TPITWOHEF

Chapter 77

The news about Hong Xing quickly spread throughout the streets and alleys.

The reason was none other than the crime for which he was stripped of his property by the Emperor - it was too attention-grabbing for the commoners!

"Is the imperial edict posted here real? Is it true that he was exiled for neglecting the welfare of the people's pigs?"

"What? It really says he was stripped of his property for keeping a concubine and neglecting the people's pigs?"

The commoners gathered outside Hong's residence to watch the spectacle. Many were illiterate, but when those who could read explained it to them, they were astonished.

"That's right, our Emperor of Jing Country wrote this edict himself, because he recently gained the affection of the Third Princess, whom he treats as a treasure. One day, the Third Princess cried inconsolably, so when the Emperor took her out for a stroll, he heard about how we commoners can't afford to eat pork."

"The Third Princess wept for our plight, as if she was grieving for us commoners. Our Emperor empathized deeply, and in his remorse, he sent Hong Xing to investigate why we can't afford pork."

"Who would have known that Hong Xing would bungle the whole thing?"

"The Emperor was heartbroken, believing that officials should treat our households like their own, let alone our livestock."

"The Emperor was so enraged that he confiscated the corrupt official's property for public use, to be used entirely to improve the conditions of our commoners' pigsties."

The commoners discussed the edict amongst themselves.

Soon, they were all awestruck.

"Oh my! In the Emperor's eyes, our pigs are as precious as officials?"

"The Emperor really said that!"

"Is such a thing even possible?"

"Of course!"

"If that's the case, we would gladly share a portion of our pigs with the Emperor!"

The commoners from nearby villages who had come to the city market were excited upon seeing the edict.

Some couldn't help but wipe away tears.

"The Emperor also said that he hopes all officials will learn from his three-month-old Third Princess, to be moved to tears when they hear of the people's suffering."

"Oh heavens, the Third Princess must be a reincarnated immortal, and our Emperor must be a celestial being!"

"Our Emperor of Jing Country has suddenly become so benevolent!"

How did he become so benevolent?

Xiao Yunzhou, who had been strolling in commoner's clothing and overheard the Liu family's update on their egg hatching, was walking with his hands clasped behind his back, beaming.

He looked down at his beloved daughter Chu Chu, cradled in Wei Zheng's arms.

How did this Emperor become so benevolent?

It was all because of his precious daughter that this father and ruler had become so!

Xiao Yunzhou felt like weeping.

In all the years since his ascension, this was the first time he had heard such sincere praise for him as an Emperor from the commoners.

[Wow, I never imagined my fatherly prestige would rise like this.]

Chu Chu was also beaming.

[Eating more meat means the commoners will be happier and healthier!]

[Father Emperor, hurry up and teach the people how to care for pigs, so our national strength will gradually increase.]