Feng Huai’an saw that his daughter’s inner monologue had paused and immediately stepped forward.
“Your Majesty! I impeach the Minister of Rites Lu Wenbin and the Deputy Minister of Personnel Qian Huaide!”
He was filled with righteous indignation, his entire body radiating stern authority.
“As high-ranking court officials, they have failed to discipline their sons! I have personally seen their two young brats openly harass respectable women on the streets—utterly beastly behavior!”
The Director of the Ministry of Revenue, Zhang Weili, also stepped forward, his face flushed red.
“Yes! My young daughter came home crying a few days ago, saying one of them touched her hand! She’s still washing it repeatedly—she’s scrubbed her skin raw!”
“Same here! My niece was so frightened she didn’t dare leave the house for three days!”
“And me! One of my maidservants was blocked in the street by those two little beasts and subjected to indecent behavior!”
The court erupted.
More than a dozen officials began voicing accusations one after another, their angry voices overlapping and echoing through the hall.
Feng Zekai also stepped forward, speaking sternly:
“As the saying goes, ‘a father’s failure to teach is his own fault!’ If you cannot even discipline your own children, what right do you have to stand in this court?”
Feng Zexuan listened to the accusations and was startled.
【System, it turns out everyone has suffered from this! I thought it was just a few isolated cases!】
【Those two little brats have been running wild in the streets every day. The number of people they’ve harassed is easily in the hundreds, maybe even thousands!】
【Even the aunties in the market have formed a “Anti-Little Demon Alliance” just to track their movements!】
Now even more officials stepped forward.
After all—who didn’t have female relatives?
Even those who hadn’t been directly affected began exaggerating the situation, fearing the emperor might let the matter slide.
“My neighbor’s cousin’s sister-in-law was also…”
“I heard even the nunneries don’t allow those two boys anywhere near!”
Emperor Xiao Juechen’s expression grew darker and darker, his imperial pressure intensifying.
Lu Wenbin’s legs turned weak, cold sweat pouring down his forehead and soaking his collar.
Qian Huaide was trembling uncontrollably, barely able to stand.
【System, do these two little demons have any weaknesses? I’m going to deal with them tonight!】
【Host, Lu Chengbao is afraid of thunder and ghosts. Every time it thunders, he hides in the wardrobe! As for ghosts—he’s so scared he even needs two attendants when going to the toilet at night!】
【Qian Xiaofu is afraid of insects. He screams at cockroaches and faints at spiders—he’s basically a coward among cowards!】
【Hahaha! Then tonight I’ll give them a proper “educational lesson”!】
The officials’ eyes lit up when they heard this.
The Northern Frontier Prince was going to personally deal with those two little demons?
There would be a good show tonight!
Some even quietly began arranging viewing spots.
Emperor Xiao Juechen coughed lightly and looked down at the two men kneeling on the ground.
“Lu Wenbin, Qian Huaide, are the accusations from the ministers true?”
Lu Wenbin’s face turned pale as he trembled.
“Your Majesty… I have indeed failed in discipline, but I was deceived! When at home, that child behaved very obediently—I never imagined…”
Qian Huaide nearly slammed his head into the floor.
“Your Majesty! I will strictly discipline my son from now on and ensure he never misbehaves again! I am willing to bear all responsibility!”
“Since the facts are confirmed, I will now issue judgment.”
Emperor Xiao Juechen’s voice turned cold.
“Lu Wenbin is demoted one rank and fined one year’s salary. Qian Huaide, same punishment.”
“From today onward, the sons of both families are confined to their homes for one year. If they dare step outside even half a step, I will personally deal with them!”
“In addition, both families must publicly apologize to all victims and provide compensation!”
“Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty!”
The two repeatedly kowtowed, filled with regret.
Being demoted one rank meant falling from the fourth rank to the fifth—this was already a heavy punishment.
Not to mention public apologies and compensation—they had completely lost both face and dignity.
After dealing with the matter, the emperor turned to Feng Zexuan.
“Northern Frontier Prince, I previously said I would reward you. Is it true you only requested an opportunity for the Third Princess to attend court?”
Feng Zexuan stepped forward solemnly.
“Your Majesty, the Great Xia Empire has many hidden talents among women. The Third Princess is intelligent and quick-witted. If she participates in state affairs, she will surely help Your Majesty ease your burdens.”
“Moreover, I plan to establish a girls’ academy. The women trained there will also be able to take imperial examinations! The Third Princess will be the pioneer, opening a new path for women of the world!”
The court erupted in shock.
In their understanding, a girls’ academy at most meant women learning more etiquette and managing household affairs better.
They never expected women would be allowed to take exams—and even become officials.
Was this not stealing men’s livelihoods?
Some officials felt their privileges as men were under threat, their faces turning green.
But after what had just happened, none dared to openly object.
Emperor Xiao Juechen pondered for a moment.
As emperor of Great Xia, no one could surpass him.
He valued ability, not gender.
Wasn’t Feng Zexuan herself a woman? Yet she handled everything flawlessly.
“Since the Northern Frontier Prince speaks so sincerely, and the Third Princess is indeed talented…”
He announced loudly:
“Then I will make an exception! From tomorrow onward, Third Princess Xiao Mingyue is permitted to attend court alongside the two princes!”
The court was shocked once again.
The emperor actually agreed just like that?!
【Wow! It actually worked!】
Feng Zexuan cheered internally.
【Seems like this emperor isn’t that rigid after all! Maybe more reforms can be pushed in the future!】
Emperor Xiao Juechen felt quite pleased upon hearing this.
Indeed, I am an enlightened ruler!
After court, Feng Zexuan discussed the establishment of the girls’ academy with officials until nightfall before returning home.
As night fell, the capital sank into silence.
She changed into night attire and secretly slipped out of the Feng residence, heading straight for the Minister of Rites’ mansion.
At the same time, more than a dozen officials sneaked nearby, some even bringing small stools and sunflower seeds.
“Has the Northern Frontier Prince arrived yet?”
“Not yet, but should be soon!”
“Stay further back, don’t get discovered.”
“Hush! I think something’s happening!”
Feng Zexuan easily scaled the wall and entered the courtyard of Lu Chengbao’s residence.
The courtyard was quiet, only one room still lit by candlelight.
【System, exchange for a thunder summoning talisman! One that is especially loud and terrifying!】
【Host, the super thunder talisman costs 500 achievement points. Sound effect comparable to heavenly tribulation—exchanged!】
She tore the talisman apart.
In an instant, the calm winter night was shattered by a deafening thunderclap.
“RUMBLE—!”
Thunder roared, lightning illuminating the entire capital as bright as daylight.
Even the imperial palace was shaken. Emperor Xiao Juechen jumped up from his memorials, scattering documents everywhere.
Holding his chest, he thought: Damn it! Is Feng Zexuan affecting the innocent too?!
The officials hiding outside the wall were dazzled by the lightning.
Though their ears rang, they were still excited.
“It’s here! The Northern Frontier Prince has begun!”
“What divine power is this?! She can summon thunder?”
“So miraculous! We are witnessing a divine act!”
Inside the courtyard, a terrified scream rang out.
“Ah—Mother—It’s thunder—!”
Lu Chengbao rolled off the bed and scrambled into the wardrobe, trembling violently while clutching a pile of clothes.
【Hahaha! So this brat really is afraid of thunder!】
Feng Zexuan activated a black robe and mask of the “Black Impermanence” from the system shop, complete with eerie glowing effects.
In the dark night, she transformed into a sinister soul-reaper emitting ghostly green light.
She quietly pushed open the door and spoke in a low, chilling voice:
“Lu~ Cheng~ Bao~”
“Little beast… your time of death has come…”
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