During the morning court, all officials present stood solemnly. After discussing state affairs, just as the emperor thought it would be another ordinary, uneventful day, a censor suddenly stepped forward to impeach his good son for learning well but lacking proper manners in his conduct.
“What?” The emperor thought there was something wrong with his ears. Disregarding his imperial demeanor, he lifted the curtain of crown tassels blocking his vision. “Did you say Zhen’s1 son is lacking manners?”
Sensing that the emperor’s tone was off, the censor braced himself and said again, “His Imperial Highness is the prince, a sovereign, and the daughter of Minister Yun is but a subject and woman. However, His Imperial Highness disregarded protocol yesterday, lowering his imperial presence to go outside the city to grant the edict to Miss Yun. This is an act of great disrespect toward you, Your Majesty.”
“…” ‘Are you being serious here?’—The emperor was baffled. He, the father, didn’t think his son had made any mistake, but you, a mere censor, were shouting and making a fuss here?
The emperor let the tassels fall. As the jade beads clinked together, he couldn’t help but roll his eyes with exaggerated annoyance.
Immediately, a few more civil officials stepped forward: “Your Majesty, we believe that what the Chief Censor said is reasonable.”
The emperor rolled his eyes again. He knew some pedantic scholars who prattled on about propriety and morals all day long were secretly mentally ill.
“Your Majesty, your humble subject does not dare,” Yun Wangui stepped out of the ranks and performed a formal bow as a court official. “This fault is entirely mine, for forcing His Imperial Highness to lower himself.”
“Beloved Minister Yun, the edict was given by the prince under Zhen’s orders; you were unaware beforehand. Where is the fault in that?” The emperor raised his hand. “Rise.”
The Emperor’s personal eunuch quickly descended the steps, smiling as he helped Yun Wangui up.
“Your Majesty’s grace is so great that your humble subject is overwhelmed with gratitude.” Yun Wangui wiped the corners of his eyes with his sleeve, looking every bit the loyal subject ready to sacrifice his life to serve his liege.
The scene made some of the civil officials envious. It was nice for a ruler and subject to be in harmony—of course, it would be even better if they were the favored subject!
“The Chief Censor is not wrong; propriety dictates hierarchy. But I am not only a prince—I am also a son.”
Thanks to Yun Wangui’s intercession, the officials were no longer focused on how the prince delivered the edict; instead, they wondered why Yun Wangui was so favored by the emperor. Only when His Imperial Highness began to speak did they recall that he hadn’t even explained his actions yet.
“May I ask everyone present: if someone, in a time of crisis, saved your parents, how would you repay them?”
“Naturally, they should be treated as honored guests; even pledging eternal gratitude wouldn’t be enough to express our thanks.”
“If the benefactor is an elder, they should be respected like your own uncle or aunt. If they are of a younger generation, they should be treated like your child or nephew.”
As the Prince continued, everyone understood his point. Who among them would dare claim not to be grateful to someone who saved their parents, unless they were unfilial?
“In the court, Minister Yun is a subject, and so are his children. Yet, the law does not disregard humanity. If the benefactor who saved the life of Chief Censor’s mother was a commoner, would you require them to kneel, bow thrice, and kowtow nine times just to acknowledge your noble status when you went to thank them?”
Sui Tingheng made no attempt to excuse his actions. “My actions yesterday may have lacked decorum, but I accepted the consequences willingly. While the Chief Censor’s reasoning may be valid, it is not mine.”
“Oh? I never realized that the Chief Censor expects his benefactor to bow and kowtow before him. I’m impressed.” Marquis Yang, who usually kept a low profile during the court session, raised his thumb sarcastically. “You are indeed a gifted scholar, well-versed in the classics. Us unlearned ones cannot compare.”
“The Chief Censor is indeed particular. As for me, I’d only think of how to repay my benefactor, not worry about status and rank.” General Cao slapped his thigh. “Today, Cao has really learned something new.”
The military officers burst into laughter as if they had just heard the greatest joke.
The Chief Censor turned bright red with embarrassment, and yet he was unable to argue back. As a court official, what could be more damaging than the reputation of being ‘unfilial’?
“The prince speaks well.” The emperor had long been irritated by the censors’ constant talk of propriety and ethics, and now he was delighted to see them at a loss. “If Zhen’s son were not a prince, his mother’s benefactor would receive his bow and kowtow yesterday.”
The officials who had accused the prince: “…”
In short, Yun Wanggui’s daughter was actually wronged yesterday?
They glanced at Yun Wangui, who was still wiping tears with an expression of heartfelt gratitude, showing no intention of helping them out of their predicament.
Helpless, the officials had no choice but to kneel and beg for forgiveness.
What a terrible day!
The emperor took the opportunity to dock two months of their salaries, feeling immensely satisfied as he ended court for the day. Saving a bit of money for the treasury always made his day!
“Minister Yun.” Just as Yun Wangui was leaving the palace, still wearing a grateful expression, he noticed the Prince waiting for him.
“Greetings, Your Imperial Highness,” Yun Wangui cupped his hands and bowed in greetings.
“There’s no need for such formality, Minister Yun.” Sui Tingheng extended a hand to help Yun Wangui up. “I’m sorry for causing trouble for you today.”
“Your Imperial Highness is filial and kind; all the dutiful sons in the world look up to you. How could this be considered causing trouble?” Yun Wangui’s words had just landed when the officials who had impeached Sui Tingheng earlier came out, just in time to hear his remarks.
“Please don’t misunderstand, gentlemen.” Yun Wangui gave them a slight nod. “I meant no offense, let alone suggesting you were unfilial.”
The officials: “Heh.”
Hmph, as if!
Seeing them bow to the Prince and then leave in a hurry, Yun Wangui sighed softly, “Such impatience isn’t good for their health.”
Mo Wen, who was attending to the prince, wanted to laugh but dared not. He kept his head down and didn’t dare to look up.
“I heard that Minister Yun enjoys tea. A few days ago, I acquired a canister of fresh tea,” Sui Tingheng handed a brocade box to Yun Wangui, “I hope Minister Yun will enjoy it.”
“Thank you for the bestowal, Your Imperial Highness.” Yun Wangui respectfully accepted it with both hands. “This subject will make sure to savor it properly.”
“I’m glad if Minister Yun likes it,” Sui Tingheng gestured lightly. “Allow me to see you out of the palace.”
Yun Wangui tucked the tea box into his sleeve. After several rounds of polite refusals, he finally had no choice but to accept the Prince’s gesture of escorting him out. Thanks to his daughter’s merit in rescuing the Empress, he was treated to the great honor of being escorted personally by His Imperial Highness until the palace gates, merely two months after returning to the capital. What a day!
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