Upon arriving at the imperial court, Xu Yuehuai presented the murderer and the evidence to Emperor Qi Hanlin, who was even more furious upon seeing the evidence before him.
He roared, "The Liu family has some nerve! They actually dared to assassinate someone I value! Guards! Seize the Liu family woman!"
At Qi Hanlin's command, the palace guards immediately seized Liu's daughter. Liu's daughter was now powerless to resist and could only surrender.
Xu Yuehuai felt no emotion as he watched the captured Liu family woman. He knew this was just the beginning; he had much more to do to uphold the dignity and interests of the royal family. The Liu family would pay a heavy price for this incident.
However, at this tense moment, a minister dressed in court robes suddenly rushed into the crowd; he was Minister Liu.
He stood fearlessly before the soldiers, his hands outstretched, as if he were building a protective wall with his own body to protect his daughter.
Kneeling before Qi Hanlin, his face was full of determination and pleading, his eyes fixed on the emperor.
"Your Majesty! This is all my fault, it has nothing to do with her! If anyone should be punished, punish me!" Minister Liu's voice was full of firmness and determination, and there was no sign of backing down in his eyes.
Qi Hanlin looked at Minister Liu, a cold smile playing on his lips. His gaze swept over Minister Liu, carrying a hint of mockery and disdain. "You really believe that I dare not deal with you?" His words were full of threat and pressure.
Minister Liu did not back down. He lowered his head and kowtowed three times forcefully. His forehead struck the hard ground with a crisp sound, as if proclaiming his determination and loyalty.
The woman from the Liu family covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face. She looked at Minister Liu, her gratitude and respect beyond words. She knew her father was protecting her in his own way, shielding her from the emperor's punishment.
Xu Yuehuai watched this scene indifferently, her eyes devoid of any sympathy or pity. She seemed to have grown accustomed to such sights; she had seen too much of the power struggles, life and death, honor and disgrace in the court.
The other ministers in the court sighed as they watched this scene unfold. They knew that Minister Liu's actions were undoubtedly a challenge to the emperor's authority, and his fate was sealed. However, they could not stand up to plead for him and could only silently pray that he would survive this ordeal.
Ministers Qin, Li, and Wu, in particular, were filled with anxiety. They feared their daughters had also committed a transgression and would become the next target of the emperor's punishment. Their eyes darted around the court, as if searching for possible protection and assistance.
Qi Hanlin looked at Minister Liu, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes. He knew that Minister Liu was a veteran of three reigns, and his loyalty and talent were highly valued by the court. However, he could not easily let go of this person who had challenged his authority.
He pondered for a moment, then finally spoke: "I see that you are a veteran of three reigns, so I hereby order you to return to your hometown."
These words struck like a bolt from the blue, instantly creating an uproar in the imperial court. Minister Liu was stunned; he couldn't believe his ears.
The other ministers exchanged glances, secretly relieved. They knew that Qi Hanlin was giving Minister Liu a way out, allowing him to leave the court with dignity.
However, this outcome was completely unexpected for Minister Liu. He had originally thought he would face even harsher punishment, perhaps even losing his life. At this moment, he felt a mix of emotions, both relief and disappointment.
He kowtowed again, his voice choked with emotion: "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty."
Then, Minister Liu slowly stood up, took the hand of the Liu family girl, and turned to walk out the door.
Liu's daughter glanced back at Qi Hanlin one last time, her heart filled with endless sorrow, but she had no choice but to let go.
Their silhouettes in the court appeared lonely and forlorn, like the desolate fall of a hero.
After this scene, the atmosphere in the court became unusually heavy. The ministers discussed amongst themselves, speculating about what would happen next.
In the spacious and brightly lit imperial court, Qi Hanlin sat upright on the dragon throne, his gaze as deep as an abyss as he surveyed the assembled officials below. His golden dragon robe shimmered brilliantly in the candlelight, seemingly adding to his imposing presence.
His gaze revealed a deep contemplation, as if he were weighing how to solidify his throne and authority.
Qi Hanlin's voice was steady and powerful, echoing in the court: "The four kingdoms are not yet at peace, and I have no intention of expanding my harem at this moment." Although his words were calm, they revealed an undeniable firmness.
Upon hearing this, the ministers immediately responded in unison, "Yes—!" Their voices were perfectly synchronized, demonstrating their absolute loyalty to Qi Hanlin.
They understood that Qi Hanlin was using a feigned retreat as a pretext, citing the instability of the four kingdoms as a warning to those with ulterior motives.
Standing in a corner of the court, Xu Yuehuai witnessed Qi Hanlin's majesty and decisiveness at this moment, and couldn't help but feel proud of him.
She knew that Qi Hanlin had grown into a true emperor, and he knew how to use power and wisdom to consolidate his position.
Seeing that the ministers were so obedient, Qi Hanlin nodded in satisfaction, then rose and left the court. His steps were steady and powerful, as if he were carrying the weight of the entire nation on his shoulders.
Xu Yuehuai watched his retreating figure, her heart filled with admiration and satisfaction.
After leaving the court, Qi Hanlin did not return to the inner palace, but instead went to the Imperial Garden. The scenery there was pleasant, and the fragrance of flowers brought him a sense of peace and relaxation.
He strolled among the flowers, admiring the blooming blossoms, as if pondering how to better govern the country.
Xu Yuehuai returned to the inner palace. She went into her chambers, took off her magnificent palace robes, and changed into a light dress. She sat by the window, looking at the bright pear blossoms outside, her heart filled with longing and anticipation for Qi Guze.
At this moment, Qi Hanlin was no longer the young emperor who had just ascended the throne; he had gradually shown the majesty and wisdom of an emperor.
Xu Yuehuai also looks forward to witnessing the prosperity of the country together with Qi Guze in the future.
As evening fell, the evening mealtime in the palace was always exceptionally quiet and solemn. Xu Yuehuai, Xiaolian, and Qi Hanlin sat around an exquisite dining table, which was laden with delicious and visually appealing dishes.
The light from the palace lanterns cast soft shadows on their faces, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
Xiao Lian's expression held a hint of coquettishness and curiosity. She gently tapped the rim of her bowl with her chopsticks, looking at Xu Yuehuai and Qi Hanlin as if waiting for something.
"Good! If I hadn't overheard the palace maids talking about what happened in court today, I wouldn't have known that you two had done so many things behind my back."
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