Getting up in the early hours of the morning was an absolute luxury for Zhu Yunying; he only had a few days a year when he could sleep in. After all, he was a diligent emperor, which naturally meant he needed to get up very early.

Zhu Yunying was well aware that this morning court session might be a little turbulent, and it might not necessarily involve waiting for reports on political affairs. For many, they were now eager to be upright officials, to be like Wei Zheng.

Emperor Ying Shi did something he shouldn't have done, and his ministers naturally couldn't turn a blind eye; they needed to fulfill their duties as ministers.

As before, when Zhu Yunying got up, civil and military officials were already waiting at the Meridian Gate, entering the court in an orderly manner. However, this morning court was more formal, not because they wore court robes to offer advice, but because it was a regular court session.

After three cracks of the whip, and with all the civil and military officials entering the hall, Zhu Yunying appeared, naturally sitting on the dragon throne and looking down at the assembled officials.

The procedures remained the same as before. For example, meetings with foreign envoys and officials leaving the capital required reporting to the Five Military Commissions. It seemed no different from usual, except that many people were waiting at this time.

Finally, the moment many had been waiting for has arrived: it is time to report on 'political affairs'.

Lian Zining was prepared. As the head of the censors, it was his duty to step forward at this time.

However, some people were even more anxious. For example, Chen Di, the Minister of Rites, said, "To report to Your Majesty is nothing but fate. One should accept what is right. Therefore, those who understand fate do not stand under a crumbling wall. To die fulfilling one's duty is a righteous fate; to die in shackles is not a righteous fate."

Zhu Yunying immediately frowned. They started by quoting classical texts, it seemed many people were well-prepared.

Chen Di continued his eloquent speech, saying, "The Book of Rites says: 'The ceremony of respecting the capping ceremony is to emphasize propriety, and emphasizing propriety is the foundation of the state.' The Court Admonitions say: 'Rectify people's hearts to establish the foundation of the state, and preserve the lives of the people to prolong the life of the state.' How can the Crown Prince, the heir apparent of the state, lightly leave the palace?"

At this moment, Zhu Yunying spoke up, asking directly, "Oh? Why do you say such things, my dear minister?"

Chen Di became even more serious and said, "Your Majesty, I have heard that on the Lantern Festival, Your Majesty led His Highness the Crown Prince out of the palace to enjoy the lanterns. Although Your Majesty intends to share the joy with the people, Your Majesty should prioritize the well-being of the nation and should not put yourself in danger."

Zhu Yunying was surprised and asked curiously, "Oh? Why do you say that, my dear minister? I have been in the palace these past few days. Could it be that someone outside is impersonating me and deceiving others?"

Chang Mao immediately lowered his head, and many military officers couldn't help but chuckle. It seemed that His Majesty had no intention of acknowledging the matter at all.

Chen Di was momentarily speechless, then felt a surge of shame and indignation. "Your Majesty!"

Zhu Yunying interrupted Chen Di at this moment, not giving him a chance to continue speaking, "My dear minister, I am in the palace. Is there some rumor circulating outside? It seems that we should have the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard investigate this matter."

Lian Zining then stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the Minister of Rites is not lying. Someone outside the palace has the honor of seeing Your Majesty's face, and a timeless masterpiece has appeared, written for Your Majesty!"

Zhu Yunying chuckled, still denying it. "Is that so? It seems there really is someone outside who looks a lot like me. But it's probably just a rumor. Did any of you ministers see me outside the palace? Or is it just a far-fetched claim that someone mistakenly thought they saw me?"

When the emperor starts to act shamelessly, when he refuses to admit his mistakes no matter what, it seems that others really have no other choice.

At this point, Joo Yoon-young would even change the subject, completely turning the tide of events.

Zhu Yunying's expression was serious, as if he was somewhat displeased. "Or is it that my officials are spending all day having people watch the palace gates, or trying to find out what's going on inside the palace?"

Chen Di and Lian Zining were taken aback, then immediately knelt down in fear and trepidation, saying, "Your Majesty, we dare not!"

Such matters can be considered major or minor, and if taken too seriously, they are clearly a taboo subject.

The truth is clear to everyone: many officials, both civil and military, simply want to know what's happening in the capital. They're not necessarily plotting anything, thinking about seizing more power or usurping the throne; they're just looking to climb the ranks.

However, it must be admitted that such matters were highly taboo in the eyes of the emperor. This was true throughout history; if a subject showed excessive interest in matters of the imperial city, he would generally not have a good end.

Zhu Yunying remained expressionless, simply stating, "I will have my own people investigate certain matters. You all should simply fulfill your duties. I have said I am in the palace, and that means I am in the palace!"

This effectively silenced some people, although there might still be some stubborn individuals who wanted to say something, and some still aspired to be upright officials like Wei Zheng.

However, it seems they have no other choice now, because Emperor Ying Shi simply doesn't acknowledge certain things, leaving his ministers with no other options.

After all, the current Emperor Ying Shi holds immense power. The emperors of the Ming Dynasty have always wielded absolute power, and the current imperial authority is supreme. It's no exaggeration to say that imperial power is virtually unchecked. After all, Emperor Hongwu was very domineering, and it was during his reign that the prime minister system was completely abolished.

Powerful ministers like Dong Zhuo and Cao Cao were unthinkable in the Ming Dynasty at that time. Huo Guang, who could depose and install emperors, was absolutely out of the question in the Ming Dynasty at that moment.

When imperial power is unchecked, many officials truly have no other options. Even if they are fully aware of certain matters, if the emperor does not acknowledge them, they seem to have no other recourse.

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!