But as soon as he finished speaking, a clear "thump" was heard from the hall above.

After listening to everything the Prince of Ning said, He Yunze suddenly felt dizzy and lost consciousness. He fell straight back to the ground, and even the exposed back of his neck was pale.

He was lifeless, as if he were dead.

Seeing his lifeless appearance, the emperor hurriedly beckoned and ordered his men to drag him away.

He then spoke with a grim expression: "Now that the matter has been investigated and clarified, this farce should come to an end."

“Prince Yu has behaved improperly in front of the emperor, trusts others too easily, and has even delayed your grandmother’s birthday celebration. He has disappointed me greatly. From today onwards, he is demoted to a prince and is not allowed to attend court for three months.”

If it weren't for Prince Yu, none of the subsequent events would have happened, and the birthday banquet wouldn't have been delayed.

Upon hearing this, Prince Yu clenched his teeth, unsure whether he should laugh or cry.

He suppressed the raging anger within him, and with a sorrowful expression, lowered his eyes and kowtowed deeply to the emperor.

"Your subject is guilty, Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness..."

Everyone in the Zhao family sat in their seats with stern faces, looking gloomy and dejected.

Zhao Qingshu held his breath and clenched his fists tightly.

"And the disgraced official He Yunce..." The emperor looked at him as he was carried away lifelessly, pondered for a moment, and then spoke again:

"The guilty official He Yunze neglected his duties and behaved improperly before the emperor. Therefore, he was dismissed from his post, demoted to a commoner, and barred from inheriting any title for life."