Duke Ning was so furious that he vomited blood and rushed to the palace to ask the Empress to uphold justice. The Empress herself had been gravely ill during the New Year and had just recovered. She nearly relapsed from anger upon hearing about the dispute over ten thousand silver taels between her father and son, which was utterly disgraceful.
Princess Huazhen, upon hearing the news, also rebuked Prince Kang for his cold-heartedness and lack of filial piety.
"Uncle pawned the deed, and I spent money to redeem it. If Grandfather wants it back, of course, he needs to exchange money for it. Why should I give it away for free? I don't have mountains of gold and silver." Prince Kang's tone was insolent, as if he had nothing to lose. "Sister, if you're so filial, why don't you take out ten thousand silver taels? I'll give you the deed, then you can go ahead and fulfill your filial piety."
Princess Huazhen sneered coldly, "Where would I get the money for that?"
