CHAPTER 2015: CHAPTER 2017

"As for the Grand Emperor, he’s getting on in years, wouldn’t it be better to enjoy a peaceful life surrounded by grandchildren?"

Baili Yan agreed deeply, "What Cousin says is true. While recuperating at home these past few days, I’ve also been pondering this issue. Procrastination does no good; instead, it makes matters worse. It’s better to cut the Gordian knot swiftly."

"Let’s go in." Ye Zi’an noted that it was getting late; it was time for the meeting.

"No rush, let’s listen a bit more."

Ye Zi’an was speechless; they must be used to eavesdropping, but was it really appropriate for the two of them to stand at the door listening?

Little did he know, they were not the only ones eavesdropping; the Grand Emperor was also listening in with his entourage.

"These treacherous ministers and traitors, look at them, what have they turned the court into? Is this still the solemn and dignified Golden Throne Hall? The dragon throne sits empty, with no one to preside, and no one to make decisions. Can this even be called a session of court?"

The Grand Emperor was very displeased. He had never particularly doted on Prince Le’s son, so him vying for the throne was tolerable. But the Third, whom he had cherished since childhood, not conceding either—this was simply outrageous.

Once he regains his position, he would definitely deal with the Third, and afterward, passing the throne to the Seventh or Eighth would be fine.

"So it seems the court still needs you!" Eunuch Cui, who used to serve the Grand Emperor, had been transferred back and promoted to the chief eunuch for the Grand Emperor.

Finally liberated from that wretched place, Eunuch Cui was exceedingly respectful and obedient to the Grand Emperor.

"Indeed, I will go in and question these people, asking whether they still have the Emperor and the country in their hearts."

"Emperor, don’t be hasty. Let’s listen some more, hear what the ministers inside have to say, see who belongs to whom, so we can clearly deal with them one by one in the future."

"Yes, I’m thinking the same."

"Heir Qing, you mustn’t bully others with your power—do you even dare to make a move in the grand hall?" Heir Qing had just taken a step forward when Imperial Censor Zhang stepped out. "When the Emperor comes to court, I will surely submit a memorial to him, accusing Heir Qing of showing contempt for the court, contempt for etiquette, contempt for..."

"Enough, old man Zhang, that’s enough from you." Heir Qing waved impatiently, "You report on this and that every day, when will you report on yourself? How is the new fourth concubine you took a few days ago? Is she making you not want to come to court?"

"You say I bully others with power? You’re no different. The fourth concubine you have at home escaped from Shandong. Her father is gone, and you think her mother and daughter are easy to bully, so you took them in, didn’t you? Don’t think I don’t know."

"With Prince Le’s death, let’s not mention it for now. The Eldest Princess, as the Elder Princess of the imperial family, was seriously injured in the Lantern Festival coup and later died despite treatment. Even though the death of a royal princess doesn’t require nationwide mourning, the people of the Capital City should fast for three days, and for half a month, no weddings should be held. So what have you done as an imperial censor in those days?"

Heir Qing looked at him disdainfully, "Taking advantage of someone’s misfortune, abducting women from good families, disrespecting the princess, disrespecting the imperial family, and yet you still have the nerve to accuse others?"

"If a diligent and conscientious person like me, working for the court and for Great Zhou, is to be accused, then someone like you, who breaks the law, defies regulations, and commits crimes, should surely be dismissed from office!"

"Nonsense, you are slandering me!" Imperial Censor Zhang’s face darkened, feeling a bit guilty, but he still stuck his neck out, "Our household has no fourth concubine, and no refugees from Shandong."

"Yes, you have no fourth concubine." Heir Qing chuckled lightly.