northernbook Chapter 388 Court of Secrets (VI)
Chapter 388 Court of Secrets (VI)
The Royal Court of the Zheng Empire fell into a tense silence as Yang Ning stepped forward, her eyes cold and calculating. Before her stood Yang Luoyang, the man who had claimed to be her father, now cornered by the damning evidence of his treachery.
"Minister Yang," Yang Ning's voice cut through the hall like a blade of ice, "the court awaits your explanation. How do you respond to these accusations of embezzlement and treason against the empire you swore to serve?"
Yang Luoyang's face twisted with rage, his composure crumbling under the weight of his exposed crimes. "You dare question me, you ungrateful child? After everything I've done for you, after raising you to this position of power, you stand there and accuse me?"
A cold smirk played on Yang Ning's lips as she replied, "Everything you've done for me? Let's not pretend, Minister Yang. The only thing you've ever done is use me as a pawn in your political games. Your 'care' was nothing more than a mask for your ambitions."
The court murmured in shock at the Crown Princess's audacity. Emperor Zheng Huang leaned forward on his throne, his gaze sharp as he watched Yang Ning confronting Yang Luoyang head-on.
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Yang Luoyang's eyes darted around the room, seeking an escape from the trap closing in on him. Finding none, he switched tactics, turning to the Emperor with a plea in his voice. "Your Majesty, surely you can see this is all a grave misunderstanding. These documents... they must be forgeries! I've served the Zheng Empire faithfully for decades!
I am innocent. You should believe in me."
"Forgeries, you say?" Zheng Liang's voice cut through the air, laden with barely contained fury. "Then how do you explain all the properties that Commander Wei has verified himself and the documents of the crimes that Wang Rong has hidden all these years?
For your information, these documents also have clear evidence of your entanglement with the previous Empress which shows your involvement in the planning of His Majesty's murder. Your web of lies is unraveling, Yang Luoyang. You have no way out."
Yang Luoyang paled visibly, his confident facade cracking. "That... that was Wang Rong's doing! He framed me, Your Majesty! I swear on my life, I've been nothing but loyal to the throne!"
Minister Lao paused, his eyes flickering between Yang Ning and the Emperor before continuing, "Prince Zheng Xiang was protected from this law because he is Your Majesty's direct descendant and was safe because of it. However, it won't be the same for Her Highness. Since she is the direct descendant of Minister Yang, it will be difficult for her to escape this fate."
A heavy silence fell over the court as the implications of Minister Lao's words sank in. Yang Ning's expression remained impassive, but her eyes flicked towards Zheng Liang. A silent challenge seemed to pass between them, a moment of unspoken communication in the midst of the storm.
Emperor Zheng Huang's face was grave as he considered Minister Lao's words. The weight of the law and the potential fate of the Crown Princess hung in the air, creating a palpable tension throughout the grand hall.
It was indeed true that according to the laws of the royal court, Yang Ning was supposed to be exiled along with Yang Luoyang if he was charged with treason, the highest accusation. However, unbeknownst to the court, Yang Ning was pregnant, carrying the future successor of the Empire. This closely guarded secret was known only to Zheng Liang, the Emperor, and Prince Zheng Xiang.
In light of this hidden fact, she would theoretically be safe only until she gave birth and would face punishment after that.
The Emperor's brow furrowed as he contemplated this complex situation, the secret knowledge weighing heavily on his mind. The court held its breath, waiting for his decision, oblivious to the true complexity of the matter at hand.
While he was thinking of a way to protect Yang Ning from the cruelty of this law without causing turmoil of opposition opinions in the royal court, Zheng Liang's voice rang out, clear and resolute.
"NO." The Crown Prince's words cut through the tense silence like a blade. "Yang Ning will not bear the consequences of Yang Luoyang's crimes. She will not be executed, nor will she face punishment."
All eyes in the court turned to Zheng Liang, shock evident on many faces. Yang Luoyang's expression twisted into a sneer as he glared at Yang Ning, who remained standing, her posture unwavering. "And why is that, Your Highness? Would you defy the very laws of this empire for your pretty wife? Or perhaps you think your position puts you above the law?"
Zheng Liang's eyes flashed with anger, his voice sharp and clear. "No, Yang Luoyang. Yang Ning will not be punished because she is not your daughter. She has no connection to you or your crimes."
The court fell silent, everyone stunned by this revelation. Yang Ning's eyes widened slightly, the only sign that she was shocked by this news. Her hands tightened at her sides, but she kept her composure, standing tall and firm.
Yang Luoyang's face turned pale, his eyes growing wide with fear. This wasn't the surprise of learning something new, but the horror of realizing his long-kept secret had been discovered. "What... what did you say?" he stammered, all his earlier confidence gone in an instant.