Emperor Yongchang listened with an expressionless face, but he sneered in his heart.
Zhang Zhongfang? He was brave, but a reckless man, and he was quite close to the Crown Prince.
Let him take over Shuo Wei, which Zhao Muyun runs like an iron barrel?
I’m afraid I can’t even touch the door!
This group of people really did everything they could to bring down Zhao Muyun. They even came up with such a stupid idea as robbing Peter to pay Paul and destroying their own Great Wall!
The emperor's gaze finally fell on Crown Prince Yinzhao, who had been silent at the foot of the imperial steps.
"Crown Prince!" Emperor Yongchang's voice was emotionless. "What do you think of the ministers' proposal? How should the matter of Zhao Muyun be handled?"
Everyone's eyes instantly focused on the prince.
This crown prince has always had a subtle attitude towards Zhao Muyun. He is wary of his ability, but also dissatisfied with his "not taking sides".
Everyone thought that he would go with the flow and support the severe punishment of Zhao Muyun.
However, Crown Prince Yinzhao stepped out.
His face was calm, even with a hint of a gentle smile, he bowed to the emperor and spoke in a clear voice:
"Your Majesty, I believe that Minister Gu, Minister Lu, and other ministers are deeply committed to serving the country, and heaven and earth can bear witness to this. However..."
He changed the subject, his tone becoming more serious, "Accusing Captain Zhao of 'plotting something illegal' is sheer baseless speculation and is completely biased!"
"Since joining the army, Captain Zhao has always led the charge in every battle. Every single one of his achievements has been for the benefit of our Great Yin Empire!"
"His loyalty is evident to all! How can we doubt his loyalty and discourage such a meritorious official just because of a few rumors?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the whole court was in an uproar!
Officials who supported impeachment were stunned and could hardly believe their ears!
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince... is actually speaking for Zhao Muyun?
And you still affirm his loyalty so decisively?
The wind direction changed too quickly!
Even Emperor Yongchang, who was sitting on the dragon throne, had a flash of deep surprise in his eyes.
He looked at the prince calmly, waiting for what to say next.
Prince Yin Zhao faced the crowd's doubtful gazes and continued calmly:
"You ministers are worried that Captain Zhao may act inappropriately due to his excessive power at the border. This is understandable. I, however, have a solution that satisfies both sides."
He paused slightly, and his voice clearly spread throughout the hall:
"Didn't the Emperor have already decreed that Princess Qinghe of the Prince of Jin's Mansion be married to Captain Zhao?"
"This is a match made in heaven, and a testament to the Emperor's immense grace! I suggest we take this opportunity to issue an imperial decree to summon Captain Zhao to the capital!"
"First, we can have him plead his case to the Emperor in person and personally respond to the ministers' inquiries to set the record straight and quell public opinion."
"Secondly... I happen to be in the capital, and my father is officiating the wedding between Captain Zhao and Princess Qinghe!"
"This is a double blessing. It not only demonstrates the grace of the Emperor, but also allows Captain Zhao to feel the Emperor's favor. We can also use this opportunity to allow him to stay in the capital for a while, get closer to his colleagues in the court, and eliminate any misunderstandings."
"After the marriage is completed, we can send him back to the border to continue defending the country. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
boom!
The prince's words were like pouring a bucket of cold water into a boiling pot of oil, and the entire Golden Palace exploded in an instant!
The impeachment faction was confused - what was the prince trying to do?
Not only did he not add insult to injury, but he also facilitated Zhao Muyun's marriage and allowed him to enter the capital in glory?
The pro-Zhao faction was also confused - has His Royal Highness the Crown Prince changed his personality?
Or is there some deeper plot?
The officials who were secretly frustrated and had been flirting with the Prince of Jin were even more confused and uncertain - the Crown Prince took the initiative to propose a marriage? Was it a blessing or a curse?
Everyone's minds were racing, trying to decipher the deeper meaning behind the prince's sudden "stroke of genius".
Is it a true reconciliation?
Or retreat to advance?
Do you want to transfer Zhao Muyun away from his old nest and then take your time to deal with him?
Or do you want to win them over through marriage?
......
Emperor Yongchang sat upright on the dragon throne, his deep gaze lingering on the prince's face for a few breaths.
Crown Prince Yinzhao looked back calmly, his eyes clear and sincere.
"Um…"
Emperor Yongchang spoke slowly, breaking the dead silence in the hall. "Prince's suggestion... is not a bad idea."
His fingers tapped lightly on the armrests of the dragon throne, as if he was weighing the pros and cons.
"Mr. Zhao has worked hard and made great contributions. I have always been concerned about his lifelong affairs. Let him come to the capital to get married, report to me personally, and respond to the concerns of the ministers... that would be fine."
He glanced at the ministers below, who all had different expressions on their faces. His voice suddenly turned cold, with unquestionable majesty:
"So! Zhao Muyun's position as the Commandant of the Suppressing Enemy Army and Defense Commissioner is a pillar of support that the imperial court relies on!"
"While he is back in the capital, no one is allowed to take over this position without authorization! Military affairs of the Commandant's Office will still be temporarily handled by his generals!"
"If anyone dares to take advantage of this opportunity to stir up trouble and destabilize the border, don't blame me for being... ruthless!"
This last sentence was filled with murderous intent, like a cold winter wind blowing through the palace, making those officials with ulterior motives feel a chill in their hearts.
Although Emperor Yongchang was old and mad, he still had a clear understanding of the safety of the country.
"It's settled now!"
Emperor Yongchang made the final decision, "Order the cabinet to immediately draft an imperial decree: First, summon Zhao Muyun, the Commandant of the Suppression of the Enemy and the Defense Envoy, to the capital to report immediately to the emperor and make preparations for his marriage to Princess Qinghe!"
"Secondly, summon Princess Yinyao of Qinghe County, the Prince of Jin's Mansion, to come to the capital immediately to meet the Empress Dowager and the Empress. We will select an auspicious date. Once Zhao Muyun arrives in the capital, I will personally officiate the wedding!"
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Crown Prince Yinzhao was the first to bow and salute in a loud voice.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
No matter what the ministers thought, they could only agree in unison at this moment.
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