The Command to Pamper the Husband - Chapter 104

While Song Jin was lost in thought, the Duchess spoke again, “As for the unmarried women in the families, when they marry, the Duke’s Estate will provide no less than one hundred taels of silver as dowry.”

Song Jin…

Tsk tsk, she first soothed the scholars, and now she’s pacifying the women. Women love gossip, and scholars love to critique. Controlling these two groups means controlling most of the rumors and public pressure.

“My son committed such atrocities. Besides being shocked and remorseful, the Duked I feel deep guilt and sorrow. Although we cannot bring the dead back to life, we can at least do something for the living. We don’t seek forgiveness, only that everyone’s lives may improve slightly.”

Her words came from the heart.

The commoners had been fighting for justice. Now they had it.

“Who knows if you’ll keep your word!” someone shouted from the crowd.

The Duchess responded calmly, “What I said earlier has already been written in large characters and posted on the outer wall of the flower garden in the East Wing of the Duke’s Estate. Everyone can see it. It’s also posted on the bulletin board in the capital for public supervision. Your oversight will ease our remorse.”

Listening to the Duchess, the Duke silently calculated how much silver this would cost.

Just thinking about the huge upcoming expense made him feel as if he were being burned by a hot iron.

According to his plan, it wasn’t necessary. Commoners didn’t deserve compensation of one hundred taels per person. A few taels per family would suffice. What was his wife thinking?

He absolutely wouldn’t pay that amount.

Having made up his mind, the Duke stood tall beside the Duchess.

The Duchess addressed the crowd, “There will be a coroner’s examination of the bodies, and officers from the Capital Magistrate’s office will register the victims. Everyone should return home to ensure you don’t miss the registration.”

With that, the crowd began to disperse.

Most were there out of curiosity and righteous indignation. Some were genuinely affected. But with the Duke’s Estate offering such generous compensation, many felt it was worth it.

Only a few genuinely grieving parents remained by their children’s bodies, weeping uncontrollably or staring blankly at the pile of corpses, overwhelmed by grief.

As Song Jin watched the various reactions, she sighed deeply.

Human nature remains unchanged.

Regardless of the Duchess’s intentions, her methods were effective. She grasped the importance of money and the desire for education in poor families.

Wealthy families take for granted what the poor desperately seek. Given a chance to obtain it, even if stained with blood, they wouldn’t dare pass it up.

When the last commoner left, the Duchess raised an eyebrow, a hint of cold mockery in her eyes. She turned to Song Jin, “Your Highness, shall we proceed to the palace together?”

Her tone was no longer as respectful as before.

Song Jin paused, then smiled bitterly. Shen Yue’s status in the capital was indeed low. When the commoners were present, the Duchess maintained appearances. Now…

Song Jin shrugged, “Sure, why not.”

Lu Zhan had already taken the Duke’s third son into custody. Song Jin, with the large dog Yuan Bao by her side, headed out.

The Duchess respectfully addressed the Crown Prince, “Your Highness, will you accompany us to the palace?”

The Crown Prince watched Song Jin’s back, “Do I have a choice? Having witnessed everything, I must go with you.”

He acted as if he were reluctantly dragged into this.

After a moment, he looked at his wound, “Besides, I need to show the Emperor the wound the Duke’s men gave me.”

The Crown Prince’s words made the Duke tremble with fear. Heaven knows he didn’t order anyone to harm the Crown Prince. And even if his men had a hundred times the courage, they wouldn’t dare kill the Crown Prince. He still hoped to ally with the Crown Prince!

But he couldn’t explain the wound, especially since all his men were dead.

Ignoring his thoughts, the Crown Prince left. The Duke immediately grabbed the Duchess’s sleeve, “Were you serious about those compensations?”

The Duchess looked at him coldly. “Be thankful. Problems that can be solved with money aren’t real problems.”

“Those commoners aren’t worth a hundred taels each,” the Duke almost spat the words.

The Duchess glared at him.

“After so many years as a duke, have you lost your brains and vision? You’re good for nothing but playing with women!”

“The notices are already posted. Prepare the silver. It’s too late to complain now.”

The Duke trembled with rage.

“You spoke in the heat of the moment, but that’s real silver! Do you know how many people will come for a hundred taels per head, plus building a school and providing dowries? You might as well become a statue in a temple!”

Furious at the Duke’s mockery of his wife, Xu Xin snapped, “How can you speak to Mother like that!”

The Duke’s gaze turned sharp, “Are you not ashamed in front of the Crown Prince?”

Usually, the Duke was gentle with his daughters, but today’s rage brought harsh words.

Tears welled in Xu Xin’s eyes. Usually proud, she shouted, “If you find me shameful, then consider me gone!”

She ran off.

The Duchess glared at the Duke, “Look at what you’ve done!”

Luckily, Xu Xin had hidden bodyguards, ensuring her safety.

“Shall we proceed to the palace? Both princes have left. Are you staying here to lecture me?”

Embarrassed by his wife’s scorn, the Duke growled, “I won’t agree to the compensation. If not for your meddling, I wouldn’t face this!”