I woke up as the Villainous Empress

Chapter 260: National Crime

Zheng Liang leaned casually on the armrest of the throne, supporting his chin with his fingers, and wore a provocative smile as he looked at Yang Luoyang. "Why don't you understand? I was quite clear in my statement. The spy you're talking about, the one who attacked Minister Qin's son and left him battered, is none other than myself," he declared.

Yang Luoyang found himself at a loss for words in response to Zheng Liang's statement, unsure if the prince was being serious or playing a prank. He glanced around in disbelief and said, "Your Highness, if this is a jest, it's not the right time for such humor."

Zheng Huang furrowed his brow upon hearing his son's statement and scolded him sternly, "Zheng Liang, what nonsense are you speaking? This is not a time for jests. It's a serious matter." He reprimanded his son, urging him to take the situation seriously and not make frivolous comments.

As the Crown Prince, Zheng Liang should be aware of the scrutiny he faced in the royal court. Every word and action carried significant weight, and he couldn't afford for his statements to be misconstrued and give rise to baseless rumors.

Despite his father's scolding, Zheng Liang remained resolute and refused to apologize for his words. He looked at the Emperor with a serious expression and reiterated, "Your Majesty, I am not playing a prank on anyone. I was simply stating the truth."

"What are you-", The Emperor was rendered speechless by his son's nonchalant attitude. How could he say something like this so casually?

After responding to His Majesty, Zheng Liang turned to the flabbergasted Yang Luoyang and said, "Minister Yang, the spy that you were looking for is none other than myself. I was the one who beat Minister Qin's youngest son to a pulp. Now, I wonder what kind of punishment you would propose." He said, rather provocatively, as if challenging his authority.

The ministers present in the royal court were left speechless at the unfolding of the events. Who would have expected that the Crown Prince not only assaulted the youngest son of Minister Qin but would also openly confess to his crimes in front of everyone?

What was he planning to do?

Zheng Huang's expression darkened as he observed the reactions of everyone in the court to Zheng Liang's confession. He gritted his teeth and grabbed Zheng Liang's hand, whispering with a solemn expression, "What are you doing? Did you truly do that?"

He had initially thought that Zheng Liang was just making a joke, but it no longer seemed to be the case. Even if Zheng Liang had committed such an act, why did he openly confess everything in front of everyone? Couldn't he have discussed this matter privately with him at a later time?

Zheng Liang offered an assured smile to his father and then turned his attention back to Yang Luoyang, who was still taken aback by the sudden confession.

Yang Luoyang was surprised, but he soon regained his composure and realized how the situation was in his favor. His lips curled up in a smirk as he looked at Zheng Liang with determination. "Your Highness, pardon me for overstepping my boundaries. However, as the Crown Prince, assaulting innocent citizens is not appropriate.

No matter what the reason, violence is not an acceptable course of action," he said with an air of righteousness.

Yang Luoyang then glanced at Minister Qin, who was still in shock and seemed dazed. He nodded at Minister Qin, signaling him to take charge of the conversation.

Minister Qin understood what Yang Luoyang meant and proceeded to plead with His Majesty. He went on his knees and implored, "Your Majesty, please show mercy. Qin Cheng is my youngest son, and his mother passed away after giving birth to him. He is more precious to me than anything else."

"Yet, he lay in a state of bedrest for weeks, his face covered in black and blue bruises, and his hand broken. I beseech Your Majesty for justice. I have served faithfully in the royal court for many years and demonstrated my loyalty. However, at this moment, I am not speaking to you as a minister but as a father," he said, tears welling up in his eyes.

Zheng Huang, as the Emperor, was torn by the dilemma before him. His son had committed a grave wrong, and he, as the protector of justice, had to make a difficult decision. Minister Qin knelt before him, pleading for justice, and the weight of his responsibilities pressed heavily upon him.

Before he could come to a decision, Zheng Liang spoke up, breaking the tense silence in the court. "Minister Qin, I am aware that you and your eldest son have served in the royal court for years. That is one of the main reasons I didn't chop off your son's hand and simply broke it. You should be grateful for that," Zheng Liang stated coldly, his words sending a chill through the court.

"You…", Minister Qin was horrified by Zheng Liang's cruel words. Not only was he unapologetic for his actions, but he also casually mentioned the idea of cutting off Qin Cheng's hand. The ruthless nature of the Crown Prince's words sent shivers down his spine.

The members of the royal court were taken aback by Zheng Liang's unexpected display of confidence. Zheng Liang looked at Minister Qin with a frown and went on, "Minister Qin, You have seen the condition of your son and how severely he was beaten. But did you bother to understand the cause behind this?

I doubt your son would willingly confess his disgraceful actions." His voice dripped with disdain, his fury evident as he recalled the events of the previous night.

From Zheng Liang's demeanor and words, Zheng Huang figured that something significant must have happened the previous night. He knew well that Zheng Liang wasn't one to resort to violence without reason, especially when he was in the company of Yang Ning.

"Zheng Liang, recount the events of last night. Speak the truth, withholding nothing. That is my command," Zheng Huang declared with authority, offering Zheng Liang a chance to lay bare the facts.

Upon hearing His Majesty's command, Minister Qin suddenly had a realization. Qin Cheng didn't say anything about last night, other than a man beating him. However, no one would beat anyone without a reason. What happened after all? He looked at Zheng Liang, worried that things might turn up against him instead.

Zheng Liang glanced at everyone in the royal court and then fixed his eyes on Yang Luoyang, who stood there with a frown. He smirked and continued, "Last night, while the Crown Princess was waiting in a queue to buy something with her maid, Minister Qin's son approached her and attempted to tease her. Not only did he try to hit on her, but he also humiliated her and even made physical advances."

"Minister Qin, now you tell me, what should happen to a man who dares to lay his disgusting hands on the Crown Princess? If I had followed the formal protocols, your son would now be in prison, facing the death penalty for his disgusting crimes.

He not only attempted to humiliate the Crown Princess but also had a history of misbehaving with other women, treating them like objects," Zheng Liang stated firmly.

"Considering your years of loyalty to the royal court, I spared him after breaking his hand. But seeing the way you were asking for punishment on my part, I realized that I should have followed the formal protocols and brought him in front of the royal court.

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Even if it meant him being sentenced to death, it would have been none of my concern, right?" Zheng Liang said, causing everyone in the royal court to fall silent.

No one dared to whisper a word, let alone speak. They held their breath, afraid to make a sound. Just moments ago, they had been supporting Minister Qin and his eldest son, pleading for justice. But now, after learning the truth, those who had been sitting close to Minister Qin's eldest son turned their heads away, fearing they might become entangled in this matter.

Zheng Huang's face flushed with rage. He struck the armrest forcefully, exclaiming, "What audacity! That despicable man dared to lay hands on my daughter-in-law? Zheng Liang, have you lost your mind? Such a vile act calls for the harshest of punishments! You merely broke his hand?" His voice trembled with anger as he fixed a disapproving gaze on his son.

Minister Qin, already on his knees, shuddered with dread and collapsed back onto the floor. He had long turned a blind eye to his son's unruly actions, giving him free rein. Yet he was in disbelief that out of all the women at the carnival, his son had the audacity to approach the Crown Princess in such a manner.

His son's actions amounted to nothing short of treason! Years of loyal service to the throne were now tainted by this one reckless act. It forced Minister Qin to bow his head before His Majesty and beg for his son's life.

"Your Majesty, I beg you. My son has committed an unforgivable act, and I vow to give him a stringent punishment. I will exile him to a distant land, ensuring he never steps foot here again.

But I plead in front of you, for the sake of the years of loyalty my eldest son and I have dedicated to this Empire, please show mercy upon his life." Minister Qin's plea was heart-wrenching as he kowtowed deeply, his tear-streaked face touching the cold palace floor.