Chapter 16 (2/2)

“Of course not, Father Emperor. Your son and the Princess are getting along very well.” Lin Shan could tell lies without blinking.

“That’s good! My daughter is great in all aspects except for her spoiled nature. I was afraid she would throw tantrums. I’m glad you two are not having any issues. I guess that means we will have grandchildren soon! Song Xian, soon you will have a grandchild!”

The King looked very pleased and happy. Little did he know that Song Xian was drenched in cold sweats from head to toe. Song Xian trembled and nodded: “My son is indebted to the King and the Princess’s generous love…..”

And just like that, within the room were three people -one who was greatly antic.i.p.ating his children’s future, and two who were suffering from extremely guilty consciences. The conversation went on for almost an hour. By now, Lin Shan has almost fallen asleep. Then, an interesting topic finally came up.

“Luo-er, how do you think we should punish Wu Liang Zhi?” The King’s question brought Lin Shan back from her dazed state. She realized the King was asking for her opinion.

Due to Wu Zhi Shang’s conspiracy, Wu Liang Zhi has also been affected. Not only that, Rong Fei has been thrown into the isolation part of the Palace. Furthermore, her six years old Prince was also taken away from her and given to raise by a different concubine. Everyone who was related to Wu Liang Zhi have been affected. Therefore, although Wu Zhi Shang didn’t succeed on becoming King, he managed to reach his goal: Now, there are no differences amongst him and his cousins -because they’re all screwed.

Although sometimes Lin Shan may not think before she acts, she is definitely not a fool. The King had already harshly sent Rong Fei to isolation, there is no way he doesn’t want to punish Wu Liang Zhi. Most likely, the King isn’t just punis.h.i.+ng those who are a.s.sociated with Wu Zhi Shang -he probably wants to seize the opportunity to get rid of some people once and for all. The King must have intentions if he is asking her.

Lin Shan thought about and said: “Your child mainly stays within the Palace and doesn’t know too much about this situation. Hence, your child does not dare to make any conclusion.”

“It’s okay. I want to hear your thoughts. Be brave. I will not blame you.”

Lin Shan was waiting for that line. Since she isn’t going to be punished, she doesn’t mind sharing her thoughts. She definitely wouldn’t suggest killing by nine extensions**** However, she felt it was reasonable to search the house and confiscate possessions.

“Your child believes although Wu Liang Zhi was aware of his cousin’s actions, he did not directly partic.i.p.ate in the incident; therefore, he should not be sentenced to death. However, before I had entered the Palace, I have heard Wu Liang Zhi doing many evil deeds. He was corrupted and would use his powers to bully others and abuse the laws. He is honestly too rampant. He must be punished in order for the common people to get rid of their anger. Your child would suggest allowing him to suffer from being pressed down (due to loss of power and wealth).

“Oh?” Lin Shan’s suggestion evoked the King’s interest, “Luo-er, what are your thoughts? Please continue.”

“In my opinion, we should confiscate his household wealth, dismiss his servants, make him live elsewhere, and take away all his land. The wealth we confiscate should be shared between those common people he used to bully. Wu Liang Zhi should become a beggar and get a taste of what it’s like to be poor. He should suffer from the bullying of others and be treated with disdain. That way, the common people’s anger would diminish as well.”

The King was pleasantly surprised by Lin Shan’s words. Even Song Xian, who thought he knew his daughter very well was astonished. When did his daughter become so wise?

Deep down, Lin Shan was rejoicing. She was glad she had watched Stephen Chow’s movie “King of Beggars”. If not, how else would she think of this awesome idea? What they say is correct: If you do not have book smarts, you have to have street smarts. If you don’t have street smarts, then watch more TV.

Lin Shan’s suggestion received the King’s approval. The King immediately issued an imperial edict and announced to the world that they will confiscate all of Wu Liang Zhi’s possessions to give to the impoverished. Wu Liang Zhi will be deemed as a beggar and he must obey the imperial order.

The moment this was announced, the whole city rejoiced. All the common people who had previously suffered from Wu Liang Zhi’s actions praised the King. They were truly grateful.

On the third day after the imperial edict has been announced, another decree was made:  The Prince Consort was granted the t.i.tle of a chancellor and was responsible to confiscate the possessions of Wu Liang Zhi alongside with the Crown Prince.

When Lin Shan received the order, she was stunned. After she snapped out of it, she almost screamed: Holy s.h.i.+t! Confiscating possessions! What a cushy job!!

* It’s a pun. Wu Liang Zhi also sounds exactly like no conscience in Mandarin (wu = no, liang zhi = conscience).

** This is the folding doc.u.ment. I know it sounds so weird, but I don’t know how else to translate it. Folding information? lol. Therefore, I found a picture.

*** the “er” indicates it’s a child or someone younger than the person who is speaking. It’s often used by mothers and fathers (actually, anyone older can use er after your name to call you)

**** This is a very confusing term to translate because it doesn’t exist in English. Basically, in the past, if a person were to commit a big crime, his/her family (up to 9 connections) could be sentenced to death. This means, even if the person was the son of their cousin’s cousin’s cousin’s cousin.. (you get the point)..