The pronouncement sent shockwaves through the court and the nation!
Liang Qing and Luo Changfeng were both stunned.
Assaulting refugees? Harboring assassins?
"Impossible!" Xiao Qing blurted out, then quickly regained composure.
Liang Qing angrily retorted, "How could Lord Ouyang spread rumors and slander my grandson? While my grandson may be dissolute, he has always respected and loved the common people!"
Ouyang Ji sneered, "Respected and loved? Or beaten? The refugees Li San and Bai Si, who were assaulted, are covered in wounds. If not for the timely help of kind-hearted individuals, they might have died! Our dynasty's emphasis on civilian rule over military strength is correct. If generals are like this, then with military men in power,呵呵..."
Dugu Qun also chimed in, "I have also heard of this matter and can confirm it! If not for the Left General's consideration, Liang Xiao would have already been arrested and brought to justice!"
Luo Changfeng was furious, "Nonsense! Liang Xiao, who could compose 'Man Jiang Hong,' is someone who worries about the nation and its people. How could he possibly torment commoners!"
"General Luo, I heard Liang Xiao is betrothed to your granddaughter, right? With thousands of eyes witnessing the event, there's no need for such protection. Liang Xiao indeed assaulted two refugees and then summoned guards to continue the beating." Ouyang Ji said with a cold smile, then knelt before Xiao Qing again.
"Your humble servant believes our wise Emperor will surely punish Liang Xiao and set an example for the world, proclaiming Your Majesty's love for his subjects, ensuring that even refugees are not to be harmed by villains!"
As Ouyang Ji knelt, over half of the officials followed suit, begging for Liang Xiao's punishment.
Liang Qing and Luo Changfeng, suppressing their rage, argued fiercely, but being poor orators, they were no match for the assembled ministers.
Xiao Qing was both shocked and furious.
She believed this was surely a smear!
But how could such a matter be resolved to satisfy everyone?
If it were an ordinary person, they would likely have been thrown into prison by now, subjected to severe torture, and forced into a confession!
Watching this, Wang Canghai sighed, "Your Majesty, I request to take over the investigation of this matter!"
Xiao Qing's eyes brightened, and she said with joy, "I have complete faith in the Prime Minister's handling of this. Until the Prime Minister reaches a conclusion, no one is to be troubled, including Liang Xiao!"
The officials dared not raise any further objections.
Luo Changfeng and Liang Qing were burning with anxiety, eager to end the morning court and return home to see Liang Xiao.
In the Imperial Study, Xiao Qing asked the two great guards behind her.
"Granny Ning, Eunuch Ding, what are your thoughts on the matter of Liang Xiao assaulting refugees?"
"Slander!" The two behind Xiao Qing responded in unison.
Xiao Qing finally breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, "I believe in his character! However, I still need to go to the Liang mansion personally to ask him..."
Hearing this, the two seemed to understand, and a wry smile appeared on their faces.
So this was the Emperor's true intention?
"Xiao'er! What exactly happened with this matter of you assaulting refugees!"
Liang Qing and Luo Changfeng rushed back to the Liang mansion and into Liang Xiao's residence, immediately demanding an explanation upon seeing him.
Liang Xiao frowned, asked Yue Lian to find Zhen Mi, and then explained the situation.
After understanding the cause, the two elders were enraged.
"These scoundrels! To dare to twist the truth like this! With the General of Cavalry absent from the capital, these people have become even more brazen!"
Liang Xiao smiled, "Grandfather, Grandpa Luo, you are too straightforward. You can't win against them in terms of public opinion."
Luo Changfeng, relieved, finally let out a hearty laugh.
"Xiao'er, you don't need to worry. The Great Gan Dynasty has always upheld justice in law enforcement, and moreover, you are the son of a loyal general family. His Majesty would not allow them to act so outrageously! The Prime Minister has already taken over the investigation, and with his abilities, he will surely clear your name!"
"I am of course assured. Not only that, but one day they will all fall." Liang Xiao smiled.
Hearing this, the two elders gazed at Liang Xiao, inexplicably feeling a chill crawl from the soles of their feet to the crown of their heads.
This child's hidden daggers beneath his smile was truly unsettling.
After Luo Changfeng returned, Liang Qing asked about the situation of accommodating the refugees.
Upon learning that Liang Xiao planned to brew wine, Liang Qing could not help but worry.
"Xiao'er, you only have one thousand taels. Are you sure everything will be alright with this venture?" Liang Qing sighed, then took out several bank notes from his sleeve and handed them to Liang Xiao.
Liang Xiao pushed the bank notes back, "No need. Xiao Shuangzi... ah, Eunuch Qin gave me ten thousand taels. Once it's profitable, I will give a portion back to the family."
Liang Qing almost choked, but under the Emperor's orders, he dared not question further.
Suddenly, Liang Qing remembered something and asked, "Xiao'er, those two ruffians, I heard you subdued them with a single move?"
Liang Xiao nodded, "My natural strength is unusual. You know this."
Liang Qing was speechless, but his suspicion grew.
Was he truly not the Celestial General? Was that day's event truly just the Celestial General manifesting his divinity?
With his questions unanswered, Liang Qing merely cautioned Liang Xiao not to run around wildly, then turned to leave, instructing someone to inform Zhuo Zifang about Liang Xiao's situation.
Seeing that it was getting late, Liang Xiao, accompanied by a few guards and a jar of wine, prepared to set off.
"Young Master, let me accompany you!" Yue Lian pleaded coquettishly.
Liang Xiao shook his head, "I am going to Bai Chun Lou. It's not a good place, and my pure Yue Lian should not be tainted by the air of debauchery there."
"You're being glib again, Young Master..." Yue Lian pouted, complaining, but her heart was filled with joy. She handed a travel bag to the guards, instructing them to keep an eye on Liang Xiao and change his medicine as needed.
In a civilian dwelling, Wang Canghai arrived with his men to visit Li San and Bai Si.
The two ruffians were already covered in injuries, their limbs bandaged.
"Prime Minister, please uphold justice for this humble subject and arrest that villain Liang Xiao!" the two cried out.
Wang Canghai frowned, "How did you know I was the Prime Minister?"
The two were startled. Li San explained, "Seeing your official attire, you must be a king, noble, general, or minister..."
Wang Canghai ignored them, merely ordering his men to examine their injuries, offer some comfort, and then left. Coincidentally, his subordinate reported.
"My Lord, it does indeed appear they were beaten into disability. We also confirmed this at the refugee camp, that Liang Xiao assaulted the two men. However, when I inquired about the details, several people said that Liang Xiao and his guards did not use excessive force. Furthermore, the reason Liang Xiao acted was because these two were snatching a steamed bun from a young girl and had also beaten her..."
Wang Canghai's expression changed, and he couldn't help but sigh.
"I can probably deduce the details of this incident. Those refugees were likely coerced and bribed into giving false testimony. Fortunately, there are still a few who do not fear power... However, how this matter is resolved will depend on His Majesty's decision. I believe that someone capable of composing 'Man Jiang Hong' could not possibly abuse refugees."
With his mind made up, Wang Canghai immediately set out for the Liang mansion, wanting to see for himself what kind of person Liang Xiao was.
Liang Qing was also surprised to learn of Wang Canghai's arrival and hurried out to greet him, ordering someone to call Liang Xiao.
The two exchanged pleasantries for a moment when a guard ran back, looking rather embarrassed. "Old Master, the second young master has taken a jar of wine and gone to Bai Chun Lou..."
"What?" Wang Canghai was shocked, and Liang Qing's face turned even more awkward.
That was a well-known pleasure house in the capital!
This rascal, knowing the Prime Minister was coming, went to Bai Chun Lou? Was he out of his mind?
Liang Qing was almost jumping with anxiety but remembered Xiao Qing's imperial decree and dared not interfere with Liang Xiao.
Just then, another guard reported, "Old Master, Miss Luo has arrived, requesting to see the second young master!"
When Luo Qingxue entered and saw Wang Canghai, she immediately bowed.
"Qingxue ah..." Liang Qing felt even more embarrassed.
Luo Qingxue said urgently, "I heard from my grandfather that Liang Xiao has been slandered, and I don't believe he is that kind of person! Grandpa Liang, where is Liang Xiao? He must be doing good deeds right now, correct?"