The news of Xie Qiqi being abducted by a rogue soldier and taken to the military camp spread like wildfire overnight. With Prince Jing fanning the flames, the impeachment petitions against Xie Mingzheng piled up in the imperial court. Although the Crown Prince stepped in to defend him, Xie Mingzheng’s reputation and standing were severely shaken. The accusations of poor military discipline and the fire in the camp left his image in tatters.
What galled him even more was that, seizing the opportunity, Prince Jing recommended General Fang to serve as a military supervisor, sharing control of the Huben Army. This effectively meant a portion of Xie Mingzheng’s military authority had been carved away. The Crown Prince was furious; while he gave Xie Mingzheng a shred of face by not scolding him publicly, Xie Wenyuan and Xie Wentao were not so lucky and received a brutal dressing-down.
As for the instigator, Dou Yong, Xie Wenzhi braved his father’s wrath to protect him. Falling to one knee, he pleaded, "Father, Dou Yong was merely drunk and acted foolishly. But when I was trampled by a horse, it was he who carried me to safety. He saved my life!"
Chapter 60