The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 785: Chapter 785: A King Who Can Bend and Stretch

Prince Xin truly came to resolve the situation; he had also heard the rumors outside. As soon as he entered, he knelt on the ground and pledged his loyalty, saying that the person behind the scenes was guilty and should be punished.

”...This humble servant deeply fears that someone is using the banner of the former Crown Prince Yong to sow discord between the Emperor and my Xia clan’s monarchs and subjects, and I am willing to issue a proclamation to denounce the remnants of Crown Prince Yong.”

Emperor Chu looked at the gray-haired Prince Xin and said, ”Prince Xin, do you truly not know that besides Princess Chongyang, Crown Prince Yong has another bloodline outside?”

Prince Xin’s body stiffened, and he prostrated on the ground, trembling as he said, ”Your Majesty, the so-called other bloodline is utter nonsense. The former Crown Prince Yong only has Princess Chongyang’s bloodline left, and all others are just remnants acting on behalf of rebels. My Xia clan’s genealogy absolutely does not recognize rebels as our descendants. Please, Your Majesty, see clearly.”

”But now, everyone thinks that I want to eradicate the Xia clan to eliminate future troubles. Does Prince Xin not have this thought? Even Princess Xin does not dare to trust me.”

Prince Xin slightly raised his head, his face haggard: ”Your Majesty, this is clearly the rebels’ conspiracy, intending to alienate the Xia clan’s loyalty to the Emperor. Your Majesty, see clearly. As for the old woman of this subject’s family, she spoke wildly out of concern. Please, Your Majesty, pardon her.”

Emperor Chu said nothing, and only until Prince Xin’s back was soaked did he say, ”Rise and speak.”

”Thank you, Your Majesty, for your graciousness,” Prince Xin said, trembling as he rose from the ground.

Emperor Chu saw his hunched back and softened his gaze a bit, saying, ”Prince Xin’s loyalty to me is well-known. Over the years, under your care, the Xia clan has remained prudent and dutiful. I am aware of your contributions. Just remember that you are a citizen of Great Qing. Do nothing to harm or destabilize the kingdom. Regardless of his origins, I will not exclude him.”

There are still some old ministers in the court who remember the Xia clan’s past, but there aren’t many left. I keep the Xia clan around to pacify the people’s hearts, not because I fear they can raise a banner with the small imperial family, but because I disdain them.

The Xia clan, even if it was once a tiger, has its pride broken. Before me, even a tiger must crawl.

”Your Majesty is wise and just; this servant is in awe,” Prince Xin flattered with a bow.

Emperor Chu said, ”Regardless of whether Prince Xin trusts me or not, the former Emperor and I allowed the Xia clan to continue because we are not afraid they can overturn Great Qing. After all, victory is victory, and defeat is defeat. Winning depends on one’s abilities. I can tolerate the Xia clan, for I disdain using sinister means. If I wanted to act, I would not wait until now. As for Crown Prince Yong’s remnants, using the banner of anti-Qing to revive Xia, yet slaughtering the Xia clan’s descendants, Prince Xin, even if they are indeed another bloodline of the former Crown Prince Yong, what does this act represent to the Xia clan?”

Prince Xin was shocked at heart.

What does this represent? It represents that the other party essentially disregards this imperial clan, does not acknowledge the Xia imperial family, and does not believe keeping them is useful.

If they’re of no use, then kill them.

No wonder the little grandson said he felt as if someone pushed him into the water, was this revenge or a warning?

Revenge for his surrender back then?

Prince Xin’s face turned extremely unpleasant. In this way, isn’t his sole heir in danger?

At this thought, he fell to his knees again, saying, ”Your Majesty, back then, it was I who opened the city gates to personally welcome the former Emperor into the capital city and handed over the Jade Seal. I willingly submitted to Great Qing and have been loyal and devoted to Great Qing over the years. Your Majesty, this old servant has not many years left, and I only have this one heir left under my knee. Please, Your Majesty, protect this heir of mine.”

Song Zhiyuan watched as Prince Xin knelt and cried at will and could still sell misery. He truly was a person capable of opening the city gates and surrendering voluntarily.

He can bend and stretch!

Prince Xin: If I don’t bend or stretch, my whole family will perish!