Chen Fan's expression was quite serious. He nodded and said, "Your Majesty is right. Since ancient times, a virtuous person has been sociable but not partisan."

Liu Hong sighed dejectedly, “Forming cliques and engaging in self-serving activities will eventually degenerate into a battle of egos, regardless of right or wrong. I worry that if this continues, everyone will stop caring about politics and instead fight for power and profit. In that case, the country will never have peace!”

“Your Majesty is right. How is their action any different from that of those eunuchs and imperial relatives?” Hu Guang, standing to the side, also frowned deeply.

Everyone sensed the seriousness of the situation, and the atmosphere in the hall became heavy.

"I have dispatched the Commandant of the Capital Region to investigate the source of this incident."

Liu Hong broke the silence first, saying, "The reason I summoned you all here is to tell you to go back and properly restrain your students and relatives, so that you are not used without realizing it. If they do anything that harms the country, I will not show any mercy."

"promise!"

Chen Fan and the others responded in unison, their hearts heavy. They could tell that the Emperor had summoned them here privately because he was concerned that the country had just stabilized and did not want to escalate the situation.

Soon after, the group left the palace. Zheng Xuan and Cai Yong immediately reprimanded the students who participated in the "public discussion" and expelled several people from aristocratic families. For a moment, all the students of the Imperial Academy fell silent.

Zheng Xuan and Cai Yong's status was self-evident, and with their strong suppression, the students of the Imperial Academy quickly quieted down.

In the imperial court, Chen Fan, Hu Guang, Li Ying, and others also took strong action and obtained an edict from the Empress Dowager. After reprimanding and dismissing more than a dozen officials, this trend of "public criticism" was finally suppressed.

Yang Qiu, on the other hand, was somewhat unhappy. He had just made his move when the other side was suppressed, which made Yang Qiu, who was originally preparing to go on a killing spree, very indignant.

"These spineless cowards...!"

After cursing under his breath, Yang Qiu began to arrange the infiltration plan for the Investigation Division.