The “Weng” was an instrument of torture invented by Lai Luo Zhi, used to roast over a fire, known as “Please Enter the Weng.”
The surrounding crowd watched in fear and unease, but no one dared to plead for mercy, as Lai Luo Zhi was known as the “Black Yama.”
At this moment, the child’s parents arrived, kneeling at Lai Luo Zhi’s feet, begging him to spare their child.
Lai Luo Zhi sneered dismissively, “If everyone uses the excuse that their child is young to spread such treasonous rumors, wouldn’t Chang’an become a lawless place?”
“Sir, the child is still young. We promise to educate him properly once we return home. Please spare him this time,” the child’s father pleaded, tears streaming down his face, fearing that he might never see his child again if Lai Luo Zhi remained ruthless.
“Hmph,” Lai Luo Zhi remained unmoved. “Recently, Chang’an has been in turmoil because of this song. You failed to educate your child earlier, and now you realize the fear. Isn’t it too late?”
With that, Lai Luo Zhi was about to take the child away.
Just then, a loud voice rang out from the crowd, “His Highness, King Ying, has arrived.”
The onlookers quickly made their way as Princess Yong’an, holding her butterfly and peony silk fan, gracefully approached Lai Luo Zhi.
“Your Highness, King Ying,” the child’s mother, seeing a glimmer of hope, crawled to Princess Yong’an’s feet, clutching her skirt. “Your Highness, please save us. The child is still young. Please save him.”
Princess Yong’an looked down, her delicate brows furrowing slightly. “What is happening here? Why is there such a commotion?”
“Your Highness,” Lai Luo Zhi interjected before the woman could respond, bowing respectfully. “I was patrolling the streets today when I heard a child uttering treasonous words. I apprehended the child, but his parents are pleading for his release, claiming he is too young. I refused, and that is why Your Highness was disturbed.”
“I see,” Princess Yong’an nodded slightly.
“Your Highness,” the child’s father quickly knelt before Princess Yong’an, “Please have mercy. The child spoke without thinking. We will discipline him properly. Please save him.”
The child’s parents were anxious, while Lai Luo Zhi remained arrogant, showing no mercy.
“The sage said: ‘If a child is not taught, it is the father’s fault.’ You should also be held accountable.”
Cries erupted from the crowd.
“Lord Lai,” Princess Yong’an pondered for a moment, then addressed Lai Luo Zhi, “The book says, ‘To err is human.’ Moreover, this is just a young child. You are wise, Lord Lai. Why bother with a child’s mistakes? Wouldn’t that tarnish your reputation?”
Lai Luo Zhi seemed to consider Princess Yong’an’s words.
“Even so, the child’s words were treasonous. If Her Majesty hears of it, it could lead to the execution of nine generations. Today, I am only taking the child, which is already lenient. Your Highness should not interfere.”
“If I hadn’t encountered this, I wouldn’t intervene. But since I did, it shows this child is fated to meet me. Lord Lai, please spare him for my sake.”
With Princess Yong’an’s plea, the child’s parents looked hopefully at Lai Luo Zhi.
Lai Luo Zhi’s reputation as the “Black Yama” was not unfounded. He was ruthless and unyielding. But with King Ying personally interceding, could he remain so “impartial”?
After a moment of thought, Lai Luo Zhi smiled intriguingly and waved his hand. “Since King Ying has pleaded, I will grant this favor. Release the child.”
The attendants released the child, who trembled like a frightened fawn in his parents’ arms.
Princess Yong’an knelt, gently stroking the child’s forehead to comfort him.
The child’s father quickly knelt to express gratitude, but Princess Yong’an stopped him, saying softly, “As long as the child is safe.”
Princess Yong’an’s actions earned her praise from the surrounding crowd.
Princess Yong’an had always been low-key, and since being titled King Ying, there had been no scandals or rumors.
Now, saving a child in public endeared her to the people, who were grateful and remembered her kindness.
“King Ying truly has a compassionate heart. This matter is settled. A new teahouse has opened in Chang’an. Would Your Highness have time to join me for a taste?” Lai Luo Zhi suggested.
“Lead the way, Lord Lai.”
At the Bamboo Green Teahouse.
Under an open-air canopy, Princess Yong’an and Lai Luo Zhi sat across from each other.
“Today’s matter was resolved thanks to you, Lord Lai. I toast you with tea instead of wine,” Princess Yong’an said.
“Serving King Ying is my honor. How could I trouble Your Highness to toast me?” Lai Luo Zhi replied.
They each took a sip of tea, and Princess Yong’an smiled. “I believe that after today’s events, the people will see me in a new light.”
“Indeed,” Lai Luo Zhi agreed. “Your Highness has always acted discreetly. Suddenly saving someone in the city will surely spread your good name among the people.”
Princess Yong’an said no more, but her beautiful face showed newfound confidence.
In the main hall of the imperial palace.
The grand and majestic court was lined with civil and military officials.
Empress Zhou Zhao, dressed in a dragon robe, sat on the throne, her forehead full and brows slightly raised, exuding an aura of authority as she surveyed the assembly.
“Your Majesty,” Chancellor Zhang Xingwei presented a memorial to the Empress. “I have a matter to report, clearly written in this memorial. Please review it.”
The female official beside the Empress quickly presented the memorial. As the Empress opened it, Zhang Xingwei continued, “Lord Lai Luo Zhi intimidated a child in the street, using the ‘Please Enter the Weng’ punishment. If not for King Ying’s timely arrival, the consequences would have been dire. I believe Lord Lai mishandled the matter, disregarding Your Majesty’s wisdom. Please punish him severely.”
“Heh…” Lai Luo Zhi chuckled, unfazed by the accusation. “Chancellor Zhang, you report matters selectively. Do you know why I punished the child?”
“A mere child, even if he errs, does so unintentionally. Why should Lord Lai, holding a high position, take issue with a child?”
“Enough,” the Empress interrupted, having read the memorial. “King Ying handled the matter well. I will reward her for her actions. Let this matter rest.”
“Your Majesty,” Zhang Xingwei persisted, “Do you know that a children’s rhyme has been circulating in Chang’an for days? Its content is offensive and damages Your Majesty’s reputation.”
Hearing this, Shen Du, standing to the side, looked grim.
He knew Zhang Xingwei’s intention. This case was under his jurisdiction, and now the rhyme was spreading, likely an attempt to undermine him.
“Oh?” The Empress’s interest was piqued.
Zhang Xingwei continued, “Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I will recite the content for you.”
“Go ahead,” the Empress permitted.