But the court officials had different opinions.

If this is really a prince, there will naturally be no problem, but if it is a princess, it will be difficult to determine her as the crown prince now.

By this time, the imperial court had already resumed. Gu Zheng, in front of so many people, clearly had no intention of backing down and had thoroughly prepared. Facing numerous objections and rebuttals, he spoke eloquently, citing classic texts and arguing that the decision, rather than the emperor's status, being made, would provide room for maneuver. More importantly, with the emperor's passing and the world in turmoil, it was crucial to quickly establish a clear position and return officials and citizens to their proper places.

Mrs. Lin sat behind the curtain, listening to these pleasing words, and could not help but observe Gu Zheng carefully.

He looked very young, handsome, and well-mannered, with only a sliver of beard around his lips, which gave him a certain poise. His words and actions were quite elegant, and he remained calm and composed under the criticism of others, acting with reason and understanding. Judging from what he said, he was also quite talented.

After the Empress Dowager finished her inspection, she couldn't help but whisper to Huang Xiu, the Chief Eunuch of the Imperial Household Department, who was standing beside her, "Gu Zheng is quite a talent. Why haven't I heard much of his name before?"

As the Grand Eunuch, Huang Xiu was in charge of confidential documents, sealed memorials, and foreign relations. Naturally, he was very familiar with the ministers in the court. He bowed slightly and leaned close to the Empress Dowager's ear, saying, "He was a Jinshi during the Ming Jia period, and was renowned for his talent at a young age. He passed the imperial examination at the age of nine and was a renowned prodigy. He was only seventeen when he passed the Jinshi examination, and Emperor Lingdi was very fond of him. However, due to his youthful impetuosity, he left the capital soon after. He returned to the court for his meritorious service in local governance, but Minister Xue said he was young and needed to be suppressed, so he entered the Hanlin Academy. After the late Emperor ascended the throne, he appreciated his talent and fame and appointed him as the President of the Hanlin Academy. He is only twenty-eight years old this year."