Chapter 988: Scarily Astute....
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Shao Yunduan was a man who adhered to principles and morality. He would not engage in any actions that went against his principles.
Emperor Xuan had a temperament that could swing between broad-mindedness and narrow-mindedness, depending on his mood and circumstances.
When in a good mood, he could easily dismiss offenses and let them slide. However, if he happened to be in an unfavorable state, he could unleash consequences that were detrimental to the offender.
In essence, Emperor Xuan possessed the power to act as he pleased, and his moodiness was well-known.
Nevertheless, he was also highly intelligent.
One would be wise not to attempt any deceit or manipulation in his presence, as the repercussions would be unbearable for anyone involved.
Emperor Xuan held a favorable impression of Shao Yunduan. In fact, he sent someone to gather information about the situation between Shao Yunduan and the Tian Family. As a result, he sympathized with Shao Yunduan, considering him a pitiable man.
However, the fact that Shao Yunduan was impeached by the censor within less than 20 days of joining the Hanlin Academy led Emperor Xuan to doubt that the Tian Family had no involvement.
What was the motive behind the Tian Family’s actions? What did Old Tian mean? He had assured the Emperor that the matter was resolved, even sharing a drink with Editor Shao in his presence as a means to reconcile and seek revenge with a smile?
Emperor Xuan did not appreciate being disregarded as the Emperor.
Furthermore, he was intensely curious about the conflict between Shao Yunduan and the Tian Family, prompting him to delve into the details of Shao Yunduan’s connection with the Qiao Family.
He even made a copy of the letter of severance.
The contents of the memorial that Shao Yunduan had been informed of were strikingly similar to what was written in the severance letter.
However, Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan had been coerced into signing the contract, despite its unfavorable terms.
No one would willingly accept something that was detrimental to their own interests.
The Qiao Family’s behavior was utterly domineering!
They were simply bullying Shao Yunduan, a recommended individual with no notable prospects, and Qiao Xuan, a daughter of a concubine, as if they believed the two were powerless.
On the occasion of their only visit to the Qiao Family, as Qiao Xuan departed, she received a slap across the face. Many onlookers witnessed her tearfully seeking solace in Shao Yunduan’s arms at the entrance of the Qiao Family.
Yet, the Qiao Family shamelessly claimed that it was the couple who had instigated the confrontation. Such an assertion was preposterous!
That was the Qiao Family’s account. Surely, no one else would believe such a fabrication, right?
Little did they anticipate that Shao Yunduan would eventually become the Primus and join the prestigious Hanlin Academy.
Qiao Hongxi proved to be the most vexatious of all. He was well aware of the truth, yet he persisted in discrediting Shao Yunduan!
Conversely, Shao Yunduan remained an honest and well-mannered man. He could only defend himself with a bitter smile and a sigh, insisting on his innocence and refraining from speaking ill of the Qiao Family.
That was an act of great benevolence!
If that gesture didn’t suffice, what more could be expected of them?
How dare they question Shao Yunduan’s morality? It was utterly absurd!
Emperor Xuan formulated some conjectures based on the information he had gathered. Shao Yunduan didn’t need to explain anything further. The Emperor had already grasped the situation clearly.
Feeling that he, as the Primus, had been unjustly treated, Emperor Xuan resolved to defend him.
Old Tian, that wretched scoundrel, had caused quite a commotion this time.
Consequently, the next morning, Emperor Xuan of Qi, who had been absent from court for at least half a month and was under the supervision of the Crown Prince, with the assistance of the Second, Third, and Fourth Princes, attended court.