After Qingchen finished speaking, the officials present looked at each other in bewilderment.
Only then did the seasoned veterans of officialdom realize that Shen Qingchen was not refusing to speak up for the Crown Prince, nor was she trying to distance herself from him; rather, she was using a strategic retreat to advance, placing herself in a do-or-die situation to survive.
Today at court, everyone was only concerned with how angry Zhu Rui was and whether the Crown Prince would be deposed. As for the symbol, neither those who supported the Crown Prince nor those of the Xu faction cared about it. The symbol was too vivid, and coupled with the image of sheep's blood, it was almost impossible to interpret it other than "the Crown Prince forcing the throne."
Moreover, the Gu family steward has confessed that the drawing was clearly man-made, which has aroused Zhu Rui's suspicions. Whether the drawing was divine will is no longer important.
But they didn't expect that someone would have a completely new interpretation of the pattern, turning an ominous image into a symbol of the Ming Dynasty's enduring prosperity for generations to come.
Faced with the clamor of the court to depose the crown prince, she gave people a sense of calm and composure, leading everyone to look back and see the source of Zhu Rui's anger, which everyone had already accepted and ignored.
Regarding this origin, her interpretation was clearly more acceptable to Zhu Rui than unsettling theories like ominous signs or the crown prince forcing the emperor to abdicate. Throughout history, no emperor, regardless of their reign, would want to receive any so-called "admonitions" from Heaven, whether true or false. In such matters, the people don't care about the truth; even if it's false, repeated often enough, it becomes accepted as truth, which was unacceptable to the face-conscious Zhu Rui.
At this moment, Xu Dang, unwilling to give up, stepped forward again and said, "Your Majesty, the steward of the Gu family has already confessed that this matter was instructed by Gu Ru and was not the will of Heaven."
Qingchen replied calmly, "Even if it was done by someone, it must have been ordained by Heaven. Whether it's Gu Ru or the steward of the Gu family, they could all be people ordained by Heaven. Our Great Ming is stable and prosperous, which is why there are auspicious omens from Heaven. Since it is the will of Heaven, the key is not who did it, but rather that it signifies good fortune for our Great Ming."
Xu Yan's conspiracy proceeded from high to low, first using the pretense of divine will to attract attention, and then downplaying it to human intervention, attempting to frame the Crown Prince and Gu Ru through conspiracy theories.
Shen Qingchen, however, took the opposite approach. She elevated human actions back to the level of destiny, attributing all her actions to fate. And her interpretation of destiny was one of great fortune.
Once again, everyone present was speechless, only able to admire the brilliant move of cutting off the source of the problem and getting to the root of the issue.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Zhu Rui's gloomy expression immediately vanished, and his voice became louder and more resonant than before, "I believe what you say makes sense. It makes sense!"
Compared to bad rumors, auspicious omens are certainly more gratifying. Someone has already fabricated a wonderful story for him, and if he just accepts it, everyone will be happy. Why not?
"This..." Xu Dang, who had stepped forward, wanted to say something, but couldn't bring himself to say it, and finally returned to the queue.
The Ming Dynasty was prosperous, which is why there were auspicious omens from heaven. If he were to deny the will of heaven and insist on blaming it on human actions, wouldn't that be tantamount to denying the stability and prosperity of the Ming Dynasty, the wisdom of the emperor, and the outstanding contributions of the chief minister to the country?
Therefore, Shen Qingchen's words are not to be refuted.
Zhu Rui's face had relaxed from being tense. Today's scene was truly unexpected for him. He never thought that the things that had been troubling him would suddenly become clear.
Looking at the person in front of him, he felt increasingly satisfied and gratified. He thought to himself that she was indeed a talent he admired, knowledgeable, calm and composed, and always able to bring him surprises.
Zhu Rui was in a better mood, and suddenly realized he had been sitting on the dragon throne for quite a while; he was getting tired. Tired, he didn't bother listening anymore. Usually at this time, he would either be lying among the soft fragrance of his concubines or leisurely enjoying his imperial meal, completely carefree and unconcerned about the morning court session.
He glanced outside the palace; it was still early. It was another overcast day, the sky outside gloomy and gray.
On such a cold day, if I went back to my bedchamber now, I might be able to take a nap, or perhaps summon a concubine for some intimate time...
Having made up his mind, Zhu Rui said, "Since it is the will of Heaven, there is no need for you all to say more. I think you have all misunderstood the Crown Prince. He has always been well-behaved and is my good son. Let's just let this matter go... Minister Shen just said that he is not capable enough to properly tutor the Crown Prince. In my opinion, you are being modest. I think you have not been in the Eastern Palace for long enough to fully utilize your talents, so I will let you serve for a while longer and see what happens."
In front of all the civil and military officials, Qingchen offered her resignation only to convince Zhu Rui of the Crown Prince's trust; she didn't actually want to leave the Eastern Palace. Now that Zhu Rui had said so, she naturally agreed, "Your humble servant obeys the decree."
"Alright, let's adjourn the court."
Xu Yan's faction followed his lead, and seeing this, they all looked at him, but saw that their leader had not taken any action.
In their anxiety, someone stepped forward and emphasized that the Gu family steward had already confessed that Gu Ru harbored rebellious intentions. Zhu Rui, however, was too lazy to pay attention. He simply waved his sleeve to indicate that he didn't want to hear anymore and got up to leave the main hall.
As he watched the Emperor's figure disappear from sight, Xu Yan remained motionless, his face frozen, and he said nothing.
It's no use; the situation on the field is already decided, and saying more is futile.
The only variable he had doubts about indeed led to a complete reversal of fortune. His months of painstaking planning had been shattered by a single court assembly today, leaving him with nothing but empty dreams.
This Shen Qingchen is indeed smarter than he thought. She and Song Yue joined forces, using a feint to advance and then a decisive move to undermine each other, putting on quite a spectacular show.
He underestimated his opponent.
After Zhu Rui left, the officials also left the court in order. As he passed Shen Qingchen, Xu Yan paused slightly, tilted his head and looked at her, "Lord Shen's remarks today were extremely brilliant. No wonder you are Grand Secretary Song's prized student."
Qingchen looked at him and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "You flatter me, Grand Secretary Xu. I am a humble official with limited knowledge and skills. I was just impulsive and showed off my talents in front of the Emperor and the Grand Secretary. I hope the Grand Secretary will forgive me."
Xu Yan smirked slightly, put his hands behind his back, and left the Golden Palace surrounded by the crowd.
...
Back at the Ministry of Rites, Zhao Qiran immediately sidled up to Song Yue, his excitement barely concealed. "Our Qingchen is truly shrewd and clever! That old fox Xu Yan must be furious. He painstakingly set up this scheme, only to have it all fall apart. It's so satisfying, so incredibly satisfying. I haven't seen that old fox so speechless in so long. Just thinking about it makes me feel so good."
The two walked up the corridor, talking as they went. Song Yue didn't answer, nor did he seem as carefree as the man; he was simply lost in thought as they walked.
“You’re always like this. You don’t speak when there’s a problem, and you still don’t speak now that the problem is solved. You’ve gained such a good disciple. Even if it’s just for Qingchen, you should be happy.” Zhao Qiran glanced around and, seeing that there were no other officials walking around them, said, “I think we should go to Qipan Street tonight for a few drinks to celebrate.”
“Indeed, don’t you think today’s scene is a bit strange?” When they arrived outside the government office, Song Yue stopped, stood still, and looked at him.
Zhao Qiran frowned. "What's strange about it? The situation initially leaned in their favor, but then Qingchen stepped forward, and the situation completely reversed, turning in our favor. How exciting! It was thrilling to watch. It's not strange at all!"
"Xu Yan is too quiet today."
"Our Lord Shen is knowledgeable and eloquent, so naturally he had nothing to say."
“That’s not Xu Yan’s style.” Song Yue looked at him and guided him, “Think about it, he has set up such a big scheme, how could he give up so easily?”
"What can he do even if he doesn't give up?" Zhao Qiran pushed open the door and strode into the room first. "Our Lord Shen is a step ahead. He's outmatched and has no choice but to admit defeat. Aren't you overthinking it?"
Song Yue didn't say anything more, but calmed down and quietly tried to figure out Xu Yan's psychology.
Xu Yan is a strong-willed and autocratic man who doesn't give up easily. Besides, his faction is watching him closely.
The Xu faction's ranks are so large, with so many people gathered around Xu Yan, not only because of his power but also because of his political acumen. He is the core and role model of the Xu faction, the backbone of everyone under his umbrella. If he were to be so easily defeated by a newly promoted official who had only reached the fourth rank, it would be difficult to explain to the Xu faction. In order to continue to win over hearts and minds and maintain good control over his troops, he will undoubtedly do everything in his power to achieve his goals.
He remained silent in court today, indeed because he had been utterly defeated by Qingchen, but that didn't mean he was powerless to turn the tide. What couldn't be achieved in court, he could achieve outside of court.
After hearing this explanation, Zhao Qiran pursed his lips and said, "You mean, that old fox might have other plans?"
Song Yue nodded. "I just don't know what he'll do."
"But His Majesty has already announced in front of all the civil and military officials that this is all the will of Heaven, and that the Crown Prince is innocent. A monarch's word is law."
"You should go back first," Song Yue said. "I'll think about it some more."
"Alright! Then think it over carefully. I can't figure out what that old fox is up to."
Zhao Qiran had just reached the door when Song Yue called him back. He turned around and asked, "You figured it out so quickly?"
Song Yue shook his head. "Not yet, but I'm a little worried. Here's what I'll do: go to the Zhenfu Division and invite Lu Shenyun over for me. I have something to say to him."
Before Lu Shenyun arrived, he took the time to carefully consider and think it over again.
"good."
...
While Song Yue and Zhao Qiran were talking, Xu Yan, in the cabinet office on the other side, also summoned his confidant to give him some instructions.
Compared to Song Yue, who was still unable to fathom the other party's thoughts, Xu Yan was fully aware of what he needed to do, so he gave the orders accurately and quickly: "Two things. First, go to the Zhenfu Division and summon Lu Shenyun here. Tell him that there have been troubles caused by bandits around the capital recently, and I have some patrol matters to ask him. Second, send our men from the Embroidered Uniform Guard into the Imperial Prison... Go quickly."
The trusted confidant received the order and immediately rushed to the Northern Garrison Office. The cold wind howled along the way, making him shiver. By the time he arrived at the Garrison Office, a clear snot was hanging from his nose.
Meanwhile, Zhao Qiran had just stepped out of the Ministry of Rites when he encountered two more disciples of the School of Mind on the corridor. The three of them praised Qingchen again, and Zhao Qiran, still excited, naturally joined in for a few words, which delayed him a bit.
At this moment, Lu Shenyun had just returned to the Zhenfu Division office.
He had also attended the morning court session today, and had witnessed firsthand the unparalleled wisdom of his beloved. On his way back from the Fengtian Hall, his mind was filled with the image of Qingchen speaking eloquently and righteously in the hall, which only intensified his longing for her. Back at the yamen, he didn't speak to anyone, going straight to the back hall. As he sat alone, lost in thought, someone announced that Xu Yan's men had come to summon him.
"About the patrols in the capital?" Lu Shenyun was somewhat puzzled by Xu Yan's reason for wanting to see him.
The matter that has caused a sensation in the court today is clearly the Crown Prince's affair. Xu Yan has a close connection with this matter, so how could he not care about it and instead have the mind to think about some petty thief?
The confidant explained, "That's right. Grand Secretary Xu said that His Majesty inquired about this matter the day before yesterday, and he fears that after the celestial omen is over, His Majesty might remember it again and ask about it again, so he wanted to discuss it with you, Lord Lu."
Lu Shenyun pondered for a moment, thinking that going to the cabinet office wouldn't hurt, and that it would be good to see what Xu Yan was up to. So he nodded and said, "Understood. I'll go now."
He grabbed the cloak he had just taken off, fastened it, and went out the door.
Half an hour later, Zhao Qiran arrived late, his nose red, but Lu Shenyun was already gone from the yamen. The two did not meet on the way.
Deputy Commander Huang Yu received him, offered him tea, and asked what he needed to see Lu Shenyun about, then offered to do it for him. Zhao Qiran shook his head. He only knew that Song Yue needed to see Lu Shenyun, but didn't know what it was about.
"Where has Lord Lu gone?"
“What a coincidence,” Huang Yu said. “Grand Secretary Xu was also looking for him, just a little bit earlier than you.”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Qiran felt a little uneasy and only wanted to go back and tell Song Yue as soon as possible. So he exchanged a few pleasantries with Huang Yu and then hurriedly took his leave.
He came panting heavily and rushed back panting heavily, waving his sleeves, without giving Song Yue anything to take back.
...
Meanwhile, after the court session ended, Qingchen went to the East Palace.
In front of all the civil and military officials, she wanted to resign, and she felt somewhat guilty towards Zhu Yuluo about this matter.
Inside Cining Palace, the floor heating system was very warm, and in one corner, there was a copper basin with burning charcoal.
Zhu Yulu sat in the armchair, the thin blanket he had wrapped himself in the day before to keep warm still hanging on the armrest.
"Your Highness, please forgive me, but I request to resign from my post in court today..."
"Master Shen." Zhu Yuluo didn't let her finish speaking, his handsome eyes covered by thick eyelashes staring at her, "I only ask you, do you really want to leave me?"
Looking at the boy in front of him, who had returned to his former indifferent and unapproachable self, Qingchen affirmed, "Of course not."
"Are you willing to stay by my side forever?"
"As Your Highness's teacher, I will naturally always stay by Your Highness's side and accompany you."
The young crown prince looked at her, then suddenly stood up, took a step forward, and hugged Qingchen's waist from the side.
“Master Shen, I was so scared when you said those things today, don’t go…” He rested his face on her shoulder, tears glistening in his eyes.
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