The Tyrant Father's Pampered Daughter Chapter 4

Only after the emperor made his entrance into Chengqian Hall did the other officials follow suit.

Following the established order of their announcements, the prime minister and the assembled ministers presented their thoughts on the governmental affairs before them.

Next, it was the turn of the Minister of Rites, a man in his early fifties.

Trembling as he stepped forward from his position, he bowed and addressed the emperor, “Your Majesty, there was a heavy snowfall a few days ago. The Ministry of Rites subsequently arranged for tents to be erected in the eastern and southern parts of the city, providing porridge to alleviate the suffering of the populace and offer relief to the destitute.

“However, a considerable number of these beggars have been causing disruptions, taking turns to create disturbances. They have been intimidating other commoners who came to receive porridge, confiscating the provisions and distributing them amongst themselves.

“Your humble servant has dispatched the accompanying imperial guards numerous times to quell this behavior, yet it persists. I personally believe that severe punishment is necessary to deter such actions. What are Your Majesty’s thoughts on this matter?”

Gu Yi’s gaze, usually icy, flickered with a hint of impatience.

He spoke in a low, languid tone, his demeanor one of lazy disdain. “These unruly beggars and refugees presume to cause trouble? Then what are you all waiting for?

“Make an example of one of them, a clear warning to the rest. Let one suffer a grim fate, and who among the others would dare to follow his example?”

The moment Gu Yihan finished speaking, the child cradled in his arms stirred.

A soft sound, akin to a cat’s contented purr, escaped her lips.

Then, the little princess’s long lashes fluttered open.

A pair of remarkably clear, crystalline eyes were revealed, still clouded with the remnants of sleep.

……

The child blinked away the sleep and softly inquired, “Father, what are you killing?”

Gu Yihan swiftly tightened his embrace, murmuring in a soothing tone, “Nuonuo is awake? No killing, no killing. Father was merely jesting with Uncle Minister.”

He then glanced at the Minister of Rites, conveying a silent command with his eyes, “Dispatch more personnel to engage with them, to understand and reason with them. This matter must be resolved amicably!”

From the moment she could recall anything, the little princess, Gu Nuo’er, had been “strictly overseeing” Gu Yihan’s actions.

Whenever she overheard discussions involving matters of life and death, or the confiscation of property, she would gently press her father’s hand.

Then, widening her large eyes, she would ask in her innocent, soft voice, “Father, don’t kill, don’t kill.”

To date, the little princess had intervened and prevented the tyrannical emperor from countless instances of unjust executions.

Consequently, Gu Yihan was exceedingly mindful of his conduct whenever he was in the presence of the little princess.

Upon hearing this, the Minister of Rites appeared somewhat perturbed.

He bowed once more and reported, “But Your Majesty, these beggars are intractable. They have become accustomed to seizing the porridge, and if they are not taught a lesson, it could escalate into widespread chaos!”

Gu Yihan surreptitiously gestured towards the child in his arms, casting a stern look at the Minister of Rites.

However, at this precise moment, the little princess, Gu Nuo’er, caught the minister’s voice.

Her small hands grasped the edge of the table, and she craned her neck, peering down at the Minister of Rites below.

She softly inquired, “Uncle Minister, what is the matter?”

The little princess’s question prompted the Minister of Rites to recount the situation once more.

Gu Nuo’er blinked her large, expressive eyes and looked up at Gu Yihan.

“Father, those beggars only desire sustenance. They do not deserve to perish. Why don’t we apprehend the beggars who committed misdeeds?

“Let them be assigned to distribute porridge under watchful supervision. Should they fail in their duties or secretly consume the food, their punishment shall be the withholding of their own rations!”

She interlaced one of Gu Yihan’s fingers with her own delicate, fair hand.

Her voice, soft and tender, pleaded, “Don’t kill, don’t kill. Diplomacy before violence…”

This phrase was something she had overheard in Gu Yihan’s imperial study a few days prior.

Remarkable, that she had retained and applied it after hearing it only once in passing!

The Minister of Rites, upon hearing this suggestion, his eyes brightened considerably. “The Princess’s solution is ingenious! It provides these beggars with a task, preventing idleness that leads to trouble.

Simultaneously, it ensures that the other citizens receive their due share of food. Your subject is deeply impressed by this wisdom!”