Chapter 347 Accusation
Chu Ci: Is this simply a shrewd man trying to smooth things over?
As luck would have it, the old fox's words touched the emperor's heart.
The emperor nodded slightly, and after a moment's thought, he said, "The Prime Minister's words make sense. But how should the specific proportions be divided? Do any of you have any good ideas?"
The ministers began to offer suggestions again...
But this time it’s not so easy to reach an agreement. You say this proposal and he says that.
Another person made another suggestion.
Then, completely deny it and make new suggestions.
This went on and on. I don’t know if the emperor was annoyed, but Chu Ci felt extremely bored.
She started yawning continuously, her eyes gradually became blurred, and her head began to move noisily like a chicken pecking at rice.
In the end, she simply fell asleep while blatantly pulling Fan Jingrui's sleeve, and even snored slightly.
The slight snoring sound was particularly clear during a moment of silence, attracting the attention of several ministers nearby, but they could not speak out to criticize because of the emperor's presence.
However, the more Chu Ci slept without any scruples, the more attention he attracted, and he seemed particularly out of place in the serious and tense atmosphere of the court.
The ministers who were originally arguing fiercely would look at her from time to time, with helplessness and a bit of anger in their eyes.
Finally, even Prince Li couldn't stand it anymore. He frowned at Old Master Fan and said in a low voice, "I don't think there will be any results in the short term. This stalemate is not a solution. How about you and your family go back first?"
Go back first? Then the initiative won't be back in my hands, right?
Thinking of this, Chu Ci shuddered and his sleepiness disappeared in an instant.
She immediately stood up straight, her eyes bright and determined, and said loudly, "You can go back, but I need to make one thing clear: this concerns my life. Regardless of how the corn is distributed, I have the final say and the right to order changes."
"After all, the distribution of corn seeds this time concerns the livelihoods of many people. This princess cannot sit idly by."
"If there is any injustice or irrationality in the distribution process, this princess will step forward and correct it. I hope Your Majesty and the others will agree to this."
In an instant, the expressions of the officials in the Imperial Study, including the Emperor, suddenly changed, as if they had eaten something extremely disgusting, with expressions of disgust and dissatisfaction on their faces.
Yu Zhen, who had suffered a loss at the hands of Chu Ci and his wife before, was the first to jump out.
Pointing at Chu Ci, he shouted, "Princess Yixin, don't push your luck! Court affairs are always decided by the ministers and the Emperor. How can we allow a woman like you to be so presumptuous here!"
As soon as the words came out, they immediately received support from many people: "Princess, such a major matter should be decided by the court. Your request is really excessive!"
An elderly minister stepped forward, bowed, and said, "My Lady, matters at court are complex and involve the very foundations of the nation, requiring careful consideration of numerous factors. While you may have good intentions, such decisions should be left to the court officials and His Majesty. Your rash request is truly inappropriate."
Compared with simple accusations, the accusations made by the older ministers from a moral high ground are more in line with the mentality of these people.
Immediately, another minister stepped forward. His face was serious, and he said solemnly, "Yes, Princess. The court has its own rules and regulations. A matter as important as the distribution of corn seeds concerns the people's livelihood and the foundation of the country. It should be discussed and decided by ministers who are experienced and well-versed in the national situation."
"As a woman, you should observe the virtues of a woman and take care of your husband and children in the inner house. Do not interfere too much in the affairs of the court. Otherwise, it will violate the etiquette and break the rules."
Chu Ci was burning with rage, thinking to himself: I have been stabbed in the back twice today. If I endure it any longer, I will be a living turtle.
Her eyebrows shot up, and she shouted angrily, "It was a woman like me who discovered that corn was edible and cultivated it to this level. I've devoted so much effort to this matter. Now that seed distribution is crucial to the livelihood of the people, how can I ignore it?"
Her eyebrows shot up, and she shouted angrily, "It was a woman like me who discovered that corn was edible and cultivated it to this level. I've devoted so much effort to this matter. Now that seed distribution is crucial to the livelihood of the people, how can I ignore it?"
"Princess, even so, the affairs of the court have their own rules, and it is always against etiquette for women to interfere." At this time, the Minister of Rites, who had fallen into trouble twice because of Chu Ci, finally couldn't help but stand up.
Perhaps because he had personally experienced the destructive power of Chu Ci, his accusations this time were much milder.
"Your Highness's achievements are evident to all. Your discovery of corn as edible and your promotion of its cultivation are truly remarkable."
"However, the ancestral rituals and laws have been passed down for a long time and cannot be easily abandoned."
"Women's participation in politics goes against ancient precepts and could easily lead to chaos, causing controversy and trouble. I hope the princess will prioritize the greater good and refrain from insisting on doing so. The court will properly handle the issue of corn seed distribution, weighing the pros and cons of all parties involved to ensure the well-being of the people."
Chu Ci snorted coldly: "Don't just say useless things, you also know why this princess is in urgent need of merit."
"Cause and effect, cause and effect. Everything in this world is subject to the cycle of cause and effect. If, due to your inadequate work, this princess is affected, it would be fine. But if it affects the emperor's reputation and the country, who among you can bear the responsibility for this crime?"
"This princess simply wants to do her part to ensure this matter is properly handled, yet you are obstructing her in every possible way. What is your intention?"
As soon as Chu Ci made such an accusation, the ministers who were arguing fell silent instantly. They all looked nervous and looked at each other.
The entire imperial study was filled with absolute silence, so quiet that one could almost hear everyone's nervous heartbeats.
Even the Minister of Rites, who had just angrily accused Chu Ci, lowered his head and dared not say another word.
The air seemed to freeze, and the heavy atmosphere made it difficult to breathe.
Especially the emperor, his face was extremely gloomy, as if covered with dark clouds, so dark that it seemed as if water was dripping out of it.
Prince Li secretly thought that this was not good and felt extremely regretful.
He originally simply thought that Chu Ci sleeping in the court had a bad influence, and gave some advice out of kindness, but he didn't expect that things would become so out of control.
Unfortunately, the Crown Prince was not far away, his face flushed with anxiety, and he kept gesturing to him for help, as if to say, "Uncle, please think of a solution quickly. What should I do?"
Prince Li knew very well that this matter was instigated by him, and considering the favor owed to the Crown Prince, he could not stay out of it no matter what.
So, he cleared his throat with a fake cough, stepped forward, and said, "Your Majesty, would you please listen to what I have to say?"
The emperor frowned, his heart filled with anger, but in front of so many people he had to give some face to Prince Li, the clan leader. He suppressed his anger and said, "Uncle Wang, please feel free to speak."
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