allonlinenovel Chapter 47 Let those three of them roll in.
Chapter 47 Let those three of them roll in.
Seeing that she didn't speak, just then, the tea was served. He picked up the teacup, stirred the tea leaves with the lid, took a sip, and then slowly said:
"This tea is a newly harvested Maojian tea this year. Maojian tea is divided into three categories depending on the time of harvest. Tea picked before Grain Rain is called 'Snow Bud', tea picked after Grain Rain is called 'Emerald Peak', and tea picked after that can only be called 'Emerald Green'."
"Judging from the taste, the soup, and the aroma of this tea, it must be Xueya tea. Tomorrow is Grain Rain, but the princess must have been drinking this tea for quite some time now."
It is evident that this tea was a tribute to the palace, and was rushed to the capital as soon as it was made.
As soon as the items arrived, Qin Yizhen received a portion, which shows how much the Empress Dowager and Emperor Jing'an valued her.
Empress Dowager Cheng had always hoped that she and Cheng Yan would have a child.
Upon hearing this, Qin Yizhen naturally realized that the words were directed at her. She dared not hesitate and quickly replied, "Don't worry, Father-in-law. Please report back to Mother. What Yizhen promised, she will certainly do."
"It's good that the princess is sensible." Upon hearing this, Eunuch De's smile became more sincere. "The Marquis is a rare talent in the world, and the princess would not have harmed her."
That's true. Apart from the slightly awkwardness of his identity, Cheng Yan is perfect in every way.
His status, appearance, and abilities were all top-notch, and countless women wanted to marry him or even become his concubines.
Qin Yizhen's quarrel with Cheng Yan was seen by many as somewhat ungrateful.
Having finished discussing this matter, Eunuch De then brought up the main business of the day: "The Empress Dowager sent me here regarding today's palace banquet. I wonder if the princess is aware of the details?"
Qin Yizhen paused, hesitating for a moment whether to tell the truth or hide it. However, after thinking it over, she figured it was impossible to keep it a secret, so it was better to be honest.
"Of course we know, that's why they're all kneeling outside."
Qin Yizhen recounted the whole story to Eunuch De, whose lips twitched as he listened.
So these people only spat into the wine glass as a punishment for Fang Shixin, but they didn't expect that Fang Shixin would poison the wine glass, and they ended up reaping the consequences.
This largely matches the information found in the palace.
Qin Yizhen concluded, "I also think they went too far this time. Even if Miss Fang is to be punished, there is no reason for her to cause trouble at a palace banquet. They are simply outrageous."
"As soon as I returned, I inquired about the situation and made them kneel in the courtyard as punishment, to let them know the seriousness of their actions and not to repeat them."
"Just out of consideration for their loyalty to their master, I beg Your Majesty to show leniency and spare their lives."
After saying that, Qin Yizhen instructed a maid, "Let the three of them get in here."
The maid obeyed and soon brought the three people in.
The three men immediately knelt down after entering, bowing their heads and remaining silent.
Eunuch De scrutinized them for a long time, slowly finished his cup of tea, and then said, "The three of you are really quite bold. Do you know how serious a crime it is to disrupt a palace banquet? Taking your lives would be too lenient!"
“Even if there is nothing wrong with the wine cup, it was still a royal banquet, and you shouldn’t have done that.”
"We know we were wrong," the three quickly admitted.
Qin Yizhen continued, "They have been kneeling for some time now and have indeed realized their mistake. I have warned them that they must not repeat this mistake next time."
After a moment's consideration, Eunuch De said, "Considering your loyalty to your master, the Empress Dowager has decreed that your lives may be spared, but you will not escape punishment. Each of you will be given thirty strokes of the cane as a warning to others."
The three of them were startled when they heard about the thirty strokes of the cane. They looked up at Eunuch De and then at Qin Yizhen.
Qin Yizhen was also startled: "Father-in-law, thirty strokes of the cane could kill someone."
Thirty strokes of the cane, if delivered with deadly force, could be fatal. Even if the blows are slightly restrained and don't kill the person, the pain would be unbearable.
Eunuch De glanced coldly at the three of them and said in a cold voice, "However, the princess has already punished you and pleaded for you, so I will reduce it a bit. Ten strokes of the cane each, are you satisfied?"
Compared to thirty strokes of the cane, ten strokes are considered lenient; it's a lighter blow, and after a few days of rest, the person will be lively and energetic again.
The three dared not express their dissatisfaction and repeatedly kowtowed, saying, "We are convinced! We are convinced! Thank you, Your Majesty, for your mercy!"
"Then carry out the execution." Eunuch De raised his hand, signaling the eunuchs to come forward and pull the three away.
Qin Yizhen felt sorry for him and wanted to plead for him again.
Eunuch De spoke first: "Princess, there are rules in the palace. Although they are exempt from punishment, they must be punished if they cause trouble."
Otherwise, if everyone acted like them, relying on their masters' protection to do whatever they wanted, wouldn't the palace be in chaos?
That makes sense.
Qin Yi sighed inwardly and then remained silent.
It's good to teach them a lesson, so that they'll think twice before acting in the future and consider whether their master can protect them if they cause trouble.
After the punishment outside was over, Eunuch De got up to leave. Qin Yizhen had Hongying personally see him off before she got up and walked into the courtyard.
Granny Jin, Granny Gui, and Lü Qiao were all beaten with a board. When they were helped down, they trembled from time to time, which showed that they were really in pain. The person who beat them didn't hold back much.
They all looked listless and pitiful.
Qin Yi sighed with genuine heartache: "Now you know the consequences, right? You must think twice before you act in the future. Even I wouldn't dare to act recklessly in the palace. You've really been fooling around."
"If there's a next time, just write this down now and pay it back later. Do you understand?"
"I understand..."
"Alright, help them back to rest. We'll also call the royal physician to come and take a look. They should rest well for the next few days and recover from their injuries."
Qin Yizhen had the three people helped away. After they left, looking at the empty courtyard, she felt a sense of emptiness in her heart.
Cheng Yan did not return that afternoon, only coming back when it was getting dark.
Qin Yizhen was just about to go to the outer courtyard when she heard from the servants that Qinghui Garden had invited Wang Xianrong over, and then Cheng Yan hurriedly took Wang Xianrong out.
Did they take Wang Xianrong out with them?
Qin Yizhen frowned slightly.
Because Granny Jin, Granny Gui, and Lü Qiao were punished and are still resting, Hong Ying did not leave today. Seeing Qin Yizhen frowning, she said, "Lord Marquis must have something urgent."
"Whatever his urgent business is, since he's gone out, let him be." Qin Yizhen had been waiting for him for a long time, and seeing him go out again as soon as he returned, she felt it was pointless.
"Have someone set out the meal. You can stay and have some with me today. After you've visited Luqiao and the others, you can go back too."
"it is good."
Qin Yizhen had dinner with Hongying, and then went to visit Granny Jin, Granny Gui, and Lüqiao.
Seeing that they were mostly unharmed except for their sore buttocks from the beating, they went back to wash up and rest.
When Cheng Yan brought Wang Xianrong back, she was already asleep.