Chapter 10 010 Your subject receives the decree.

A civil official who is powerless to even kill a chicken cannot withstand the fists of a noble military official. Fortunately, the Marquis of Huaihai was subdued before he could throw a second punch, so Yu Shen did not end up in a miserable state with his eyes crooked and mouth twisted.

Five years into Zhao Jialing's reign, this was the first time he had ever seen a court official suddenly rise up during a court assembly. This was no ordinary "disrespect before the emperor" such as gossiping or dozing off; it couldn't be overlooked with just a few words. The Marquis of Huaihai and Yu Shen were both imprisoned.

When the Marquis of Huaihai was led away, he was still grinning, clearly unconcerned about the punishment. Even after being demoted from Duke to Marquis, he showed no sign of learning his lesson. As for Yu Shen, he was weeping uncontrollably. The Marquis of Huaihai's blow was real; his cheek was swollen high. The court officials couldn't bear to see his miserable state, but not a single one pleaded for him.

Those who could hear the emperor's thoughts knew of Yu Shen's despicable actions, so how could they dare to say anything more?

As for those who couldn't hear it, they shuddered at the sight of the Marquis of Huaihai's chilling smile. What kind of deep-seated hatred could lead to a brawl in the imperial court? If they were to get involved and incur the Marquis of Huaihai's wrath, they'd never sleep soundly again. If they truly wanted to plead for Yu Shen, they'd better submit a memorial discreetly.

After the Marquis of Huaihai and Yu Shen were dragged away, the court was unusually quiet.

They disregard the emperor's authority and show no respect for the ruler; they should be dragged out and beaten to death on the spot.

Zhao Jialing looked calmly at the heads bobbing below the steps.

The Marquis of Huaihai's actions were a blow to the emperor's reputation, but Zhao Jialing didn't care. A real battle would be far more interesting to watch than this bunch of trembling, speechless heads.

The Wise Ruler System remained silent.

It hadn't anticipated that the Marquis of Huaihai would act so disgracefully. Seeing the reactions of the courtiers below, it rekindled its fighting spirit. Was its host beyond saving? She still had the potential to be a wise ruler.

The host felt she lacked the emperor's authority, not because of the ministers' disdain for her and their exclusive praise of Xie Lanzao, but because she couldn't turn the court into her personal fiefdom. What she wanted to do wasn't something that could be accomplished with a mere edict; instead, she faced obstacles at every turn. However, the existence of the court officials was meant to check the emperor's whims and prevent him from doing anything impractical. Otherwise, allowing the incompetent or arrogant to cause trouble would be disastrous.

The eerie silence was broken by Meng Xuan's impassioned voice. Now that His Majesty had heard of Yu Shen's crimes, he had to be pursued! How could such a parasite be allowed to be listed in the court? In any case, Yu Shen couldn't defend himself now.

Xie Lanzhao reported, "I am deeply guilty, and both gods and men are afflicted with this crime. I have already been imprisoned. I humbly request the Three Departments to investigate and determine my crimes." When Emperor Taizu of the Great Yong Dynasty founded the Three Departments, he composed of the Secretariat Attendants, the Censors, and the Imperial Censors to investigate injustices and grievances throughout the land. During the reign of Emperor Taizong, the Three Departments were transferred to the Ministry of Justice, the Censorate, and the Court of Judicial Review, and were also known as the "Three Departments."

"Host, isn't this a perfect opportunity to complete the mission? You don't need to use your brain; someone will investigate." the Wise Ruler System said.

Zhao Jialing wouldn't cause trouble for Xie Lanzhao at this time. After hearing the system's description, she also felt that Yu Shen was a scoundrel and wished she could punch the Marquis of Huaihai a few more times. She cleared her throat and said, "Granted."

Once the courtroom wrangling is over and the person is confirmed to be imprisoned for investigation, things will proceed quickly. As for Yu Shen's friends and students, they've heard rumors that Yu Shen behaved improperly before the emperor and fought with the Marquis of Huaihai. What can they say? Can they claim that someone else is framing Yu Shen? Or that all the civil and military officials are blind? If they want to seek justice for Yu Shen, they must turn their attention to someone else.

But aren't the Marquis of Huaihai and Minister Yu related by marriage through their children?

What's going on now?

Could it be that a family matter has escalated?

Thinking about it this way, some of the eager people hesitated. After all, "even an upright official finds it hard to settle family disputes." If Yu Shen had been imprisoned for his outspoken remonstrance, they could still play a role as "pure officials" and "scholars in public opinion." But what is currently revealed is a mess.

Some, with wider connections, knew more. The exposure of Yu Shen's true colors was like the sky falling for his admirers. They were already huddled in a corner muttering "I don't believe it" and "It's impossible," how could they possibly have the energy to do anything else?

So people were arrested and interrogated. Faced with irrefutable evidence, how could Yu Shen dare to remain defiant? His family lived a "poor" life, but only his wife and children; he himself was quite well-off. He couldn't withstand torture and could only confess everything with a grim face. Before long, the documents appeared on Zhao Jialing's desk, waiting for her review.

It's said that the focus is on dealing with Yu Shen, but this time it can't be limited to just Yu Shen.

Those who forged their positions through Yu Shen's alteration of the imperial examination records and impersonation could hardly remain in those positions unscathed. Furthermore, the scholars promoted by Yu Shen during his tenure as the official in charge of the imperial examinations would also be dismissed. Although the current dynasty had an imperial examination system, it didn't place much emphasis on the actual exam results; rather, it was the "presentation of papers" and the scholar's reputation in their local areas that determined whether someone passed. Those promoted by Yu Shen did have good names, but with Yu Shen as a cautionary tale, how could anyone easily trust reputation?

"Is that all?" Zhao Jialing flipped through the pages, his eyes fixed on Xie Lanzhao not far ahead.

The system also mentioned that Yu Shen colluded with the Loyal King, why didn't it mention that?

Xie Lanzhao raised her eyes. She didn't hear Zhao Jialing's thoughts, but it wasn't hard to guess her intention: "Is Your Majesty asking about the Prince Zhong?"

Zhao Jialing nodded, then pursed his lips and said, "The Prince of Zhong has been confined to his bedchamber for a long time, yet he still harbors lofty ambitions."

Yu Shen did indeed introduce scholars to Prince Zhong, but their past interactions had nothing to do with rebellion. Prince Zhong held no official position and never actively interfered in court affairs, so he couldn't be considered to have "formed a faction." Eliminating him would likely tarnish His Majesty's reputation for fratricide. Xie Lanzhao pondered for a moment, then changed the subject, saying, "Since the founding of the dynasty, scholars have filled the gates of powerful families, constantly seeking patronage from the wealthy and powerful."

Zhao Jialing blinked: "Is Xie Qing's residence also always bustling with visitors?"

Xie Lanzhao's expression changed slightly.

His Majesty's tone was ordinary, and he may not have meant anything by it, but it was, after all, a sensitive matter.

Zhao Jialing added sourly, "They see Minister Xie more often than I do, don't they?"

Wise Ruler System: [Host, Xie Lanzhao is upright and aloof, and would not casually associate with others.]

Zhao Jialing: [She's virtuous and aloof? She killed three warriors with two peaches, seized absolute power, and eliminated all those who didn't submit to her.]

Xie Lanzhao's expression was solemn, her eyes deep and unfathomable.

She knew that the emperor's dissatisfaction with her was not a recent development, and if Zhao Jialing were allowed to make decisions unilaterally, he might abolish the policies she had implemented.

Because of this, she dared not relax in the slightest.

Perhaps she should be thankful that His Majesty did not show any intention to remove her from power during the court assembly? Otherwise, some people would have tried to guess His Majesty's intentions, thus creating numerous obstacles for her.

The Wise Ruler System defended Xie Lanzhao: "Those people are not key ministers."

Zhao Jialing sighed inwardly: [I know, what can I do? She was the prime minister left to me by the late emperor. Even if she wanted to climb onto me, I could only forgive her.]

Xie Lanzhao's tense spirit not only failed to relax in the slightest, but her body also became stiff because of Zhao Jialing's thoughts.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Zhao Jialing asked, resting his chin on his hand as he looked at Xie Lanzhao, his brows furrowing slightly.

Despite being able to hear Zhao Jialing's inner thoughts, Xie Lanzhao found his behavior increasingly unpredictable—a strange feeling arose within her. She banished the chaotic thoughts from her mind and decisively bowed to Zhao Jialing: "Your subject is guilty."

Zhao Jialing frowned. She didn't know what Xie Lanzhao wanted to hear, but she was certain it wasn't those three words.

She was sick of hearing "I am guilty" so many times; Xie Lanzhao always used those three words to fob her off. Every time it displeased her, she would say "I am guilty," but did she really admit her guilt? Did she know where she had sinned? She didn't know! After saying that, she always ignored her feelings and did whatever she wanted.

Zhao Jialing pursed her lips, stood up with a straight face, and walked to Xie Lanzhao.

Xie Lanzhao was more mature than both her and her fourth sister. Even at a young age, she possessed an air of otherworldly elegance befitting someone from a noble family. As she grew older, she became even more beautiful, but along with her beauty came a cold and austere demeanor, like the frost of winter, making her unapproachable. It was a rare thing for Zhao Jialing to carefully examine Xie Lanzhao's features and try to find a smile on her face.

"What's the crime?" Zhao Jialing asked deliberately.

Xie Lanzhao remained silent.

Zhao Jialing screamed inwardly: "I knew she was lying to me! What crime has she committed? She must be thinking, 'Zhao Liu is foolish, not as wise as Zhao Er.'"

Ever since hearing Zhao Jialing's thoughts, Xie Lanzao has been filled with mixed feelings. One moment she is wary of offending the emperor, and the next she is overwhelmed with helplessness. She said, "I have eyes but I cannot recognize people, which has allowed people like Yu Shen to hold positions in the court."

Zhao Jialing immediately retorted, "Yu Shen is a veteran official from the late emperor's reign. What does he have to do with you?" Clearing her throat, she asked again, "After Yu Shen's departure, who can succeed him?" The Minister of Personnel is a high-ranking official of the third rank, and the emperor can appoint a candidate. However, in previous years, Zhao Jialing had tried several times to place her favorites in positions of power, but the prime ministers had rejected her every attempt. After that, Zhao Jialing simply stopped caring and waited for the prime ministers to offer suggestions.

After the regents left by the late emperor fell from grace, the positions of Grand Tutor, Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and Attendant-in-Ordinary were all vacant. The Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel also became vacant due to Huan Qi's downfall. Only Xie Lanzhao, the "Chancellor of the Secretariat," remained as the head of the three ministries, making her the undisputed prime minister of the Council of State Affairs. Among the six ministries, the Ministry of Personnel was in charge of selecting officials and held considerable power. It should be noted that in the previous dynasty, the Minister of Personnel ranked before the Attendant-in-Ordinary and the Chancellor of the Secretariat. Although Yu Shen did not receive the title of "Knowledgeable in State Affairs," barring unforeseen circumstances, becoming prime minister was only a matter of time.

Xie Lanzhao lowered her eyelashes, not trying to guess Zhao Jialing's intentions. She said, "It doesn't matter if it's empty."

Zhao Jialing gave a light chuckle, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

She brought the topic back to the beginning, saying, "Minister of Personnel Yu Shen harbors evil intentions, plots against others, and engages in treacherous schemes. He is greedy for honor and usurps the position and should not remain in court."

Xie Lanzhao: "Your subject obeys the decree."

The next moment, the voice of the Wise Ruler System rang out in the hall.

[Congratulations, host, on completing the second main quest: Governing the Country and Eliminating Traitors.]

[Achieve the achievement "When you're sleepy, someone brings you a pillow"; achievement reward: "Slight Sleep Pillow".]

Xie Lanzhao frowned slightly. A pillow? It doesn't sound like it's of much use to the country.

Zhao Jialing: "?" What is that?