Upon hearing this, Emperor Guangqi slowly lowered his eyes and looked around. This matter was unbelievable and somewhat absurd, yet it had spread like wildfire, and even he had heard about it.
He remained silent for a moment, not wanting such a confrontation to take place in the court, before saying, "Prince Yu, Marquis of Anding, and Su Mingren, the three of you, come to my study after court."
"The rest of you, dismiss the court!"
The officials bowed and took their leave, while Prince Yu and Su Mingren walked toward Emperor Guangqi's study with normal expressions.
Only Marquis An Ding was completely baffled. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, but still couldn't figure it out. He could only hurry after Su Mingren.
"Lord Su! Lord Su! Wait for me!"
He had originally wanted to find out something, but he saw that Su Mingren was silent and had some bruises on his face.
As the two stepped into the Imperial Study one after the other, they heard Prince Yu's slightly doubtful voice:
"Lord Su, you look very haggard lately, and your complexion is also very pale."
Upon hearing this, Marquis An Ding gasped and glanced anxiously at Prince Yu.
Why did Prince Yu suddenly launch an attack?
In fact, Prince Yu's idea was very simple.
The two Su families, the Marquis of Anding's mansion, and even Vice Minister Xin, were all neutral and impartial officials who did not take sides.
Su Shaoyuan was even demoted and removed from the political center because he had spoken up for the late empress in the past.
Now that He Yunze has asked someone in his clan to pass on a message, extending an olive branch to him, and is certain that Su Mingli is dead, then he will do He Yunze a favor.
He became Lord Xin's student and replaced Su Mingli as Left Remonstrator.
Then he could effortlessly win over the Xin family, the Marquis of Anding family, and even the Left Censor, and also strike at the Su family.
For him, it was a sure thing, no risk.
As Prince Yu was pondering this, he heard Su Mingren cup his hands in greeting and say in a hoarse voice:
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I have been overworked recently because I was taking care of my younger brother, but I will recover soon."
Prince Yu was unwilling to believe this.
Officials who had visited the Su family in the past had personally witnessed Su Mingli lying on his bed, on the verge of death.
No matter how you look at him, he is a dying man, beyond the reach of medicine and there is no way to save him!
The officials he sent a few days ago were even sent back, which makes it even more suspicious!
Moreover, He Yunze's words were so certain that there must be something wrong with the Su family!
Upon seeing this, Emperor Guangqi frowned slightly and first looked at Marquis Anding, who was huddled in a corner, trying to make his presence as inconspicuous as possible:
"Minister He, I heard that your son made a very good suggestion. Lord Xin would like to adopt it, but he dares not because of Su Mingli. What is the reason for this?"
Marquis An Ding's face turned pale, and he stared blankly with wide eyes: "What suggestion? This old minister has no idea!"
But he sensed it wasn't good news, so he hurriedly said, "My second son is currently unemployed and newly married. As for any suggestions, they're probably all false!"
Upon hearing this, Prince Yu laughed: "That probably means the Marquis of Anding knows very little about his son! It's said among the people that this suggestion is brilliant!"
Marquis An Ding wiped the cold sweat that kept beading on his forehead, and swallowed hard. "How did you all know...?"
He hadn't heard a single word of it while he was in the Marquis's residence!
Upon hearing this, Emperor Guangqi did not reply; instead, he slowly turned his gaze back to Su Mingren's face:
"There are many rumors circulating among the people, saying that Minister Su has passed away, but the Su family is concealing the news. What's going on?"
Upon hearing this, Su Mingren's innocent eyes widened: "Huh? What nonsense is this!"
"Mingli will be well enough to return to the court soon!"
Upon hearing this, Prince Yu shook his head, as if enjoying the spectacle even more:
"Lord Su must be careful with his words. If you do not admit it now, and Su Mingli 'suddenly dies' a few days later, that would also be a crime of deceiving the emperor!"
"The position of Left Advisor is extremely important. If Lord Su really can't return anytime soon, let's give this position to Young Master He! After all, the Emperor can't be without someone by his side!"
Seeing the bewildered looks on the faces of Marquis Anding and Su Mingren, and realizing they knew nothing about the matter, Emperor Guangqi spoke directly:
"Then just summon the parties involved: Su Shaoyuan, He Yunze, and Xin Kaiji!"
The wife of Vice Minister Xin is unwell. Last night, she urgently requested a physician from the palace, fearing that her condition was not good. Therefore, she took leave from work today and did not attend the morning court session.
Following Emperor Guangqi's orders, He Yunce, prepared for the occasion, quickly arrived before him.
"This humble subject, He Yunce, pays his respects to Your Majesty, Your Highness, and all the esteemed officials."
He Yunze, dressed in an ivory-white round-necked robe, entered the imperial study without looking to the side. He then bowed to the emperor with neither arrogance nor servility, his voice loud and clear, showing no stage fright whatsoever.
Emperor Guangqi found his behavior to be dignified and polite. Not only was his demeanor and proper etiquette impressive, but even the color of his clothes was his favorite.
It is rare to find such a talented young man who, upon catching a glimpse of the Emperor's face, showed no fear whatsoever, and whose movements flowed smoothly as if he had performed them hundreds of times before.
The emperor's eyes lit up, and he praised Marquis Anding without reservation: "No wonder there are rumors that Lord Xin appreciates you; it turns out that Marquis Anding has done a good job of educating his son!"
When Prince Yu saw He Yunce in person, he nodded with great satisfaction, feeling extremely fortunate for his choice.
Such a talented young person is truly a once-in-a-century talent!
He Yunze felt extremely pleased as he listened to the admiring gazes of Emperor Guangqi and Prince Yu.
He gave the emperor a standard salute, then calmly said, "What Your Majesty doubts is also what this humble subject wishes to accuse. I beg Your Majesty to grant this humble subject justice!"
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