If some people were to get together and recklessly discuss state affairs, they would be courting death, and it would put the emperor in a very difficult position!

As for Lian Zining, who had instigated these events, he remained relatively silent. Although some of his colleagues wanted to inquire about the news, he chose to keep quiet at this time. The memorial had already been submitted to His Majesty, and naturally, the Emperor's will was absolute.

As for offending people, Lian Zining has nothing to worry about. He has offended more than one or two people over the years, so of course he doesn't care.

This time, we may indeed offend some upright officials and outspoken critics, but so what? Those who engage in empty talk will only harm the country. They are ignorant of the hardships of the nation, do not think about contributing more to the country, and do nothing but talk big. Moreover, many of them are involved in petty and despicable acts.

Lian Zining would show no sympathy for these people; they would be merciless in his hands. As for offending some martial arts masters, he was perfectly content with that.

Those who have received imperial favor are obliged to serve the court. However, those high-ranking nobles have probably long forgotten the glory of their ancestors, and each one only thinks about their own wealth and status, and many of them treat the laws of the country as nothing.

Lian Zining would show no mercy to such parasites. If he could eliminate them, he would be extremely happy, for that would be a contribution he would make to the Ming Dynasty.

Just as many people had different thoughts, Wang Chengen came to Fengtian Hall again and said, "His Majesty has decreed that Duke Xu Huizu of Zhongshan and Duke Chang Mao of Kaiguo be summoned to an audience."

After saying this, Wang Chengen continued, "Gentlemen, let's adjourn the court session. There are still many things to do in the government offices, so let's not delay any longer."

Even though many people still wanted to gather information, they had no choice but to adjourn the court at this point. After all, the emperor had already left the Fengtian Hall, and continuing to kneel there was pointless.

Furthermore, it's not easy to gather information in the Fengtian Hall, but it's much easier to do so after court.

Those with a clear conscience don't have much to worry about; they can treat it as preparation to better cope with any trouble that may arise. As for those with a guilty conscience, they want to know if these troubles will involve them, or if it's possible to extricate themselves from certain troubles.

These are all major events, and they are things that urgently need to be done well.

Everyone has different thoughts, mainly because it seems that something big is happening in the court. Whether they can advance further or whether they can withdraw unscathed are all things that need to be monitored.

Xu Huizu and Chang Mao didn't have much time to think or plan at this moment; they needed to go to the Wuying Hall to pay their respects. They hadn't been given any more time to prepare; they hadn't even figured out what was going on, and they didn't have a plan in mind yet.

But there was nothing they could do. Since the emperor had summoned them, they could only hurry over and try to adapt to the situation.

"Your subject Xu Huizu greets Your Majesty the Emperor."

"Your subject Changmao pays respects to Your Majesty the Emperor."

Zhu Yunying calmly waved his hand and said, "Rise, all of you. Grand Chamberlain, please offer seats to the two Dukes."

Xu Huizu and Chang Mao breathed a slight sigh of relief. Although the emperor had been furious in court, it seemed that His Majesty's anger had subsided somewhat. Moreover, since His Majesty had granted them seats, it was clear that this was not only an acknowledgment of their status, but also indicated that His Majesty's anger was not directed at them.

That makes me feel a little more at ease.

Even if someone is the emperor's maternal uncle, or the emperor's elder brother-in-law, he wouldn't dare to act arrogantly in front of the emperor and should know his place.

Zhu Yunying looked at Chang Mao and said earnestly, "Duke of the Founding State, I have been quite lenient with military officers and have never been harsh on those who have made contributions over the years. But it seems that many military officers are dissatisfied with me now!"

Chang Mao, who had just half-rested on the chair, immediately stood up and quickly knelt down, saying, "Your Majesty, I dare not!"

When Chang Mao knelt down, Xu Huizu dared not stand. Although the emperor seemed to be complaining to the Duke of Kaiguo, he should not forget that Xu Huizu was the Duke of Zhongshan, the nominal head of military merit.

At this point, sitting idly by would be the most unwise choice. Military families are essentially all in cahoots, sharing both glory and ruin; it certainly can't be just a matter for the Founding Duke Chang Mao.

Zhu Yunying sighed and could only say, "Get up, all of you. I'm not blaming you too much. But think about it, these noble families have received the emperor's favor for generations, but at times, they seem to have become a bit arrogant."

Seemingly somewhat disappointed, Zhu Yunying said, "The families of meritorious officials are indeed different. Their fathers and grandfathers have rendered meritorious service to the Ming Dynasty, and it is only right that their descendants benefit from it. However, many of them seem to have become arrogant. The dynasty will certainly treat meritorious officials well, but families of meritorious officials must maintain integrity and think about being loyal to the emperor and serving the country!"

Xu Huizu and Chang Mao did not get up immediately, but remained kneeling obediently, listening to His Majesty the Emperor's instructions.

These admonitions appear to be the emperor reprimanding the offending military officers, but aren't they also a warning to Xu Huizu and Chang Mao? After all, their status is special; perhaps the emperor is actually reprimanding them for not managing the military officers properly.

These are all very possible things. Given the current emperor's personality, it would be perfectly normal for him to do such things, and there's nothing to be surprised about.

Zhu Yunying handed the memorial to Wang Chengen and said, "Take a look at it too, and then think about how to reply to me."

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