Chapter 296: 296: Twenty Lashes!

Words : 1463 Updated : Oct 7th, 2025

Chapter 296: Chapter 296: Twenty Lashes! Si Jun looked towards General Zhan Lan who had received the decree and stepped forward, saying, “Your servant has a matter to report!” The Crown Prince glanced at Si Jun, his hatred towards King Wei was deeply rooted. Last time Si Jun had wronged him, causing him to be confined in the mansion for two years. He nonchalantly lifted his hand, signaling him to continue. Si Jun nodded and said, “Initially, the Emperor had arranged for the marriage between me and the Zhan Family’s legitimate daughter. Since Zhan Xuerou is not the legitimate daughter, Princess Wei should rightfully be the legitimate daughter from the General Mansion, Zhan Lan.” Upon hearing this, the ministers looked at each other, with most gazes falling on Mu Yan. Mu Yan looked up at Si Jun and said coldly, “You dare speak such outrageous and disrespectful words, coveting the Imperial Aunt? Have you forgotten the lesson I taught you last time?” Si Jun tucked his hands into his sleeves and said, “The Imperial Nephew is merely following the Emperor’s decree.” Mu Yan’s expression was icy, “That should be checked with the Regent Princess Consort if she agrees!” Mu Yan’s gaze then turned to Zhan Lan; Zhan Lan met his eyes and said, “Of course, I do not agree.” Mu Yan slightly arched his eyebrows looking towards Si Jun, who clenched his fists and said, “In matters of marriage, it is for the parents and the matchmaker to decide, and even more so when the Emperor himself grants the marriage. His words are golden, once spoken they carry absolute authority, how can one simply repent?” Eunuch Li glanced at Si Jun and said, “Your Highness, King Wei, you are being hasty. I still have an imperial decree in my hand that you haven’t seen.” Si Jun frowned and looked towards Eunuch Li, who had followed Emperor Xuanwu for twenty years and knew his intentions best. When Eunuch Li spoke at this moment, it must be related to his marriage. Eunuch Li opened the decree and announced, “King Wei, receive the decree.” Si Jun immediately knelt down, listening to the contents of the decree. “By the mandate of heaven, the Emperor decrees, the identity of the legitimate daughter of the General Mansion is incorrect. However, considering General Zhan Lan’s distinguished service, she may decide her own marriage matters. King Wei shall choose a date to marry Minister of Ministry of Industry’s daughter, Bai Lu, as his official wife. Let it be known!” Si Jun’s face changed instantly, Bai Lu, the new daughter of the newly appointed Minister of Ministry of Industry two years ago, was a close friend of Zhan Xuerou. And from the same academy, that troublesome and wilful lady! Why did the Emperor want him to marry Bai Lu? He was utterly unwilling! Bai Lu was notorious in the academy for flirting around, falling in love with everyone she met, completely fickle. Moreover, with the relationship between Bai Lu and Zhan Xuerou, it would be strange if they didn’t fight once Bai Lu entered the mansion! He needed to achieve great things; Bai Lu was not of any help to him! The Crown Prince smiled slightly with his lips hooked, still, the Emperor cherished him. At least the thought of Si Jun marrying Zhan Lan would not be possible. The corner of Zhan Lan’s lips curved; Mu Yan was very reassuring in handling matters. Every word she said was accurately recorded by Mu Yan and promptly executed. In her previous life, Zhan Xuerou had taken Si Jun from her, let her taste being taken from by a close friend in this life. Bai Lu was cunning and aggressive, very suitable for someone “delicate” like Zhan Xuerou. As for the temporarily relinquished military power, in life you have to let go of some things to gain others, nothing ventured, nothing gained. It seemed she had lost her military power, but all her subordinates had returned to Ding’an City; her soldiers had become village soldiers, one day, they would all be useful for her. Si Jun shook his head and said, “Impossible, I don’t believe it, this decree is fake!” Eunuch Li barked, “How dare you!” Si Jun looked towards Lord Lu and said, “I suspect these two decrees are fake. Please, Lord Lu, verify if they are truly in Father’s handwriting.” Mu Yan looked down from above, his gaze pressing on Si Jun, he raised his hand and said, “Lord Lu, please check: if it is indeed His Majesty’s handwriting, King Wei is to be flogged twenty times for his transgressions.” Si Jun’s throat churned as he looked towards Mu Yan, “Fine, I’ll bet with the Imperial Uncle!” Mu Yan gently lifted his hand, while Lord Lu closely inspected the decrees. After a long moment, he nodded to Mu Yan and said, “Replying to Your Highness, both decrees are indeed in His Majesty’s handwriting.” Everyone’s eyes turned to the embarrassed Si Jun, especially the Crown Prince whose heart was bursting with joy, liking his Imperial Uncle Mu Yan more than ever before. Crown Prince ordered, “Bring someone to drag King Wei out and whip him twenty times!” “Yes!” The Imperial Army stepped forward and held down Si Jun by his shoulders. Si Jun angrily said, “Let go of me, I am King Wei, you...” “Say one more word, and it will be thirty lashes!” Mu Yan’s voice heavily suppressed the air. Si Jun knew Mu Yan’s way of doing things; he meant what he said, so Si Jun could only accept the punishment. The sound of the whip reverberated through the entire hall, bringing a certain comfort to Zhan Lan’s heart; Mu Yan also secretly glanced at her. Their eyes met, Zhan Lan lowered her gaze slightly, her lips curving up a little, and she did not look at him again. The ministers were all sighing, wondering if King Wei had lost his mind today. Insisting that the imperial edict was fake, he was truly asking for a beating. After the whipping was done, Eunuch Li placed the imperial edict in the blood-covered hands of Si Jun, reminding him, “Your Highness, do not soil the imperial edict, or else you will be whipped again; don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Si Jun looked at Eunuch Li reluctantly, thinking: Once he ascends the throne, the first thing he would do is to kill this eunuch. As the court meeting ended, Zhan Lan walked out of the hall, and the ministers changed their attitude when they approached her. “Congratulations to Prince Zhenbei, congratulations!” “Have heard your marriage with the Regent King is approaching, you must invite this old man for a drink at the wedding!” “Yes, truly a match made in heaven!” ... Listening to their pleasantries, Zhan Lan responded noncommittally. Chu Xiong looked at Zhan Lan and said, “Lan, next time I see you, I must address you as Prince Zhenbei!” Zhan Lan smiled and asked, “Uncle, how has Chu Yin been recently?” “She’s fine, not as playful these past two years, even studying medicine, saying she cannot be useless!” Zhan Lan smiled happily; it seemed Chu Yin was inspired by her brother to improve herself. “I’ll visit uncle another day.” Chu Xiong waved his hand, “It’s this official’s duty to visit Prince Zhenbei.” Zhan Lan awkwardly smiled, “Uncle, you’re mocking me with formalities again.” Chu Xiong smiled and looked behind, his expression suddenly turned cold, “Uncle must leave first!” Zhan Lan turned her head and saw Mu Yan. Chu Xiong and Zhan Beicang both disliked Mu Yan. In their eyes, a man like Mu Yan who was both charming and unruly was the least suited to be a son-in-law. Chu Xiong had watched Zhan Lan grow up; he initially had reservations about the cunning Mu Yan, and now that Zhan Lan was to marry him, he always felt that Zhan Lan would regret it one day. But he was not Zhan Lan’s real father; what could he say when her own father had nothing against it! Zhan Beicang saw his own daughter leaving with Mu Yan and had no face to follow, so he left in disappointment. Zhan Lan and Mu Yan left the imperial palace together in a carriage. Inside the carriage, Mu Yan stared into Zhan Lan’s eyes for a long time. “Is there something on my face?” Zhan Lan touched her face. Mu Yan’s arm pulled Zhan Lan close, her body softening as she sat on Mu Yan’s lap. She asked in surprise, “What are you doing?”

Chapter 296: 296: Twenty Lashes!

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