Punishment too light damages the prestige of the Royal Family, making it seem as if its Offspring are easy to bully. Punishment too heavy chills the hearts of subjects. So, Zhao Junyao's penalty was neither too light nor too heavy. His examination results were deducted, and he was barred from participating for two years. This punishment was just right.
Young Master Yang hadn't come of age yet. Although he participated in the martial examination this year, no one really expected him to achieve academic honors; the aim was for experience. Besides, the Yang Family had been a family of meritorious officials for generations and wouldn't miss one Martial Champion title.
As expected, Minister Yang feigned reluctance for a while before kneeling to express his gratitude. Young Master Yang also went from initial reluctance to ultimate satisfaction. Academic honors? They weren't a big deal; he could always try again in two years. As long as he wasn't disgraced, everything else was negotiable.
