Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 279 Another Promotion
Although the trip to the palace was fraught with danger, thankfully everyone arrived safely in the end. While the few high-ranking officials who were taken hostage suffered minor injuries, it was insignificant compared to losing their lives.

Even Mu Yanchun, the mastermind behind it all, was captured. Now, seeing his efforts crumble before his very eyes, his face was deathly pale. It was all over. Decades of hard work had vanished in an instant. And all of this was because of a casual conversation! How could Mu Yanchun not hate? Today, not only would he die, but his entire clan would likely be wiped out. He was terrifyingly selfish, yet his descendants were a testament to his success, and now they were all gone.

As he was being pushed away, Mu Yanchun glanced listlessly at the magnificent, solemn, and imposing Golden Palace. This was the last time he would see it. Strangely, he suddenly recalled the feelings he had when he first stepped into this palace. The first time he entered this center of power, he had been so excited and apprehensive. Over the years, that feeling had long since vanished, and knowing he would never return, he felt a deep sense of loss.

As he was being dragged away, Mu Yanchun glanced at the assembled ministers, a cold smile suddenly appearing on his lips. Though he had failed today, don't think you would win. This world, as long as there are selfish motives, will never be stable. What's worse, there are far too many selfish people in this world. Sages are without desires and are highly respected, but how many sages are there in the world?

"Mu Yanchun, concealing the bloodline of the former imperial family, plotting to usurp the throne, and scheming for treason, has been the mastermind behind major cases such as the Wuyou Cave Blood Mine and Salt City. Furthermore, he has secretly colluded with the Northern Barbarians, committing the heinous crime of treason. What do you, my esteemed ministers, think I should do with him?"

When everything calmed down, it was time for reckoning. Emperor Jingtai was not an autocratic ruler, and at this point, he had the leisure to ask his ministers a few questions. However, the civil and military officials were not fools. They had seen clearly that Mu Yanchun had plotted a rebellion, and at this moment, they were too busy trying to distance themselves from him to plead for him.

Therefore, everyone's stance was terrifyingly consistent: they believed that such a heinous crime of treason deserved the execution of nine generations of their family.

However, Jiu Que glanced at the Lady of Ningguo and her only son, hesitated for a moment, and then stepped forward to plead for them.

"Your Majesty, the Duchess of Yingguo and her only son have made a meritorious report and have put righteousness above family ties. We beg Your Majesty to spare their lives."

"That's right."

Before the ministers could react, Emperor Jingtai readily agreed, catching everyone off guard. Wait, when did His Majesty become so agreeable? Moreover, they still vividly remembered the instigation by the treacherous minister who had just been dragged down, so how could it possibly have no impact on the relationship between the two of them?
Putting aside the ecstatic state of the Ningguo Duke's family, Jiu Que felt that human life was paramount. Mu Yanchun's family was out of the question; they would certainly be punished. But those who had no relation to him, who couldn't even touch the Mu family, were truly pitiful to be exterminated simply because of a tiny blood connection.

So she mustered her courage and pleaded for those she had never met before.

"Your Majesty, Mu Yanchun has committed treason and repeatedly harmed the people. Such a person truly does not deserve to live. However, those who are completely unaware of his actions and will not benefit from him in the future, it would be somewhat unjust for them to suffer the fate of having their families wiped out because of this immoral and despicable villain. Therefore, I implore Your Majesty, if it is found that those collateral relatives are not involved in his actions, could you spare their lives?"

Hearing this, no one dared to utter a sound, but secretly they all eagerly awaited His Majesty's reaction. After all, in these times, powerful families valued marriage alliances; even if they weren't directly related to Mu Yanchun by blood, they might have some kind of kinship. They certainly didn't dare to plead for him, but having someone step forward always offered more hope, didn't it?

Emperor Jingtai pondered for a long time. [Let that fool Mu Yanchun die! But it would be truly pitiful if those who have no connection whatsoever lost their lives because of his actions. The number of people implicated in the execution of nine generations of their families is far too vast. Even exile would be a way of survival. If we really have to kill people, it would be better to arrest and behead those officials in the court who are truly connected with Mu Yanchun. After all, they're all in cahoots; who would believe that Mu Yanchun's actions weren't aided by others?!]

Emperor Jingtai remained silent for so long that everyone felt hopeless. Who would have thought that His Majesty would actually nod and show mercy?

“What you say makes sense, my dear minister. Every wrong has its perpetrator and every debt its debtor. It is indeed inappropriate to exterminate nine generations of a family. So, within three generations, all adult males shall be exiled a thousand miles away. As for the Mu family, every single one of them shall be beheaded.”

Jiuque was actually quite satisfied with this outcome. After all, what ancient emperors feared most was someone coveting their throne, especially since Mu Yanchun had committed the taboo of colluding with the opposing camp and plotting to harm his own general. Not exterminating his entire clan was already an act of mercy from His Majesty.

Didn't you see all the officials in the court breathe a sigh of relief?

However, they breathed a sigh of relief far too soon, because Emperor Jingtai immediately ordered the three judicial departments to conduct a joint trial, and to find out and hold accountable everyone involved in the case!
Those who are innocent are naturally open and honest, but those involved are extremely uneasy. However, at this moment, no one dares to show it. There is, however, something that makes everyone want to vomit blood.

That's Ying Jiuque, the female official who's caused everyone so much trouble. Not only did she return safely from the Northern Frontier, but she also stumbled upon such a major incident upon her return, and it seems she even performed a meritorious service. Isn't His Majesty going to promote her again?

As expected, after arranging the case of Mu Yanchun, Emperor Jingtai spoke with a pleasant expression.

"Yingqing, before you set off, I promised you that if you could pacify the Northern Frontier, I would bestow upon you the title of princess upon your return. Now it seems that you have not only pacified the Northern Frontier army well, but also increased revenue and reduced expenditure, doing many things beneficial to the people's livelihood. The memorials from General Yuchi of the Northern Frontier Army and the Governor-General of the Northern Frontier have reached me, praising you highly. You did a very good job on this trip, and I hereby bestow upon you the title of Princess Ruian, a second-rank princess!"

"Your Majesty..."

"Furthermore, your return this time not only saved the Duchess of Ningguo and her heir, but also the Fourth Prince, and even me, and those people who were unjustly harmed! How can you not reward me for all of this? Coincidentally, you have completed your mission, and it is not quite appropriate for you to remain as the Imperial Inspector. I hereby appoint you as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, so as to rectify the conduct of the officials in the capital. By the way, you will also attend the hearing of Mu Yanchun's case and find out all the guilty and guilty and bring them to justice!"

All the officials who couldn't stop it in time were dumbfounded.

(End of this chapter)