Protect Our Clan Leader

Chapter 1073: Chapter 70: Suppressing the Second Rank! The Emperor’s Son_3 Chapter 1073: Chapter 70: Suppressing the Second Rank! The Emperor’s Son_3 Though it was Zhao Zhikun who proposed this plan, now that he, Zhao Hongbo, had agreed and implemented it, he naturally wouldn’t shirk his responsibility.

“It was I, Meng Lang, who caused the Wang family’s reputation to suffer. In this matter, I can only shamelessly ask Your Majesty to intervene. Our Zhao Clan is willing to provide compensation, and the Three Talents Section will officially announce that the Wang family did not evade taxes or engage in smuggling and treasonous activities.”

“Your Majesty, in my view, this is clearly a case of the Zhao Clan trying to steal a chicken only to end up losing the rice; they’ve fallen into the pit they dug themselves. How can we let off those who falsely accuse loyal and good people so easily?” Prince Dede added fuel to the fire with an indignant expression, “I plead for justice on behalf of the Wang family and call out the injustice against Shouzhe——” “Ptui!”

Emperor Longchang truly wished he could spit in Dede’s face.

Just a moment ago, who was it that vehemently insisted on punishing the Wang family without mercy? And now, in the blink of an eye, he has begun accusing the Zhao Clan of framing loyal subjects? Since when had Dede become so shameless and brazen?

“Enough, enough, the Zhao Clan is still a Duke’s Mansion,” Emperor Longchang said with a wave of his hand in irritation, “Their ancestors and ours struggled together. In this struggle for the Emperor’s son, it’s true that they used underhanded methods. But to say that they colluded with the enemy and committed treason, I do not believe it.”

“However, if this matter becomes widely known, it would be a disgrace both to the Imperial Household and the Zhao Clan. Hongbo, since you want me to mediate, you’ll need to show some real sincerity for me to speak to Shouzhe on your behalf.”

“Your Majesty, we of the Zhao Clan will follow your orders,” said Zhao Hongbo, relieved at Emperor Longchang’s relenting, bowing as he spoke, “Whatever you command, we shall do.”

“All right then, I’ll give it some thought. First, the position of Prime Minister is of great importance. Although your Zhao Clan has damaged its virtue and has no face to serve, we can’t just pick anyone to fill the role, can we? Hongbo, in an upcoming court session, I want you to recommend Ding Duke Wang Yinda as the acting Prime Minister. Do you have any objections?” Emperor Longchang said after some thought.

Zhao Hongbo’s pupils constricted, but he quickly regained his composure, calmly responding, “I have no objections, Ding Duke Yinda’s knowledge is as vast as the sea, his reputation unmatched. His appointment as Prime Minister is the will of the people.”

“Second, to quell public dissatisfaction, your Zhao Clan’s failure to properly discipline your children has led to the emergence of a family disgrace. The punishment must be announced to all under heaven, do you object?” Emperor Longchang said again.

“I, have no objections. Since it is our Zhao Clan’s fault, we shall bear all consequences,” Zhao Hongbo bowed again.

With this, although the prestige of the Zhao Clan would be diminished, with Prince Dede present and many external affairs, it was impossible to keep the matter secret; an official announcement of the punishment was the best solution, at least it sounded better.

“Still sensible I see. In that case, I will mediate the compensation to Shouzhe on your behalf,” Emperor Longchang finally relaxed a bit, “Besides the three conditions that your Zhao Clan has imposed on yourselves, you need to reflect and examine your family customs. Otherwise, if such a disgrace occurs again in the future, I might not be as easy to talk to as I am today.”

“I will heed Your Majesty’s decree,” Zhao Hongbo said, not disagreeing at all.

Upon hearing this, Prince Dede heaved a sigh of relief. Everything had ended as Wang Shouzhe had calculated it would.

Shouzhe had explained through Ming Yuan that the Emperor’s heart was inclined toward balancing forces; he wished to suppress the Zhao Clan but would never destroy them completely.

This time, his interference was mainly to muddle the waters and amplify what should have been a limited victory. Today, his participation had achieved its purpose beyond expectations, as the role of the Prime Minister with a different master was the greatest gain.

In the aftermath, Wang Shouzhe would naturally have ways to cope.

As for whether Zhao Zhikun would end up in the Cannon Fodder Camp, that was secondary. After all, he was merely one of the Divine ability species. Without developing his Divine Skills, his influence would ultimately be limited.

“Old Yao, find some time to give Wang Shouzhe a hint,” Emperor Longchang said, pleased with An Duke’s Mansion’s respectful and compliant attitude, ready for punishment, “Hurry and facilitate his meeting with me.”

“Is Your Majesty planning to summon Wang Shouzhe?” Old Yao’s eyes sparkled, “This servant has long wanted to meet Wang Shouzhe.”

“What nonsense, what is my status, and what is his?” Emperor Longchang said with feigned arrogance, “How could I casually summon him?”

After a pause, he muttered softly, “Hint, hint, do you understand?”

“This servant understands, a hint, a hint,” Old Yao said with a grin.

“Well then, this matter is settled,” Emperor Longchang declared with a wave of his hand, “Hongbo, you and your people may return and await disposal. Dede, you come with me, I want to compare our fishing skills.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

All present responded in unison.

…

Several days later.

The investigative team, led by the Three Talents Section, discreetly posted the results of the investigation.

The case of the Changning Wang Clan’s smuggling had already stirred up much commotion within Return to Dragon City, its interest high and unyielding. The number of people following the case kept growing.

Now that the investigation results had been released, all the sentiments that had been building up over the days were ignited by those with ulterior motives, and the effects were immediately “exploded.”

The impact was akin to throwing a bomb into a crowd.

Everyone was taken aback that such an astonishing reversal could occur in a case that seemed to have already been concluded.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by novlove.com