Chapter 554 Knocking

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the court. Everyone looked at each other in confusion. No one expected that the emperor would make a decision so quickly.

Jun Moxu's face was as pale as paper, and his body was trembling slightly, as if he could hardly accept this sudden change.

"Father, I was wrong. I know I was wrong. I beg you to forgive me. Father, you can't do this to me."

Duke Hua's face also turned pale.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is the heir apparent. If you imprison him hastily, outsiders will think you intend to depose him. This is too hasty. Please reconsider."

The ministers who had previously supported the prince also knelt down hurriedly.

"Your Majesty, please think twice. There may be injustice involved."

It's really unreasonable to want to earn three points.

Prime Minister Yun stepped forward and bowed.

"Your Majesty, the crown prince of this nation, entrusted with the mandate of Heaven to nurture talented individuals, is a role model for all people. A crown prince should be benevolent, people-oriented, compassionate, open avenues for talent, and readily accept advice. Regarding moral cultivation, the crown prince should focus on self-cultivation, maintaining integrity and integrity, and shunning the temptations of treacherous villains. However, based on the current evidence, Your Majesty, please forgive me for speaking frankly. His Royal Highness is no longer worthy of his position. I boldly request that Your Majesty depose the crown prince."

His virtue is unworthy of his position. He is directly requesting the emperor to abolish the prince. All the civil and military officials in the court were shocked when they heard this. Does Prime Minister Yun really dare to say anything?

Jun Moxu stood up and looked at Prime Minister Yun angrily.

"Prime Minister Yun is truly capable. Putting aside the authenticity of this evidence, my father hasn't even considered deposing me yet, yet Prime Minister Yun has already spoken. I'm curious. Who did Prime Minister Yun conspire with to frame me? What reward did that person offer Prime Minister Yun that would compel you to risk your life for him?"

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Yun spoke without changing his expression.

"Your Highness, there is no need to be suspicious. The Prime Minister assists the Emperor and governs the people. Loyalty is paramount. I will remain loyal to Tian Yuan and the Emperor. I will never waver in this loyalty and will never side with either side. In my eyes, the greatest benefit is for the Emperor to govern the country with peace of mind and for the people to live and work in peace."

Duke Hua sneered when he heard this.

"Your Excellency, Prime Minister, what you said sounds very reasonable, but whether you have colluded with others to frame the crown prince is something only you, Your Excellency, Prime Minister, can clearly know..."

One of the ministers who supported the prince knelt down and bowed.

"Your Majesty, the Prime Minister's words are careless. The Crown Prince is the foundation of the country. How can he possibly speak of deposing him? I beg Your Majesty three times not to listen to slanderous words."

Others also spoke up.

"Your Majesty, what Lord Qian said is correct. The position of Crown Prince is a matter of great importance. Moreover, this evidence still needs to be verified. Your Majesty, please reconsider."

"Your Majesty, please reconsider..."

Since there are people protecting the prince, naturally there will be people standing on the side of the prime minister.

"Your Majesty, I think the Prime Minister is right. A crown prince must prioritize the people. Buying and selling official positions puts the people's lives in jeopardy. How can this be done by a crown prince? Your Highness is truly unworthy of being crown prince."

Upon seeing this, Prime Minister Yun immediately knelt down and paid his respects.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has been found wanting, accepting bribes and buying and selling official positions, which is unbecoming of a crown prince. We, humble servants, boldly request that Your Majesty depose the Crown Prince and choose a new one."

Emperor Tianyuan looked at the ministers kneeling on the ground.

I just feel a terrible headache.

Finally, he spoke in annoyance.

"Master Zhou, are you deaf to my orders? Send the Crown Prince back to the Crown Prince's Mansion, and detain Duke Hua in the Dali Temple."

Upon hearing this, Lord Zhou hurriedly accepted the order.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

He then signaled the guards to come forward and take the prince and Jun Moxu away.

Jun Moxu spoke loudly while being escorted by the guards.

"Father, I am innocent, Father, you can't treat me like this, Father..."

Duke Hua was old after all and had experienced a lot, so he spoke calmly as he was being led away.

"Your Majesty, so much evidence has been uncovered against His Royal Highness in such a short period of time. It's clear that someone is deliberately targeting His Royal Highness. I beg Your Majesty to investigate carefully and ensure His Royal Highness's innocence is cleared."

Emperor Tianyuan's face was gloomy and he stood up tiredly.

"Okay, let's stop here for today!"

The eunuch shouted hurriedly when he saw this.

"Dismiss the court."

All the civil and military officials had no choice but to salute.

"Your Highness is here to see you off."

After dismissing the court, Jun Moyong did not rush to leave, but came to the imperial study and asked to meet his father.

Emperor Tianyuan seemed to have anticipated his arrival and waved his hand to let him in.

In the imperial study, Emperor Tianyuan sat at his desk, his expression solemn. Jun Moyong walked into the room and bowed again.

"Your son pays homage to His Majesty the Father."

Emperor Tianyuan spoke tiredly.

"Get up."

Jun Moyong carefully looked up at Emperor Tianyuan.

"Yes, thank you, Father."

Then he spoke again.

"Father, I have something to say."

Tianyuan glanced at him indifferently.

"What else do you want to say?"

Jun Moyong bowed and said.

"Your Majesty, I was forced to do what I did today. I feel deeply saddened by what happened to my brother, the Crown Prince, but as a descendant of the royal family, I must be responsible for the future of Tianyuan. When Lord Zhou and I uncovered the evidence, we were truly shocked. That's why we announced it to the court."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Tianyuan looked at him steadily.

"Ayong, I asked you and Lord Zhou to investigate the Crown Prince's affairs, but I didn't make them public. But when you found out, instead of coming to see me in the Imperial Study, you announced it in the court. You've always been thoughtful, respecting your elder brother and taking care of your younger brothers and sisters. Ayong, today, I'm a little confused about you."

Jun Moyong looked at the anger on Emperor Tianyuan's face and knelt down hurriedly.

"Your Majesty, this case has indeed not been made public, but after my investigation with the Dali Temple, I did not deliberately conceal it. After all, such a large investigation cannot be concealed. Although I am careful, this evidence has shocked and even frightened me, which is why I was not careful enough. However, I was indeed reckless today, and I hope Your Majesty will punish me."

Emperor Tianyuan looked at Jun Moyong and spoke in a majestic voice.

"Ayong, power is a double-edged sword. It can accomplish great things, but it can also destroy everything. Don't let the desire for power blind you."