**

As usual, Xie Anfeng finished dealing with official business, and it was already late afternoon when he prepared to return to his residence.

Empress Xie invited him to the Imperial Study to discuss matters.

When they arrived at the Imperial Study, they saw neither Emperor Hui nor Hua Zisheng. Only Empress Xie was sitting behind the dragon desk, reviewing memorials, with Gao Quan standing beside her.

"Lord Xie, I am now in court to receive imperial decrees. I hope you will set aside your personal prejudices and prioritize the affairs of the state."

"yes!"

"Grand Secretary Gu should have been granted a title and honors for his great victory in the Northwest. However, he broke into the inner palace at night, which is a serious crime. I have no choice but to punish him severely."

Xie Anfeng found it extremely grating to hear her use the word "朕" (zhen, meaning imperial emperor) repeatedly.

"In terms of official duties, Grand Secretary Gu is loyal to the court, leading his generals to repel foreign enemies and eliminate treacherous officials, and has made great contributions; in terms of personal matters, he is my son-in-law and also the Empress's nephew-in-law."

"Your Majesty the Empress has detained my daughter and arrested my son-in-law. I truly do not understand what Your Majesty intends to do."

"I have already made it clear that Gu Shaoyu broke into the palace at night, and his crime deserves to be punished." Empress Xie's face darkened. "One thing at a time. His merits do not mean that he can act recklessly."

"Your Majesty, you cannot kill innocent people indiscriminately!"

"Is he innocent? There's something else I need to tell you. I don't intend to keep the deposed crown prince either. Such a traitor who forgets his ancestors will not be able to rest in peace if he is made to guard the imperial mausoleum!"

"..."

"And those princes, let's not keep them. If they can betray us once, they can betray us twice. The Zhou family members are all heartless and ungrateful; keeping them around is just asking for trouble!"

Xie Anfeng's eyes were practically shooting out shards of ice!