did I let you leave?"

Meng Qianqian asked curiously: "What orders does Your Majesty have?"

Emperor Liang said: "You disrespected the Eldest Princess, don’t you need to be punished?"

Meng Qianqian exclaimed: "How does Your Majesty want to punish me?"

A quarter of an hour later, Meng Qianqian sat at the card table.

She and Emperor Liang sat eye to eye: "Your Majesty, we’re short two players."

The three jesters did not enter the palace today, and Emperor Liang was somewhat troubled.

"Let’s invite Princess Consort Chen, then."

Meng Qianqian suggested, "And also Princess Consort Hui."

Princess Consort Hui had just been released from Kunning Palace and finally returned to her own chambers, thinking she could have a break, but Emperor Liang summoned her.

"I’m sick!"

She said peevishly.

Little Dezi said sheepishly: "His Majesty insists you must come."

"Dog..."

Consort Jiang opened her mouth but swallowed the words upon seeing Little Dezi.

Little Dezi was filled with terror, not because of what Consort Jiang might say, but because of what he might hear.

Dealing with the Jiang Family, one’s life really hung by a thread!

Consort Jiang muttered and cursed as she headed to the Diligent Governance Hall: "So many stupid affairs every day... When will he pass away?"

Princess Consort Chen sat at the card table and smiled gently at her: "Three missing one."

Consort Jiang’s eyebrows instantly relaxed: "It wouldn’t hurt to delay his passing for a couple of days."