Someone couldn't help but step forward, "Your Majesty, General Feng has achieved a great victory over the Southern Barbarians, forcing them to sue for peace. This is a great achievement. Please reward this meritorious official to boost the morale of the army!"

Another official stepped forward, saying, "I humbly request Your Majesty to reward the meritorious officials!"

Xiao Zhixing glanced at them; one was the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, and the other was a clerk in the Ministry of Justice, both loyal subordinates of Feng Liyan.

Zhao Yunqi smiled broadly, "Indeed..."

Xiao Zhixing resolutely walked out and stood there, successfully silencing Zhao Yunqi like a mute button.

Feng Liyan and the others widened their eyes.

"...Yuansheng, what's going on?"

Xiao Zhixing raised his tablet and said, “At this moment of great victory, I should not disturb Your Majesty’s joy. However, as a subject of the Great Sheng, I know that some people are treacherous and cunning. I am unwilling and unable to conceal this fact, nor do I want Your Majesty to favor them, lest the world laugh at you for favoring petty people and treacherous ministers in the future!”

Zhao Yunqi slowly sat down. "Yuan Sheng, why make it sound so serious? And who is it that you hate so much?"

Xiao Zhixing sneered, raising his hand to the sky, "Your humble servant can swear beforehand that everything I say next is true and without any selfish motives, otherwise I will surely be struck by lightning!"

She turned and stared coldly at Feng Liyan, "The treacherous officials I am referring to are Feng Lizhen and Feng Liyan."

"Xiao Zhixing, you're slandering a loyal minister with baseless accusations!!" Feng Liyan roared angrily.

"I'm slandering you? Fine, today I'll have a proper debate with you to see if I've slandered you!"

Xiao Zhixing tucked the jade tablet into his belt, rolled up his sleeves, put his hands on his hips, and began the battle.

(Thanks to @爱吃葱油花卷的迟瑞彬 and @爱吃酥糖的凤瑾元一 for their first donation and like! Their names are such a perfect match!)