He looked at Zhao Shouzhen and couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy.
Zhao Shouzhen's wife did not tell him the secret that Zhao Zhi was actually Princess Zhao Chunhua.
At this moment, Zhao Yi suddenly realized that Zhao, the Grand Secretary who was so powerful in family matters and in the court, was just an ordinary person with his own troubles and helplessness.
A smile suddenly appeared on Zhao Yi's face, and he said gently, "Lord Zhao, please rise. In this world, who doesn't have some unspeakable difficulties?"
He extended his hand, gesturing for Zhao Shouzhen to stand up.
When Zhao Shouzhen saw those bright yellow sleeves being extended toward him, his heart warmed, and he quickly got up from the ground.
However, he was still uneasy, wondering how Zhao Yi would deal with him next.
Zhao Yi stood up, walked up to Zhao Shouzheng, and patted him on the shoulder. "Lord Zhao, you are a pillar of our Great Xuan Kingdom, having devoted your life to the Great Xuan Dynasty. How could I do something like betraying you after you've served me? This matter should not be known to too many people. I will need Lord Zhao's help in the future."
So the emperor didn't intend to take his head after all!
Zhao Shouzhen felt a great weight lifted off his shoulders, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his body.
He recalled the irrefutable evidence he had presented yesterday via secret letter regarding the concubines' affairs with monks, and felt uneasy, wondering how the emperor would deal with these concubines involved in the royal scandal.
"Burn it. Burn it all down." As soon as Zhao Yi finished speaking, Zhao Shouzhen immediately understood.
He cautiously inquired, "Does His Majesty mean to burn down Qinglian Temple along with those monks who do not abide by the rules, to prevent future troubles?"
Zhao Yi nodded slightly, a resolute glint in his eyes.
He paused for a moment, then continued, "In a few days, the Empress will lead the entire harem to Qinglian Temple to pray for blessings. That will be a perfect opportunity. However, the weather is dry, and Qinglian Temple was suddenly engulfed in flames late at night. The fire spread rapidly and became uncontrollable..."
His words conveyed an unquestionable resolve.
Zhao Shouzhen nodded hurriedly in agreement, "Your Majesty is wise, this old minister admires you!"
He knew that the emperor's move was both to uphold the dignity of the royal family and to eliminate potential threats in the harem.
It wasn't just for the sake of men's pride, but also for the sake of the royal family and the reputation of the Xuan Dynasty.
"Chief Minister Zhao, I suggest you go back and have a blood test done with your illegitimate daughter to determine kinship."
Zhao Yi's tone carried a hint of mockery.
Zhao Shouzhen was startled and instantly understood the emperor's intention.
His weathered old face flushed red instantly, filled with both shame and anger.
He never imagined that one day he would be discussing his family's scandals with the emperor in the imperial study!
He quickly expressed his gratitude and then hurriedly left the imperial study.
Watching Zhao Shouzhen's departing figure, Zhao Yi felt a strange sense of satisfaction.
Although there was a distinction between ruler and subject between him and Zhao Shouzhen, at this moment they seemed to have become brothers in misfortune who shared the same fate.
The feeling of having someone share the pain made him find it much more enjoyable.
And those green hats seemed to become less heavy at this moment.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
