The next day, Taiji Hall.
Xiao Chengqi was wearing a Ming Dynasty Yellow Emperor robe, a white sash around his waist, and sitting high in the hall.
The ministers stood on both sides, and the atmosphere was solemn and majestic.
Chen Songshi was the first to step forward and propose discussions on the funeral rites of the late emperor and the coronation ceremony of the new emperor.
"...According to the old system, this matter is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Rites. The late emperor's remains will be moved and buried in the Imperial Mausoleum after 49 days. However, the country cannot remain without a ruler for a single day. According to the Imperial Astronomical Observatory, April 9th is an auspicious day. We implore Your Majesty to take good care of your health, prioritize the country, the people, and the people, and proceed with the enthronement ceremony."
Everyone secretly exchanged glances with each other.
April 9th, it’s less than ten days away.
All departments have been working overtime recently, probably because of this matter.
It was just that it was only brought up by Chen Songshi at this time.
So most people tacitly remained silent.
However, at this moment, a voice suddenly interrupted the peace.
"Your Majesty, please think twice!"
Xiao Chengqi looked at the person who spoke.
"What do you think, Lord Lin?"
Linköping stepped forward and knelt down with a serious expression.
"Your Majesty, I think there might be something wrong with this matter!"
Everyone looked over, and they had already guessed what he was going to do.
Sure enough, the next moment, he was heard saying loudly, "The late emperor has passed away, and the whole world is in mourning! As subjects, we are already heartbroken, let alone our blood relatives? The Fourth Prince is your Majesty's own blood, and now he is imprisoned, unable even to observe mourning and fulfill his filial duties. He is truly pitiful. I hope Your Majesty will show mercy and fulfill Prince Jing's final act of filial piety, no matter what mistakes he has made!"
After saying that, he slammed his head to the ground with a loud bang, and his forehead instantly turned black!
Everyone was silent, and the atmosphere became increasingly tense.
This Linköping... is really risking his life!
Who doesn’t know that Xiao Chenglin was imprisoned the day after Emperor Mu Wu passed away?
The newly crowned emperor was ruthless and without the slightest hesitation, he made it clear that he was going to get rid of him!
Despite this, Lin Xueping actually dared to speak openly for Xiao Chenglin. He was so bold!
Chen Songshi turned and glanced at him. "Lord Lin, what you said makes sense, but you seem to have forgotten what crime His Royal Highness Prince Jing was charged with. Before the late Emperor passed away, he had already spoken out, ordering Prince Jing to reflect on his mistakes. He conspired with Fan Chengzhuo and Xie Anjun and others to commit treason and collaborate with the enemy, a capital crime! Even if he were the late Emperor's son, he would be guilty of such crimes and would die! Lord Lin actually wants to send such a traitor to the Emperor to observe mourning at the late Emperor's mausoleum. Aren't you afraid that the late Emperor's spirit in heaven will also be restless?"
Lin Xueping looked up and confronted him. Although he was kneeling, his tone did not show any sign of concession.
"Lord Chen, the late emperor did issue such an imperial decree, but he also ordered a thorough investigation and search for evidence. Back then, it was just Fan Chengzhuo's one-sided account, so how could we trust it? Now, before anything is fully investigated, you've directly convicted him and denied Prince Jing even a final audience. Isn't that... inappropriate?"
The news that Xiao Chenglin was summoned into the palace and identified by Fan Chengzhuo in court had already spread.
But before everyone could react, Xiao Chenglin had already been detained.
To be honest, there is nothing wrong with what Lin Xueping said.
——All the evidence of Xiao Chenglin’s crimes has indeed not been presented yet.
"Even if Prince Jing really committed such a heinous crime, he should have followed the procedures, interrogated, investigated, and convicted, rather than acting as he did now—Lord Chen, you are not unaware of what happened outside the Chaowu Gate yesterday, are you?"
Everyone was silent.
"It seems that Lord Lin is very clear about what happened yesterday."
Tang Zhongli suddenly spoke, laughing.
"I thought Lord Lin was too busy with government affairs to care about anything else, but I never thought he knew so much."
"I'd like to be ignorant, but all the students have gathered outside the Meridian Gate, demanding an explanation. This matter has become so serious, and I'm not blind or deaf, so I can't pretend to be ignorant, right?"
Lin Xueping looked up and said, "Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance. If it is not handled properly, it will cause a disturbance. I hope Your Majesty will make a decision as soon as possible!"
As he spoke, he glanced at Tang Zhongli again.
"I also heard that yesterday, Lord Tang personally promised in front of many students that he would give them a clear explanation. How could Lord Tang go back on his word now?"
Tang Zhongli was surprised. "How could Lord Lin have guessed that I had changed my mind? Although I am old, I am still not confused. I still understand the principle of keeping my word. However, since ancient times, it is not impossible for young people to be used as pawns in a moment of impulse."
He bowed upwards, "His Majesty, having just ascended the throne, immediately opened a special imperial examination, ordering all departments to cooperate and ensure the placement of these many students. The students are all grateful for His Majesty's grace, but then something unexpected happened. I suspect... there might be someone behind the scenes."
Lin Xueping narrowed his eyes. "You mean, all this was done by Prince Jing?"
"Hey—" Tang Zhongli immediately waved his hand, "You said that! I didn't say that!"
"you!"
Lin Xueping almost jumped into the pit, feeling angry and annoyed.
However, Tang Zhongli's status was extraordinary, and he couldn't use force, so he had to turn to Xiao Chengqi again.
"This humble official is also considering the overall situation. Your Majesty, please understand!"
Xiao Chengqi looked at him and nodded.
"Master Lin's words are not without reason. This matter cannot be let go. Not only these students, but countless people across the world, I'm afraid, want an explanation from me, right?"
Chen Songshi frowned, "Your Majesty——"
Xiao Chengqi raised his hand.
"On the day the late emperor passed away, he urgently summoned me and the heir apparent of Dingbei Marquis, Chen Yanchuan, to the palace. When he announced my succession, Elder Chen, Eunuch Li, and others were also present. They can all testify to this."
The air seemed to freeze.
Not many people actually know the specific circumstances of that day.
"A few days ago, I was heartbroken, so I neglected it. Now it seems that many people feel that my position is unjust and unlawful."
Lin Xueping stammered, "I have no such intention..."
The students could make trouble as they pleased, but he could never say this directly.
"Yanchuan."
Xiao Chengqi suddenly spoke,
"Go get the late emperor's will and show it to them!"
Chen Yanchuan nodded, his voice low and deep, "Yes."
After a brief silence, everyone exploded!
"Last will!? The late emperor actually left behind a last will!?"
"How could this happen—why wasn't there any news before?"
"Didn't they say His Majesty passed away suddenly due to a serious illness? How did he still have time to write down his will? Or, or... had he already written it?"
Lin Xueping was also stunned and stood there for a long time without coming back to his senses.
——Emperor Muwu passed away so quickly, how could he have left behind a will?!
Xiao Chengqi looked at him again.
"Since Lord Lin is speaking up for Prince Jing, why not invite Prince Jing to come and identify the late emperor's authentic writing with his own eyes, so as to avoid rumors spreading that I forged the will."
"That's just right. I also have something to ask him." (End of this chapter)
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