Chapter 474: The blade falls (1/2)
Chapter 474: The blade falls
Translator: Sparrow TranslationsEditor: Sparrow Translations
Fang Zhengzhi heard what Crown Prince Lin Tianrong said.
Rank three official? Acting Minister of Rites? Isn't that a little underwhelming? I thought I was going to be a rank two official?
Perhaps Ping Yang's words were exaggerated.
Would I still be given land?
Fang Zhengzhi really wanted to ask someone to give him an antidote! He didn't want to stay silent on this matter.
However...
No one could hear him.
Shan Ling would never offer up the antidote because that would implicate him.
He would never admit to his actions!
Even though he had come clean back in Princess Shan Yu's room, he would never confess to them here.
Most importantly, he did not want to let Fang Zhengzhi speak.
When the settlement chiefs and generals heard Lin Tianrong, they finally understood how thorny this issue promised to be.
Fang Zhengzhi's actions were known to everyone.
If they executed Fang Zhengzhi now, they would be hard-pressed to explain it to the Great Xia and their citizens.
Furthermore, Fang Zhengzhi had just been promoted.
This was a man who was highly valued by the Emperor. They could not sentence him to death so easily.
As such...
The only way was to let the Emperor handle it.
But how would the Emperor handle it?
The King of the Southern Region frowned. He had to balance his options. Ordinarily, Fang Zhengzhi would not be able to escape the death sentence.
However, to be honest, he didn't want to kill Fang Zhengzhi...
After all, Fang Zhengzhi was a key factor in their victory. If he killed him just to preserve the royal family's reputation
It would be slightly too vicious.
But if he didn't kill Fang Zhengzhi...
How could the Shan Family hold their head up high?
If Fang Zhengzhi was a dead man walking, then it wouldn't matter. But what if he wasn't? How was Princess Shan Yu going to find a mate in the future?
Anyone who married her would have to live with this fact.
As Fang Zhengzhi progressed up the ranks in the Great Xia, this would only become more and more embarrassing.
To kill or not to kill?
The King of the Southern Region frowned.
”Father!” Princess Shan Yu's voice interrupted his train of thought.
”Shan Yu... speak your mind.” The King shuddered as he looked at Princess Shan Yu, his eyes filled with guilt.
As a father...
As a King, he could not possibly let his daughter be humiliated in this manner and do nothing about it.
”Sister, just let father...” Shan Ling wanted to interrupt.
”Father, according to Southern Region traditions, you held this banquet to find me a partner. Fang Zhengzhi had eaten the meat I prepared. Normally, that would mean that I can now make a choice, right?” Princess Shan Yu interrupted.
”Erm...” The King's expression changed.
He could tell where Princess Shan Yu was going with this. To be completely honest, having Fang Zhengzhi marry Shan Yu...
Was the best solution to all these...
But...
When he recalled that Fang Zhengzhi could die at any moment, he became extremely conflicted. He didn't want his daughter to be a widow.
The King of the Southern Region hesitated.
Shan Ling noticed the hesitation.
”Father, since this issue concerns a rank three official of the Great Xia, the Great Xia court would have jurisdiction. Why don't we have the Crown Prince bring Fang Zhengzhi back and have the Emperor himself decide!” Shan Ling suggested.
”Mm, what you say is reasonable, but...” The King of the Southern Region nodded. He still did not like this idea. He valued peace above all else.
As such...
Even if Fang Zhengzhi was about to die, he could still accept Princess Shan Yu's suggestion. Furthermore, Fang Zhengzhi's lifespan was still up in the air.
Furthermore, Fang Zhengzhi could very well give him a grandchild before he passed on. That would not be a bad thing.
”Father, rest assured. I will accompany the Crown Prince to the Great Xia and I will ensure that your opinions are heard!” Shan Ling added.
”You want to go to Yan Capital?” The King of the Southern Region was tempted.
Shan Ling, the Crown Prince of the Southern Region, knew his influence and position well. The King also knew what Shan Ling meant.
Since Fang Zhengzhi was a key factor in this victory...
Without this incident, he would be fast-tracked through the courts of the Great Xia.
If he were to be forced to stay in the Southern Region, his heart may not be in the right place.
However, if the Great Xia had given him a grave punishment...
Then...
They could come in and provide a better offer. They could offer Fang Zhengzhi Shan Yu's hand in marriage. Fang Zhengzhi would be grateful for such an offer.
”Yes, this concerns the reputation of the Shan Family. Now that we are in the midst of rebuilding after the war, you will be busy with domestic affairs. I think it is appropriate that I tag along.” Shan Ling added.
Princess Shan Yu pursed her lips. She wanted to speak, but she saw her father shake her head at her.
”Okay then, it is great that you are willing to go to the Great Xia for this. Crown Prince, what do you think?” The King of the Southern Region nodded. He didn't know what Shan Yu was thinking, but he knew that he couldn't send her.
Shan Ling was his best option.
”No problem at all!” Crown Prince Lin Tianrong nodded.
”Since that is the case, I will have to trouble you to take care of my son!” The King of the Southern Region replied.
”You are too kind. The Crown Prince's abilities are clear for all to see. He would be the one taking care of me.” Crown Prince Lin Tianrong smiled.
The atmosphere in the throne room relaxed.