Chapter 228 An Aura of Conspiracy
Just then, a sweet voice rang out in the court.
"Father!"
The ministers, who had been holding their breath, suddenly heard this voice. It was as if their tense emotions had been gently soothed by a hand, and they all involuntarily breathed a sigh of relief. Even Chu Yang's gloomy expression eased at this moment.
Looking back, a slender figure gracefully walked in from outside the main hall.
The figure was none other than Princess Chu Ruoyan of the New Moon. Dressed in colorful robes, she moved gracefully, as light as a beautiful butterfly, and flew to the center of the hall. In an instant, she swept away the gloomy and tense atmosphere in the court, giving people a feeling of being bathed in a spring breeze.
The ministers all subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.
Of course, some people couldn't help but frown.
When the emperor and his court officials are discussing matters, no one is allowed to enter or leave the main hall at will, let alone interrupt the court proceedings. But this princess is different. Everyone knows that she is the emperor's most beloved daughter. When she was a child, he even carried her to court to discuss politics. If she cried, even important matters of state could be temporarily put aside. Who would dare to say anything at this time?
As expected, Chu Yang was not angry at all; instead, a smile immediately appeared on his previously gloomy face: "Why are you here?"
Princess Xinyue lifted her skirt, gracefully bowed, and greeted the emperor. Then, she straightened her knees and said, "Father, you have been unable to eat or sleep well these days because of the Xingluo Granary. To share your burdens, I have specially prepared some snacks and plum wine for you. They are at Nuanwu, where you are welcome to come."
"New Moon is indeed filial, but Father Emperor—"
"Didn't Father promise Xinyue that once Xingluocang was captured, he would set aside a day to accompany her to enjoy the snow and paint? Xinyue has been looking forward to this day for so long, and finally this day of great victory has arrived. How come Father has forgotten?"
"..."
"Does the fact that the granary has been captured mean that Father's words no longer apply?"
As she spoke, she pouted and looked at the emperor on the dragon throne with a wronged expression.
Although she had a resentful expression, the beautiful Princess Xinyue still looked charming and adorable, making people feel sorry for her. Chu Yang couldn't help but laugh as soon as he saw his daughter.
He laughed as he said, "Alright, it was Father's fault. Father will accompany you to enjoy the snow now."
Having said that, he stood up, holding onto the armrest of the dragon throne.
Seeing his reaction, Wang Shaoji, who was standing to the side, immediately darkened his expression and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, if Yuwen Ye's rebellion is not dealt with in time, I'm afraid there will be endless troubles in the future!"
Upon hearing this, Chu Yang's expression darkened again.
However, before he could speak, Princess Crescent Moon, who had already stood up, said to Wang Shaoji, "Rebellion? Lord Wang, who are you saying wants to rebel?"
Wang Shaoji said, "Your Highness, I am referring to Yuwen Ye, who holds military power and relies on his merits!"
As he spoke, he repeated what he had just said.
Princess Crescent blinked her big eyes as she listened, then covered her mouth and chuckled, "General Wang is truly thoughtful, but there's one thing you seem to have overlooked."
Wang Shaoji frowned: "What is it?"
Princess Xinyue said, "The wife of the Grand General did not accompany him from the very beginning of the campaign. It was only after he set out that she saw the heavy snow that had continued for several days and worried that he would freeze to death, so she went out of the city to bring him winter clothes. Moreover, if Yuwen Ye really wanted to rebel, why did he only take his wife and not even his brothers?"
"brother?"
"Yes, the young master of the Duke of Shengguo's family is still studying in the city."
"..."
"Who rebels without even bringing their own brothers along?"
Seeing her innocent face, yet her question was delivered with such conviction, Wang Shaoji wanted to refute her, but he couldn't say much because of the emperor's face. He could only grit his teeth, and the veins on his forehead bulged out.
Seeing this, Guan Ao hurriedly said, "Yes, Your Majesty, Princess is right. If Yuwen Ye really had the intention to rebel, he should have made preparations long ago and moved his entire family out of the Eastern Capital. Why would he only take his wife? Moreover, if he wanted to rebel, he wouldn't need to follow Your Majesty's orders, focus on taking Xingluo Granary, and even send someone back with a battle report."
"..."
"Therefore, I believe that General Wang's concerns are completely unfounded. I beseech Your Majesty to make a decision!"
"..."
The main hall was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
Everyone held their breath and carefully lowered their heads.
After an unknown amount of time, Chu Yang slowly sat back down, holding onto the armrest of the dragon throne. He looked down at Guan Ao, who was covered in sweat, then at Wang Shaoji's ashen face, and at his beloved daughter's big eyes that were shining with expectation.
Finally, he raised his head and glanced outside the hall.
After a long silence, he slowly said, "Minister Wang, what you say is not without merit—"
Another deep sigh echoed in the hall, as if many people couldn't help but gasp. Guan Ao had already raised his head, looking at the emperor with some fear.
The next moment, Chu Yang said, "But the Yuwen family has been loyal and virtuous for generations. The General who assisted the state has made great contributions in conquering Xingluocang this time. I believe that I have treated him well. I think he would not disregard the voice of his elders and the lives of his family and commit the heinous act of exterminating nine generations of his clan."
Wang Shaoji's heart sank: "But Your Majesty—"
Chu Yang waved his hand, interrupting him, and said, "Let the Ministry of Personnel draft an edict to summon the Grand General of the State back to the capital—all the troops under his command shall remain to guard Xingluo Granary and need not return to the city."
"..."
"As for Yuwen Ye's execution of the military supervisor, it shall be immediately handed over to the Court of Judicial Review for deliberation. The reasons shall be ascertained, and whether it was a merit or a demerit shall be decided after the discussion!"
Wang Shaoji was about to say something when Guan Ao, who was standing beside him, knelt down and bowed his head, saying, "Your Majesty is wise!"
Other officials also knelt down, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" Hearing the surrounding voices echoing his sentiments, Wang Shaoji's face darkened, but he had nothing to say. He could only grit his teeth and kneel down, saying, "Yes."
Seeing that the matter was settled, Princess Xinyue immediately stepped forward happily, took Chu Yang's arm, and the father and daughter left the hall together. After watching the emperor and princess leave, the remaining officials also got up to leave.
Only Wang Shaoji, watching Princess Xinyue's retreating figure, revealed a sinister glint in his eyes. But the next moment, he saw a beautiful and dignified figure flash by outside the main hall.
Wang Shaoji's face immediately stiffened, and then he realized what was going on.
After a while, he turned back and looked at the figure among the officials who had been standing still and had not uttered a word.
An air of conspiracy emanated from his eyes.
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