1778: The Lin Family's Visit 1

The Lin Family's Visit 1

Upon hearing Gu Chaoyan's words, Lu Jiming was overcome with fear. The consequences of his father losing his rank would be dire for their entire family. Without the rank, they would lose the benefits bestowed by the court, including their servants, and the chance of remaining in the capital would vanish.1

No, this couldn't happen. Lu Jiming was consumed by terror. This was not how things were supposed to unfold.

Struggling and shouting in desperation, he pleaded, "Queen, you cannot treat us like this! Yes, we turned our backs on you in the past, but please consider our history together. We were once engaged! Release us. Allow us to live peacefully once more, I implore you."

"…."

"We don't ask for much, just a life in the capital as it was before!" Lu Jiming's voice rang out, resonating through the gate. However, the imperial army swiftly silenced him, preventing any further utterance.

The imperial army had not anticipated such unruly behavior from him, nor the alarming words he spoke.

Gu Chaoyan gestured for the imperial army to remain in place.

She added, "Escort him to Dali Temple, document his crimes, and have him imprisoned."

"…".

"Furthermore, arrange for the director of Dali Temple to personally visit Duke Changning's Mansion, revoke their servants and title. He and his wife shall be exiled to other locations. Should they dare to cause such trouble again, they shall be imprisoned at Dali Temple as well."

"…."

"The Saint Divine Land upholds strict rules of decorum. Those who lack shame or manners, particularly those who spread rumors about the Queen, must face severe consequences. The dignity of the imperial family must never be tarnished."

With these words, Gu Chaoyan dismissed them to attend to their own affairs.

She then retreated to her own wagon, passing through the gate and returning inside.

Lu Jiming had not anticipated the magnitude of the repercussions his reckless actions would bring.

He had not only ruined his own life but also brought calamity upon his family.

Inside the wagon, Sword One was bewildered. "Elder Miss, what happened to the Young Master of Duke Changning…"

Before Sword One could finish her question, Gu Chaoyan responded directly. "The plight of Duke Changning's Mansion is not a result of my actions. Lu Jiming ended his engagement with Gu Ruxue, who married Zhou Huailing. It was Zhou Huailing who pushed them into obscurity."

"…."

"However, he keeps bringing up our past engagement. While I may not personally care about such rumors, Huaijin is the King, and any spreading of false information from Duke Changning's Mansion could tarnish his reputation."

"…"

"I don't want him to be burdened by the actions of the past."

"…"

"And the punishment is befitting for those from Duke Changning's Mansion," Gu Chaoyan explained bluntly.

She had indeed imposed a harsh punishment this time.

It was a direct consequence of Duke Changning's Mansion's excessive behavior. Regardless of any potential unfairness stemming from her social status, Gu Chaoyan had no regrets about her actions.

Sword One finally grasped the situation.

Although she didn't necessarily agree with her Elder Miss, she understood her perspective.

Deep down, Elder Miss was a kind-hearted girl.

"Summon the Lin Family to the court later," Gu Chaoyan instructed.

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