The Crybaby Always Wants to Redeem the Villainess - Chapter 4

“That little girl cried the moment she saw you! It’s because you scared her!”

“I don’t have time to argue with you. Go kneel in the ancestral hall all night. Anyone who shows favoritism to the young miss will have their monthly salary docked!” The last sentence was directed at the servants in the hall. With a frustrated rub of her forehead, she dismissed them.

“Mother! Am I even your real daughter anymore? How could you treat me like this? I just got back today!” Xiao Yi wailed as the guards dragged her away.

The next day, in the imperial court, the young Emperor, barely twenty years old, sat at the head of the hall, casually surveying Grand Tutor Gu and the assembled officials below.

Standing in the center of the court, Grand Tutor Gu, his face flushed with righteous anger, enumerated Xiao Yi’s various misdeeds, including the abduction of his daughter.

The court officials echoed his accusations. Though none had personally witnessed the female tyrant’s misdeeds, her infamy had spread like wildfire, known throughout the nation.

As the Emperor listened to the murmuring below, his expression darkened.

Luo Anche knew Xiao Yi’s true character all too well. That girl was a true heroine, a woman who surpassed men in courage and integrity, a genuine paragon of virtue!

His gaze turned icy as he fixed Grand Tutor Gu with a cold stare. “Grand Tutor Gu, what crime has Xiao Yi committed to warrant such fury? You didn’t witness her alleged misdeeds firsthand, yet you spread these rumors as if they were gospel. Do you truly think I’m unaware of your machinations?”

Grand Tutor Gu, Gu Wence, sensed the new emperor’s protective stance toward Xiao Yi and quickly offered an explanation. “Your Majesty! My words are entirely truthful. My youngest daughter, Gu Zhirou, was only rescued from the General’s Estate last night. Xiao Yi is headstrong and willful. If we tolerate her reckless behavior now, she’ll become utterly lawless in the future! Her abduction of my daughter is already public knowledge. Failure to punish her severely will surely lead to disaster!”

Prince Jin Luo Jingyang seized this opportunity to curry favor with the Grand Tutor, speaking up smoothly. “Your Majesty, Grand Tutor Gu speaks with wisdom. You’ve only recently ascended the throne and may not be fully aware of all the circumstances. However, I trust in your ability to discern right from wrong. I implore you to uphold justice for Grand Tutor Gu and punish the Xiao family’s wicked daughter!”

As Grand Tutor Gu’s words faded, the assembled officials erupted in fervent agreement.

“Your Majesty, you must seek justice for Grand Tutor Gu!”

“This humble servant implores Your Majesty to avenge Grand Tutor Gu!”

“……”

The court officials unanimously demanded that Luo Anche severely punish Xiao Yi.

“Oh, Royal Uncle, your words are truly intriguing,” Luo Anche remarked, his gaze hardening as he fixed it on the two figures below. “If I don’t punish Xiao Yi, does that mean I lack the discernment to distinguish right from wrong?”

Having just ascended the throne, Luo Anche found it galling that his own Royal Uncle, rather than supporting him, was siding with others to create trouble.

“This humble servant dares not! I meant no such thing, Your Majesty has misunderstood me!” Prince Jin exclaimed, startled, and quickly offered an explanation.

Luo Anche withdrew his gaze indifferently, resuming his usual nonchalant demeanor. “If that’s the case, then tell me—how should I punish her?”

“Xiao Yi has committed countless atrocities, and the evidence is irrefutable! She should be executed by caning according to the law!” Grand Tutor Gu declared.

The court officials echoed his words, each vying to be the first to demand Xiao Yi’s punishment.

“Executed by caning? Heh…” Luo Anche chuckled.

He slowly raised his head, surveying the assembled officials. “Grand Tutor Gu, General Xiao has rendered distinguished service, safeguarding our nation. Yet now, for the sake of your daughter, you demand the execution of his eldest daughter, Xiao Yi. Surely her crime doesn’t warrant death!”

Grand Tutor Gu’s expression darkened. “Does Your Majesty intend to simply let Xiao Yi go unpunished?”

“Those are your own words, Grand Tutor. Your daughter suffered no injuries, did she? Your proposed punishment is excessive, Grand Tutor, and would chill the hearts of General Xiao and the border troops!”

It is well known that the Xiao family is utterly loyal to the court, willing to sacrifice their lives for the nation’s security. How can they bear such treatment?

General Xiao has fought valiantly on the battlefield, securing peace along the borders. Yet you, Grand Tutor, would have his legitimate daughter beaten to death for your own daughter’s sake. Is this truly just?

How can We allow such blatant disregard for a loyal general to chill his heart?”

Luo Anche’s words carried an unmistakable threat. Grand Tutor Gu’s face paled. If he couldn’t see the new emperor’s blatant favoritism now, he was a fool.

He had originally intended to seize this opportunity to throw Xiao Yiyi into the dungeon, but now that was impossible. It seemed he would have to devise another plan.

A brief silence fell over the hall before Luo Anche continued, “General Xiao is a pillar of our nation, and the Xiao Family has served with distinction for generations. Regardless of the circumstances, Xiao Yi deserves our leniency. Grand Tutor Gu, what are your thoughts?”

“Your Majesty’s words are wise!” Grand Tutor Gu replied through gritted teeth, secretly seething, The new Emperor is so protective of the Xiao Family!

But he could only swallow his anger and crush his silver teeth in frustration.

“If that is the case, let us adjourn court!” Luo Anche waved his hand, signaling the assembled ministers to withdraw.

After the ministers had dispersed, Luo Anche rose and strode to the Imperial Study, his brow furrowed in thought. What exactly is Xiao Yi up to? Why is she ruining her reputation like this? It’s only been half a year since we last met! What’s gotten into that brat? Now I have to clean up her messes in court.

It’s time to teach that girl a lesson!

Meanwhile, chaos had erupted at the General’s Estate.

“Where is Miss?” The General’s Wife demanded, her fury blazing as she stared at the empty ancestral hall.

“This servant doesn’t know!”

At that moment, a young servant boy rushed in. “Madam, the Eldest Miss isn’t in her courtyard.”

One by one, the servants sent to find Xiao Yi returned empty-handed.

“The Eldest Miss isn’t in the kitchen, Madam.”

“The Eldest Miss isn’t in the privy, Madam!”

As each servant reported, the General’s Wife pressed her temples, repeatedly calming herself: Don’t be angry, don’t be angry. She’s my own flesh and bl00d!

I’m her mother, she’s my daughter. To err is human. If she’s at fault, so am I. I brought her into this world, I must bear the consequences!

I must be gentle, I must remain calm! I must control myself, stay composed! She’s my own child!

The father who fails to discipline his son is to blame. Damn you, Xiao Hengyi! What kind of monster did you raise?!

“Guards! Search the entire Capital! I refuse to believe we can’t find that girl!”

“Yes, Madam!”

“Sister, don’t be angry,” Consort Liu advised from the side. “Yi’er must have been stifled at the border. She probably just wanted to stretch her legs. There’s no need to make such a fuss!”

“Indeed, Sister,” Consort Bai chimed in, pleading for Xiao Yi. “She’s not like A-Yu or A-Ran. She grew up at the border, after all. How could the General’s Estate possibly contain her? Let her wander a bit. She’ll come back when she’s had her fill of fun!”

“Mother, please don’t be angry. I’ll take some men to find Eldest Sister,” Xiao Yun said, unusually obedient. He needed to find his sister before anyone else, tell her the situation, and help her avoid severe punishment.

“Alright, then you and the others take men and go find her. Make sure you bring her back!”

Xiao Yun replied crisply, “Yes, Mother.”

Xiao Yu and Xiao Ran, however, fidgeted awkwardly. “Mother, I’m feeling unwell. Perhaps we should send servants to search instead.”

“Mother, I have an appointment with the Third Miss of the Yun Estate today. I won’t be able to join the search. Please forgive me!”

With Eldest Sister’s reputation already so notorious, why would we bother looking for her? they thought.

“Very well, no matter!”

The entire General’s Estate mobilized, searching everywhere for Xiao Yi.

Meanwhile, in a small grove outside the Capital, Xiao Yi lounged with a blade of grass between her teeth, humming softly. A chicken lay bound in her hands, and beside her lay a pile of wild game. She was living the life of leisure!

Don’t ask where she got the chickens. If you did, she’d tell you she stole them from the neighboring village!