Chapter 558 Queen, Don’t Make It Difficult for Me

Jiang Like took the box, his expression becoming serious and earnest. He naturally understood that the contents inside were crucial to Su Hanchu's future plans. He patted the box gently and cast a grateful look towards Qian Zexi.

"Mr. Qian, this list is extremely important to us. I would like to thank you in advance on behalf of the city lord."

In the imperial city.

In the court of Taiji Hall.

Yun Qingrui came before the emperor and bowed.

"Your Majesty, I dare to offer this advice. Regarding matters of vital importance to the nation, the position of Crown Prince bears upon the safety of the country and its people, and must be handled with extreme caution. The Crown Prince, as the heir apparent, has been involved in the sale of official positions, forming cliques for personal gain, and lacks the people's heart. He lacks benevolence and virtue, and is unfit to shoulder the heavy responsibility of Crown Prince. I fear he will harm the nation and its people. I implore Your Majesty to prioritize the nation and its people, depose the Crown Prince, and appoint a virtuous and capable successor to reassure the people and strengthen the nation's foundation. I hope Your Majesty will exercise due discretion."

Seeing this, many ministers stepped out and stood behind Prime Minister Yun.

"Your Majesty, I implore you to depose the Crown Prince and appoint another capable and virtuous person to reassure the people and strengthen the foundation of the country."

Jun Moyong was startled to see Prime Minister Yun leading so many people to ask the Emperor to depose the Crown Prince. Why was the Prime Minister so impatient? Could it be that the Prime Minister had some connection with his cousin? But the Prime Minister didn't spend much time at the Bai residence. He had never heard of any connection between the Prime Minister and his cousin.

Seeing this, the third prince hurried forward.

"Father, you cannot depose my brother. For so many years, he has been sharing your worries and also for us brothers. The evidence must have been fabricated to slander him. I beg you to investigate and give him justice."

Emperor Tianyuan looked at all the civil and military officials in the court, and suddenly his eyes fell on Jun Moyong.

"Second Prince, what do you say about this?"

Jun Moyong, who was in deep thought, was suddenly called. He came back to his senses, thought for a moment, and stepped forward to bow.

"Your Majesty has always been wise. I believe you will make the best decision for the sake of our country."

Emperor Tianyuan was silent for a while.

"As my dear ministers have said, the Crown Prince is the foundation of the nation, and such a virtuous person cannot be easily chosen. Let us put the Crown Prince issue aside for now. I will adjourn the court."

The eunuchs around him shouted hurriedly when they heard this.

"Withdraw from the court..."

Upon seeing this, Prime Minister Yun did not insist, but bowed respectfully.

"Your Highness is here to see you off."

Emperor Tianyuan started to worry as soon as he returned to the imperial study.

He had no intention of reviewing the memorials in front of him.

"Why………"

Zhao Ping considerately brought him a cup of hot tea.

"Your Majesty, please have some tea."

Emperor Tianyuan took the teacup.

"Zhao Ping."

Zhao Ping responded hurriedly and respectfully.

"Your Majesty, I am here."

Emperor Tianyuan spoke helplessly.

"Do I really want to depose the Crown Prince?"

Zhao Ping spoke hurriedly in shock upon hearing this.

"Your Majesty, I only know how to serve others. I dare not speak rashly about the affairs of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Emperor Tianyuan continued to speak.

"Since I ascended the throne, I have always valued the Crown Prince in order to avoid the tragedy of brothers killing each other. Although the other princes have received glory, I have never given them power. The Queen and I are married.

Back then, I was able to ascend the throne smoothly thanks to the support of the Hua family behind the Queen. The Queen even contacted the ministers' wives many times on my behalf. Now that the Crown Prince is not virtuous, the six palaces have always been peaceful under the Queen's management. If I really depose the Crown Prince, I am afraid the Queen will not accept this result!"

Zhao Ping spoke upon hearing this.

"Your Majesty, you are the Son of Heaven after all. Any decision you make is correct. I believe the Empress will also understand your painstaking efforts."

Emperor Tianyuan sighed softly, his eyes deep as he lamented.

"I am the Son of Heaven, but I am also a mortal, with too many emotions and responsibilities intertwined. The matter of the Crown Prince is not as simple as deposing or enthroning him. It concerns the stability of the court, the reputation of the imperial family, and the long-standing relationship between me and the Empress."

He put down the teacup and leaned back tiredly.

"Zhao Ping, do you know what I am most worried about?"

Zhao Ping bowed and replied.

"Your Majesty's concern must be the stability of the country and the harmony of the royal family."

Emperor Tianyuan spoke in a helpless tone.

"I am the Son of Heaven. I cannot abandon the country for my own selfish reasons. However, I cannot act rashly regarding the Crown Prince's affairs. I need time to find a solution that will preserve the Empress's reputation and convince everyone in the court and the public."

Zhao Ping nodded, secretly trying to figure out what the emperor meant. He knew very well that although the emperor seemed gentle, he was actually strong inside, and the decisions he made were always well thought out.

"Your Majesty is wise and will surely find a solution that satisfies both sides."

At this time, a young eunuch walked in.

"Your Majesty, the Empress requests an audience."

Emperor Tianyuan frowned and gave the order.

"Well, please come in, Queen."

The queen was wearing ordinary clothes and had simple hair accessories.

"Your Highness, I pay my respects to you."

Emperor Tianyuan looked at the Queen and spoke.

"Get up!"

The queen did not stand up when she heard this, but spoke while kneeling.

"Your Majesty, I have heard about the Crown Prince's affairs a long time ago. I have spent the past two days in Fengqi Palace reflecting on the painful experience. The Crown Prince made mistakes in his work and betrayed Your Majesty's trust. This is all my fault. As a mother, I failed to teach the Crown Prince well. I beg Your Majesty to punish me."

Emperor Tianyuan sighed and said slowly.

"Queen, please stand up first. The Crown Prince is our son. How could I not know the pain in your heart? However, as an emperor, I have to consider more. The Crown Prince is indeed confused. I am in a dilemma now, and I hope that Queen will not make it difficult for me."