Li Chang'an couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. The ball had been kicked around and around, but in the end it rolled right under his feet.
"Even if... even if I have no evidence, it is common knowledge that the two of you are colluding!"
Bai Yuanshan finally lost his temper. He angrily pointed at Feng Beichuan and Li Chang'an as if he had witnessed their actions firsthand.
Good heavens, even a cornered dog will jump over the wall. When you push this old man too far, he starts throwing mud at people!
Li Chang'an's face darkened further, and her hand involuntarily reached for the dagger at her waist. If she could, she really wanted to rush up and cut off this guy's tongue.
"I sincerely wish to marry the princess, so how can there be any talk of collusion?"
Feng Beichuan's expression was also somewhat displeased. This person actually dared to use collusion to tarnish his feelings for Li Chang'an, which was truly despicable!
"If he didn't have a purpose, how could a dignified regent possibly marry a woman like this... like this?"
In his haste, Bai Yuanshan almost let slip what he was about to say, but luckily he realized it and quickly changed his words to a more tactful one.
What kind of woman our general is is none of your business!
A strong voice suddenly came from outside the hall. Before the voice had even finished speaking, Deputy General Sun walked in aggressively.
"This humble general pays his respects to Your Majesty!"
After giving a proper bow, Deputy General Sun stood up and walked to Li Chang'an's side, standing in front of her as if protecting his own.
He waited outside for a long time, and when he heard the commotion in the court, he became anxious and finally forced his way in.
Who are you?
Emperor Xingchang's expression changed, and he loudly questioned, "I can't believe someone dared to force their way in! This is utterly lawless!"
"Your Majesty, I am the general's deputy. I acted hastily in this emergency, and I beg Your Majesty to calm your anger."
Vice Principal Sun truly lived up to his reputation as a seasoned veteran, showing no fear or hesitation when meeting the emperor.
Everyone was shocked. This person was incredibly bold. They never expected that Li Chang'an had such a hidden talent under his command.
"What do you mean by 'acting swiftly and expediently'?"
Emperor Xingchang was not in a hurry to arrest and convict the man. Instead, he was curious and wanted to see how the man would explain himself. He also wanted to see just how capable the people under Li Chang'an were.
"I just overheard the words of the officials outside the hall and I truly feel that our general has been wronged."
Lieutenant General Sun felt indignant when he talked about the nonsense he had just heard.
“Our general and his men brave the elements and win battle after battle, and you people not only show no gratitude, but also look at our general with prejudice!”
Deputy General Sun pointed at the noses of those ministers, his emotions running high. He didn't even know how he managed to hold back from swearing.
Normally, he would have gone up and kicked each of those old men who were talking without any sense of responsibility.
Seeing that no one spoke, Deputy General Sun became more and more excited, pointing at Bai Yuanshan with a contemptuous look: "If you think that our general is not worthy of participating in national affairs like ordinary women, then I suppose that with the Prime Minister's abilities after serving in the court for so many years, he can definitely quell the war himself, without needing our general to take action!"
"Anyway, this humble general still feels sorry for our general. She could have lived a good life as a princess, but she insisted on suffering so much in the military camp. Now, it's perfect, there's a successor!"
It has to be said that Deputy General Sun's mouth is exceptionally sharp. He made Bai Yuanshan blush with embarrassment in just a few words, and his choice of words was so incisive that he even used the phrase "there is a successor" as if Li Chang'an were Bai Yuanshan's elder.
A smile appeared in Feng Beichuan's eyes. She looked at Deputy General Sun, this burly man, with new respect. He was indeed a capable person by her side. It seemed that her efforts had not been in vain.
Bai Yuanshan was rendered speechless by the barrage of retorts. The usually eloquent Prime Minister Bai was rarely so thoroughly refuted.
The other ministers present exchanged glances without saying a word. Vice General Sun's meaning was very clear: if anyone had objections, then whoever was capable should take the lead, and no one should complain after getting the benefits.
This group of people are filled with suspicion and ridiculous arrogance, and their bellies are full of wicked schemes that cannot be exposed. After years of indulging in a life of drinking and feasting, how could they possibly be fit for the battlefield? They would probably struggle to even carry their weapons.
“What Vice General Sun said is exactly what I was thinking. If anyone still has objections, or even goes so far as to smear me and the Regent, then it is mainly because I am ruthless in my actions.”
Every word Li Chang'an said was precious.
"Or, you can challenge me to a duel. If you win, I will be completely convinced and leave the military camp. I will never set foot in the court again."
After uttering these harsh words, Li Chang'an patted Deputy General Sun on the shoulder, whispered a thank you to him, and then let him leave.
Emperor Xingchang had not anticipated such an uncontrollable turn of events, but he was powerless to stop it. The civil officials, let alone issuing a challenge to Li Chang'an, would likely be driven mad by the harsh conditions of the military camp.
A sense of dejection suddenly welled up in his heart. Emperor Xingchang had originally planned to join forces with Prime Minister Bai Zuanshan to severely impeach Li Chang'an, and perhaps even suppress Feng Beichuan as well. Then he could openly take back some of the power, thus securing his future in the struggle. But he never expected that all his efforts would be in vain.
Emperor Xingchang was seething with anger and had no intention of punishing Deputy General Sun for trespassing into the main hall, so he let the man swagger out.
He now only feels a tightness in his chest, as if there is a pent-up feeling of anger stuck there, which he can neither expel nor release.
So he wearily waved his hand, and the head eunuch understood, immediately shouting in a shrill voice: "If you have something to say, speak up; if not, leave the court!"
Bai Yuanshan also left indignantly. Today, he was actually speechless because of a lackey of Li Chang'an. For this prime minister who always thought he was superior to others, this was a major stain on his official career!
I will not rest until I avenge this humiliation!
Li Chang'an was in a good mood. She was stunned by Vice General Sun's long speech. She never expected that when it came to reasoning, Vice General Sun was really unambiguous.
However, there was one thing that puzzled her greatly: how did Deputy General Sun manage to break into the main hall? This place was different from other places; the guards outside were not to be trifled with. If any conflict occurred, it would surely alert the Imperial Guards, and the result would definitely be death or injury.
Lost in thought, Li Chang'an suddenly felt a hand gently touch her shoulder. She immediately dodged to the side, instinctively reaching out to strike the other person's face. But as soon as she made her move, her wrist was firmly gripped by the other person.
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