Chapter 77: Defying the Imperial Edict

Chapter 77: Chapter 77: Defying the Imperial Edict

Rong Ling, at his core, still adhered to etiquette. Matters like taking a concubine were things only small families would do.

If the Regent Prince Mansion allowed Han Ziyan to enter as a concubine, people outside would surely ridicule Rong Ling.

Upon understanding this, Feng Qing’s expression turned icy as she spoke, "In response to the Empress Dowager, I must decline this matter."

As Feng Qing finished speaking, everyone in the hall turned their eyes to her, each thinking they had misheard.

The Empress Dowager frowned and asked, "What did you say?"

Feng Qing replied indifferently, "In response to the Empress Dowager, making someone a concubine is a base tactic used by those who lack decorum. How can our Royal Family engage in such disgraceful acts? If Princess Guangling were to enter the Regent Prince Mansion as a concubine, the mansion would become a mockery for all."

"If some uninformed people concoct stories of the Prince engaging in dishonorable acts, indulging in lust, the Prince would be seen as a dishonorable rogue."

"Therefore, I implore the Empress Dowager to revoke this decree, spare the Regent Prince Mansion from becoming a subject of public shame."

At the top seat, the Empress Dowager’s face suddenly darkened, her eyes flashed with a sharp cold light, underestimating this woman.

Indeed, her consenting to Han Ziyan entering the Regent Prince Mansion was a scheme to tarnish Rong Ling’s reputation.

If Han Ziyan entered the Regent Prince Mansion as a concubine, scholars across the realm would see the Regent Prince as a lustful rogue, unworthy.

She planned to gradually ruin the reputation of Regent Prince Rong Ling, but she did not expect her scheme to be thwarted by Feng Qing.

The Empress Dowager was angry, her eyes gloomily fixed on Feng Qing below.

Feng Qing, neither humble nor arrogant, faced off against the Empress Dowager, while Han Ziyan beside her glared at Feng Qing in anger, saying: "Feng Qing, how dare you defy the Empress Dowager’s decree, you’re so bold."

Feng Qing looked up, glancing at Han Ziyan, and said: "Princess Guangling, a concubine is still a concubine and must adhere to the conduct of such before me. The term concubine merely sounds nice, but it remains a self-deceiving act."

Han Ziyan’s face immediately flushed with anger at Feng Qing’s words. Pointing at Feng Qing with rage, she exclaimed, "You, you dream of surpassing me!"

After Han Ziyan’s words, she began to cry, and the Empress Feng Yao beside her felt a sense of schadenfreude seeing Han Ziyan upset, though her real ire was directed more at Feng Qing. Thus, she coldly glared at Feng Qing below and said:

"Feng Qing, this is a decree from the Empress Dowager, it’s not for you to disagree with. Moreover, the Empress Dowager is compensating the Regent Prince, and I believe Princess Guangling entering the Regent Prince Mansion as a concubine is not the same as another household’s concubine, this compensates the Regent Prince, I think when the world knows, they would praise the Empress Dowager as benevolent, not accuse the Prince of indulgence."

Feng Yao paused, then continued with a vindictive tone, "Besides, your refusal to let Han Ziyan enter the mansion is merely due to jealousy, but with your appearance, do you think you can monopolize the Prince’s heart?"

At the end of her speech, Feng Yao glared coldly at Feng Qing.

The Empress Dowager, at the top of the hall, gazed with cold eyes at Feng Qing and said, "Feng Qing, I ask you once more, will you allow Princess Guangling to enter the Regent Prince Mansion as a concubine?"

Feng Qing replied in a deep voice, "No, I will not agree."