The Yiyuan Hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; the only sound was the turning of pages. Wuyou's lips were slightly pursed, and her bright peach blossom eyes were filled with starlight.
She also had many informants about the affairs of the harem. The Empress's actions reached his ears in less than half an incense stick's time. Wuyou was very satisfied with the Empress's behavior. The Empress should have the duties and dignity of an Empress. She couldn't let the concubines below her trample on her head.
He could bestow honor upon the empress, but he could not help her establish her authority; she still had to rely on herself in everything.
It seems he doesn't need to change empresses anymore. Wuyou pursed her lips, a dangerous thought flashing through her mind. Fortunately, the empress didn't know, otherwise she would probably be so angry that she would cry.
"Your Majesty, this is an official document from Chuzhou." Xiazi handed the bright yellow memorial to Wuyou.
Chuzhou? Isn't that where Chu Baiwei's family is located? Wuyou raised an eyebrow, opened the memorial, and began to read it quickly. The more she read, the higher her eyebrows furrowed, her thin lips pressed into a straight line, and she exuded anger.
"Thud—" He casually threw the memorial in his hand to the ground. The memorial rolled twice pitifully, and when it was unfolded, the words "Chuzhou," "Plead guilty," and "turmoil" were written on the ink.
Xia Zi remained silent, head bowed, terrified that the Emperor's anger would drag her into it. Fortunately, Wu You was not one to take his anger out on others easily; his chest heaved, and he gradually calmed down.
After pondering for a moment, Wuyou picked up a pen and quickly wrote several lines of vermilion characters on the imperial edict, then placed it in Xiaxiazi's hand, his tone much calmer.
"Xiao Xiazi, take the imperial edict to the Zhennan General's residence and deliver the decree, ordering him to immediately lead 30,000 elite troops to Chuzhou to quell the rebellion."
The Duke of Cheng'en is far too incompetent. He's only been in Chuzhou for two months and he's already caused such a huge mess, inciting a riot among the local people. It's true that nepotism is unreliable; those who rise to power through women have no real ability, and he can't even keep a small place like Chuzhou in check.
Turning the jade prayer beads on his wrist, Wuyou closed his eyes slightly, calming his mind. The turmoil in Chuzhou could not be concealed any longer; Zhou Changqing and his men might make a move soon.
The next second, a eunuch announced that Zhou Changqing and others had something to report. Wuyou frowned slightly upon hearing this. This group's information network was far too advanced. He had only just learned of it, and they probably knew about it even earlier. This group posed a significant threat to the imperial power.
"Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!" Zhou Changqing and other veteran officials knelt respectfully. Their aged bodies were a sight to behold, and some of them trembled as if they might collapse at any moment.
Seeing this, Wuyou couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement. People in this era would defend their posts to the death, and would not leave their official positions unless there were special reasons. Unlike modern society, where as people get older, their physical strength, endurance, and mental agility all decline, and they should have retired long ago.
It's said that old people become wiser and more experienced. They do indeed possess abilities and positions that young people lack when they reach a certain age. But if the older generation doesn't step down, how can the younger generation rise to their positions? Wuyou's thoughts raced, and she already had a plan in mind.
"What brings you here, my esteemed ministers?" Wuyou offered seats to the senior officials, then sat on his high seat, resting his chin on his hand, looking quite interested.
"Your Majesty, we have heard of the unrest in Chuzhou and are deeply concerned for the nation. We have come to request Your Majesty's permission. The Duke of Cheng'en was appointed Prefect of Chuzhou by Your Majesty's grace, yet he failed to pacify the local people, causing unrest in Chuzhou. He should be executed. The unrest in Chuzhou is a serious matter. Although it is a remote place, it is still part of our Great Zhou territory. We request Your Majesty to send General Liu An to quell the rebellion."
Zhou Changqing, with the highest status and experience, was a pillar and leader among the veteran officials of the court, so it was natural for him to initiate the discussion. Although it was a suggestion, his words were forceful, reasonable, and well-founded, leaving no room for rebuttal.
It must be said that Zhou Changqing, as a veteran official, has a deep understanding of the court officials. Liu An is indeed a highly experienced general who was deeply valued by the late emperor. Asking him to quell the rebellion would be a waste of his talents.
"Lord Zhou Changqing is absolutely right. I have issued an imperial edict ordering the General of Zhennan to go to Chuzhou to quell the rebellion. General Liu An is already old. If something were to happen to him, wouldn't I be ashamed to face the late Emperor?"
Wuyou nodded in agreement, then wiped his face, revealing a troubled expression, indicating there was no room for change. He should show these veteran officials that he wasn't someone to be easily manipulated.
The veteran officials were all stunned, not expecting Wuyou to act so swiftly. They were at a loss for what to do. No matter how powerful and senior they were, they shouldn't have forced the emperor to change his orders so frequently. Wouldn't that make them a laughingstock?
"Your Majesty is absolutely right. We were indeed unreasonable. However, Cheng Gong is largely to blame for the turmoil in Chuzhou. He disregarded Your Majesty's trust and caused such a major incident so soon after taking office. He has betrayed Your Majesty's trust and deserves severe punishment." Zhou Changqing was an old fox. He had long been dissatisfied with Consort Chu, who was currently enjoying the Emperor's favor. The Emperor had lost control of her ever since she entered the palace. Even when they met occasionally, she was quite disrespectful to them, the old ministers, and acted recklessly, taking advantage of the Emperor's favor.
Having finally found leverage over the Cheng'en Duke's family, they naturally couldn't let it go. If they didn't curb Consort Chu's momentum, this woman might become the next infamous concubine Daji, wreaking havoc on the court.
Upon hearing this, Wuyou's face showed a thoughtful expression, and she remained silent for a long time before slightly opening her lips. "What you say is very true, but Consort Chu... never mind, we will discuss this matter later."
If Wuyou had agreed without hesitation, it would have been somewhat unusual. This hesitation reassured Zhou Changqing and the other veteran officials; the Emperor was still the same Emperor, more compassionate and easier to control. Their strong support for the Emperor among the princes and grandsons was precisely because they recognized this trait in him, which was why they had worked so hard.
"Your Majesty, in matters of state, the nation comes first and family second. No matter how favored Consort Chu is, she cannot influence the affairs of the court. I urge Your Majesty to make a decision as soon as possible and not to hurt the feelings of your subjects." Zhou Changqing knelt down and bowed deeply, his tone quite heavy.
"I understand. I will certainly consider your good intentions carefully. You may all leave now." Wuyou showed a hint of fatigue on his face, rubbed his forehead, and waved his hand casually.
Once everyone had left Yiyuan Hall, Wuyou's expression returned to normal. Looking at the heavy shadows of the trees outside the window, his heart gradually calmed down. It seemed he needed to speed up the process of dismantling the power of these veteran officials, lest they do something outrageous and cause further trouble.
Also, Chu Baiwei should be arriving soon. This woman is quite favored at home, and she must not be able to bear seeing her parents and relatives suffer imprisonment, so she will inevitably plead for them.
So what should he do to maximize his benefits? Wuyou's eyes gradually glazed over. Not long after, he received a summons from the eunuch that Consort Chu was requesting an audience.
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