"you……"
The emperor was so angry that he was panting heavily, and Lin Tingwan stood by to help him catch his breath.
"Your Majesty, please calm down. Taking care of your health is the most important thing!"
Shen Jintang watched coldly, a sneer in his heart, taking in everyone's reactions.
Seeing that things had reached a stalemate, she slowly stepped forward, knelt before the emperor, and said in a clear and respectful voice: "Your Majesty, although Grand Tutor Shen committed suicide in public for the sake of the country and the people, it is not without the suspicion of forcing Your Majesty's will. If this matter gets out, it may be detrimental to Your Majesty's reputation."
These words seemed to be a repetition of what the Minister of Revenue had said, indicating that he was siding with the Ministry of Revenue.
The Crown Prince narrowed his eyes and looked at Shen Jintang.
Shen Jintang is a member of the Shen family, and now the Shen family father and son are opposing him, but Shen Jintang's words are quite interesting.
He smiled as he looked at Shen Jintang, waiting for her to continue.
Meanwhile, there was also Shen Huaixu with a furrowed brow.
He also couldn't understand Shen Jintang's actions.
All eyes turned to Shen Jintang.
Shen Jintang said, "I think it would be better to first bury Grand Tutor Shen under the pretext of a sudden death to quell public opinion, and then secretly investigate the case to avoid alerting the enemy."
Her voice was calm and firm, and her eyes held a hint of coldness.
As she finished speaking, the expressions of the people in the hall varied.
The Crown Prince glanced at Shen Jintang, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes, and smiled.
Shen Jintang was indeed clever; his secret investigation, sudden death, and burial all benefited him.
It seems Shen Jintang wants to befriend me!
Shen Huaixu's eyes, however, seemed to want to devour her.
He originally thought Shen Jintang was a person who understood the big picture and considered the overall situation, but he never expected that she was just a selfish and petty person.
For the sake of her tiny, insignificant old grudge, she actually disregarded the safety of the people!
Shen Huaixu looked up and met Shen Jintang's cold gaze, which made him furious. However, since they were in the Imperial Study, he could only swallow the words that were on the tip of his tongue.
The emperor pondered for a moment and slowly nodded: "What Shen Qing said makes sense. Let this matter be put aside for now. Grand Tutor Shen... give him a proper burial."
His voice carried a hint of weariness, yet he had made his decision.
Now, the matter has been settled.
Shen Jintang lowered his head, concealing the coldness in his eyes, and a barely perceptible sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth.
Inside the hall, everyone was preoccupied with their own thoughts. Only the body of Grand Tutor Shen lay quietly on the gold bricks, the blood gradually congealing, as if silently accusing this corrupt court.
Inside the main hall, the atmosphere was heavy. People either looked at each other or lowered their heads in silence, and a sense of oppression permeated the air.
"Then, in your opinion, who should be the person to conduct the investigation?"
The emperor's voice broke the silence, tinged with weariness.
"It is naturally His Highness the Crown Prince!"
The Minister of Revenue spoke up, then added his own opinion: "As the heir apparent, His Highness the Crown Prince should be the only one to investigate this matter."
He bowed slightly, his tone carrying a hint of flattery.
Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince immediately stepped forward and said, "Your subject is willing to serve Your Majesty."
He smiled slightly, a hint of confidence in his eyes, and added, "Your Majesty, I have been studying diligently in the Eastern Palace recently. The tutor also said that I am ready to participate in court affairs. I am willing to share your burdens."
He looked up at the emperor, his eyes revealing a longing for the emperor's approval.
The emperor looked at the crown prince, a pang of guilt rising in his heart. Since falling ill, he had not paid attention to the crown prince's studies for a long time, and was even unaware that the tutor had suggested that the crown prince participate in politics.
He was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Alright, then you will be in charge of investigating this matter."
His voice carried a hint of guilt, but also a faint expectation that the Crown Prince could achieve something.
There is no father in the world who doesn't want the best for his own child.
"You may all leave."
After saying this, the emperor looked at the eldest princess and said, "Elder sister, please stay."
His tone carried an undeniable air of authority.
Except for the eldest princess, everyone else slowly withdrew.
Shen Jintang arranged for someone to take away Grand Tutor Shen's body.
As he left, the Crown Prince stood outside the palace, the sunlight shining on him and bathing him in a golden glow.
Seeing Shen Jintang pass by, he looked at Shen Jintang, smiled slightly, and said, "Today, I am very grateful to Lord Siyan for speaking up for justice."
Shen Jintang stopped and looked at the smug look on the Crown Prince's face.
She smiled slightly and respectfully said to the Crown Prince, "Your Highness is too kind. I was merely doing my duty."
"Moreover, Your Highness is exceptionally intelligent; even without me, you would certainly be able to resolve this matter properly."
Her tone was very humble, and her eyes were full of respect.
The Crown Prince nodded in satisfaction and was about to say something more when Shen Huaixu suddenly rushed out of the hall, his face ashen and his eyes filled with grief and indignation.
He was slightly taken aback when he saw the Crown Prince was also there, and then bowed to the Crown Prince: "Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince."
Upon seeing Shen Huaixu arrive, the Crown Prince curled his lips into a smile but remained silent.
He then looked at Shen Jintang and said, "Lord Siyan, it seems someone is looking for you. I won't disturb you any longer."
The crown prince's tone was quite mocking, as if he had already foreseen what was about to happen.
After saying this, the Crown Prince left, leaving Shen Jintang and Shen Huaixu standing outside the palace. The sunlight shone on them, but the atmosphere was somewhat heavy.
Watching the Crown Prince's figure disappear outside the palace, Shen Huaixu turned around abruptly, his eyes wide with anger, his finger trembling as he pointed at Shen Jintang, and shouted, "Shen Jintang! You are selfish and self-serving! How could the Shen family produce such a worthless person as you? What are your intentions in doing this today?"
His voice trembled slightly, clearly indicating that he was extremely angry.
Shen Jintang remained calm, raising her eyes to look at Shen Huaixu, a hint of coldness in her gaze. Her tone was calm yet carried an undeniable firmness: "So you want me to forget all my hatred and help you make Grand Tutor Shen go down in history? Ask yourself, can you do that?"
Her voice carried a hint of sarcasm, and her eyes revealed a trace of disdain.
Upon hearing this, Shen Huaixu's anger intensified, and his voice rose several decibels: "What are you saying? The Shen family's fate is intertwined! You're not unaware of the connections behind this matter; millions of people are still waiting for relief. Can't you put aside your grudges for now?"
Seeing Shen Huaixu's dignified demeanor, Shen Jintang couldn't help but sneer, her gaze sharp as a knife: "No! I can't do it!"
“I told you before that I would not let you have your way.”
“We stand on different grounds, and the outcome depends on our own abilities. If you have the ability to ensure that Grand Tutor Shen's name is recorded in history, I won't say a word against it. But now, it's up to me.”
Having said that, she ignored Shen Huaixu's angry curses, turned around and left, her sleeves fluttering in the wind, leaving Shen Huaixu standing there trembling with anger, his fingers clenched into fists, his nails digging deep into his palms.
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