Chapter 36: Removal of Office and Titles
“Damn it, damn it, that ungrateful Chen Hua actually dared to bite back at me.” Ma Ku smashed various vases and porcelain in his study into pieces out of anger.
Since his failed mediation attempt at Prince Zhuang’s residence a few days ago, he had not given up and was searching for connections to act as an intermediary.
At first, many in the court were willing to help him, but Prince Zhuang was completely unyielding.
Ma Ku thought the other party was just angry, so he kept increasing his offers. Although the Duke Rui’s residence had fallen on hard times, it still held some political clout.
However, he did not expect that during today’s court meeting, a censor would accuse the Duke Rui’s residence of colluding with external officials, bullying the weak, extorting antiques, and causing deaths.
For them, these noble families, this was nothing. Year after year, there were always censors making similar accusations against these noble clans, followed by mutual blame for a month or two in the court, and then Emperor Li would come out to mediate, and the matter would just fade away. He thought this was just the Duke Rui’s residence’s turn. It was no big deal.
At most, there would be some questioning in front of the throne in a few days, where he could also present himself for a bit of visibility, and afterwards he would receive a small fine in salary and be made to reflect in solitude.
But unexpectedly, this time, Chen Hua, the magistrate of Nan Xuan, entered the capital to report on his duties and, with the help of unknown hands, became a court official. Ma Ku had intended to visit him soon, but he did not expect that while the censor was reporting on him, Chen Hua also submitted a memorial.
He accused the Ma family of luring sons of other noble families into gambling, forcibly taking common women as concubines, and engaging in usury.
This directly ignited the various factions in the court.
The noble faction, as a product of noble families, naturally tried to protect their own, the Duke Rui’s residence. However, they were overwhelmed by the pressure from other civil and military officials, making it impossible for the noble faction to respond effectively.
Once Ma Ku calmed down, he understood that neither Chen Hua nor the censor were the main problems.
“Prince Zhuang.” Ma Ku gritted his teeth and said.
From any angle, it was clear what had happened.
Over these days, he had offended none other than Prince Zhuang. Who else could it be?
Moreover, although the Duke Rui’s residence held the title of duke, along with some political chips and resources, it still relied upon the existence of noble families.
“However, is this truly just because of Prince Zhuang?”
Ma Ku fell silent; this incident had truly escalated too much. Emperor Li did not appear to have any response, giving him a bad feeling.
“Master, someone from the palace has come to issue a decree. Please hurry to receive it,” the steward outside called urgently.
This made Ma Ku’s heart skip a beat, and he quickly tidied himself up to receive the decree.
When he arrived at the main hall, the Yellow Gate attendant had already been waiting for a long time. Seeing Ma Ku arrive, he took out the imperial decree and began to read it.
“By order of the Emperor, the title of Duke is abolished, lowered to that of a county duke, and the rank of third-grade Fierce General is revoked. Thus it is decreed.” After a lengthy, formal reading, the Yellow Gate attendant announced the final result.
Ma Ku was left stunned. What was happening? Why was it so fast? A removal of office and titles with no investigation at all, he was given a judgment straight away, and he nearly lost his balance as darkness clouded his vision.
“Lord Ma, why aren’t you receiving the decree?” The sharp voice of the Yellow Gate attendant brought Ma Ku back to reality.
“I, I receive the decree.”
Trembling, Ma Ku took the imperial decree. This was simply too abrupt; it had only been one or two days, and he was turned from Duke Rui into County Duke Rui. Revoking the title of third-grade Fierce General was one thing, but being demoted two ranks in title was the biggest blow.
“Please, my lord, show some leniency.” After standing up, Ma Ku took out a banknote from his pocket and slipped it into the hands of the Yellow Gate attendant.
This indicated a desire to ask why.
But the Yellow Gate attendant reached out to block him, which made Ma Ku even more uneasy.
“Lord Ma, you should take it back. His Majesty instructed us to return the belongings of others.” The Yellow Gate attendant reminded him.
Hearing this, Ma Ku’s mind momentarily went blank. Belongings of others?
He hadn’t expected that the armored figure would possess such stature; who exactly was that person?
“Thank you for the reminder, my lord.” Ma Ku hastily replied.
The meaning was clear: if you don’t return it, there will be consequences.
“Please remember, Lord Ma, to make sure your young master willingly returns it, rather than merely being coerced. That gentleman is not ordinary; don’t try any tricks, or else this matter will be enough to cost the lives of everyone in the Duke Rui’s household.”
Ma Ku felt a buzzing in his head as he suddenly understood.
This was not the doing of Prince Zhuang at all, but rather that of the current Emperor.
“Thank you, my lord.” Ma Ku suppressed his speculations and said respectfully.
After the Yellow Gate attendant left, the entire residence was in chaos, and he slumped hopelessly into his seat.
Indeed, whether it was the Imperial Censor or Chen Hua, their criticisms were just a prelude; the real reason was that he had offended someone he shouldn’t have.
“Belongings of others, returned to their rightful owner.”
“Ha, who would have thought that because of a stone chessboard, I would lose two ranks in my noble title which is tied to the national renown.”
He knew the Emperor was waiting for his reaction. Chen Hua’s arrival in the capital was not merely a weapon to threaten him; if his behavior satisfied the Emperor, then Chen Hua would be his scapegoat.
“Someone, bring that young brat to me. Ugh, forget it, I’ll go over there myself.” Ma Ku sighed.
He knew his son; he had been spoiled by the women in the back residence. The incident with the stone chessboard accounted for fifty percent of the blame, and Ma Ku’s unfortunate son accounted for the other fifty.
But what could he do about it? This was his son after all; he couldn’t just say to kill him.
Who knew it would turn out like this? Had he known from the beginning, he would have definitely handed over the chessboard right away.
He headed towards the back courtyard, his son frivolously mingling with those women gave him a headache. With that kind of temperament, he had no idea when his son would be able to stand on his own.
More importantly, given his son’s character, how could he possibly be willing to return it?
If not for this situation, it would be manageable, but when that stubbornness kicked in, if problems arose, they might end up losing everything.
One must not underestimate the Emperor; he was extremely ruthless in his actions.
“I just hope this young brat can understand his father’s plight; otherwise…”
The title of County Duke Rui might not disappear, but the Ma family is not just his branch; there are side branches too. When the time comes, clearing out the main family of the Duke could mean transferring the title to a side branch so distant that it could hardly matter. The title of County Duke Rui would not truly disappear, and interest groups composed of the nobility would not pursue this matter relentlessly.
In the end, what would be lost is merely this blind main branch that offended the Emperor.
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