latelenovela Chapter 185 Punishing Song Siyao
Chapter 185 Punishing Song Siyao
"Your Majesty, Youfeng's parents did it to protect me."
Song Siyao couldn't tell the truth, nor did she want to lie.
The Marquis of Zhenbei and his wife were indeed trying to protect her; she was not lying.
However, Emperor Changlong interpreted these words differently.
With just one sentence, Emperor Changlong conjured up a series of images in his mind.
“The Marquis of Zhenbei is a distinguished family. Your father holds a high position and wields great power. You also have several outstanding older brothers. Given time, they will surely achieve great things and become your greatest support. As you are the only daughter in your family, if people find out that you are a girl, someone will surely plot against you.”
Emperor Changlong shared his guess.
Given the prestige of the Marquis of Zhenbei back then, those who wanted to marry Song Siyao would surely have flocked to the Marquis of Zhenbei's residence.
However, if it is used by someone with ulterior motives, it will ruin Song Siyao's happiness.
Emperor Changlong thought he had guessed the good intentions of the Marquis of Zhenbei and his wife, and he exclaimed, "Your parents really put their hearts into it."
Song Siyao remained silent.
Yes, her parents really put their heart into it.
But it wasn't just her parents; her brothers were also protecting her identity and safeguarding her safety.
“Youfeng, your parents raised you as a boy to protect you, and that is their freedom. No one has the right to interfere. However, your disguise as a boy to enter the army was indeed a violation of military regulations.”
If Song Siyao were to enter the military camp directly as a daughter, that would be perfectly acceptable.
Unfortunately, she had entered the army while concealing her identity.
Song Siyao pleaded guilty, "Your Majesty, Youfeng is willing to accept punishment."
"Without rules, there can be no order. You have violated military regulations and must be punished. Otherwise, how will you lead troops in the future?"
Emperor Changlong looked serious and thought for a moment, then said, "How about I punish you by making you play chess with me for three days?"
Song Siyao knew that Emperor Changlong would not punish her severely, but she did not expect the punishment to be so light.
She knew, of course, that while Emperor Changlong seemed to be punishing her, he was actually protecting her.
"Youfeng accepts the punishment and thanks Your Majesty."
Emperor Changlong smiled faintly. "I heard back then that the young master of the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion is an exceptional chess player. You mustn't hold back in front of me."
“Youfeng obeys,” Song Siyao replied.
Emperor Changlong ordered, "Wang Fu, prepare the chess pieces."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Wang Fu's face was full of smiles.
Previously, he served the Marquis of Zhenbei and Emperor Changlong while they played chess; now, he serves Song Siyao and Emperor Changlong while they play chess.
They were not just playing chess; they were passing on the torch of knowledge.
Song Siyao inherited the wisdom, composure, and magnanimity of the Marquis of Zhenbei.
She is the hope of the Marquis of Zhenbei.
She symbolizes the countless youths of the Great Zhou Dynasty; they are the future of the Great Zhou.
As long as there is inheritance and sparks of inspiration, the Great Zhou will become increasingly prosperous and powerful.
While Song Siyao was playing chess with Emperor Changlong, Wang Fu was ordered by Emperor Changlong to spread the imperial decree.
The Prime Minister's residence, study.
"Your Excellency, the Emperor has punished Princess Youfeng," a trusted aide reported.
"How was he punished?" Prime Minister Jiang was reading a book when he heard this. He put the book down and looked up to ask.
"Princess Youfeng spent three days playing chess with the Emperor in the palace," the confidant replied.
Jiang Xiang was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter, "This punishment! Can this even be considered a punishment?"
"Prime Minister, His Majesty is clearly favoring Princess Youfeng," a trusted aide said, somewhat indignantly.
"Isn't this normal?" Prime Minister Jiang scoffed. "Princess Youfeng is currently riding high. You saw the scene at the city gate today; the soldiers looked at her like she was a goddess. To severely punish her at this time would undoubtedly demoralize the entire army, and His Majesty would never do that."
"Prime Minister, so you mean Princess Youfeng will be in charge of the court from now on? Does she think she can outdo you?" The confidant was clearly dissatisfied.
Jiang Xiang's gaze was deep and unfathomable, like a cold, deep pool, making it impossible for anyone to see through his thoughts.
His voice was icy cold, devoid of any emotion. "There is more than one Grand Tutor Su in the court. Even if one Grand Tutor Su dies, there are others. It is not her place to make decisions."
The eldest princess's mansion.
The eldest princess had previously received news that Song Siyao was dead, and she enjoyed a few days of peace and quiet.
Later, when the good news of Fengshadu arrived, Song Siyao was still alive, which nearly made her die of anger.
Fortunately, Song Siyao is the former Song Siyan, which is deceiving the emperor.
She fantasized that Emperor Changlong would punish Song Siyao for deceiving the emperor.
Even if Song Siyao performs great deeds, her merits and demerits will cancel each other out, and she will be severely injured even if she doesn't die.
However, things backfired.
Emperor Changlong's punishments were severe at first, then lightly at last.
"What kind of lousy punishment is this? The punishment is to play chess with someone for three days. This is not a punishment, it's a blessing."
The princess smashed all the precious porcelain in the room, leaving shards all over the floor. As she stepped on the shards, the sharp pieces pierced her shoes and the soles of her feet.
She felt no pain whatsoever; her entire heart was filled with rage.
"Why? Why?!"
The eldest princess roared furiously, "How can Song Changfeng and Qi Wan be so lucky? They should all die! Why should they be allowed to have a child?"
“Princess!” Wei Chuanbai hugged the princess. “Don’t torture yourself like this. It breaks my heart. She won’t die this time. She will have plenty of opportunities in the future. If you hurt yourself, your enemies will be happy, and I will be heartbroken.”
He gestured to his servants to clean up the broken porcelain shards, then picked up the princess and carried her to the couch in the next room.
He gently put the princess down, tenderly took off her shoes, and looked at her bleeding soles, his brows furrowed, his heart aching terribly.
"Does it hurt?" Wei Chuanbai's eyes reddened.
"It doesn't hurt!" The eldest princess gritted her teeth, her eyes filled with hatred. "What's a little pain? As long as Song Siyao is dead, as long as the entire Zhenbei Marquis's family is wiped out, I'd even take half my life!"
"I know." Wei Chuanbai gently wiped the blood from the princess's sole, carefully bandaged it, and then put on her shoes and socks.
He looked at the princess and gently comforted her, "Everything is proceeding according to plan. When the plan succeeds, it will be Song Siyao's death day!"
"Wait for the plan to succeed? How long will that take? I can't wait a moment longer!" The princess's eyes blazed with hatred. "I want her dead immediately!"
"I know, I'll do whatever you want!" Wei Chuanbai embraced the princess, his eyes flashing coldly, his plan already in place.