However, though he kept his mouth shut, his mind began to race. Wang Er couldn't help but recall the conversation his young master had had with Prefect Cheng and Qin Xi a few hours earlier.
Do you know who that woman who left Beijing a few days ago was?
'Replying to your question, young master, that woman, she is... she is...'
'What is it? Tell me quickly!'
That's Consort Jing.
'Your Majesty? Is that Emperor Yuming's woman?'
...
"Do you know Consort Jing?"
'I have once beheld Your Majesty's beauty.'
'That's it. I accept this sin.'
...
Wang Er's eyes widened, and he suddenly realized something. He turned sharply to look at Cai Fengyin, only to see the latter put his index finger to his lips and say, "Shh."
He opened his mouth, but in the end, he said nothing.
...
...
"Speak if you have something to report, otherwise the court is adjourned!" During the morning court session, after the officials had finished their salutations, Wuchang stepped forward, brandishing his whisk and speaking in a shrill voice.
"Your humble servant has something to report."
As someone stepped out, everyone instinctively looked in that direction. It turned out to be Liu Mumao, the Minister of Personnel.
The Ministry of Personnel was in charge of the appointment, evaluation, promotion, demotion, conferment of honors, and transfer of all civil and military officials in the country, and was considered the head of the six ministries.
Liu Linmao, as the Minister of Personnel, was even more diligent and conscientious.
Almost every time he presented a memorial, he had ample evidence, and each memorial led to the downfall of a number of officials. As a result, many people tried to curry favor with him, but he rejected them all.
Then the courtiers realized that he was unyielding and even resistant to both soft and hard approaches. Gradually, they gave up on that idea.
At that moment, he suddenly stood up, and the civil and military officials subconsciously clenched their buttocks.
This man was so meticulous in his work that he was highly regarded by Emperor Yuming. Even though he had already pledged allegiance to Prime Minister Qin—no, now he was Prime Minister Qin Wenxiang—the emperor's regard for him remained unchanged.
"Please speak, Minister Liu." Emperor Yuming raised his hand, offering a gesture of support.
Minister Liu bowed, his gaze fixed on the ground, and said calmly, "Your Majesty, I must report to the Grand Secretary of the Court of Judicial Review—Cheng Wenzhang!"
Who? The Minister of the Court of Judicial Review?
Emperor Yuming thought he had misheard and asked again, "Minister Liu, who did you say?"
"Your Majesty, this humble subject is reporting on the article by Cheng Wenzhang, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review."
The moment he finished speaking, all the officials were astonished. This Liu Mumou was becoming increasingly audacious, daring to impeach even the dignified Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, and doing so in front of so many people—truly ruthless and uncompromising!
Everyone couldn't help but look up, and sure enough, Cheng Wenzhang's face was ashen, and his breathing had quickened considerably.
"This..." Emperor Yuming's eyes widened slightly. "Minister Liu, what happened to Minister Cheng?"
Minister Liu bowed deeply. “Your humble servant must report that Cheng Wenzhang is involved in collusion between officials and merchants, corruption, nepotism, and disregard for the interests of the people.”
Wow, he really dares to say that. Even Qin Wenxiang and Qin Wuxiang couldn't withstand such a barrage of charges.
Cheng Wenzhang had already gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, but he still couldn't help breaking the rules and standing up to question him, "May I ask Minister Liu, when have I committed so many mistakes? Minister Liu, don't listen to slander and make false accusations!"
Prime Minister Qin couldn't help but frown. Cheng's article was clearly a veiled attack, implying that he had instructed Minister Liu to petition Emperor Yuming to file a complaint against him.
He pursed his lips, utterly bewildered.
Li Ningqi, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, stood to the side, head bowed, and remained silent.
Minister Liu bowed to Cheng Wenzhang with a calm tone and composed expression, "Lord Cheng, please allow me to explain in detail."
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