Zhou Chen made this fuss simply to bring down the prime minister, whom he had always disliked, but now it seems difficult!
A hint of contempt flashed in the prime minister's eyes. He had been prime minister for decades; to think he would be brought down was simply laughable.
As a result, the tide turned, and those who sided with the Prime Minister came forward to defend him.
"Your Majesty is wise. The maid's baseless accusations are unreliable. Please do not offend the Prime Minister!"
"That's right. This matter is very likely a scheme devised by someone with ulterior motives to frame the Prime Minister and sow discord between him and His Majesty."
"Your Majesty, please investigate this matter thoroughly and give the Prime Minister justice!"
Several people stepped forward, including some newly appointed officials.
Han Qing was originally a bellwether for the actions of newly promoted officials, while the Prime Minister was a bellwether for some veteran officials. Now that Han Qing has disappeared and has not shown his face for a long time, some newly promoted officials are even considering siding with the Prime Minister.
Zhou Chen gritted his teeth, feeling extremely frustrated.
"Although there is no evidence to prove that the Prime Minister instigated this matter, there is also no evidence to prove that the Prime Minister is definitely not involved. Since the Prime Minister is involved, it would be best if the Prime Minister stayed at home to accept the investigation."
Zhou Chen was under immense pressure and was unwilling to let the matter drop.
Even if we can't bring the prime minister to justice this time, we must at least force him to leave the court.
"Absolutely not!" someone shouted in opposition. "The Prime Minister is the pillar of the nation, and many matters require his decision. If the Prime Minister is investigated, then there will be no one left in the court to handle these matters."
"Nobody here?" Zhou Chen asked, puzzled. "Aren't you people? Without the Prime Minister, can the sky fall?"
The man was displeased by the rebuke, but dared not continue to argue loudly. Instead, he whispered, "Your Majesty need not nitpick my words."
As he spoke, the man shifted his gaze to Zhou Lin, who had remained silent.
The prime minister sighed, stepped forward to the center of the hall, knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Since Your Majesty has said so, this old minister will accept the investigation. I only hope that Your Majesty can investigate thoroughly and give this old minister justice."
This posture made it seem as if Zhou Chen had forced him into a corner and he had no choice but to submit.
The Prime Minister is of advanced age and should be treated with great respect in court, perhaps even exempt from the kneeling ceremony. But now…
Alas, those who hear it are heartbroken, and those who see it weep.
Many court officials were deeply saddened and outraged by Zhou Chen's actions.
At this moment, many eyes were fixed on Zhou Lin, all waiting for him to speak.
In the hearts of the veteran ministers, Zhou Lin was more suitable to be the emperor than Zhou Chen. After all, Zhou Lin had achievements and had good relationships with many of the veteran ministers present, while Zhou Chen was nothing!
Zhou Chen's ascension to the throne without any apparent reason is hardly believable.
Therefore, at this time, everyone was waiting for Zhou Lin to say something.
Zhou Lin watched all of this calmly, looking at the maid who was lying on the ground trembling. He knew in his heart that what the maid said was true.
However, even though Zhou Lin knew the truth perfectly well, he could understand the Prime Minister's actions.
The veteran officials were not close to Zhou Chen and could not even fathom his ways, so it was understandable that they wanted to place someone in Zhou Chen's inner circle.
This matter is neither a big deal nor a small one, but Zhou Chen insisted on using it against the Prime Minister and made such a big fuss about it, which was indeed a bit excessive.
Zhou Lin finally stepped forward and looked at Zhou Chen. “Your Majesty, I will have someone investigate this matter in detail and find out who is behind it. However, the Prime Minister is of high rank and great power, and the court is in dire need of capable people. Therefore, I do not think the Prime Minister should be dismissed from court. Besides, investigating the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister attending court to handle state affairs are not contradictory.”
Many people in the hall seconded Zhou Lin's proposal.
Zhou Chen pursed his lips, his face turning ashen.
If he doesn't punish the Prime Minister today and doesn't restrict the Prime Minister's movements, the Prime Minister will naturally erase all traces quickly, and there will be nothing left to find!
Moreover, the matter itself is not complicated, and only a few people are involved. Where can we find conclusive evidence?
Zhou Chen clenched his fists, but was helpless for the moment.
The prime minister is, after all, the prime minister. His power is deeply entrenched, and with Zhou Lin protecting him, Zhou Chen alone cannot shake him, even if he is the emperor!
"Hahaha……"
Suddenly, two soft laughs came from outside the hall.
"What a show!"
The voice was a clear and pleasant female voice.
Everyone looked towards the outside of the hall, thinking to themselves: Where did this woman come from, daring to make a scene in the imperial court!
Su Jinxia had been leaning against the outside of the court with her arms crossed for a long time. At this moment, she stretched her arms, loosened her waist, and took a few light steps to appear in front of everyone.
Most people were completely baffled, wondering where this young girl came from who dared to be so audacious.
A small number of people, like Zhang Qi, were so excited that their eyes lit up.
Since Zhuang Jun returned to the court, he had been fed up with the humiliation. After Han Qing disappeared, he had no room to speak at all. Now, seeing Su Jinxia was like seeing his backbone.
Su Jin stepped in lightly, and Zhang Qi immediately knelt on one knee to greet her, "Greetings, Prince Zhuang!"
Immediately afterwards, all the court officials from Zhuang's army knelt down to greet him, saying, "Greetings, King Zhuang!"
Zhou Chen stood up excitedly; he hadn't expected Su Jinxia to be willing to step forward.
News of King Zhuang's death spread throughout the land, but only the members of the Liuli Society knew that he had come back to life. Even if a little bit of the news got out, most people were not sure.
Therefore, Zhou Chen brought Su Jinxia back in secret, and dared not publicize her return without permission, for fear that Su Jinxia would not be willing.
At this moment, Su Jinxia appeared. Does this mean she is willing to stand with him and face the storm together?
Zhou Chen felt his heart pounding.
The people in the court were also stunned. This was actually the legendary, mysterious and unpredictable Prince Zhuang?
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com