Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The realization dispelled any trace of gloom in her heart, and a wave of warmth enveloped her.
She did not care about Lu Yunshuang, nor did she intend to intercede for her.
Lu Yunshuang deserved to be punished for all the evil she had committed.
Moreover, she knew that the Emperor would not let Lu Yunshuang implicate the Grand Duke Family.
Zeng Lunan was horrified at his words. It was clear that the Emperor would not change his mind, even if someone else offered to take the fall.
For a moment, he was at a loss for what to do.
He did not know what Lu Yunshuang had done in the past to evoke the Emperor’s resolution of punishing her, but openly insulting the Empress was already a capital crime in itself.
‘The Emperor had not immediately ordered Lu Yunshuang to be executed, presumably for the sake of the Empress and the Grand Duke Family.
Zeng Lunan’s face was ashen with defeat, and he did not dare to plead for mercy anymore. It was useless, anyway—the Emperor would never pay attention to a mere commoner like him.
Even so, he looked at Lu Liangwei and the Dowager Duchess wishfully, hoping that they would intercede for Lu Yunshuang.
‘The Dowager Duchess had also been taken aback by Long Yang’s sudden attack just now. She came back to her senses after hearing the emperor’s declaration, but she was still astounded.
After a long while, she finally opened her mouth and said, “Your Majesty, I understand that I shouldn’t plead for Lady Lu’s case, but I’m also curious to know what she did in the past.”
Long Yang glanced at Lu Liangwei and, seeing that there was no sign of displeasure on her face, he said, “Do you know why the Duke Chen Family’s property was confiscated?”
‘The Dowager Duchess stiffened. “I heard that Duke Chen’s son Chen Xuping formed illegal alliances, bribed officials, abducted women and forced them into prostitution, and even did human trafficking…” She paused abruptly as a feeling of dread rose inside her.
Sure enough, the next moment, she heard the Emperor say, “Chen Xuping has always acted under Lu Yunshuang’s orders and has committed numerous wicked deeds for her in secret. It was also Lu Yunshuang who instigated him to collude with officials and force women into prostitution. But in the end,
he took the fall for her. Chen Xuping may not be totally innocent, but the main culprit was still Lu Yunshuang.”
His words sent the Dowager Duchess reeling, but Aunt Lan caught her quickly just before she fell.
Seeing this, Lu Liangwei rushed forward and asked anxiously, “Grandmother, are you all right?” As she spoke, she placed her fingers on her grandmother’s pulse and was relieved to find that it was stable. Grandmother must have been infuriated by the news of Lu Yunshuang’s doings.
‘The Dowager Duchess closed her eyes to regain her composure and waved a hand as she said, “I’m fine, don’t worry about me.” She sighed again, and in that single moment, she seemed to have aged considerably.
Lu Liangwei stroked her back and said reassuringly, “Don’t worry too much, Grandmother. His Majesty will handle this matter fairly.” In other words, the Emperor would not let Lu Yunshuang implicate the Grand Duke Family.
Naturally, the Dowager Duchess understood what she meant.
However, she was angry not out of worry that Lu Yunshuang would implicate the Grand Duke Family and tarnish its reputation. She was appalled that their family, who had sworn loyalty to the imperial court, had produced a black sheep like her.
Colluding with officials, abducting women, and forcing them into prostitution… For the devoted and dedicated Lu Family, this was utter humiliation.
She could not understand how their family had raised such a disgrace.
Had they ever mistreated her or kept her from having the best food and clothes? How could she do such heartless things?
‘The Dowager Duchess could not help brooding over the matter.