"Let them be punished according to the law," Qin Tingxue said, tilting her head slightly to look directly at Xie Chen.
Xie Chen felt she had been wronged and had been looking for opportunities to vent her anger for her.
At first, she was indeed indignant, with a nameless rage in her heart that was hard to release.
But not anymore.
After all, she had no need to waste her emotions on irrelevant people.
"Just let them go like this?" Xie Chen was somewhat reluctant.
"It's not exactly letting them go," Qin Tingxue paused and said, "With their personalities, there will always be a time when they learn their lesson."
Xie Chen thought it made sense.
Gu Changwei aside, Gu Siya was selfish and self-serving. If this trait wasn't changed, she would surely offend people when interacting with others in the future.
After this incident, Gu Changwei's attitude towards him would likely not be the same as before.
When no one had his back, what was Gu Siya worth?
As for Gu Changwei, who had always had a smooth sailing life, being ignored in the future would be the greatest punishment for him.
"Alright, I'll listen to you," Xie Chen said.
After Gu Sinian entered the palace, Emperor Chongwen asked him how he intended to deal with Gu Siya.
Gu Sinian's expression was calm, "He violated the law, and his punishment will naturally be according to the law."
"A Nian, I have seen all the grievances you have suffered over the years, and you don't need to be so sensible," Emperor Chongwen said, "You can do whatever you want."
This meant that even if Gu Sinian wanted Gu Siya dead, Emperor Chongwen would not say much.
Gu Sinian shook his head, "Just deal with him according to the judgment of the Dali Temple."
"After all, we are related by blood. If he is unrighteous, I cannot be unbenevolent."
Emperor Chongwen was deeply moved by these words.
Although his ascension to the throne was also accompanied by bloodshed, deep down, he still greatly desired brotherly affection and filial piety.
"Gu Changwei failed to discipline his son and is unworthy of his position," Emperor Chongwen said after a moment of thought.
Gu Changwei was stripped of his title as Duke and his rank was repeatedly lowered, just enough to be one rank below Gu Sinian. When attending court, he had to stand behind Gu Sinian and address him as Lord Gu.
Furthermore, according to his rank, the regulations of the Duke's mansion were not for him to reside in.
This meant he had to leave the Duke's mansion with his family.
He had to move to a residence befitting his rank.
Everyone could see that Emperor Chongwen's action was a deliberate punishment, yet they could not find fault with it, because it was all reasonable, proper, and legal.
"Go and see your aunt," Emperor Chongwen added, "My feelings for your aunt have never changed."
This was to tell Gu Sinian that the punishment of the Duke's mansion would not affect Consort An.
"Your Majesty is wise," Gu Sinian said.
Emperor Chongwen sighed, "A Nian, I truly regard you as a nephew. In front of me, you can relax and don't need to be so reserved."
"The state has state laws, and the family has family rules," Gu Sinian said earnestly.
"You..." Emperor Chongwen was quite helpless.
"Does Your Majesty have any other commands?" Gu Sinian asked.
"No, no more," Emperor Chongwen said.
"Then this minister takes his leave." Gu Sinian bowed and withdrew.
After Gu Sinian left, Emperor Chongwen sat alone for a while, then summoned someone and gave instructions. After the person left, Emperor Chongwen finally breathed a long sigh of relief. He could not be indecisive, as it would harm others.
Gu Sinian went to Consort An's palace.
"Has Li An's matter been handled?" Consort An asked.
Gu Sinian nodded, "His Majesty has always been rational."
Consort An curled her lips in self-mockery, "Indeed, after all, it concerns the stability of his position."