Minister Wu, who is also Consort Wu's father, righteously revealed the identity of Azi's mother and stated that the descendant of a disgraced official was unworthy to be the empress, let alone the emperor abolishing the harem for her, which was utterly absurd.

Di Jingcheng listened calmly as he finished speaking, his fingers lightly tapping the lifelike golden dragon on the dragon throne, making his thoughts unfathomable.

After Minister Wu finished speaking, he sneered after a long pause: "If Minister Wu is right, then who should sit on the Empress's throne?"

Minister Wu's mind started racing. He couldn't directly mention his daughter, otherwise his intentions would be obvious. He lowered his head and secretly glanced at his colleagues, but to his surprise, none of the people he had agreed to do beforehand moved, and he was the only one who stepped forward.

Upon hearing what Minister Wu said, Emperor Jingyuan finally regained his composure. He glared at Minister Wu with an unfriendly look and slowly said, "Minister Wu, you don't think that only your daughter, Consort Wu, is worthy of being the Empress, do you?"

Minister Wu was alarmed. He glanced back at the few people who stood with him, feeling puzzled. Why had the court been opposing him just moments before, but now… He slightly raised his eyes to meet Emperor Jingyuan's cold gaze. The emperor seemed calm and confident, as if victory was assured. Oh no, he'd fallen into a trap.

He looked around in a panic, then quickly knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, please calm down. I have no intentions as Prince Yuan has suggested. However, this matter is of great importance. The Nalan clan is a great calamity for Xijing. I never expected that there would be any who escaped. Your Majesty should prioritize the well-being of the nation."

"Minister Wu, are you aware that the Empress Dowager's sister-in-law is the daughter of a tribal chief in the Southern Region? Now, the Emperor has gone to great lengths to maintain harmony and stability on the borders, issuing decrees and implementing policies. Minister Wu, are you not planning to consider the overall situation of our Western Capital and start a war over the Emperor's family affairs?" Prince Yuan's eyes were sharp, and Minister Wu felt somewhat unsure of himself.

The charges against him were far too severe. Minister Wu wanted to argue further, but the emperor and his confidants wouldn't listen to him. The more he said, the more mistakes he would make, and the more he would be punished.

Sigh, why didn't this daughter explain the situation? Even her own colleagues didn't help her.

"Your Majesty, I am foolish. Even if there is no dispute about the Empress's status, abolishing the harem is a violation of ancestral rules. I beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree." Minister Wu thought that if he could settle for second best, surely someone would support him.

They were arguing so fiercely just now. Some people did stand up to object, but it was all just for show; they mostly backed down afterward, since the emperor had already warned them and received considerable benefits.

They were merely fulfilling their duty as subjects, and expressing their opinions was sufficient. The emperor's family affairs were indeed beyond their control; it would be a thankless task.

Besides, even if the current emperor has a harem, none of his concubines have conceived a child in all these years. The harem is practically nonexistent; abolishing it wouldn't have much of an impact, and the country would continue to prosper.

Di Jingcheng looked at Minister Wu, who was already drenched in sweat but still trying to struggle, with a mocking gaze as if he were looking at a clown. Let him talk as much as he wants.

Minister Wu was covered in sweat, his hands tightly gripping the imperial seal, and he stammered, "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, I still feel uneasy. This is not good for the country."

"Alright, Minister Wu, you've gone to great lengths. I'm not one to ignore honest advice, but I'm quite curious as to how Minister Wu knew the Empress's identity."

"This humble subject was only acting on the advice of others. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Di Jingyuan slowly stepped forward, scrutinizing him with a dangerous look in his eyes: "Could it be that Minister Wu is neglecting court affairs all day long and secretly spying on the Empress's privacy?"

Minister Wu was greatly alarmed: "Your Majesty, I dare not. I am only thinking of Your Majesty's best interests."

Emperor Jingcheng waved his hand, signaling him to step aside: "Minister Wu, please get up. I know you have good intentions. Do you have anything else to say? If not, please step down."

Minister Wu hesitated before returning to the queue: "Thank you for Your Majesty's grace."

Emperor Jingcheng stood up, his entire being exuding majesty: "My mind is made up, the imperial decree has been issued, and this matter is not open to further discussion."

"Your Majesty is wise."

Just as Zheng He was about to announce the end of the court session, a young eunuch hurriedly handed him an envelope. Emperor Jingcheng opened it and flew into a rage.

"Minister Wu, this is the fine daughter you raised!" Di Jingcheng threw the envelope in his hand heavily on Minister Wu's head.

The emperor's shout snapped everyone out of their daze. Seeing Minister Wu kneeling on the ground again, they realized the emperor hadn't mentioned this part. Fine, then they'd just stay quiet.

Di Jingyuan stepped forward and examined the contents of the envelope. He felt an urge to kill the man before him, along with his wicked daughter.

"My dear ministers, take a look at what this virtuous daughter of Minister Wu has done!"

"Yes, Your Majesty." After everyone finished reading it, those who had initially felt some pity for Minister Wu also felt that he was despicable and began to criticize him in unison.

“Lord Wu, this is outrageous! Assassinating the Emperor and Empress, kidnapping the Princess, and secretly colluding with Bei Xiang.”

"Yes, Minister Wu couldn't possibly be unaware of treason and collusion with the enemy."

"This... Minister Wu, you..."

...Some were disappointed, some were gloating, some were shocked, and some were afraid of being implicated; the ministers' expressions were a variety of emotions.

"That's not all. Over the years, how many dirty things has Wu done in the harem after entering the palace? Her maids Cai Ning and Xiao Yu have vomited quite a lot of things." Di Jingcheng then produced a confession signed and sealed by the two maids, detailing their crimes.

Minister Wu was at a loss for words. Just how many things had his daughter done behind his back without telling him? Any one of those things alone was a capital offense punishable by death.

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