The prince wanted to divorce his wife during pregnancy, and the reborn princess burst into laughter

Chapter 41 Punished
Ling Xiao saw the emperor's face change, he immediately stood up, bowed and said: "I know I was wrong, but when I met Li, I didn't know she was Prime Minister Su's illegitimate daughter. The emperor can send someone to investigate this matter."

Ling Xiao did not deny it. The matter would be clear once it was investigated. Moreover, he admitted his mistake immediately and his attitude was very sincere. Even if Emperor Ren Jiancheng wanted to control him, he would not punish him severely.

As expected, Emperor Jiancheng did not lose his temper, but looked at Prime Minister Su gloomily: "My dear Su, what do you say?"

Prime Minister Su wiped a cold sweat. Sure enough, this matter was exposed. Fortunately, he stopped the loss in time and did not let Li enter the house. He also punished Aunt Qin and handed over the household affairs to Luo.

Prime Minister Su said with a stiff upper lip: "Your Majesty, I know I am wrong. I do have a concubine, but I am not favoring my concubine over my wife. It's just that my wife's health has been bad for a few years and she has been bedridden for many years, so I handed the housework to Aunt Qin in the mansion.

But my wife has been in good health these past few days, and the household chores have been handed over to her.

Moreover, my son has a good talent for studying, so he was accepted as a student by Xu Jijiu and taught by him personally."

When the ministers heard that they were accepted as students by Xu Jijiu, they all showed an incredible expression.

Prime Minister Su was a very smart man. He deliberately avoided the main issue and talked about other things. It was obvious that he was asked to confess his guilt, but he chose to talk about Su Nanfeng's matter. This could divert everyone's attention. At the same time, he was also telling the ministers and the emperor that his son was very outstanding and was accepted as a student by Xu Jijiu, and that he would have a bright future.

Xu Jijiu was not only the chief academic officer of the Imperial College, but also a great scholar of the time. He seldom accepted students.

This shows how talented Prime Minister Su’s son is.

Even so, there are countless students who have tried their best to become his disciple but failed.

But Emperor Jiancheng was one of his students, so Prime Minister Su’s legitimate son and Emperor Jiancheng could be said to be fellow students.

Would the emperor still severely punish him as the prime minister?

The answer is no.

Emperor Jiancheng knew about the little things going on in Prime Minister Su's family. His Lingwei were spread all over the capital, acting as his eyes and ears. He knew most of the affairs not only in Prime Minister Su's residence, but also in the homes of civil and military officials.

What no one knew was that Prime Minister Su actually had a mistress, and the mistress even became Ling Xiao's concubine, which he could not tolerate.

It was true that he had arranged for Su Nanyi to marry Ling Xiao as his princess, but the prerequisite was that Su Nanyi was not favored by Prime Minister Su, and Prime Minister Su would not betray him, the emperor, for her.

Moreover, there was really no suitable noblewoman among the noble families in the capital to give to him, and it was impossible to give him a peasant girl or the daughter of a minor official.

In that case, he would be criticized as the emperor for killing his brothers and sisters. Besides, Ling Xiao was a prince after all, not an ordinary citizen, and the royal family had to save face, so after much deliberation, he chose Su Nanyiyi.

But Prime Minister Su’s concubine’s daughter followed Ling Xiao. What’s going on?

Emperor Jiancheng looked at Prime Minister Su gloomily. Even if his son caught the eye of Xu Jijiu, he would not tolerate any sand in his eyes.

Prime Minister Su is his favorite minister, who has followed him since he was young and is his assistant. He does not want such a minister to have any rebellious thoughts towards him.

The look from Emperor Jiancheng made Prime Minister Su's scalp tingle, but he dared not say anything, knowing that he had touched Emperor Jiancheng's sore spot this time.

So no matter what kind of anger he has, he has to endure it, and only after he has gotten through it can he finally be able to turn things around.

The ministers in the court were also silent, knowing that this was a sign of impending storm and that Prime Minister Su and Ling Xiao were in big trouble.

As expected, Emperor Jiancheng said, "Prime Minister Su, as the head of the civil service, you are well aware of the laws of our Great Zhou, but you dare to commit a crime in defiance of the law. Do you think I really dare not punish you?"

"I know I was wrong."

Prime Minister Su prostrated himself on the ground, knocked his head against the ground, and admitted his mistake sincerely.

Emperor Jiancheng snorted coldly: "Humph, you know you are wrong, but you still commit the crime knowingly. How do you think I should punish you?" "I am willing to be punished. I will accept whatever punishment Your Majesty gives me."

Emperor Jiancheng narrowed his eyes and said, "Then you can go to the Hanlin Academy to help with editing. They happen to be short of people there."

"hiss!"

The ministers gasped. It would be better to be demoted to a lower rank than to be sent to the Hanlin Academy as an editor. At least he was still in the court and who knows, he might be reinstated someday.

After going to the Hanlin Academy, it is still uncertain whether he will come back. Even if he comes back, the court will no longer be the same as it is today.

As the head of the civil servants, Prime Minister Su’s influence is spread throughout the court. Now that he is gone, will his influence still be there?
Emperor Jiancheng's move of cutting off the source of the problem was truly brilliant.

"Yes, I obey your command. I thank you for your grace."

Prime Minister Su kowtowed heavily again. He understood Emperor Jiancheng's thoughts. However, there is a saying that goes, "As long as the green mountains remain, there will be no shortage of firewood."

As long as others are there, everything is possible.

It was rare for Prime Minister Su to accept it so submissively. Emperor Jiancheng felt much more relieved. He said calmly, "Kneel down. You can leave when the court ends."

"Yes, I obey your order."

Anyway, Prime Minister Su lowered his posture and accepted whatever punishment Emperor Jiancheng gave him without defending himself at all.

He knew Jiancheng's temper very well. He was a very arrogant person and would not tolerate any argument from others. He would just admit his mistakes and be tolerant.

He was only punished to help with editing in the Hanlin Academy, and was not stripped of his position as prime minister, which was already a great favor.

However, he understood that from now on his position as prime minister was meaningless. After returning from the Hanlin Academy, he no longer had a place in the court, and he was still very regretful.

The powerful official who had fought for half his life to be second only to the emperor had fallen in this way.

Prime Minister Su was extremely regretful at this moment. He shouldn't have provoked the Li family.

Thinking of their first meeting, Prime Minister Su clenched his fists. An orphan girl knew very well that she could not go out at night, but Li went out anyway and was targeted by gangsters. Prime Minister Su happened to meet her and act as a hero to save her.

Thinking of Li's cleverness, Prime Minister Su felt that he was being tricked by Li.

He is so stupid.

Just as Prime Minister Su was daydreaming, Emperor Jiancheng on the dragon throne asked Ling Xiao, "Old Fifteen, what do you have to say?"

Ling Xiao also knelt on the ground and said respectfully: "I am also willing to accept the punishment."

Emperor Jiancheng's eyes darkened. "In that case, you should not go to the Xishan Camp during this period. Just stay at home and reflect on your mistakes. General Feng will take over your position temporarily. When you have reflected on your mistakes, you can go back."

Ling Xiao's heart sank: "I obey your order."

But in my heart I snorted coldly. If I asked him to reflect at home, would he have to reflect for the rest of his life?
If you want to seize his military power in this way, just dream on.

Then let the dog emperor see what will happen if the 300,000 troops lose his supplies?
If you're worried that his treasury won't last for a few days, then let him be proud for a few days.

(End of this chapter)