Ever since arriving in Great Zhou, Qin Huaiyuan had always conducted himself with a low profile, acting cautiously and prudently in all matters.
Though Li Qitian valued him highly, he never acted ostentatiously. Today’s behavior—stepping forward to kneel as soon as court began, clamoring for His Majesty to make a judgment—was his first such outburst since arriving.
Not only Li Qitian, but all the civil and military officials in court now cast puzzled glances toward Qin Huaiyuan.
Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu exchanged a look, both slightly frowning as they observed Qin Huaiyuan without betraying their emotions.
Li Qitian had some suspicions in his heart, but constrained by decorum, he could only say sternly: “Minister Qin, please rise. Tell me plainly what grievance you have suffered.”
In an instant, Qin Huaiyuan’s eyes reddened, his beard trembling. He squeezed his eyes shut tightly to hide the tears within, his voice dry and hoarse as he spoke:
“Your Majesty, this old minister is fated to have no sons, only one daughter. When she was young, she suffered misfortune and was lost to the outside world. Only with great difficulty did I find her again. I regard her as a precious treasure, more precious than life itself—truly holding her gently lest she fall, keeping her close lest she dissolve.
“In past events, everything was done out of necessity. Between loyalty to my lord and my daughter, I ultimately failed my daughter. I only thought that after coming to Great Zhou, everything would be a new opportunity, and then I could properly compensate my beloved daughter.
“But who could have imagined that we would encounter misfortune along the way? And when my daughter first arrived in the capital, she was forcibly seized by Prince Zhongshun! Though my daughter has now been brought back home, her reputation is completely ruined—how many people outside are wagging their tongues!”
Qin Huaiyuan pressed his forehead to the ground, finally weeping bitterly with tears streaming down: “I beseech Your Majesty to seek justice for my beloved daughter! My daughter is well-read and reasonable, intelligent and steady—she is absolutely not that kind of frivolous person, yet the outside world speaks of her so despicably!
“What wrong has my daughter done to deserve such grievance? All these errors originated because of Prince Zhongshun! I beseech Your Majesty to severely punish the culprit and restore justice for my daughter!”
Qin Huaiyuan sobbed with each word, each phrase stained with tears. When he reached the end, he pressed his forehead tightly to the ground, choking with uncontrollable emotion. He even removed his official cap and placed it aside, kowtowing repeatedly as he cried out in grief:
“I beseech Your Majesty to seek justice for this minister! Severely punish Pang Zhixi!”
All the civil and military officials were stunned by this scene.
No one had expected that Qin Huaiyuan would actually impeach Prince Zhongshun. Those rumors had been circulating for more than a day or two. Previously, when Qin Huaiyuan remained silent and endured, some had privately mocked him as being cowardly as a mouse, not even daring to protect his own daughter.
Today he suddenly memorialized the throne, clearly showing that Pang Xiao’s table-flipping and public humiliation of Qin Yining had truly enraged him. The father could no longer endure it.
Seeing this, Minister Cheng of the War Ministry smiled at the corners of his mouth. Since they were both impeaching Prince Zhongshun, he wouldn’t compete with Qin Huaiyuan. Cheng Meng simply stood aside to watch the drama unfold.
Li Qitian’s hands gradually tightened their grip on the dragon throne’s armrests, his brow also furrowing.
He hadn’t expected matters to develop to such a degree.
The Grand Dowager’s banquet at Ci’an Palace for the three noble daughters, Lu Heng, and Pang Xiao had been at his instigation. The purpose was simple: to use Qin Yining to create friction between Lu Heng and Pang Xiao.
Li Qitian had long since discovered that Lu Heng had feelings for Qin Yining, and he also knew that Pang Xiao had emotions for Qin Yining, only acting awkwardly because of their fathers’ enmity standing between them.
Any man watching a woman he liked and had been intimate with marry someone else would feel uncomfortable.
Therefore, regardless of whether Qin Yining could marry Lu Heng, Pang Xiao and Lu Heng would become enemies.
But Li Qitian had calculated everything except that Pang Xiao, who had always shown respect to the Grand Dowager, would actually flip the table on the spot, enraging Lu Heng enough to utter harsh words and storm off.
Now that the matter had escalated to the point where Qin Huaiyuan was memorializing in court, this was truly not Li Qitian’s intention and had exceeded his expectations.
As Li Qitian pondered, Qin Huaiyuan kowtowed repeatedly again, declaring loudly: “I beseech Your Majesty to seek justice! If Your Majesty refuses to severely punish Prince Zhongshun, this old minister cannot continue in this official position! If I serve as an official yet let my daughter suffer endless grievances, unable even to protect her or seek justice for her, what meaning is there in holding office!”
Qin Huaiyuan wept as he spoke, humbly kowtowing again.
Li Qitian came to his senses amid his grief-stricken cries, coughed once, and said: “Minister Qin, please rise first.”
Severely punish Pang Xiao? How could that be possible!
Though Li Qitian was wary of Pang Xiao, currently in the cabinet, the only person who could barely be counted as useful from his faction was Pang Xiao alone.
If he severely punished Pang Xiao according to Qin Huaiyuan’s request, wouldn’t Li Qitian have no one in the cabinet? Would all future decisions then be subject to the manipulation of the old ministers from Bei Ji and the noble families?
Li Qitian shook his head inwardly—he absolutely could not severely punish Pang Xiao.
But in this matter, Pang Xiao was indeed at fault first.
Thinking of this, Li Qitian could only gently persuade, hoping Qin Huaiyuan would be understanding.
“I can understand Minister Qin’s feelings, but you are both court officials and my trusted ministers. If internal strife breaks out, how can you wholeheartedly perform your duties? Minister Qin must consider the greater good!”
“Your Majesty, if today you cannot give my daughter an explanation, I will not continue as this minister, and thus won’t count as serving alongside Prince Zhongshun! Prince Zhongshun actually engages in such forceful seizure and is so presumptuous even before Your Majesty. I will then record his numerous evil deeds on paper and paste them throughout the capital for everyone to see his wicked face!”
Li Qitian’s forehead veins throbbed as he listened.
This method was one he had used against Great Yan’s incompetent ruler in the past. He hadn’t expected Qin Huaiyuan to want to use this same method to incite public opinion!
If such words truly spread, how could Pang Xiao maintain his footing in the cabinet? The current Li Qitian absolutely would not allow Pang Xiao to leave the cabinet.
Li Qitian felt he faced an unprecedented dilemma.
After pondering for a moment, he suddenly became enlightened.
“Minister Qin.” Li Qitian stood up, slowly walked down from the imperial seat, came before Qin Huaiyuan and helped him up with both hands, then instructed Li Guanwen to bring a handkerchief for Qin Huaiyuan to wipe his face.
Qin Huaiyuan wiped away his tears, keeping his head low as he awaited Li Qitian’s instructions.
Li Qitian said: “Minister Qin, Prince Zhongshun is my right-hand man. When Great Zhou’s realm was established, he also rendered great service. It can be said that Prince Zhongshun’s age and talent are perfectly matched with your daughter. Since they both have feelings, why not fulfill this perfect couple?”
“Your Majesty! My daughter was coerced!”
“Ah, a woman’s best destination in this life is nothing more than finding a reliable husband’s family. Though Prince Zhongshun was confused before, I believe he too was momentarily overcome by emotion and lost control. How about this—let me act as matchmaker and betroth your daughter to Prince Zhongshun as his principal consort. How does that sound?”
Qin Huaiyuan kept his head lowered, appearing extremely aggrieved.
Li Qitian patiently persuaded: “As the saying goes, ‘grievances should be resolved, not deepened.’ The past enmity between Minister Qin and General Pang was not your fault—different positions, serving different masters. Today, why not turn major issues into minor ones and forget past hatred? With my imperial marriage decree, I believe no one in the world will dare speak ill of your daughter again. Minister Qin, what do you think?”
Qin Huaiyuan pursed his lips with great difficulty, seeming still unwilling.
Li Qitian then glared at Pang Xiao: “I betroth the Qin daughter to you as principal consort. Are you willing?”
Li Qitian’s expression was too serious, as if Pang Xiao dared say half a word of refusal, he could directly order someone to drag Pang Xiao out and behead him.
Inside Pang Xiao’s heart, there were already mountain torrents, earthquakes and tsunamis, violent storms, and brilliant fireworks exploding magnificently before his eyes with thunderous booms!
If not for his extraordinary willpower, he would have laughed heartily three times and properly knelt to thank his father-in-law for this fulfillment!
This move was truly masterfully executed—worthy of the wise Pan’an! So effortlessly resolving their marriage matter, and with His Majesty personally decreeing the union.
But no matter how joyful his heart, Pang Xiao still didn’t forget his appropriate emotional response.
Pang Xiao reluctantly nodded: “I submit to Your Majesty’s command.”
Only then did Li Qitian feel somewhat relieved, turning again to ask Qin Huaiyuan: “Minister Qin, what is your opinion?”
Qin Huaiyuan remained silent for a while, then picked up his official cap, dusted it off, and put it back on. He formally bowed to Li Qitian: “This minister was rash and troubled Your Majesty. I comply with Your Majesty’s arrangement.”
Li Qitian exhaled a long breath, nodding: “Good! Li Guanwen, draft an edict: Qin Yining is bestowed in marriage to Prince Zhongshun Pang Xiao as principal consort. The wedding date is set for the eleventh of next month. Order both households to make their own arrangements.”
“Yes.” Li Guanwen received the command, hurriedly recorded it, properly drafted the edict, had His Majesty seal it, then ordered someone to announce the decree.
Qin Huaiyuan kept his head lowered without speaking, still appearing dejected.
At this moment, War Minister Cheng Meng stepped forward. He had thought Qin Huaiyuan could strip Pang Xiao of a layer of skin, never expecting that in the end, he would even offer up his daughter.
Cheng Meng inwardly cursed Qin Huaiyuan as incompetent, then emerged to righteously impeach Pang Xiao for past indiscriminate killings.
Li Qitian’s temple twitched—Pang Xiao was causing him trouble again. Just when one matter was settled, another arose!
Li Qitian knew Cheng Meng’s purpose. Pang Xiao must maintain his position in the cabinet, so after turning the matter over in his mind, Li Qitian prepared to reject it.
But before he could speak, Qin Huaiyuan stepped forward, angrily declaring: “Minister Cheng’s words are wrong! Prince Zhongshun is young and talented, with illustrious military achievements. Though he attacked Bei Ji due to different positions, he rendered great service in establishing Great Zhou—how does he become a bloodthirsty demon in Minister Cheng’s mouth!”
“You!” Minister Cheng was utterly stunned by Qin Huaiyuan. “You just impeached Pang Zhixi moments ago, why are you now switching sides!”
Qin Huaiyuan glanced at the War Minister, declaring righteously: “When I impeached him, he was still my enemy. Now that His Majesty has decreed our marriage, he is my son-in-law. As a father-in-law, if I don’t speak a fair word for my son-in-law, should I wait for outsiders to do so?”
Minister Cheng was rendered speechless by this response.
The other ministers also began discussing among themselves.
Seeing Minister Cheng’s ineffectiveness, other officials from Lu Heng’s faction also stepped forward to impeach.
This revealed the origin of Qin Huaiyuan’s title “Wise Pan’an”—when he spoke, it was methodical and organized, yet he could refute every accusation against Pang Xiao.
Pang Xiao stood to the side, completely awed by Qin Huaiyuan’s ability to debate against all the scholars.
Father-in-law was too formidable—Pang Xiao felt tremendous pressure!