Consort Jing lived up to her name, being gentle, quiet, and unassuming. She never complained when the emperor didn't visit her, spending her days chanting sutras and praying for blessings in the Buddhist hall.
She was merely a commoner woman with no illustrious family background, and she held little influence over Emperor Yuming in the court. Her greatest achievement was giving birth to an imperial heir; promoting her to the rank of concubine was already a great favor, and further promotion would be somewhat forced.
However, Minister Yuan's words also made sense. Consort Jing was all alone, with only one son. Even though Prince Xu did not like this mother of humble origins, she loved him very much. When Emperor Yuming did not visit her, she would only chant sutras in the Buddhist hall, for him and for Prince Xu.
Consort Jing was a gentle and dutiful woman. Sometimes, when the harem was in turmoil, he liked to go to her place to rest. She usually stayed indoors, but a few days ago she came to the Imperial Study to see him. She was very sensible and just stood at the door waiting for him without going in.
Emperor Yuming hadn't visited her in a long time, and upon seeing her again, he was struck by how much more haggard she looked. He knew why she had come, but she said nothing. Her eyes were red, and she forced a smile as she handed him a bowl of soup, telling him to take care of his health.
Thinking of that gentle and virtuous woman, Emperor Yuming's throat tightened. He was about to agree to Minister Yuan's suggestion of giving a slap and then a treat when he heard another voice.
"I second that proposal."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Yu Ming frowned deeply. He recognized the voice all too well. Looking in the direction of the voice, he saw, as expected, it was that old fox, Prime Minister Qin.
Upon seeing him, Minister Yuan was displeased in every way. In the past, when Prime Minister Qin spoke after him, he always refuted him, but this time he seconded him. Minister Yuan glared and puffed out his beard, but could not utter a word.
Emperor Yuming frowned deeply, his instinctive resistance to Prime Minister Qin causing him to twist his own thoughts and instead blame Minister Yuan.
"Why should I compensate her? Did I do something wrong? The Empress is in charge of matters in the inner palace. How can you bring them up in the court? Minister Yuan is getting more and more confused."
Emperor Yuming stared at Minister Yuan with great displeasure, frowning as he continued, "Besides, Consort Jing was just a commoner. Reaching such a high position is already a great favor. There's no need to mention this matter again. Minister Yuan's reach has gone too far."
The last sentence was not only displeasure, but also a warning.
Minister Yuan was taken aback, realizing that this was not his responsibility, so he could only sigh and bow deeply: "Your subject knows his crime."
Seeing that even Minister Yuan, who had always been highly regarded by the emperor, had been reprimanded, the officials below were all embarrassed and had different thoughts. For a moment, no one spoke up.
The hall was silent for a moment. Emperor Yuming glanced impatiently at Wuchang, who immediately bowed and stood up knowingly: "If you have something to say, speak now; otherwise, the court is adjourned."
With things as they were, who dared to speak further? They all fell silent. After a short while, a majestic and powerful voice finally echoed through the hall: "Respectfully bidding farewell to our Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
...
The Imperial Study.
"Smash—" Another memorial was slammed down. Emperor Yuming roared in fury, "These people are really going against the heavens!"
Wu Chang promptly offered a cup of tea: "Your Majesty, please calm down. Be careful not to upset yourself."
"This is utterly outrageous!" Emperor Yuming took the teacup, drank it all in one gulp, and finally calmed his anger somewhat, but there was still a hint of gunpowder in his eyes: "These old ministers, relying on their years of service, have colluded with Qin Deng, and now they even dare to submit a memorial to Yuan Fang!"
Impermanence stood quietly, without uttering a word.
After uttering a few curses, Emperor Yuming's mood calmed down somewhat. Minister Yuan was indeed at fault; matters of the inner palace were not something a military officer like him should discuss. Even the emperor himself was somewhat displeased, let alone the other officials.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
