Chapter 112: with translation of chapter title

As Xiao Yin's words fell, everyone was slightly stunned, not expecting him to actually admit it.

Not to mention a prince, even an ordinary man couldn't bear such a reputation—who marries just for the wife's money? Even if one did, they wouldn't say it publicly; it's truly disgraceful.

Yet Prince Rui brought this embarrassing matter into the open, looking pitiful and aggrieved.

Now the instigator, Yuan Qing, was somewhat at a loss; she hadn't intended to embarrass Xiao Yin, truly not.

Xiao Yin gave a bitter smile, his peerless handsome face tinged with a hint of grievance, making one feel even more pity.

Xiao Yin drew a breath and said, "Your Majesty, brother, I've really been poor these years!"

"My everyday robe has been mended and patched for four or five years, never replaced."

"My Wangfu hasn't been renovated in ages; walking a few steps could make one trip, the pits and holes are truly unacceptable."

"I even dare not make friends, for hosting a guest costs ten taels of silver, and if one adds good wine and a few beauties, even a hundred taels won't suffice—I'm poor, I dare not!"

Good heavens! Is this guy crying poverty?

Gu Jiu Ling finally figured it out, but she knew Xiao Yin had no idea how much silver he hid away.

Emperor Longqing's brows also furrowed, feeling something was amiss.

Back then, Xiao Yin returning alive from Qi Sha Gu was beyond anyone's expectation.

Later, to suppress Xiao Yin, he used the excuse of his defeat, stripping his military authority, reducing his fief, leaving only the title of Prince Rui and a monthly stipend, not even enough to support his household servants.

Xiao Yin even cut down his household servants considerably, and he could offer no resistance, having been utterly defeated initially.

This time, Yuan Qing's words gave Xiao Yin an opportunity, which he seized to bring these matters into the open.

Everyone's expression changed, especially the military generals, who clenched their wine cups, lowered their heads, not daring to glance at Xiao Yin, yet felt growing resentment toward Emperor Longqing.

Even though Xiao Yin suffered a defeat at Qi Sha Gu, recall that he was once Southern Qi's war god; without him, how could Emperor Longqing have prevailed over his wolf-like brothers to seize this realm?

Although Xiao Yin lost once, he had previously repelled Bei Di's countless invasions and subdued the Western Rong's covetous gaze, which gave Southern Qi its strength.

Those who fight for the country and people, reduced to spending women's silver to survive, while those useless nobles feast on the people's fat, needing only a few flattering words before Emperor Longqing to secure endless glory for their descendants.

If this continues, who would still be willing to serve the state?

Xiao Yin slowly kowtowed to Emperor Longqing and said, "Your Majesty, brother, I am utterly destitute; now everything in my household is spent using my consort's dowry silver, and each time I think of it I feel anguished."

"I, too, care about face, but I have no choice; now everyone mocks me as a good-for-nothing, a soft‑rice‑eating waste, using me as fodder for ridicule in any setting—I truly suffer."

Xiao Yin, usually steadfast, could no longer hide his sorrow and burst into loud tears.

Emperor Longqing was momentarily at a loss, his face fluctuating between pale and flushed, truly a spectacle.

Beside him, the Bei Di crown prince furrowed his brows fiercely, looking at his flustered sister Yuan Qing, thinking inwardly that it was bad—afraid his sister couldn't keep composure and was being used by Xiao Yin as a raft.

Yuan Qing was now unable to sit or stand still; she truly hadn't intended to publicly humiliate Xiao Yin, she merely wanted to cause trouble for Gu Jiu Ling.

Gu Jiu Ling lowered her gaze, concealing the expression in her eyes, and calmly observed the pastries and dishes before her.

Indeed, the leading old general rose, knelt before Emperor Longqing, and lamented, "Your Majesty! Although Prince Rui suffered a crushing defeat at Qi Sha Gu, seven years have passed; the punishment due has been largely served."

"Since the prince is reduced to such poverty, we… we find it hard to bear, and we implore Your Majesty to restore his fief, at least so we need not spend women's money."

"Your Majesty!" another old general stepped forward: "Your Majesty, Prince Rui's life is truly bitter; though he had faults, he at least bore hardship even without merit—Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty! We implore Your Majesty to restore Prince Rui's fief!"

Emperor Longqing fixed his gaze on the growing crowd of generals pleading for Xiao Yin, the hands hidden in his dragon robe sleeves clenched tightly into fists.

"These scoundrels—aren't they just leveraging their military exploits to threaten him? And now Bei Di is Southern Qi's inner trouble; if today he rejects the generals' pleas, it will chill the hearts of the military."

To the side, Xiao Wei's eyes were icy; this time those pleading for Xiao Yin were all Southern Qi's veteran generals, who fear neither heaven nor earth, and would not give the emperor even a modicum of respect.

If he stood up to oppose them, he would surely lose the army's hearts; these people are practically forcing the father emperor.

It's all Yuan Qing's fault—her meddling created this predicament; she truly deserves death.

The Sixth Prince, Xiao Zheng, originally did not want Xiao Yin to regain his strength, for a powerful Xiao Yin was beyond his control.

But now that many generals have spoken, if he does not show some support, how can he remain Xiao Yin's ally?

Better to go along with the flow; then he would leave a good impression in the generals' eyes.

He hastily rose and knelt before Emperor Longqing, saying, "Father Emperor, why not restore the Imperial Uncle's fief, allowing him to redeem himself through service? That would not be inappropriate."

Idiot! Emperor Longqing was nearly angered to death by this foolish son!

What sort of person is Xiao Yin? Once he turns the tide against the wind, he'll be impossible to suppress; others pleading is one thing, but is this kid stupid?

Emperor Longqing looked at the black‑pressing crowd kneeling before him and was instantly put on the spot.

He had wanted to let the matter slide, but that was impossible now; he slowly closed his eyes and said, "Enough, since so many plead for you, effective today your fief is restored—rise, and stop blubbering, or you'll be laughed at."

Xiao Yin cried ever harder, choking up unable to speak, then kowtowed respectfully to Emperor Longqing in thanks before rising and returning to his seat.

He covered his face with his sleeve, feeling sorrow beyond restraint.

Gu Jiu Ling hastily produced a handkerchief and handed it to Xiao Yin, whispering, "Your Highness, please wipe?"

Xiao Yin slowly moved his sleeve away, yet flashed Gu Jiu Ling a peerlessly beautiful smile.

Gu Jiu Ling's eye twitched sharply; she had to take back the handkerchief and, beneath the table's edge, gave Xiao Yin a thumbs‑up.

"Your Highness, I won't even lean on the wall—I'm utterly convinced! Really…"