At the morning court session, Imperial Censor Xu submitted a memorial to the emperor, impeaching Minister of Revenue Ye Wenhua for failing to properly educate his daughter. True to his heritage as a scion of Great Chu’s premier scholarly family, Imperial Censor Xu wrote even this impeachment with flowing elegance, citing classics to describe how the Ye family’s Fourth Daughter openly associated with Prince Li before his engagement to Third Young Lady Ye was formally dissolved—showing none of the proper conduct expected of a noble lady. Naturally, all this was attributed to Revenue Minister Ye Wenhua’s failure to educate his daughter.
What’s that? Do you say Third Young Lady Ye is also Minister Ye’s daughter? Third Young Lady Ye is Master Qingyun’s granddaughter—who would dare question the bloodline and upbringing of the Xu family?
The Xu family, as Minister Ye’s in-laws, unhesitatingly turning their firepower against the Ye family was completely unexpected, leaving the recently complacent Minister Ye dizzy and disoriented. Although he was now a second-rank Minister of Revenue, Ye Wenhua still deeply respected his former father-in-law. His still-handsome face flushed bright red, yet he couldn’t utter a single word in defense. Several members of the Wang family wanted to come to his rescue, but their ranks carried little weight. Moreover, every member of the Censorate was a scholarly purist with unyielding integrity, most graduates of Lishan Academy—their sharp tongues were not for show.
Prince Li Mo Jingli, though not directly named in the impeachment but implicated, scowled darkly, radiating cold fury. Unfortunately for him, Imperial Censor Xu’s thin official robes did not leave him cold, even in the chill of the fourth month.
In the Golden Hall, Emperor Mo Jingqi of Great Chu sat high upon the dragon throne, observing his officials’ varied expressions. As emperor, he did not mind his ministers quarreling—it worried him more when they were united. Yet he hadn’t expected the Xu family to attack Ye Wenhua so decisively over someone as minor as Ye Li. Though the Xu family’s direct influence at court had waned, they remained revered among scholars throughout the realm. Minister Ye would not have an easy time in the coming days. This was just as well—too much prominence bred arrogance. Some needed lessons.
“Minister Ye, is Imperial Censor Xu’s memorial accurate?” Mo Jingqi asked with a smile. The warmth of the monarch’s smile sent chills down Ye Wenhua’s spine.
“Your Majesty… this humble servant… has been wronged…”
“Is Minister Ye suggesting that Imperial Censor Xu falsely accuses a colleague? But according to this official’s knowledge, as early as last year’s Double Ninth Festival, people saw your daughter and Prince Li together. At that time… Prince Li’s engagement to Third Young Lady Ye had not yet been dissolved, correct?” Another censor stepped forward, gaze sharp. Though censors held little power, they were learned scholars, disdainful of corruption and fearless of enemies. Since censors could not be punished for their words, as long as they spoke truth, even the Emperor could not fault them.
“Indeed, this humble servant recalls my wife mentioning this matter. During this year’s Lantern Festival, Fourth Young Lady Ye also… went sightseeing hand in hand,” Grand Secretary Liu added smoothly. Minister Ye’s old rival, and father of Noble Consort Liu, seized the chance to strike. The Liu and Ye daughters fought bitterly in the palace, and their families competed in court. The Ye family’s shallow foundations could not shake the Liu clan, even with Prince Li’s support. Now, impeached by his in-laws, Ye Wenhua was vulnerable. Grand Secretary Liu would not waste the opportunity.
“Jingli, what do you have to say?” Mo Jingqi’s gaze swept the hall, settling on his younger brother with a smile.
Silence fell before Mo Jingli’s cold voice cut through:
“Your brother has nothing to say.”
Conservative officials snorted inwardly, their opinion of the prince sinking further. Indeed, there was nothing to say. Such matters might not be investigated without complaint, but once exposed, punishment was inevitable. Who told Mo Jingli and Ye Ying to flaunt themselves so arrogantly? Not only officials, but commoners knew. Now that the Xu family had spoken, any defense would only deepen the shame.
Prince Li’s supporters rushed forward.
“Your Majesty, Third Young Lady Ye lacks talent, virtue, and beauty—she was never worthy of Prince Li. Moreover, Prince Li’s current engagement to Fourth Young Lady Ye was personally arranged by the Empress Dowager.”
Imperial Censor Xu laughed coldly.
“If Prince Li questioned Third Young Lady Ye’s talents and virtues, he could have properly broken the engagement and sought another match. Why resort to underhanded methods? According to this official’s knowledge, when Third Young Lady Ye’s engagement was broken, she showed no extreme reaction nor clung desperately. Her virtue is evident. Moreover… Prince Li’s original engagement to Third Young Lady Ye was bestowed by the Late Emperor!”
Between the Empress Dowager’s arranged marriage and the Late Emperor’s bestowed marriage, whose carried more weight? To suggest the Empress Dowager arranged a marriage contradicting the Late Emperor’s wishes was to question her virtue itself.
The loyal official retreated, face pale then flushed. Others watched, sympathizing with anyone foolish enough to spar with Imperial Censor Xu. Years ago, the Xu family’s second son had achieved fame at sixteen by defeating six great talents from Western Ling in a battle of words. Though quiet in recent years, his eloquence had not faded.
“Enough. Minister Ye, do you have anything to say in defense?” Mo Jingqi cut off further debate.
Ye Wenhua, seasoned in survival, knew Xu had come prepared. He had no defense. He bowed.
“This humble servant has long neglected household matters and failed to discipline my daughter. I request Your Majesty’s punishment.”
Men were not expected to manage household affairs strictly, so neglect was understandable. The Emperor had no wish to eliminate a useful official and his beloved brother over such triviality. He was satisfied with Ye Wenhua’s wisdom in yielding.
“In that case, Minister Ye shall forfeit one year’s salary, and Prince Li, half a year’s salary. Additionally, as Third Young Lady Ye is refined and virtuous, I grant her one hundred taels of gold and two jade ruyi scepters as additional dowry from me for Master Qingyun’s granddaughter.”
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace.” The ashen-faced Minister Ye.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” The composed Imperial Censor Xu.
“Thank you, Royal Brother.” The dark-faced Prince Li.
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