Inside the Chongzheng Hall, the officials lowered their heads with resentment on their faces.

The emperor has always been frugal, a fact known to all and praised by his officials. Yet now, under pressure from his relatives and the empress dowager, he has agreed to renovate the Chongzheng Hall, which is hard for them to accept.

Although they also wanted to repair Chongzheng Hall, this matter should be proposed by them and approved by the emperor, not by the imperial relatives and the empress dowager.

Looking at the emperor sitting on the throne with a somewhat gloomy expression, especially Tian Feng, Ju Shou, Zhang Zhao and others, they felt even more resentful.

In the eyes of these young people, this was no longer a matter of whether or not to repair the palace, but a conflict between the authority of the emperor and the empress dowager.

At this moment, Tian Feng's brows were furrowed and his face was flushed. He was furious about the Empress Dowager and her relatives' intimidation of the Emperor, and he decided to retaliate against them.

Tian Feng stood up angrily, bowed to Liu Hong, and then said loudly:

"Your Majesty, I, Tian Feng, hereby impeach Liu Kui, the Prince of Bohai, Liu Yan, the Governor of Liangzhou, Liu Dai, the Prefect of Dongjun, and Liu Biao, the Grand Historian!"

As Tian Feng finished speaking, all the officials in the hall looked at the young Minister Tian Feng with astonishment. No one expected that at this sensitive time, Tian Feng would directly jump out to impeach those imperial relatives. This was clearly a move to oppose the Empress Dowager and the imperial relatives.

While everyone was shocked, they also felt sincere admiration for Tian Feng's integrity.

Dou Miao asked with a laugh, "I wonder what is the reason for Minister Tian's impeachment?"

"Your Majesty, I impeach Liu Kui, the Prince of Bohai, for harboring ill intentions and plotting a rebellion. The Empress Dowager's decree has been issued for over a month, yet he has yet to come to the capital to accept his punishment!"

When Liu Yan, the governor of Liangzhou, was serving in Jizhou, he embezzled large sums of money, emptying the government treasury to line his own pockets. He also colluded with barbarians and harbored treacherous intentions!

Liu Dai, the governor of Dongjun, accomplished nothing during his tenure, holding the position without doing any work. His sons and nephews were even more rampant in the countryside, colluding with local tyrants to oppress the people. Their intentions are despicable!

Liu Biao, the Grand Historian, was an official in charge of rites, yet he never presided over or attended any sacrificial ceremonies, making him utterly useless!

And there's also Liu Shu, the Grand Master of Ceremonies…!

"Enough!!"

When he saw that Tian Feng was finally pointing the finger at Liu Shu, Liu Hong slammed his hand on the table and stopped Tian Feng.

Liu Hong frowned as he looked at Tian Feng, who was standing there with his neck stiff. This Tian Feng was truly a powder keg, ready to explode at any moment!

You were just putting on an act with the Empress Dowager. Didn't you see how well the Grand Minister of Agriculture and the Grand Master of Ceremonies were cooperating? Why did you have to jump out?

Looking at Tian Feng, Liu Hong couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Although Tian Feng was trying to stand up for him, Liu Hong could not let Tian Feng continue speaking. Otherwise, if he really caused conflict between the officials, the Empress Dowager, and the imperial relatives, and used this as an excuse to make trouble, then he would really be in a difficult situation.

Liu Hong then glared angrily at Tian Feng and shouted, "Don't talk nonsense! Get out of here!!"

"Your Majesty, minister...!"

"I order you to step down!!"

Tian Feng opened his mouth, but seeing the emperor glaring at him, he had no choice but to retreat. Ju Shou, Zhou Yi, Zhang Zhao, and the others who had wanted to agree also had to stand there obediently.

Seeing this, Dou Miao simply smiled and then said loudly, "Others are one thing, but this King of Bohai has gone a bit too far!"

Dou Miao then looked at Song Feng and said in a deep voice, "Chief of the Imperial Guards, you must immediately send men to Bohai to bring the King of Bohai back to Luoyang for trial!"

Song Feng's expression shifted, and he quickly and respectfully replied, "Your subject obeys!"

"Alright, let's adjourn the court!"

Seeing that everything was settled, Dou Miao waved to the assembled officials, then got up and walked toward the rear hall. Liu Hong also quickly got up and followed closely behind.

"All officials, dismiss the court!"

"Your Majesty and Empress Dowager, we respectfully bid you farewell!"

Upon seeing the Emperor and Empress Dowager leave the court, the officials shook their heads and sighed before filing out in single file.

"I'm sorry to have upset Mother today!"

On the way back to the palace, Liu Hong looked at Dou Miao apologetically. He had put Dou Miao in opposition to all the officials by making such a scene today, while he himself had hidden in the background.

"Hehe~ Hong'er, what are you saying? You are still young and your wings have not yet grown. You fledglings cannot yet soar on your own. As your mother, it is only right that I shelter you from the wind and rain and remove any obstacles!"

Dou Miao smiled and waved her hand dismissively, then parted ways with Liu Hong and led her people toward Chang Le Palace.

Watching Dou Miao's departing figure, Liu Hong felt a warmth in his heart.

Upon returning to the Ministry of Personnel, Tian Feng, Ju Shou, and the others all sat together with solemn expressions.

Tian Feng said with a face full of resentment: "I'm sure you all saw it today. During the court assembly, the Empress Dowager and a group of imperial relatives actually used their power to coerce and manipulate His Majesty, going against His Majesty's will."

"Oppressing the Grand Minister of Agriculture, diverting funds from water conservancy and spring planting to build palaces—ostensibly for the sake of the Han Dynasty's prestige, but in reality to solidify their own power. They are taking advantage of His Majesty's youth and our incompetence!"

Ju Shou also looked heartbroken, "Yes! Seeing His Majesty's behavior in front of the Empress Dowager today, and how we were powerless to help, we are truly ashamed of His Majesty's kindness and support..."

"His Majesty is so wise and cherishes his subjects, but the Empress Dowager, while emphasizing impartial law enforcement, also shows great favoritism towards those imperial relatives. It's really...! Alas!"

Zhou Yi also had an extraordinary look on his face, and at the end he could only sigh softly.

Tian Feng narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "His Majesty has been on the throne for over a year and has been diligent in governing. He is now fully capable of handling state affairs. In a few more days, it will be the second year of Jianning. The Empress Dowager should return power to the Emperor!"

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