Chapter 101: Clemency for the Death Sentence

This resolute reply cast a brief silence over the hall. The palace attendants bowed their heads low, while Gao Fu glanced furtively at the emperor's expression. Ye Jiao stared at Li Ce in astonishment, and the emperor seated upon the throne suddenly began to cough violently, as if something had lodged in his throat. Gao Fu hastened forward to pat the emperor's back and ease his discomfort. Ye Jiao, startled, also moved to assist but restrained herself out of respect for their ranks, kneeling instead to implore the sovereign's mercy.

"I…" The emperor's face flushed crimson as he struggled to regain his breath. Taking a sip of tea, he pointed accusingly at Li Ce, "I suspect you've been spoiled at the Zhao Prince's mansion! Look at your frail frame—yet you dare to abduct a bride? Do you think you can best the guards, or even Li Zhang? If Ye Jiao obeys orders to marry, do you believe you can simply whisk her away?" Surely, he could only drag her by hand—though he seemed scarcely able to bear her weight.

Though furious, the emperor's anger waned as memories of the bride-snatching incident flickered in his mind. His features twisted with a complex expression—anger mingled with a mocking smile that eventually softened, revealing a hint of suppressed frustration. Perhaps a direct imperial edict was needed to truly test his daring.

"Abduct a bride?" The emperor scoffed sarcastically. "Siblings quarreling for a bride—doesn't that strike you as shameful?" He waved his wide sleeves, causing a piece of cake to fall to the floor and roll down the steps.

"I do not fear shame," Li Ce declared firmly. "I have already expressed my intentions at court; surely the Jin Prince understands my resolve and will not compete against me."

"That remains uncertain," the emperor retorted coldly. "Miss Ye is quite sought after. Even my deputy commander of the imperial guards has his eye on her."

Ye Jiao looked up in surprise. Did the emperor truly keep such close tabs on affairs? Even Yan Congzheng's declaration of love for her was known to him?

"Miss Ye is indeed highly coveted," Li Ce admitted. "Therefore, I cherish her dearly and shall protect her with utmost care."

The emperor sneered at his contradictory words, his disdain palpable. Though his anger was not fully abated, there was no possibility he would grant the marriage.

Descending the steps, the emperor approached Ye Jiao, his voice gentle: "Rise, Ye Qing. I am not angry with you. When he refused the marriage here, I found him arrogant and ungrateful. I shall not trouble you—choose whom you desire with a sincere heart. After all, I have many sons; whoever you marry will still be my daughter-in-law."

Ye Jiao rose respectfully. "I no longer bear resentment toward Prince Chu."

The emperor smirked. Whether or not she was angry, he could guard the city gate for her, and privately, he knew how to soothe her. Yet, beyond their personal affairs lay matters of state.

Turning his gaze, the emperor noticed the child crawling down the steps on all fours. Straining his hand, he reached for a piece of cake that had slipped from the table. Ye Jiao hurried to scoop up the child, offering the cake. Possibly starved, the child eagerly stuffed it into his mouth, cheeks puffed adorably. Ye Jiao smiled, presenting the child to the emperor: "Your Majesty, see how delighted he is. It seems he has never tasted this before."

The emperor's expression shifted subtly. Returning to the imperial desk, he stood with hands clasped behind his back and spoke gravely: "The Dali Court's investigation into Baili Xi's estate—I've reviewed the inventory and trust he has not embezzled. Since his imprisonment, no one has pleaded on his behalf, indicating no factional alliances. How could such a man, consumed by private vendettas, disrupt the court?"

A look of confusion and gravity crossed the emperor's face as he sighed: "Under the law, I sentence him to death, his family to return home, barred from imperial examinations for three generations."

Thus, no collateral punishment. Ye Jiao, watching the child swallow happily, showed a faint smile of relief. The emperor noticed and furrowed his brow deeper.

"Ye Qing," he cautioned, "your family, the Duke of Anguo's household, is charitable and benevolent, which is commendable. But remember, the world is harsh—few are gentle and kind; many prey on the weak. Leniency breeds treachery. Only with thunderous measures can one quell evil and live in peace."

Ye Jiao bowed deeply, cradling the child. "I thank Your Majesty for your wisdom and, on behalf of this child, for your clemency."

Li Ce knelt as well. "Your humble servant thanks His Majesty for this grace."

"What have I granted you?" The emperor raised his foot as if to kick Li Ce, but, frustrated, let it drop. "Go now—I am weary."

As Li Ce and Ye Jiao departed Zicheng Hall, the emperor withdrew his gaze and looked to Gao Fu, the chief eunuch. "What do you think?" he raised his brow.

"Haha," Gao Fu laughed rare and soft, stepping closer. "I am a rootless one and do not understand such matters, but I saw Prince Chu rise and take the child, fearing Miss Ye might tire."

"That's fear of one's wife," the emperor shook his head. "Pathetic."

He lifted his tea cup but did not drink, tapping his fingers thoughtfully on its rim before speaking: "Recall those at Tiantai Mountain—recall them."

Tiantai Mountain in Jiangnan was where Ye Jiao's father, Ye Xi, cultivated his art. Gao Fu's expression grew solemn as he bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"I did not intend to spy on him," the emperor suddenly reflected, "but the late emperor trusted him greatly, even consulting him on succession. I suspect he held the late emperor's secret edict."

Hence his anxiety when Prince Chen rebelled. "Years have passed," the emperor murmured, "and it appears there was none."

Aware of the gravity, Gao Fu remained silent until the emperor spoke again with a hint of warmth: "His children are all commendable."

"Yes!" The emperor sighed. "The old man is indeed fortunate."

Though the emperor resolved to pardon Baili Xi's family, they remained imprisoned in Dali Court. Ye Jiao, having visited once before, was familiar with the path. With Li Ce's presence, they entered without permit to see Baili Xi. He stood stiffly, showing no remorse. Beside him, his wife and daughter-in-law rose silently, tears falling as they saw Li Ce holding the child. Fearful of the emperor's will, they whispered in sorrow.

Baili Xi's face tightened, avoiding the child's gaze as he turned away: "I have nothing to say. You may leave."

"Leave?" Ye Jiao challenged. "Do you abandon this child to our care?"

The family's cries intensified. Baili Xi spun to rebuke them harshly: "Why weep? I have served the nation faithfully. Even in death, I bear no regret! Every Baili heir should possess such resolve."

He sounded truly upright and righteous. After his stern declaration, Li Ce smiled coldly. "Serve the nation faithfully? Which nation, which court, or which man do you truly serve? As a censor, your sole duty is to serve as the emperor's eyes and ears—supervising officials, impeaching misconduct. You, as Deputy Censor, have abused your position for personal vendettas against the Duke of Anguo's household. Is this your loyalty, your regretlessness?"

Baili Xi's face paled, lips trembling, his once-proud shoulders sagging as if drained of all spirit. Li Ce shook his head gently. "His Majesty's mercy spared your family's lives and allowed us to bring the child. If you refuse…"

He turned to leave, but Baili Xi's family fell to their knees, pleading: "Your Highness, we beg you to keep the child."

The prison gate opened as Li Ce handed the child to Baili Xi, who stiffly accepted him. His wife wept, imploring, "Husband, hold Tan'er. The emperor has pardoned us; our family must leave a legacy."

Baili Xi stepped forward, cradling the child, who babbled incoherently and clasped his grandfather's beard tightly. Mixed emotions crossed Baili Xi's face, yet he remained silent.

Before departing, Ye Jiao asked quietly, "I have long wished to ask—why the Duke's household? Why conspire against the Anguo family when Tang and Tubo seek peace? They bear no grudge."

Baili Xi's gaze lingered on Ye Jiao, then drifted away, a bitter, resentful grin creeping onto his lips. "Because of Ye Xi, Ye Xi! You are his descendants, meddling in the court and state affairs like him, wielding the sovereign like a toy."

"My father did not!" Ye Jiao retorted.

"How old are you?" Baili Xi refused to argue further, turning away while gently patting the child's back, as if cursing softly, "One day, His Majesty will regret this."

"Alas, you won't live to see that day," Ye Jiao replied. "But today, the emperor surely regrets ever trusting you."

With a storm in her chest, Ye Jiao strode out of Dali Prison onto the busy street, climbing into a carriage. Her breath heaved fiercely with anger.

"Jiao Jiao," Li Ce followed swiftly, taking her hand to soothe her, "being slandered by treacherous men only proves your father's integrity."

His words failed to comfort her. She lifted her head, still fuming. "I remain furious."

"Well then…" Li Ce leaned closer, gently lifting her delicate chin. "Will this make you feel better?"

He spoke softly before pressing his lips to hers.