Imperial Censor Zhang dared not utter another word in rebuttal. He was indeed a member of the Prime Minister's faction, but he also needed to be alive.
Imperial Censor Zhang could only echo Zhou Jin, saying, "This, this, Your Majesty, please forgive me. I have thought about this for a long time, and the Bai family has not committed any major wrong. It was I who was blind to their faults. I know I misspoke, and I hope Your Majesty will punish me."
"Since Imperial Censor Zhang himself knows he has misspoke, then let him be dismissed." Zhou Jin's days are numbered, and he wants to eliminate as many treacherous people as possible, stabilize the court, and leave a peaceful court for future generations.
"Your Majesty, I am innocent! I am innocent!" Only then did Imperial Censor Zhang truly panic. He kowtowed desperately until his head bled, but to no avail.
Suddenly he caught sight of Prime Minister Zhao, and as if suddenly realizing something, cried out, "Prime Minister, save me! Prime Minister!"
Prime Minister Zhao wanted to curse this fool for calling him at this time.
Prime Minister Zhao took two steps back to avoid Imperial Censor Zhang's counterattack.
The guards reacted quickly, subdued Imperial Censor Zhang, and dragged him away.
Zhou Jin, however, did not let Prime Minister Zhao off the hook: "Zhao Zikai has failed in his duty to educate his daughter. The Zhao family plotted to harm Consort Rong and has now been banished to the Cold Palace. Her father, Zhao Zikai, is unworthy of his position and has been dismissed from his post for investigation. This matter will be handled by Prince Jing, Zhou Changling."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I obey." Zhou Changling accepted the decree.
Zhao Zikai collapsed to the ground instantly. His decades of hard work and scheming had vanished into thin air, and he couldn't even escape unscathed. It was truly a tragic situation!
Some of Zhao Zikai's other students also stood up to speak for him, but most of them did not make any move.
"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Zhao has served as an official for twenty years. Even if he has not made any great contributions, he has certainly worked hard. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider." The speaker was Li Lin, the newly appointed Minister of Revenue. He and Zhao Zikai conspired to frame the Bai family. Now that they had no way out, they wanted to do everything in their power to protect Zhao Zikai as prime minister.
Li Lin had a clear plan. If he succeeded, the Prime Minister would reward him handsomely; if he failed, he could use the Prime Minister's remaining connections. He had a very good plan, but unfortunately, Zhou Jin didn't give him that chance.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider," Li Lin pleaded again.
"Please, Your Majesty, reconsider." Other members of the Prime Minister's faction also stood up to plead for Zhao Zikai.
"Is there anyone else?" Regardless of whether these people were sincere or not, Zhou Jin treated them all as Zhao Zikai's men, intending to wipe them all out in one fell swoop.
"I think your courage is commendable!" Zhou Jin's tone was unreadable, but his face showed a hint of a smile.
"Is there anyone else who wants to plead for the Prime Minister?" Zhou Jin asked again.
"I also believe that Your Excellency the Prime Minister has worked hard and made great contributions, and is certainly not worthy of such praise."
"Your Majesty, I humbly plead for mercy."
"Your Majesty, I am willing to plead for mercy on your behalf."
"minister..."
"minister..."
More than a dozen ministers stepped forward and pleaded for Prime Minister Zhao Zikai.
"Very well, very well! I never knew that most of my court officials had become your advisors, Zhao Zikai!" Zhou Jin roared in fury. "The emperor's anger is easily provoked; a million corpses will be left to rot!" "Prince Jing, I order you to investigate and shut down the homes of these corrupt officials who have formed cliques for personal gain."
Zhou Jin: "Guards, lock these people up in the dungeon and await their fate."
Zhou Changling: "Yes, Your Majesty, I obey."
The guards also escorted many court officials out of the main hall and sent them to prison.
In an instant, a large number of people filled the court, and the court officials were all filled with fear and unease.
"My son, don't disappoint me!" In the end, Zhou Jin announced the end of the court session, but before leaving, he gave Zhou Changling a deep look.
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