Xinan fully agreed with His Majesty's point of view. He believed that it was inappropriate for the imperial edict to change every day. This would not only damage His Majesty's majesty, but also make the people question the credibility of the court.
As for Jia Liu, Xia Heng, and Mo Ren, they were all former subordinates of the Zhenguo Mansion and had close ties with Jiang Zhixu. In this situation, it was naturally inconvenient for them to speak on Jiang Zhixu's behalf to avoid causing unnecessary trouble.
Jin Linlin had actually been thinking in her heart, "Just go! Why come back?"
However, she didn't say this out loud after all, but just looked at Jiang Zhixu expressionlessly, as if waiting for his explanation.
"Queen, do you have anything else to say?"
Jin Linlin's voice was calm and indifferent, making it difficult to understand her true thoughts.
Jiang Zhixu stared blankly at Jin Linlin's expressionless face, a feeling of despair welling up in his heart. He sighed, realizing that he might not have much room for maneuver.
"Your Majesty, I have indeed committed a grave error this time. I beg Your Majesty to allow me to remain in the palace. I ask for nothing more than a chance to reform myself."
Jiang Zhixu's tone was almost pleading. He hoped that Jin Linlin would give him a chance because of their past relationship.
However, Jin Linlin remained unmoved:
"Since your heart is no longer here, there is no need for me to force you to stay."
All the officials present held their breath, nervously awaiting His Majesty's order. The entire palace was dead silent, with only Jiang Zhixu's nearly desperate pleading echoing.
Jin Linlin slowly raised her hand, her slender fingers gently stroking her temple, as if she had a headache. After a while, her tightly closed eyes finally slowly opened, and at that moment, her gaze was as cold as a star.
"Decree, Queen Jiang Zhixu has no respect for the emperor and disobeyed the order to let the criminal Cao Jiao and Jiang Shuyan go. This behavior is truly a heinous crime!
However, he made great achievements on the battlefield of the Allied Forces and delivered the imperial seal to me. This contribution cannot be ignored.
Therefore, since your merits and demerits are equal, you may be spared the death penalty, but you cannot escape the punishment of living! I will now depose Jiang Zhixu Junhou from her position, demote her to a commoner, and forbid her to ever set foot in Cangwu City again!"
As the imperial edict was read out, the hall suddenly exploded in uproar.
Jiang Zhixu was struck by lightning and his body shook violently. If the servant beside him had not been quick to support him, he would have fallen to the ground.
His face was filled with astonishment, and he looked at the arrogant Jin Linlin in disbelief. His lips were trembling, but he seemed to have lost all his strength and could not make a sound.
Seeing this, Xinan frowned tightly. Although he felt that Jiang Zhixu's behavior was indeed inappropriate, he never expected that His Majesty would be so decisive.
Jia Liu, Xia Heng, Mo Ren and others clenched their fists. They were helpless about Jiang Zhixu's situation, but they couldn't say much in this hall.
Jiang Zhixu took a deep breath, suppressed the pain in his heart, and slowly knelt down. His voice was unusually hoarse: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for not killing me."
This short sentence seemed to have exhausted all his strength. His eyes were dim, the former spirit had long disappeared, and his once handsome face now looked extremely haggard.
Upon seeing this, all the officials lowered their heads, not daring to look directly at the once glorious king and queen who was now in such a miserable state.
Jin Linlin looked at Jiang Zhixu kneeling on the ground, feeling mixed emotions, but her face remained indifferent.
"Execute immediately." She said coldly.
The guards stepped forward and escorted Jiang Zhixu away. Jiang Zhixu looked back at the palace as he took each step, as if saying goodbye to the past.
After his figure disappeared outside the hall, Jin Linlin closed her eyes.
The officials did not show any special emotion towards Jiang Zhixu's imperial edict. However, when they heard that the imperial seal had been taken into the hands of His Majesty, they all seemed extremely excited.
"Your Majesty, where is the Imperial Seal now? Would you please allow me to have the honor of seeing it?"
One of the ministers finally couldn't suppress his curiosity and asked loudly.
Jin Linlin slowly opened her eyes, her gaze swept across the officials in the court, and finally landed on the minister who asked the question.
"The Imperial Seal is a treasure of our dynasty, so how can we show it to others so casually? However, since you are so eager, Chunxue, please go and fetch the Imperial Seal so that you can have a look."
Although Jin Linlin's voice was not loud, it was clearly audible in the silent court.
Chunxue accepted the order and quickly turned and left. Not long after, she returned to the court holding a brocade box.
Chunxue carefully placed the brocade box on the table in front of Jin Linlin and gently opened the lid. Instantly, a warm breath filled the air, drawing the attention of all the officials.
The imperial seal lay quietly within its brocade box, radiating a soft luster as if imbued with boundless mystical power. The dragon carved into the seal was so lifelike it seemed poised to soar into the heavens.
All the officials stretched their necks, hoping to get a better look. Their eyes were filled with curiosity and awe, as if the imperial seal was not only a precious treasure, but also a symbol of power and majesty.
Under the gaze of the crowd, Jin Linlin stretched out her delicate hand, gently picked up the imperial seal, and then slowly placed it on the table. Although this series of actions seemed simple, they revealed a solemnity and awe.
Seeing this, all the officials came to their senses. They realized their previous gaffe and couldn't help but smile awkwardly. Afterwards, everyone returned to their seats, and the atmosphere in the court gradually returned to calm.
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