Unfortunately for the Crown Prince, Emperor An clearly had no intention of granting his wishes.
Propped up on the dragon bed, Emperor An spoke with a weak and guilt-laden tone. “Back then, your father and I were old friends. I should have trusted his character, but my narrow-mindedness and the manipulations of villains led to his unjust suffering for years. I owe your father, and I owe you justice.”
“I have wronged you.”
In the past, such remorse and deference from Emperor An would have prompted Xiao Yan to step forward and offer a way out.
But Xiao Yan merely stood there, silently watching Emperor An, as if waiting for him to continue.
For a fleeting moment, Emperor An felt a pang of embarrassment. Clearing his throat before the assembled courtiers, he said, “Since He Wenzhuo was wronged, his name must be cleared.”
“By my decree, let the loyal and righteous deeds of He Wenzhuo from twenty years ago be proclaimed to the world. Posthumously enfeoff him as Duke Dingguo, and place his memorial tablet in the Imperial Ancestral Temple to share in the imperial incense.”
“His son, He Yan, inherits his father’s spirit, filial and courageous, and shall succeed to his father’s title, taking charge of the Privy Council…”
Seeing Xiao Yan unmoved, as if the honors were insufficient to sway him, Emperor An paused briefly before continuing, “My health is poor, and I lack the strength to manage court affairs. The Crown Prince is young and impulsive, unfit to govern alone. Duke Dingguo carries the legacy of the He family, wise and upright, peerlessly astute. I specially appoint him as Junior Preceptor to the Crown Prince, granting him the privileges of a prince, to guide the Crown Prince on my behalf.”
“Furthermore, the investigation of the He family’s case years ago was hasty. In the late Emperor’s anger, details were overlooked. But I believe a family capable of raising a loyal and courageous figure like Duke Dingguo would not rebel for mere profit.”
“I intend to grant amnesty to the He family, ordering the restoration of their ancestral home and graves, permitting worship and the continuation of their lineage. Additionally, the title of Duke shall not diminish for three generations, as compensation.”
Before Xiao Yan could respond, the faces of Liang Guangyi and others in the crowd darkened.
Everyone knew Emperor An would yield upon waking, given Xiao Yan’s grip on power and the tiger tally. His concessions were expected, but no one anticipated he would be so generous.
Originally, clearing He Wenzhuo’s name would have allowed Xiao Yan, as his son, to inherit at most the title of Marquis Xuanyi, along with some minor honors. But now, he was directly enfeoffed as a Duke, appointed Junior Preceptor to the Crown Prince, and granted the privileges of a prince.
Moreover, Emperor An had proactively pardoned the He family, allowing the ducal title to remain undiminished for three generations.
Such treatment was unprecedented in all of Da Wei.
“Your Majesty, this violates ancestral precedent!” Prince Huan couldn’t help but protest. “Posthumously enfeoffing Duke Dingguo is one thing, He Wenzhuo’s wrongful death in Rongjiang may warrant it, but Xiao Yan? Without unparalleled contributions to Da Wei, how can someone so young inherit a hereditary dukedom and enjoy the honors of a prince?”
His objection wasn’t out of loyalty to Emperor An but pure dissatisfaction. To think that a former “eunuch servant” who once had to bow before him would now stand as his equal, even in name, was intolerable to the proud Prince Huan.
Moreover, such a grant would give Xiao Yan legitimate grounds to retain military power and meddle in court affairs. Had Emperor An lost his mind during his month-long coma?
Other senior officials aligned with Grand Tutor Liang also frowned. “Your Majesty, Prince Huan is right. Such an enfeoffment has no precedent. Issuing this decree may provoke criticism across the court and beyond.”
“I recall that on the day of the palace banquet, Your Majesty promised that if He Wenzhuo was found innocent, he would be enfeoffed as Marquis Xuanyi. I believe this title suits Xiao Yan’s age and accomplishments.”
Liang Guangyi added, “This old minister also finds the ducal title too conspicuous. Governor Xiao is young and capable. Why not first grant a marquisate and enfeoff him as a duke later, once he has greater achievements? What does Cao Gong think?”
Cao Dejiang wasn’t about to fall for Liang Guangyi’s trap.
Supporting the enfeoffment would offend Emperor An, openly aligning himself with Xiao Yan. But agreeing with them that it shouldn’t be granted risked Emperor An going along with their suggestion, which would shortchange Xiao Yan.
Cao Dejiang replied solemnly, “Court titles are earned through merit. While a ducal title may stretch precedent, His Majesty, out of compassion for loyal subjects, has considered it carefully and deems it appropriate. This old minister has no objections.”
Liang Guangyi: “…”
That old fox!
Emperor An, genuinely intent on the enfeoffment, said, “I have thought it through. This is what I owe the He family.”
“I should have sent people to investigate thoroughly when doubts about the old case arose. Knowing that countless innocents perished in the case twenty years ago, I, as Emperor, should have been the first to seek justice for them. But for the sake of my reputation, fearing criticism for my oversight in disaster relief, I foolishly tried to cover it up and nearly harmed a loyal minister.”
“I owe the He family.”
“But…” Prince Huan tried to speak again, but Prince Ji tugged at his sleeve, signaling him to be quiet.
Prince Ji said gravely, “Since Your Majesty has decided, the title of Duke Dingguo is indeed fitting for Governor Xiao.”
Emperor An looked at Xiao Yan. “Duke Dingguo, what do you think?”
Xiao Yan met Emperor An’s gaze. If not for the Emperor’s tightly clenched hands gripping the bed’s edge, his shoulders tense and straining, one might truly believe his guilt over the He family prompted this generous enfeoffment and reward.
Emperor An likely understood the court’s situation and his own powerlessness, choosing to yield to win hearts. A single admission of fault could erase the shame of his broken promises that night and put an end to the He family’s case.
Otherwise, if the matter dragged on, not only the He family but even the late Crown Prince’s rebellion might be implicated, threatening his throne.
A ducal title to settle the matter, how could that not be worth it?
As Xiao Yan locked eyes with Emperor An, the hall’s atmosphere grew tense. Everyone could see the Emperor’s attempt to placate, but it depended on whether Xiao Yan would accept. Even Emperor An himself was inwardly tense.
After a moment, Xiao Yan stepped forward and bowed. “On behalf of my father and the He family, I thank Your Majesty for your grace. I will diligently assist His Highness the Crown Prince and Your Majesty, upholding the He family’s legacy.”
Emperor An let out a heavy sigh of relief.
Liu Tong’en quietly released his grip on his sword hilt.
The Crown Prince, seeing Xiao Yan yield, felt a jolt of unease. Though he had placed many allies in the court, he still relied on Xiao Yan. If Xiao Yan resolved his grudge with Emperor An and leaned toward him due to the enfeoffment, his position as Crown Prince…
“Father, since you’ve bestowed such honors on Duke Dingguo, allow me to request another favor on his behalf,” the Crown Prince said with an affectionate smile, standing beside Xiao Yan. “Duke Dingguo once told me he has long admired Princess Xiangning. Previously, his status held him back, but now that the He family is cleared and he holds a ducal title, why not grant them a marriage to add joy to his honors?”
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