Because both of them were high-ranking officials in the court, they stood relatively close to each other. Feng Beichuan had been secretly observing Bai Yuanshan's actions and naturally saw him take something out of his pocket. So he deliberately spoke up to attract everyone's attention.
As expected, Feng Beichuan achieved his goal!
Now everyone turned their curious gazes toward Bai Yuanshan, even Emperor Xingchang on the dragon throne looked at him.
Bai Yuanshan panicked, his old face turning pale and then flushed, not knowing what to do.
He was still clutching the teaspoon tightly in his hand, as if he were clinging to his last shred of dignity.
"Bai Qing, what treasures have you hidden away? Let me see them!"
Emperor Xingchang smiled and spoke for everyone.
Upon hearing this, Bai Yuanshan's expression turned even uglier. The emperor had already spoken; how could he possibly refuse?
But if he didn't refuse, he couldn't very well take out his teaspoon and show it to everyone, could he? That would let everyone know that he had brought his teaspoon to the morning court as if it were a ceremonial tablet, which would surely make him a laughingstock.
Most importantly, it would be one thing to be laughed at, but Bai Yuanshan has always been a haughty figure in the court. Apart from Feng Beichuan and Emperor Xingchang, which other minister doesn't treat him with utmost respect? If he makes such a low-level mistake in front of everyone, wouldn't his image be completely ruined!
"It's nothing really. I just noticed my clothes weren't on properly and straightened them..."
After calming himself down, Bai Yuanshan pretended to be composed and explained that although the reason was far-fetched, it was better than being laughed at.
"Judging from your appearance, Prime Minister, it doesn't seem like you're not dressed properly. Hey, did you forget to bring something? Tsk, let me think..."
Before Emperor Xingchang could even speak, Feng Beichuan was the first to undermine him. He was waiting to see Bai Yuanshan make a fool of himself, so how could he let Bai Yuanshan escape unscathed?
As Feng Beichuan spoke, he pretended to be thinking, but the glint in his eyes revealed a cunning glint. Others might not have noticed, but Bai Yuanshan truly felt that he had been tricked.
Everyone else present began to scrutinize Bai Yuanshan because of Feng Beichuan's simple two sentences. Li Chang'an watched the show silently from the side, and couldn't help but feel curious to see what Feng Beichuan was up to.
Bai Yuanshan felt uneasy under everyone's gaze, as if these people were not looking at him but wielding sharp swords that were about to tear his clothes apart, leaving him completely naked.
"Ah, I've got it!"
Feng Beichuan suddenly slapped his forehead, feigning a flash of inspiration, then looked at Bai Yuanshan thoughtfully: "The Prime Minister didn't bring his scepter?"
This reminder enlightened the other ministers. Emperor Xingchang squinted and pondered for a moment before asking, "Minister Bai, is it as the Regent Prince said?"
Bai Yuanshan's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately stepped forward, bowed, and apologized, saying, "I left in a hurry today, and I may... I may have forgotten it at the manor..."
Since he had already been exposed, Bai Yuanshan simply went all out and openly admitted his mistake, figuring that he wouldn't be made things difficult for Emperor Xingchang given his relationship with him.
"I see. It's not a big deal. Bai Qing, please go back. Be careful next time."
Emperor Xingchang truly didn't care; he casually gave a couple of words of advice and then let the matter drop.
Now that he had received the emperor's forgiveness, Bai Yuanshan finally breathed a sigh of relief. He stepped back and stood properly, having already secretly slipped the teaspoon back into his clothes.
Seeing that the long-awaited show had fallen through, Feng Beichuan was not happy. After all, his men had been working hard until midnight yesterday. How could he let this old fox resolve the crisis so easily?
"In my opinion, our Prime Minister is perhaps getting old and forgetful. Why doesn't he take off his official robes and go back to enjoy his retirement?"
Although Feng Beichuan spoke in a calm tone, every word was clearly barbed, and the unreserved sarcasm on his face made it obvious to anyone present that he was trying to provoke trouble.
Although everyone knew the truth, no one dared to speak out. Even ministers who were on good terms with Feng Beichuan or Bai Yuanshan chose to remain silent.
After all, Feng Beichuan and Bai Yuanshan were like the left and right arms of the entire court. Although the emperor was seriously ill, Feng Beichuan controlled most of the government affairs. Bai Yuanshan had been in the court for decades and his power was deeply rooted and difficult to shake.
"you!"
Bai Yuanshan was furious. He pointed at Feng Beichuan but had no words to refute him. He was so angry that his beard flew up. In all his years as an official, he had never seen anyone dare to speak to him like this. Even if Feng Beichuan was arrogant, he couldn't overstep the emperor's bounds!
"What? I'm telling the truth. If the Prime Minister makes a mistake in a few days and delays state affairs, who will be responsible?"
Feng Beichuan spoke with absolute certainty, truly showing him no mercy whatsoever.
"I have my reasons for what happened today, yet you keep pressing me. What are you up to!"
Bai Yuanshan had reached his limit and would rather break off relations than suffer this humiliation any longer.
It's laughable that such a brat dares to try and ride on my head!
Moreover, Bai Yuanshan has an ace up his sleeve. Given his relationship with Emperor Xingchang, he wouldn't take this regent, who is several generations younger than him, seriously.
At this moment, Feng Beichuan lazily crossed his arms over his chest, quietly watching Bai Yuanshan's exasperated appearance, a cold smile on his lips, his eyes still full of mockery.
It seems the old man is really getting impatient. Feng Beichuan finds things getting more and more interesting, and he even wants to spend more time with Bai Yuanshan.
"Alright, both of you, stop arguing. The Regent was indeed being too serious today, and the Prime Minister was the same. Why get angry with a junior? You two should each take a step back and let it go!"
Emperor Xingchang stepped in at the crucial moment to smooth things over. He had thought that Bai Yuanshan's silver tongue would easily win the argument against Feng Beichuan, but he was surprised to find that he had been outmaneuvered. He had kept quiet with the intention of watching the show, but things did not go as planned.
It's truly a case of the new generation surpassing the old; even the once powerful Prime Minister Bai is now somewhat powerless to change his ways.
Since the emperor had spoken, Bai Yuanshan naturally had no objections. Besides, he couldn't be so stupid as not to realize that the emperor's words were giving him a way out. Although he was unwilling, he didn't say anything more.
After all, there's a saying that even if you don't care about the monk, you have to care about the Buddha; ultimately, you still have to give face to the emperor.
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