CHAPTER 240: CHAPTER 228 A WHIFF OF CONSPIRACY

At that moment, a sweet voice echoed through the royal court.

"Father!"

The ministers, who had been holding their breath, suddenly heard this voice. It was as if a hand had lightly brushed their tense emotions, causing them all to unconsciously breathe a sigh of relief. Even Chu Yang’s sullen expression softened at that instant.

Turning around, a graceful figure gracefully walked in from outside the grand hall.

This figure was none other than Princess Xinyue, Chu Ruoyan. She was dressed in colorful attire, her steps as delicate as a lotus, light and graceful like a beautiful butterfly, fluttering to the center of the grand hall. In an instant, she swept away the somber, tense atmosphere of the court, making everyone feel a sense of the refreshing spring breeze.

The ministers all instinctively breathed a sigh of relief.

Of course, there were also some who couldn’t help but frown.

During the Emperor and the courtiers’ discussions, no one was allowed to enter or leave the hall casually, let alone interrupt the court session. However, this princess was different; everyone knew she was His Majesty the Emperor’s most cherished daughter. When she was young, he even held her while conducting state affairs. Her tears could postpone even the most significant matters of governance, and who would dare to say anything at this moment?

Sure enough, Chu Yang, instead of being angry, immediately broke into a smile on his otherwise somber face: "What brings you here?"

Princess Xinyue lifted her gown gracefully, bowed before the Emperor, and then, straightening herself, said, "Father, these days you have been so troubled over the Xingluo Granary that you can neither eat nor sleep well. To ease your worries, Xinyue personally prepared some pastries and plum wine, waiting for Your Majesty at the Warm Dock."

"Xinyue indeed has filial piety, but Father—"

"Did Father not promise Xinyue earlier that once Xingluo Granary was taken, you’d set aside a day to accompany Xinyue in snow-watching and painting? Xinyue has been eagerly awaiting, and now the day of victory has finally come. How could Father forget?"

"..."

"Did Father mean that after taking the granary, your words can be forgotten?"

As she spoke, she pouted and looked at the venerable Emperor on the Dragon Chair with aggrieved eyes.

Though her expression was full of grievance, when this beautiful, flower-like Princess Xinyue expressed it, she still appeared endearing and lovable, inevitably arousing pity. Chu Yang couldn’t help but smile as soon as he saw his daughter’s countenance.

He laughed and said, "Alright, it’s Father who was wrong. Father will accompany you to enjoy the snow right away."

With that, he stood up, supporting himself on the armrest of the Dragon Chair.

Seeing this, Wang Shaoji’s face immediately darkened. He hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, if the matter of Yu Wenye’s rebellion is not dealt with promptly, the consequences could be disastrous!"

Upon hearing this, Chu Yang’s expression became sullen once again.

However, before he could speak, Princess Xinyue, who had already stood up, addressed Wang Shaoji, "Rebellion? Mr. Wang, whom are you accusing of rebellion?"

Wang Shaoji responded, "Princess, I naturally speak of Yu Wenye, who arrogantly relies on his military power and courage!"

He repeated his words once more.

Princess Xinyue blinked her big eyes after listening, then covered her mouth and laughed softly, "General Wang is indeed thorough in his considerations, but there’s one thing you seem to have overlooked."

Wang Shaoji frowned, "What is it?"

Princess Xinyue said, "The wife of the Assistant General did not accompany him from the beginning of the campaign. It was after he had set out, when the heavy snow persisted for days, that she worried he might freeze and went out of the Eastern Capital City to deliver winter clothes. Moreover, if Yu Wenye really intended to rebel, why would he only take his wife and not even bring his brothers?"

"Brothers?"

"Yes, the youngest son of Duke Sheng is still studying in the city."

"..."

"Who rebels without bringing their own brothers?"

Seeing her innocent and clear demeanor, but boldly questioning, Wang Shaoji wanted to refute, but out of respect for the Emperor, he could say nothing more. He was left gritting his teeth, with veins bulging from his forehead.

On the other side, Guan Ao saw this situation and promptly spoke, "Yes, Your Majesty, the Princess’s words hold merit. If Yu Wenye truly intended to rebel, he should have made preparations long ago, relocating his family from Eastern Capital City. Why would he only bring his wife? Besides, if he intended to rebel, he wouldn’t have adhered to Your Majesty’s orders, diligently capturing Xingluo Granary and sending back the battle report."

"..."

"Therefore, in my opinion, General Wang’s worries are unfounded. Please, Your Majesty, exercise your discretion!"

"..."

In the grand hall, it was so quiet now that even a pin drop could be heard.

Everyone held their breath, cautiously keeping their heads bowed.

After an unknown amount of time, Chu Yang slowly sat back down, holding the Dragon Chair’s armrest, observing Guan Ao drenched in sweat, then looked at Wang Shaoji’s livid face and his beloved daughter’s hopeful, shining eyes.

Lastly, he raised his head and glanced outside the hall.

After a long silence, he slowly said, "Wang Aiqing, your words are not without merit—"

The grand hall emitted a deep sigh, as numerous people couldn’t help but draw a sharp breath. Guan Ao had already lifted his head with a bit of fear in his eyes, looking at the Emperor.

And in the next moment, Chu Yang continued, "Yet, the Yuwen Family has been loyal for generations. The Assistant General, having captured Xingluo Granary this time, has performed meritorious service. I believe I treat him generously. I think he wouldn’t disregard the sound advice of his ancestors and the lives of his entire family to commit a crime deserving the eradication of nine clans."

Wang Shaoji’s heart sank, "But, Your Majesty—"

Chu Yang waved his hand, interrupting him, "First, have the Ministry of Personnel draft an edict, summoning the Assistant General back to court—all troops should remain stationed at Xingluo Granary, no need to return to the city."

"..."

"As for Yu Wenye slaying the supervisor, immediately refer the matter to the Ministry of Justice for investigation. Determine whether it was meritorious or criminal, and decide accordingly after deliberation!"

Wang Shaoji still wanted to speak, but Guan Ao, standing beside him, had already knelt down and bowed, "Your Majesty, wise!"

Some other officials also knelt on the ground, shouted for a long life, and amid the surrounding echoes, Wang Shaoji’s expression darkened, yet he had no words left, so he could only grit his teeth and kneel in acceptance, "Yes."

Seeing the matter settled, Princess Xinyue immediately joyfully stepped forward, grabbing Chu Yang’s arm, and the father and daughter left the grand hall together. The rest of the officials, after seeing the Emperor and Princess depart, also rose and prepared to leave.

Only Wang Shaoji, watching Princess Xinyue’s departing figure, revealed a sinister expression in his eyes, but in the next instant, he saw outside the grand hall a graceful and elegant figure flash by.

Wang Shaoji’s face immediately froze, then he understood something.

After a moment, he turned back, gazing among the ministers at one figure that stood firm yet remained silent.

A sense of conspiracy spread through his gaze.