Chapter 1578: Lawless

Editor: Henyee Translations

But to his surprise, Shao Yunduan spoke up.

No one could have anticipated Shao Yunduan’s decision to speak!

Adding to the unexpected nature of Shao Yunduan’s intervention was the fact that he projected an image of a scholarly figure, worth no more than a thousandth of a tael (to be used judiciously). Yet here he was, an imperial court official, engaging in a public dispute with a servant, a situation that was utterly demeaning.

Certainly, none of those observing the scene would ever consider such behavior.

Unless, perhaps, it involved the fourth prince. As the master of Wen Fuxin, it seemed fitting for him to reprimand his servant.

However, contrary to expectations, the fourth prince didn’t want assumptions to prevail. Upon hearing Wen Fuxin speak, he involuntarily sighed in relief, planning to scold him later and allow him to explain himself first.

Shao Yunduan’s careless comment caught everyone off guard.

Unable to tolerate it any longer, one of the Fourth Prince’s aides sneered and calmly remarked, “Lord Shao, is it necessary to be so serious with a mere servant? It seems a bit… demeaning.”

The Crown Prince, feeling embarrassed, became even more uncomfortable.

“Your Lordship, you’re mistaken,” Shao Yunduan responded with a serious tone. “How could a mere servant of the Fourth Prince show disrespect to the Crown Prince? What would people think? They might assume the Fourth Prince harbors ulterior motives and cares little for the Crown Prince. How else could a servant dare to be so presumptuous? Such an act could tarnish the reputation of the Fourth Prince. I am doing this for his sake!”

“We adhere to the rules of the Tian family. It’s not child’s play. Why shouldn’t we take it seriously? Consult the elders of the Ministry of Rites if you doubt whether a servant can belittle the Crown Prince without repercussions. It’s a matter of principle.”

The advisor was left speechless, cursing Shao Yunduan internally for his quibbling and reasoning. Despite his frustration, he lowered his head, refraining from challenging Shao Yunduan.

Glaring at Wen Fuxin, the Fourth Prince scolded him in a low voice, “You, insolent servant! Who gave you permission to speak out of turn? Are you trying to sow discord between the Crown Prince and me? Apologize to the Crown Prince immediately!”

His gaze bore into Shao Yunduan, harboring a desire to see him pay dearly for his words.

Wen Fuxin, visibly terrified, paled as he hastily prostrated himself before the Crown Prince. “I’m innocent! I’m innocent! Crown Prince, please have mercy. I never meant to disrespect you. I only feared that Lord Shao would utter baseless accusations…”

“Enough, I won’t argue with you any further. You may leave.”

Recalling Shao Yunduan’s remarks, the Crown Prince couldn’t help but feel repulsed. Listening to someone badmouth Shao Yunduan, even though it was Shao Yunduan himself doing the talking, left a bitter taste. No wonder Officer Shao was infuriated and refused to show any courtesy to Wen Fuxin. Such a slave was undoubtedly of questionable character.

Despite his feelings, the Crown Prince, mindful of decorum, extended a modicum of courtesy to Shao Yunduan. “Officer Shao, please proceed.”

Shao Yunduan responded, “Ms. Qiao is the key witness. Ms. Qiao, could you please provide your account of the events?”

“Yes,” Qiao Xuan began, narrating the details.

Subsequently, they questioned Liu Fu and the others, who corroborated the truth.

The tales were humiliating, distressing, and filled with sorrow and outrage. As the accounts unfolded, tears were shed, and sobs punctuated the air.

The ministers directed their gazes at Head Steward Wen and his nephew, further stoking the Crown Prince’s anger.

Zheng Sangge and the others shared in the collective heartbreak and indignation. Wu Guan clenched his teeth and spat, yearning to mete out punishment to Wen Fuxin.

General Sun, incensed, voiced his outrage. “This is beyond the pale! Utterly despicable! How could you subject these children to such humiliation? Have you no humanity?”