The Marquis of Dong: My Son-in-Law Is Not That Kind of Man!

The Marquis of Dong's Residence.

As the head of the Four Great Vassal Lords, Marquis of Dong, Jiang Huanchu of the East had an independent residence in Chaoge, and his status was far superior to that of ordinary vassal states like Su Hu.

Inside the study, Jiang Huanchu listened to the report from his trusted retainer, a hint of obvious confusion appeared on his usually dignified face.

"Forcing the Marquis of Ji Province to offer his daughter?"

The confidant lowered his head even further.

"Yes."

"Many of the feudal lords who come to pay homage now go to Su Hu's post station to act as persuaders."

"Everyone says... everyone says it's the King's will."

Jiang Huanchu put down the bamboo slip in his hand and remained silent in thought.

This isn't right.

Something is very wrong.

The King is his son-in-law.

He knew this Human Emperor lords.

Since ascending the throne seven years ago, the Di Xin in government affairs, striving to govern effectively, and has made significant achievements in both civil and military affairs.

He was exceptionally talented and resolute, and there was never any record of him indulging in wine and women or being dissolute and immoral.

In the harem, besides his daughter, Queen Jiang, he only had one concubine, Consort Huang, which is a model of celibacy among emperors throughout history.

How could such a wise and powerful monarch suddenly become obsessed with women, even to the point of committing such absurd acts as forcibly taking a subject's woman?

This is not in line with the King's style.

The more he thought about it, the more something seemed off.

In his eyes, Di Xin was the hope for the revival of the Great Shang Dynasty and a rare and wise ruler.

How could they possibly cause such a commotion at such a crucial juncture as the tributary states' audience with the emperor over a mere young girl?

Could it be...?

Jiang Huanchu's eyes narrowed into slits, revealing a glint of shrewdness.

It's no secret that Fei Zhong and You Hun, relying on the King's favor, have formed cliques and engaged in corrupt practices in the court, driven by greed and avarice.

Now that Grand Tutor Wen leading a large army on a distant expedition to the Northern Sea, and no one in the court can stop them, the two are becoming increasingly arrogant.

Could it be that they tried to guess the superior's intentions and pander to his preferences, but ended up making things worse?

Or perhaps they simply wanted to use this opportunity to force Su Hu into a trap so they could profit from it?

The more Jiang Huanchu thought about it, the more likely the latter was.

How could the King's illustrious name be tarnished by these two clowns!

Su Hu was also an important official in the court, whose family had guarded Ji Province for generations and had made great contributions.

If this matter disheartens him or even drives him to a dead end, then it would be a matter that shakes the very foundation of the nation.

no.

He has to take charge of this matter.

As a subject of the Great Shang Dynasty and the head of the Four Great Vassal Lords, he had the responsibility to uphold the state.

Privately, he was the father-in-law of the current emperor and the queen's father, and he could not stand idly by while treacherous officials deceived the king and ruined his son-in-law's reputation.

Jiang Huanchu took a deep breath and calmed himself down.

"Su Hu is a loyal and virtuous man; we cannot allow him to suffer injustice because of these two petty people."

"We must not allow the King to bear the infamy of being licentious and immoral."

He grabbed the cloak hanging on the rack and strode outside.

"Prepare the car."

"This lord wishes to enter the palace."

The guard was taken aback.

"My lord, this is not the time for court discussions. I'm afraid His the King..."

I'm not looking for the King.

Jiang Huanchu straightened his clothes, his face showing a solemn expression.

"I'm going to see the Queen."

Asking the King directly about this would be tantamount to slapping the King in the face.

If the King, for the sake of his reputation, had to protect those two treacherous officials, the situation would reach a stalemate.

The safest approach would be to first sound out your daughter.

The royal palace, the central palace's sleeping quarters.

Queen Jiang sat on the phoenix couch, holding a scroll of bamboo slips in his hands, reading it with great concentration.

She was dressed in a magnificent phoenix robe, exuding grace and elegance, yet also displaying a heroic spirit and competence that was rare among ordinary women.

"Your Ladyship, the Marquis of Dong requests an audience."

A maid's voice rang out from outside the palace.

Queen Jiang put down the bamboo slips, and her originally dignified and solemn face immediately blossomed with a heartfelt joy.

"Father's here? Please, invite him in!"

Before long, the tall and imposing Jiang Huanchu strode into the hall.

"Father!"

However, when she saw Jiang Huanchu in his court robes, with a solemn expression, the joy of father and daughter reuniting was somewhat diminished.

Jiang Huanchu looked at his daughter walking quickly towards him, but did not smile. Instead, he took the initiative and bowed to her.

"Your subject, Marquis of Dong, Jiang Huanchu, pays respects to Your Ladyship the Queen."

Queen Jiang's smile froze for a moment, then turned somewhat helpless.

"Father, what are you doing?"

"There are no outsiders here. Why should we, father and daughter, perform such a grand ceremony? It's so formal."

Jiang Huanchu slowly straightened up, his imposing face showing no emotion whatsoever.

"Your Majesty is mistaken."

"This is the royal palace, not my humble residence."

"Now that Your Ladyship is the mother of the nation, I, though your father, am still your subject."

"If we were to break the rules in this palace and word got out, wouldn't people laugh at the Jiang family for being ignorant of etiquette?"

Seeing her father's serious expression, Queen Jiang knew that his temper had flared up again.

This is a reminder to myself, and to everyone in the palace, to always remember their place.

She sighed softly, no longer insisting, and regained her queenly composure.

"Marquis of Dong, please rise."

She slightly raised her hand.

"Please take a seat."

After the palace maids served fragrant tea and then withdrew,

Only the father and daughter remained inside the hall.

Queen Jiang then spoke, taking the initiative to ask.

"Father, did you come to the palace today specifically for the audience?"

"Or is there something important happening at home?"

Jiang Huanchu spoke.

"The Hajj pilgrimage has its own set of rules, and everything is fine at home."

"I have come here today without warning because of a rumor."

He looked up at his daughter.

"A rumor... concerning the King."

Queen Jiang's heart stirred.

"Please enlighten me, Father."

Jiang Huanchu put down his teacup and recounted the rumors about the King forcing Su Hu to offer his daughter as a sacrifice.

He spoke calmly, without embellishment, simply stating the facts objectively.

After he finished speaking, he asked in a tentative tone.

"Now everyone outside says this is the King's will."

"Fei Zhong and You Hun were merely acting under orders."

"I am puzzled and have come to seek Your Ladyship's confirmation."

"Was this truly... ordered by His the King?"

The words had barely left his mouth.

With a "snap".

Queen Jiang slammed her teacup down on the table, spilling tea that soaked her hands.

She abruptly stood up, her phoenix eyes wide open, her face devoid of any of her usual gentle and virtuous demeanor, replaced by an anger that had been touched on a sensitive spot.

"Impossible!"

Her voice was resolute, without the slightest hesitation.

"Absolutely impossible!"

"Your the King wise and mighty, and cares deeply for the people. How could you possibly do such an absurd thing as forcing your subjects to offer up their daughters!"

No one in this world may truly understand the King, but as his wife, how could she not know?

Her husband had the Four Seas in his heart and aspirations for lasting achievements.

How could mere beauty possibly disturb his mind?

Queen Jiang stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, her chest rising and falling slightly.

"It must be those two treacherous villains, Fei Zhong You Hun!"

"Grand Tutor Wen was not in court, they became even more audacious and reckless."

"It must be those two who, in their eagerness to curry favor, acted on their own initiative and are now acting as bullies!"

"They are smearing the King's reputation! They are destroying the foundation of our Great Shang Dynasty! Their intentions are despicable!"

Seeing his daughter's resolute expression, Jiang Huanchu felt a weight lifted from his heart.

It seems that what he predicted was indeed true.

This matter has nothing to do with Your the King.

His biggest worry was that the King, without Grand Tutor Wen's constant supervision, would become complacent and start indulging in pleasure.

In hindsight, he had worried unnecessarily.

"Since this is not Your the King's intention, then this old minister is relieved."

"However, rumors are circulating outside, which is extremely detrimental to Your the King's reputation."

"That Su Hu is also stubborn. If he's really pushed to the limit and causes a scene in the main hall, it won't look good for the King."

"Don't worry, Father!"

"I will go to the King immediately and inform him of this matter, and ask the King to punish these two treacherous officials who have deceived the Emperor!"

Queen Jiang eyes flashed with murderous intent, her face filled with righteous indignation.

Seeing this, Jiang Huanchu quickly raised his hand to stop her.

"Wait."

This cunning old fox, seasoned in officialdom, was far more insightful than his own daughter.

Your Ladyship, please calm down.

Queen Jiang stopped and looked at her father with a puzzled expression.

"Does Father have any further instructions?"

Jiang Huanchu stroked his beard, his expression grave.

"You mustn't say this so directly."

Queen Jiang was taken aback. "Why?"

Jiang Huanchu explained earnestly.

"Those two are, after all, the King's favorite ministers. Your angry outburst to complain only makes it seem like we're gossiping and spreading rumors behind their backs."

"Not only will it not allow His the King to see their true colors, it might also make the King think that you, the Queen, are jealous, talkative, and interfere in state affairs."

This is not the way to be a follower.

After calming down and thinking it over carefully, Queen Jiang realized that her father was right.

She was too impulsive.

"Then, in Father's opinion, what should the daughter do?"

Jiang Huanchu picked up his teacup and gently blew on the floating tea leaves, unhurriedly.

"You only need to find an opportunity to subtly mention this to the King."

"Stop when you've made your point; don't say more."

"His the King is a wise and virtuous ruler; he will understand as soon as you mention it."

"As for how to deal with those two treacherous officials and how to quell this turmoil, that is up to Your the King to decide."

"In this way, the King will be informed of this matter without diminishing your dignity as Queen, and the King's royal authority will be preserved."

After hearing this, Queen Jiang suddenly understood and bowed gracefully to her father.

"What my father taught me was that I knew what to do."

Jiang Huanchu nodded with satisfaction.

Although my daughter is straightforward, she is also intelligent and quick to understand.

Having achieved his goal, he decided not to linger any longer.

"In that case, this old minister will not trouble you any further."

"This old minister takes his leave."

"Daughter respectfully sees her father off."

Queen Jiang escorted her father to the palace gate, watching the magnificent carriage slowly disappear into the distance before turning back.

Back in the Bedchamber.

Queen Jiang dismissed her attendants and sat alone by the window, lost in thought.

She had complete trust in her husband.

But the actions of those two treacherous officials filled her with deep anxiety.

The King trusted them, yet they repaid the King in this way; they are nothing short of treacherous!

Today they dare to use the emperor's will to coerce a Marquis of Ji Province.

So tomorrow, will they dare to forge imperial edicts, disrupt the government, and wreak havoc on the world?

no.

Such treacherous villains who bring disaster to the country and its people must not be allowed to live!

She must remind the King as soon as possible so that he can see the true colors of these two!

Thinking of this, Queen Jiang could no longer sit still.

She suddenly stood up and called out towards the door.

"Someone come here!"

Two maids immediately came in.

What are your Your Ladyship?

Queen Jiang's dignified and beautiful face was now shrouded in an unassailable majesty.

"Arrange the carriage in the Nine Chamber Hall."

"I'm going to deliver a bowl of ginseng soup to His the King."