150 The Peril of the Southern Marquis Manor
t me,” said Yè Yuē as a smile appeared on her face. "But, now I see that there’s no way for me to stay out of this mess." Ye Li looked down and replied quietly, "Sister, it won’t benefit either the im...The Whole World is Astonished 150: The Crisis of the Southern Marquis Manor
150. The Crisis of the Southern Marquis Manor
Very soon, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao no longer had any interest in dealing with Su Zuodie's antics, as a shocking piece of news came from the capital city. Emperor Zhen accused the Southern Marquis and his heir of treason for collaborating with enemies, sentencing their entire family to death by execution in the Tian Prison, to be carried out immediately. Furthermore, envoys had already been dispatched to the borderlands to bring back the Southern Marquis and his heir to the capital city. Upon hearing this news, the Southern Marquis collapsed in shock, unable to speak for a long time. All he could do was let out a deep sigh after some time. Despite being reserved and cautious all his life, he never expected that he would not escape from the emperor's suspicions.
The heir of the Southern Marquis Manor tried to rush out upon hearing this news, but was stopped by Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao who had just arrived at the manor. "Where are you going" asked Ye Li.
"It is all because of my father and me that our family has been implicated in this," replied the Southern Marquis Heir. "I must go to the capital city to apologize to His Majesty."
Before Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao could respond, they heard the Southern Marquis shouting from inside: "Wicked son! Come back here!" Seeing the dazed look on his heir's face, Ye Li sighed softly. "Let's go back first. Listen to what Lord Marquis has to say, or you might act out of impulse." The Southern Marquis Heir smiled bitterly and said, "What am I now A marquis heir" When the whole Southern Marquis Manor was arrested by the emperor, his father's position as a marquis lord was also stripped from him. Therefore, he was no longer considered the marquis heir.
As they stepped into the flower hall, the Southern Marquis welcomed them with clasped hands and said, "Your Highness, Madam, forgive me for my impudence." In the past month or so, too many setbacks had befallen the Southern Marquis. On top of leading a long-distance campaign, he also suffered from prolonged physical exhaustion. Although his heir's return somewhat improved his condition, he still looked frail and worn out. His temples, which used to have some grey hair, were now almost entirely white. Ye Li said softly, "Lord Marquis, take care." The Southern Marquis shook his head and smiled bitterly. "As the saying goes, being close to a king is like living with a tiger. Although I tried my best to stay out of politics, it was inevitable…" He did not finish speaking, only letting out another deep sigh. Mo Xiuyao said solemnly, "It's this王爺插話的地方應該是想表達“我連累了侯爺”，所以翻譯為："It's this Wang who has brought trouble upon Lord Marquis.” 雖然原著中的句子是不完整的，但考慮到語境和邏輯，可以這樣補充完整。如果需要保持原文的簡潔性，也可以保留原句結構：“I have brought trouble upon Lord Marquis.” 南侯通敵叛國一事，彆說墨修文不信，隻怕此時坐在皇宮裡的墨景祁自己也不會相信。但是定國王府將南侯世子救回後，在皇帝眼中，以後南侯府和定國王府就是一路人了。何況這些年南侯始終裝聾作啞，不相助皇帝對付定王府，本身對皇帝來說就是一種不忠。現在皇帝當然不會再信任南侯府。
The Southern Marquis smiled bitterly and said, "Your Highness, why do you say such things By nature, I am weak and timid. I always try to stay out of trouble. If it were not for my son, I would never have stepped into this mess in the first place. Those who attempt to walk on thin ice… well, they deserve what they get today."
"Lord Marquis, you shouldn't belittle yourself like that," said Mo Xiuyao with a shake of his head.
The Southern Marquis was once spirited and full of vigor in his youth. However, after those years when the Regent Wang Moliang died under mysterious circumstances and the previous emperor suddenly passed away, followed by Wang Xiwen's sudden illness and thousands of Mo Family soldiers losing their lives on the frontier, the Southern Marquis became cautious and fearful. He was a smart man who saw clearly and thought deeply. The more he saw and thought, the more afraid he became, which is why he chose to live as an uninvolved bystander.
The Southern Marquis shook his head without saying anything. Ye Li frowned at seeing the gloominess in the Southern Marquis's eyes and the desolation in his gaze, realizing that the Southern Marquis might have resolved himself to death.
"Lord Marquis, as long as you are alive, there is hope," said Ye Li. "Don't forget that the Southern Marquis Manor still needs your rescue, and your son also needs your support and guidance. Please take care of yourself."
The Southern Marquis was taken aback for a moment, then looked at his heir standing beside him with a resolute expression on his face. "I will set out for the capital city immediately," he said. "My son... I hope Your Highness and Madam can kindly take care of him."
"My lord, think carefully!" Ye Li frowned. If the Southern Marquis returned to the capital with his heir, there might be a slim chance of survival despite the high risk. However, if he left his heir behind and went back alone, it would likely mean certain death. The Southern Marquis raised his hand to stop Ye Li, saying, "Thank you for your concern, Princess Consort. But… the current emperor is someone I have watched grow up. Compared to His Excellency and Your Grace, I know him better. My lord, make preparations early regarding the Imperial Palace." Silence fell in the parlor as it was clear that the Southern Marquis intended to return to the capital despite knowing the high risk of death. The heir of the Southern Marquis said solemnly, "Father, I will accompany you back." The Southern Marquis glared at him and said, "Nonsense! If something happens to your father, do you want our Nan family to be cut off from future generations"
“Father!”
"Your Excellency, someone has arrived from the capital. They say they are here to escort Marquis Nan and his heir back," a guard outside reported.
Mosiusiao stood up with a cold smile, "This lord just received news of this. The Emperor seems to have made progress." Who is the person who came" A guard replied, "It's Wang Jingchuan, the Minister of Dali Temple." Mosiusiao frowned, "Wang Jingchuan" As Duke Ding was preoccupied with state affairs, he had no impression of lesser figures like this. The Southern Marquis bitterly said, "He is the brother of Lady Zhaorong in the palace and Wang’s second legitimate son." Mosiusiao slightly frowned before understanding the situation; although the Nan family tried to remain neutral, they did have enemies, such as Wang's family who were hostile towards them. By sending this person to escort Marquis Nan back to the capital, it was clear that the emperor intended to humiliate and make things difficult for him. Mosiusiao snorted, "Let him in!"
Shortly after, a young man dressed as an official of third-grade rank walked in. Although he had good looks, his eyes revealed maliciousness, making people feel uncomfortable. Following behind him was another youth dressed in seventh-grade attire; Ye Li raised her eyebrows slightly at the sight.
"This minister, Wang Jingchuan, Minister of Dali Temple, greets Your Excellency and Princess Consort," Wang Jingchuan finally realized that he needed to mind his manners after entering the room and paid respects to Mosiusiao and Ye Li. The youth behind him bowed as well, saying, "This minister, Zhou Yu, Chief Clerk of the Dali Temple, greets Your Excellency and Princess Consort."
Mosiusiao sat calmly on his seat and looked down at them with a cool tone, "Rise. Why is Minister Wang here"
Wang Jingchuan stood up and flashed an air of satisfaction, saying, "Your Excellency, I have been sent by the imperial edict to escort the traitors Nan Ye and Nan Junfei back to the capital."
Mosiusiao raised his eyebrows. "Traitors Southern Marquis is this lord’s deputy commander; although he was defeated before being captured, he returned safely afterward and has since earned multiple commendations for battle achievements. Who exactly are these traitors you mention, Minister Wang" The evidence" Wang Jingchuan clearly did not anticipate that Mosiusiao would ask such a question, hesitated momentarily, then said, "Your Excellency, this is the emperor's order. Is Your Excellency planning to defy it!"
Mosiusiao sneered coldly, "Defy an imperial edict Where is it This lord heard that Wang’s family and Nan Manor have some grudges; I suspect you are forging orders with the intent of harming Marquis Nan."
“Your Excellency! Please be careful with your words. Even if this minister has a grudge against the Nan family, how could I ever do such an outrageous thing"
"Where is the imperial edict" Mosiusiao asked calmly.
Wang Jingchuan choked and, facing Mo Xiuyao's intense gaze, could only say, "The Emperor gave an oral command."
"Oral command" Mo Xiuyao looked at the somewhat anxious man before him with a half-smile, no longer speaking.
Wang Jingchuan stood uneasily in the hall with his head lowered. The entire hall seemed to suddenly become unusually quiet. Under Duke Ding's gaze, Wang Jingchuan felt as if he could hear his heart pounding out of his chest; sweat quietly soaked through the back of his clothes. Just when Wang Jingchuan thought he would collapse under Duke Ding’s pressure, Zhou Yu stepped forward from behind him and bowed to Mo Xiuyao respectfully, saying, "Your Highness, please calm down. We are merely following orders. Please grant us a favor."
"Following orders" Mo Xiuyao chuckled with amusement as he felt Wang Jingchuan’s eyes leave him, causing him to secretly sigh in relief. Wiping the fine beads of sweat from his forehead, Wang Jingchuan even felt grateful for this young subordinate who rarely spoke. Hearing Mo Xiuyao say with a smile, "Following orders indeed. Originally, Your Highness should not have made things difficult for you. However, I believe you’ve also heard a saying."
"Please enlighten us, your highness," Wang Jingchuan was no fool; regardless of how pleased he felt about the Southern Marquis’s misfortune, there was no need to show it if Duke Ding wasn’t in a good mood. Indeed, the Emperor would surely support him, but if Duke Ding were to vent his anger on him, even though the emperor could not easily reach them in their distant location, Wang's family might still end up having to accept whatever happened. Mo Xiuyao looked at both of them with a smile and said leisurely, "When soldiers are far from home, they may disobey orders."
Wang Jingchuan was stunned and somewhat hesitantly replied, "Your Highness, I am here following the emperor’s order. Please don’t make things difficult for me."
Duke Ding looked at him with a calm expression, causing Wang Jingchuan to feel bitter in his heart. He regretted wanting to take on this mission just to see his rival fall into misfortune. Not only was he merely a third-rank official, even the first-rank Duke Ding could make anyone bow down if he wanted to. However, without bringing back Southern Marquis and his son, Wang Jingchuan feared that things would be difficult for him once they returned to the capital.
"Our army is currently facing Xiling; abruptly removing a deputy general may not be good for morale. Tell the emperor this when you return," Mo Xiuyao said indifferently, clearly uninterested in making things hard for Wang Jingchuan.
Wang Jingchuan shook his head and said, "Your Highness, please understand. The Southern Marquis has committed the unforgivable crime of treason through secret communication with the enemy; the emperor is already enraged and ordered us to bring him back within half a month or else… we will have no choice but to face our fate ourselves. Please show mercy and give us a way out."
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, then said with a cold laugh, "Secret communication with the enemy leading to treason What evidence is there for this conclusion" As Wang Jingchuan was still trying to figure out how to respond, Zhou Yu stepped forward and reported respectfully, “When Your Highness received the news from the emperor, he immediately became enraged and ordered us to bring back the Southern Marquis for interrogation.” Mo Xiuyao gave a light snort. Without even conducting an investigation or gathering any substantial evidence, the entire family of the Southern Marquis had been thrown into prison and sentenced to death… He let out another sigh. "So it seems I was unaware of this situation. Even though he is near me, I failed to detect his secret communication with the enemy. Would you like to take back a letter of apology from Your Highness As for Southern Marquis, once the war in the northwest ends, I will personally escort him back."
"This…" Wang Jingchuan was hesitant and unwilling. Mo Xiuyao replied coolly, "Is it that Duke Wang doesn’t trust me
Wang Jingchuan was startled and hurriedly said, "I dare not, Your Royal Highness. To be frank with your highness, the emperor has issued an order that if he doesn’t see the Duke of Nan’s father and son return to the capital within fifteen days, all members of the Nan family, regardless of age or gender, will lose their heads!"
Yè Guī sighed inwardly. The emperor was determined to crush the Nan family. Unless the duke returned to the capital soon, his family would be in grave danger. Even if they wanted to rush back now and save them, it might already be too late. Furthermore, in their current position, the Dìng Royal Family could not possibly rescue anyone covertly. The only way to ask the emperor for leniency was for Mo Xiuyao to return to the capital personally. However, that would make things even more difficult at present. Just as she was thinking about this, Duke Nan suddenly came out from an inner room. Calmly, he said, "I will go back with you."
Wang Jingchuan looked over at Mo Xiuyao; if the Dìng Royal Prince didn’t agree to it, even if Duke Nan was willing to accompany him, Wang Jingchuan would not be able to take him away. Turning around and bowing to Mo Xiuyao, Duke Nan said, "Your Highness, I don’t know when we will meet again. Everything... please entrust everything to your highness."
Mo Xiuyao remained silent for a moment before sighing and saying, "I am sorry, Your Excellency." At this time, he could not return to the capital to handle things. Duke Nan shook his head and said, "It is fate. It has nothing to do with your highness. I will take my leave now." With that, he turned around to Wang Jingchuan and said, "Your Excellency, please."
Wang Jingchuan looked at the duke in surprise and asked, "Duke Nan, if I am not mistaken, your son is also here." Duke Nan smiled indifferently and replied, "I don’t know what you are talking about."
"You!" In front of Mo Xiuyao, Wang Jingchuan did dare to act too brazenly. He took a deep breath and said to Mo Xiuyao, "Since your highness is not going to interfere with this matter, please ask the Duke of Nan’s son out as well so that I can take my leave."
Yè Guī replied indifferently, "I have never met the Duke of Nan’s son."
Wang Jingchuan was taken aback and frowned. “Why would Lady Wang deceive yourself The Prince of West Ling captured the Duke of Nan’s son, but he was rescued by Lady Wang. How could you not meet him” Yè Guī smiled slightly and replied, "Your Excellency just came from the capital and knows so much about this matter. You are truly well-informed indeed. However… your information might be a little off; I have never met the Duke of Nan’s son. Or... would you like to search for him in this governor's residence or Xinyang City" Wang Jingchuan quickly glanced at Dìng Royal Prince beside him, who had an indifferent expression on his face. He hurriedly shook his head and said that even if the duke’s son was indeed here, he didn’t have the courage to look for him. Furthermore, this city, the governor's residence, as well as several cities in the northwest were now under Dìng Royal Prince’s control; who could be sure that the Duke of Nan’s son would definitely be here at this moment If he couldn't find anyone and angered Dìng Royal Prince… Wang Jingchuan was certain once again that he had taken on a difficult task.
“What Lady Wang said is correct. I have never met the Duke of Nan’s son. Since you want to escort Duke Nan back to the capital, I will not hold you here any longer. Moreover, since you are in a hurry, I’ll send two secret guards with you to escort you back.”
Wang Jingchuan was startled and said, "In that case, I take my leave..."
Seeing Duke Nan turn around without any hesitation, Yè Guī sighed inwardly as she got up to see him off. "Take care of yourself."
Duke Nan smiled and replied, “Thank you, Lady Wang. Take good care.” The smile on his face had an unexpectedly free and easy quality to it., while the Central Plains were in dire need of peace after decades of war. From that point on, the southern frontier formally became independent from the Great Chu.Suixue Pass lies at the border betw...