The next morning, sunlight shone through the windows of the Yangxin Palace onto Jin Linlin's face. She slowly opened her eyes and woke up from her sleep.
The room was quiet, with only the sound of breathing and the occasional footsteps of palace maids and eunuchs.
Chunxue and Qiuyu tiptoed into the bedroom, followed by a group of palace maids and eunuchs. They held the court robes carefully, fearing that any noise would disturb Jin Linlin.
"Your Majesty, you're awake," Haruyuki said softly.
"The Queen is kneeling outside. She has been kneeling for two hours. It looks like she wants to see you for something."
Jin Linlin stretched and slowly sat up from the bed. She raised her arms, and the palace maids behind her immediately stepped forward and skillfully put on her court dress.
"Let him in." Jin Linlin said lightly.
Chunxue followed the order and left. A moment later, she led Jiang Zhixu in. Jiang Zhixu's face was pale and expressionless. As soon as he saw Jin Linlin, he knelt down again.
Jin Linlin looked at Jiang Zhixu and frowned slightly.
"I'm about to go to court. Time is running out. If you have anything to say, please say it quickly. Either be brief or wait until I leave the court." Jin Linlin's voice was cold and majestic.
Jiang Zhixu lowered his head, his lips trembling slightly, as if he wanted to say something but didn't dare to speak. Finally, he mustered up the courage and spoke in a whisper:
"Your Majesty, considering my contribution this time, can you please let the third brother and his family go?"
Jin Linlin sneered, her eyes as cold as stars, staring straight at Jiang Zhixu.
"What qualifications do you have to negotiate with me?"
There was a hint of sarcasm in Jin Linlin's voice:
"Your contribution? It's just your job."
Jiang Zhixu's face became even paler. He didn't dare to look up at Jin Linlin. He just knelt on the ground, his body trembling slightly.
Jin Linlin no longer paid attention to Jiang Zhixu. She turned around and strode out of the palace, leaving Jiang Zhixu alone.
"The Queen Mother Jiang Zhixu has angered the Emperor, and he is sentenced to one year of seclusion to reflect on his mistakes. During this period, all official business will be handled by Concubine De, and no one is allowed to enter or leave Fengqi Palace." Jin Linlin's voice echoed outside the Yangxin Palace with unquestionable majesty.
Jin Linlin waved her sleeves and went to attend the morning court. Qiuyu stayed to see Jiang Zhixu back to Fengqi Palace.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty has ordered you to reflect on your actions in your own palace. I will escort you back."
Jiang Zhixu was stunned. He didn't know what was going on and was grounded by her.
Jiang Zhixu was confused and looked at Qiuyu with bewildered eyes, while Qiuyu looked helpless and secretly sighed in his heart: When will these two ancestors make things clear?
Qiuyu did not send Jiang Zhixu back to Fengqi Palace as usual, but unexpectedly took him to the side hall of the Pilgrimage Temple.
At this moment, the morning court session was underway in the Pilgrimage Hall. Jin Linlin sat upright on the dragon throne, her face irritated, her gaze fixed intently on the courtiers below.
Surprisingly, almost half of the court officials submitted petitions demanding the execution of Emperor Yanning, Cao Jiao. Prime Ministers Xinan and Jialiu were even more vocal, firmly stating that Cao Jiao's crimes were unforgivable.
"Your Majesty, Cao Jiao stabbed us in the back while we were engaged in a bloody battle against the allied forces! Not only did she hold the Crown Princess and Prince Jing hostage, she also attempted to sway the tide of battle and seize over a dozen cities from us. Such actions are truly unforgivable, and this person must not be allowed to live!"
Xinan stated Cao Jiao's crimes in a righteous manner.
Jia Liu pondered for a moment and then followed suit:
"Your Majesty, I second Lord Xi's words. Cao Jiao is treacherous and cunning. If you spare her life, I'm afraid she will betray Your Majesty again in the future."
Jialiu knew very well that the relationship between Cao Jiao and His Majesty was extraordinary. She was not only His Majesty's former good friend, but also His Majesty's sister-in-law.
However, precisely because of this, he was even more worried that if he let Cao Jiao go, she would definitely use more sinister tricks in the future and cause greater harm to His Majesty.
Jin Linlin listened to the courtiers' advice, feeling annoyed. She knew Cao Jiao had made mistakes, but she couldn't easily give up their old friendship.
What's more, in this fictional dynasty, Cao Jiao is the female protagonist and Jiang Shuyan is the male protagonist. She can't kill these two people at all, but these court officials will never let Cao Jiao go. It's really a headache.
"We will discuss this matter later. I will adjourn the court."
Jin Linlin flicked her sleeves and left angrily.
Jiang Zhixu in the side hall stared blankly at Qiuyu, but Qiuyu gave him a displeased look:
"The memorial to execute Cao Jiao has been out for almost half a month. Your Majesty has been troubled by this matter. Tell me, why don't you say something else? Why do you have to plead for Cao Jiao?"
"Your Majesty is under a lot of pressure. It's fine if you don't show any sympathy for her, but why are you forcing her like the court officials?"
Jiang Zhixu felt a surge of regret after hearing Qiuyu's words. He realized how reckless he had been, thinking only of pleading for his third brother and his wife, without considering Jin Linlin's difficulties.
"What should we do now?" he asked anxiously.
Qiuyu sighed, "We can only wait until His Majesty calms down. Then you can find a chance to explain things to Him."
At this time, Jin Linlin returned to the imperial study, sat at the table, and rubbed her temples. She knew Jiang Zhixu hadn't meant it, but her presence at this time to cause trouble only made her more upset.
Suddenly, a thought came to her mind. She remembered that Jiang Zhixu was currently under house arrest in Fengqi Palace. This thought made her feel even more depressed, and the anger in her heart became increasingly difficult to contain.
After all, the scene of Cao Jiao holding Nian Chu hostage was still vivid in his mind. The situation was so critical, and what about him? Where was he?
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
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