271 Self-reproach Edict

sly. Yaoji glanced at him from beside him and said softly, "Feng San is very optimistic about Miss Ye San" Feng Zhiyao touched his nose and smiled, "Isn't she interesting At least she’s not as plain a...271. Imperial Edict of Self-Censure

272. Imperial Edict of Self-Censure

"Ministers and officials, attendants, proclaim the imperial edict."

The courtiers in the hall could not help but look at each other in confusion. Normally, when something was announced directly without any prior discussion or consultation with them, it meant that His Majesty had no intention of discussing anything with them; he only wanted them to listen and receive his orders. After a moment's hesitation, someone quickly reacted and said, "This humble subject恭聽聖諭." (obeys the imperial decree).

Since someone had already responded, others could not voice any objections either. All the ministers in the hall knelt down together and respectfully announced, "We humbly obey His Majesty's imperial decree."

The eunuch who was proclaiming the edict next to Mo Jingqi spread out the edict but involuntarily trembled as he did so. The words that were originally supposed to be spoken paused for a moment. Before he could react, Emperor Mo Jingqi's icy gaze had already landed on him from his throne. Frightened, the eunuch quickly read aloud: "By imperial mandate, it is hereby proclaimed: With my shallow virtue, I inherited the great foundation and have now been in power for nineteen years. Since personally taking charge of governance, the channels of speech have become blocked, flattery has increased day by day, those who seek favor and influence hold sway over authority, corrupt officials achieve their desires... After death, there is no word to present before my forefathers..."

The eunuch read out the long imperial edict, but the people listening below turned pale. This was clearly an Imperial Edict of Self-Censure, not a standard imperial edict. What about those seeking favor and influence holding sway over authority and corrupt officials achieving their desires If that were truly the case, what would these full hall of people be then When they heard the mention of the Ding王府的事 (Ding王府's matter), everyone could not help but draw in a breath. The emperor was actually admitting that the incident involving the Ding王府 had something to do with him and was issuing an Imperial Edict of Self-Censure to acknowledge his mistake. Although this news had been widely circulated several years ago, people still discussed it endlessly. However, personally acknowledging it through an imperial edict was a different matter altogether.

After waiting until the eunuch who delivered the message had finished reading out the imperial decree, everyone let out long sighs and then quickly held their breath again, realizing that today's matters would not be easily resolved.

Mo Jingqi had been closing his eyes in contemplation until this moment when he nodded upon hearing the eunuch read out the Imperial Edict of Self-Censure. He then said: "Let it go forth. Also, issue an edict to restore Duke Ding Mo Xiuyao and Prince Yi Guo Ye Li's ranks, as well as confer the title of Crown Prince on Prince Ding Mo Yuchen. Lift the seal placed on the Ding王府, and return all its properties in the capital city."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the eunuch who delivered the message held the imperial decree with trembling hands and quickly responded.

Mo Jingqi thought for a moment and said: "Let Prince Liu deliver the edict."

"Yes, Your Majesty. This humble servant takes his leave."

Seeing the eunuch holding the imperial decree and leaving, everyone below finally came to their senses and realized that His Majesty was not just making a show for them but genuinely intended to publish the Imperial Edict of Self-Censure across the land. Even matters from several years ago such as Duke Ding declaring his detachment from the Chu Kingdom and amassing troops in the northwest were now ignored. If they did not understand what Emperor Mo Jingqi was trying to achieve, then it would be a waste of their lives.

"Brother! This must absolutely not happen!" Mo Jingli stepped forward and loudly said. He silently regretted not anticipating such an action from Mo Jingqi and failing to prevent it in advance. At this moment, without Emperor Mo Jingqi's consent, even as the Regent, he had no right to order anyone to retrieve the imperial decree.

Mo Jingqi looked down at him from above, raising his eyebrow slightly: "Hmm Why not"

Mojingli said: "This edict will cause great damage to our Chu Royal Family's dignity. How can people throughout the kingdom look upon the royal family and how can they view Your Majesty Please reconsider." Mo Jingqi’s eyes sparkled with a pleased smile as he said, "There is no need for further consideration. I have issued an Imperial Edict of Self-Censure; this mistake is mine alone. It has nothing to do with the royal family or future heirs. Besides... there isn't much time left, and I believe that all subjects under heaven will see my determination to regret and feel remorseful.

"But..." Mo Jingli felt reluctant and wanted to say more.

Mosin Chiqi waved his hand and said, "No buts. What happened in the past was indeed my mistake. Now I only hope that the Prince of Ding will take pity on me as I am nearing death and help stabilize the foundation of the Great Chu state for my descendants." Upon hearing this, everyone understood that the emperor had no intention of passing his throne to Mo Jingli, and even at this moment bringing back the Prince of Ding might be largely to counteract Mo Jingli.

The ministers who were aligned with Mo Jingli were somewhat disappointed, but Chancellor Liu was not particularly pleased either. Having served in court for several decades across two reigns, Chancellor Liu's sharpness naturally surpassed most people's in some aspects. The emperor had said "heir" instead of "crown prince," which seemed like a trivial difference at first glance, but the distinction could be significant. Upon recalling yesterday’s news about Empress Liufei being refused an audience with the emperor, Chancellor Liu couldn’t help but frown.

Seeing the ministers’ various expressions as they hesitated to speak up, Mo Jingqi curled his lips into a faint sneer. Calmly he said, "Alright, let's not discuss this matter for now. I haven't been in court for some days; tell me about the war with the north."

Although Mo Jingqi had been ill for a long time, his authority remained significant even after getting up and resuming activities. The emperor asked them to speak, so they naturally couldn’t remain silent. Thus, this early court session continued for more than two hours. By the time the ministers, who stood with tired legs, finally stepped out of the勤政殿 (Qinzheng Hall), the imperial edict had already been issued long ago.

As soon as the court was dismissed and Mo Jingli left Qinzheng Hall with a darkened face, Chancellor Liu also looked displeased. He was an elderly man who had stood for nearly three hours without being granted a seat by Mo Jingqi; only those old retired ministers were given seats. Thus, when he exited the hall, he was somewhat wobbly, and someone beside him quickly supported him, asking, "Shall we return to our mansion, Chancellor"

Chancellor Liu pushed away the supporter and said in a deep voice, "Let's go see Empress Liufei and Crown Prince." He had to know why the emperor’s mind changed so suddenly. And about the Sixth Prince… The Sixth Prince…

In an inn

Due to late winter, there was still a chill in the small courtyard. The eunuch delivering the imperial edict and nine-year-old Sixth Prince Mo Ruixun stood nervously with the yellow imperial decree in hand in the courtyard. Initially respectful, when they stood for over an hour, Sixth Prince Mo Ruixun found himself unable to hold back, as he sat inside a plush couch hugging a dark-clothed boy and laughing alone.

“Hey! My father wants me to deliver this imperial edict, yet you dare not receive it!” Mo Ruixun said.

The eunuch behind him was so frightened that he fell down on his knees. He repeatedly bowed before Mo Xiu Yao and pleaded, "Forgive me, Your Highness!" Mo Ruixun glanced at the eunuch with disdain, making a scoffing sound. Such a cowardly creature could be the most trusted eunuch to an emperor.

Little knowing that even his mother would have been too frightened to kneel and kowtow if she were there.

This reaction piqued Mo Xiu Yao’s interest, as he looked up with a faint smile. "This is the person the emperor chose"

The eunuch nervously didn’t dare answer; how could this Sixth Prince be someone chosen by the emperor He was simply an unchosen choice. As the prince had been spoiled and taught only to serve from a young age, he now lacked the wit of even a four-year-old child.

Mo Ruixun arrogantly said, "Indeed, I am the Sixth Prince; why don't you come over to pay your respects"

"Puh…" Moxiaobao looked with wide eyes at this strange prince who seemed to see everything from above. Was he really not afraid of his father Mo Xiu Yao smiled and patted Xiaobao’s head, asking, "Why are you laughing" Xiaobao blinked big eyes, saying, "Is Father going to pay respects to the prince"

"Your father didn't even pay respects to the emperor, so why should he pay respects to a prince" Mo Xiuyao said with a smile.

Moxiaobao closed his eyes comfortably and lay on Mo Xiuyao's thigh basking in the sun. "That's good; I don't want to pay respects to the prince either." If his father had to pay respects to this Prince, wouldn’t that mean he also has to visit this foolish prince That would be too humiliating. Mo Xiuyao lowered his head and pinched Moxiaobao’s small face. "It's very simple not to pay your respects; as long as you have the ability to make others pay respects to you, then naturally you don’t need to bow down to them." Moxiaobao scoffed disdainfully, “This little lord is naturally capable.”

"Little Lord" Mo Xiuyao sneered and ruthlessly pinched Moxiaobao's bottom where Ye Li could not see it.

“Ah ah… Sneaky! Mama, Father is bullying me…” Moxiaobao squirmed in Mo Xiuyao’s arms. Mo Xiuyao said with a smile, "I just taught you this principle: If you don't want others to bully you, then you must have the ability to stand up for yourself. Before that, it's better to let Father bully you. Complaining doesn’t solve anything."

"Waaa…" Moxiaobao looked pitifully at his mother who was watching the scene from the side. Ye Li shrugged helplessly and smiled at him. Little Lord Mo realized how appropriate he had been; he immediately put on a sweet face to Mo Xiuyao, "Father, it's your son’s mistake. Please forgive me…"

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows and looked at Ye Li, “When did this brat learn about bending but not breaking”

Ye Li smiled faintly, "He has always been able to bend but not break." That was the truth. Apart from in front of his father, Moxiaobao rarely insisted on maintaining his pride and suffered as a result. One reason was that he couldn’t bring himself to lose face, and another was that he was sure his father would never do anything serious to him. Now it seemed even this last problem had been solved. Therefore, Little Lord Mo could be invincible in the future.

While watching this heartwarming scene from the side, Mu Ruiyun felt extremely uncomfortable inside. Sixth Prince had also grown up pampered in the palace since childhood. Emperor Mo Jingqi even doted on him more than he did to Crown Prince Liang and his younger brother, both of whom were somewhat gloomy due to Empress Liu's coldness towards them. But even so, Mu Ruiyun never dared to act so undisciplined in front of his father the emperor as this little boy was doing now with Mo Xiuyao. When he looked at how Sixth Prince was squirming and being naughty in the embrace of Handsome White-Headed Prince Dingwang, some strange feeling kept spreading inside him. Looking at Moxiaobao's smile made Mu Ruiyun feel even more uncomfortable.

Mo Xiuyao ignored the scene and continued to play with Moxiaobao while Ye Li looked on from a distance, but the eunuch kneeling on the ground clearly saw Mu Ruiyun’s expression. He couldn’t help but inwardly lament his misfortune: These people before him were not ones that he could offend just because he was Sixth Prince. If he offended Dingwang and enraged Emperor Mo Jingqi, it would be a matter of life or death.

“The education at Dingwang’s residence is poor after all!" Mu Ruiyun finally lived up to the worries of his subordinates when he suddenly blurted out this accusation towards Moxiaobao.

Hearing that, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, who had been smiling before, fell silent. Ye Li frowned slightly as she looked at Mu Ruiyun and said, “The education in Dingwang’s household is not something for Sixth Prince to comment on. Please leave now; our place here isn’t big enough for your royal status.” Ye Li was truly angry. What Mu Ruiyun had just said didn't only criticize Moxiaobao but also implied that the whole of Dingwang's residence and those who educated Moxiaobao were all lacking in manners as well. As to why he said this, Ye Li naturally understood: It wasn’t because he had any conflict with Dingwang’s family; it was simply out of jealousy towards Moxiaobao. A prince who grew up pampered, actually used such petty jealousy and hostility to speak ill of others, his character was truly despicable.

"This Prince didn't say anything wrong!" Mu Ruiyun wasn’t happy when Ye Li immediately asked him to leave.

“My son’s education is a matter for us parents. I wonder what authority Sixth Prince has to comment on it” Ye Li asked calmly.

Mu Ruiyun was speechless and could only glare fiercely at Moxiaobao, who didn't want to jump out of the embrace of Mo Xiuyao and argue with him; this made Mu Ruiyun look even more uncivilized. Moxiaobao pouted proudly and hid in Mo Xiuyao’s arms, “Father, it's my mistake. I will definitely learn from my grandpa about etiquette when I get back.”

Mo Xiuyao looked at him with a half-smile, then said to Zuo Jing who was serving by his side, "Ask Sixth Prince to leave."

Zuo Jing waved his hand and some guards came forward to see Mu Ruiyun out. The eunuch still holding the imperial edict recalled his duties quickly and said, “Dingwang… This … this is His Majesty’s order…”

Moxiu Yao raised his eyebrows and said, "What does the Emperor's decree have to do with this王爺 Take it back and tell Mo Jingqi that his judgment… is truly commendable."

The eunuch who delivered the imperial edict knew there was nothing he could do and could only put away the decree. He said, "The Emperor has already ordered the sealing of the Ding王府 to be lifted and all the properties confiscated in the capital will be returned to the王爺. The inn is rather simple, so please return to the王府 for rest. It would also save the embarrassment for the妃and the世子." Moxiu Yao smiled at the eunuch and said with a smile, "You speak well indeed. Go back and tell Mo Jingqi that this gift I shall accept."

Finally, something had been resolved; the eunuch felt relieved and quickly bid his farewell respectfully.

After sending off the group of people, Ye Li frowned and said, "What does Mo Jingqi mean now Is this what you call a good show"

Moxiu Yao smiled and said, "Isn't it a good show indeed I've always said that Mo Jingqi… is unpredictable and usually turns against others without mercy. He's favored Concubine Liushui for so many years, even defying the Empress Dowager and ignoring the Empress for her sake. If he weren't concerned about his reputation, he might have indulged in concubines to the detriment of his wife. Yet now that he is on the verge of death, upon learning what Concubine Liushui has done, whether true or false, he will blame her regardless. If he's a bit more twisted, he may even detest her intensely. Yesterday after being provoked by both the Empress Dowager and this王爺, how can he still care about the fate of the Great Chu Empire As long as he can take revenge on Mo Jingli and his mother as well as the Liu family, what won’t he do"

"Are you saying that Mo Jingqi has completely lost his reason" Ye Li asked with a frown.

Moxiu Yao said calmly, "Not entirely losing his reason. He's always been half-mad and half-crazy anyway. He didn't hate the Ding王府; he only dealt with it out of fear that it might threaten his throne. But now… even though he is dying and I do not pose any threat to his throne anymore, instead, his own mother and brother are plotting against him at every turn. Compared to me, he will only resent them more. At this moment, forget about the Ding王府; even if I wanted to be the Regent, he would agree to it. He has been blinded by hatred and only thinks of revenge."

Ye Li pondered for a moment. Indeed, as Moxiu Yao said, Mo Jingqi wasn't suitable to be an emperor. He was overly sensitive and suspicious, and his intelligence could at best be described as average. Because he knew he was mediocre, he felt even more insecure; once in power, it would be very easy for him to act extremely. Just like how the Ding王府 incident happened years ago. The royal family's desire to diminish the Ding王府's power wasn't something that had just started with these two generations. However, there hadn’t been an emperor who acted as brutally towards them as he did. It was probably because of his unpredictable actions that it almost succeeded; unfortunately, fate spared the Ding王府 this time. In any case, Mo Jingqi is someone very unsuited to balance things, while a ruler must understand how to maintain balance.

"Did Yao know it would be like this"

Moxiu Yao smiled and said, "After so many years of dealing with him, I've gotten to know him pretty well. Unfortunately… even though the Ding王府 has been loyal to Great Chu for generations, in this matter, I will not agree to his demands. His plans are in vain."

"Why" Ye Li raised an eyebrow. Although Mo Jingqi's move was chaotic, it wasn't foolish. Once he issued the self-reproach edict and died, Ding王府's refusal would only provoke public criticism. It wasn't that the people couldn't distinguish right from wrong but rather because they attached too much importance to this self-reproach edict. Throughout history, there were hardly any problems that a self-reproach edict could not solve unless it was a matter of survival. Regardless of what an emperor did, once he issued such an edict, the people would forgive him. After all, the idea of loyalty has always been deeply rooted in every citizen's heart.

Moxiu Yao sighed softly and looked down at Mo Xiaobao who had fallen asleep on his chest after a commotion, still drooling slightly from exhaustion.

"This boy seems well-behaved but is actually full of pride. He’s even more arrogant than I was when I was young. When he grows up, he won't be someone to bow down to others either. Moreover, since the Ding王府 has now broken free from Great Chu's constraints, his future will depend on him alone. Could I, as his father, return and imprison him again After these years of events, no one could bear the resentment in their hearts anymore. In the end, it would only be a replay of the difficulties that Ding王府 had faced for so many years."

Ye Li understood what he meant; even if the imperial family kept its promise, this life Moxiu Yao wielded great power and wealth while his descendants might fall into the same predicaments or worse.

"No matter what others think, I and Xiaobao will always be by your side," Ye Li said softly.

"I know, we are forever together." Ying, while others tried to comfort her, but it only made things even more chaotic. The people who just came in frowned at the scene.Ye Li looked back and saw Mo Xiyaoyao walking in, and she smiled s...