"Emperor’s profound grace, this old servant is truly..." Master Zhuo’s heart swelled with pride, but his aged face bore a look of abject embarrassment.
Yang Mengchen approached the Emperor and Master Zhuo, with Long Xuanmo naturally not leaving his side.
Upon seeing Yang Mengchen, a flash of deep-seated hatred crossed Master Zhuo’s eyes, and he even deliberately trembled, his expression a blend of respect and a hint of fear.
Catching Master Zhuo’s hatred in his eyes, Yang Mengchen’s lips curved slightly, a fleeting sneer crossed his face, and he bowed towards the Emperor, "Reporting to Father Emperor, the whole world knows how much you cherish and honor talent. Master Zhuo has served through three dynasties and is extremely knowledgeable about state affairs. Father Emperor should not just allow Master Zhuo to retire and enjoy his remaining years; otherwise, the Imperial Court would lose a pillar of the state."
"Jiujiu speaks logically, and I was just thinking of ways to keep Master Zhuo," said the Emperor, understanding his daughter-in-law’s meaningful glance. Thus, he spoke along the lines she suggested.
Just a moment ago she had been pressing forcefully, and now she was praising him; not just Master Zhuo, but everyone was at a loss as to what Princess Chen was really driving at with her inscrutable tactics.
Standing by his wife’s side, Long Xuanmo, with pursed lips, uttered not a word, for whatever his wife said or did, he would support her with all his might.
Yang Mengchen suggested with a smile, "However, since Master Zhuo is indeed of advanced years, he might be unable to attend the morning court sessions every day. Perhaps Father Emperor could bestow a grace, allowing Master Zhuo to attend the court session every three to five days and also assign two officials to assist Master Zhuo; that way, he would not have to toil so hard;
Moreover, Ms. Zhuo has passed her seventeenth year and should bear full responsibility for disturbing the banquet; Father Emperor certainly ought to punish her severely;
As for Master Zhuo, given his busy affairs and limited energy, even if he failed to discipline his granddaughter strictly, a minor punishment would suffice to serve as a warning. Her parents, however, failed to raise their daughter properly, leading to Ms. Zhuo’s action that damaged the nation’s dignity – they should be punished severely as a deterrent to prevent similar incidents in the future;
As a subject of Dongchu and an Imperial daughter-in-law, I must strive to uphold Dongchu’s dignity and reputation, and so I offer these suggestions to Father Emperor. The final decision, of course, lies with you!"
"Jiujiu’s proposal aligns perfectly with my own thoughts!" The Emperor nodded after a moment of feigned contemplation: "I have indeed been negligent in the past. From today onward, I specifically permit Master Zhuo to attend the court session for policy discussions every five days. Fang Zhiqian and Dong Wencheng are to be appointed to assist Master Zhuo in handling state affairs. Additionally, for failing to discipline his granddaughter strictly, Master Zhuo will be fined half a year’s salary;
As for Zhuo Yulin’s parents, for failing to raise their daughter with care, they are stripped of their posts as Minister of Public Works and the Second Rank Enjoin, and they shall reflect behind closed doors;
Regarding Ms. Zhuo, for causing a public disturbance at the banquet and damaging the nation’s dignity, her crimes are unforgivable. Guards, take her to the Sky Prison to await her execution."
Long Xuanmo and Yang Mengchen both declared in unison, "Father Emperor is wise!"
Regardless of what was on everyone’s minds, they all knelt and cried out in unison, filled with both awe and fear of Princess Chen. With just a few words, she had inflicted a severe blow on the power of Master Zhuo and the Zhuo family, that too in a way that left no room for criticism. With the Emperor’s fondness and Prince Chen’s affection, she was untouchable.
Some court officials had been keen on impeaching Princess Chen for interference in politics, but unfortunately for them, Princess Chen had made it clear she was merely offering suggestions to the Emperor. Since the Emperor had expressed his agreement with the suggestions, they had no grounds to impeach her. freeweɓnovel~cѳm
Master Zhuo and his family were furious enough to spit blood, but on the surface, they had to ’sincerely and earnestly’ kowtow to express their gratitude. What could they do, no matter how aggrieved and resentful they felt in their hearts? They were the ones who had handed the handle into the Emperor’s hands. The fact that the Emperor had not taken the opportunity to exterminate their Nine Clans was already a tremendous mercy. What else could they do? Surely they wouldn’t consider usurping the throne? Even if they had the power, which they didn’t, it would be an illegitimate cause, and they would inevitably bear the infamy of traitors forever.
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