No one expected that, under the powerful rule of the new Tang emperor, a concubine would dare to appear in the court, and she was only a lowly concubine...
"Consort Nangong, you have trespassed into the imperial court; this is a capital offense..."
Grand Tutor Jiang was the first to stand up and rebuke him!
"That's inappropriate. Women interfering in politics is a major taboo for both the state and the nation. I think it's best to expel her..."
Liu Ting also stood up and echoed this sentiment!
Both Grand Tutor Jiang and Liu Ting were two extremely influential figures, with more than half of the court officials being their supporters. Their statements could even represent the will of the entire court…
“Li Qi…”
Nangong Qing merely called out the Emperor's name softly, and before the Emperor could react, the court officials couldn't hold back any longer and began to reprimand Nangong Qing...
"How dare you, a mere concubine, address the emperor by his full name..."
"Why aren't you dragging him out and beheading him? This is outrageous!"
"We beg Your Majesty to issue an edict to execute Consort Nangong, in order to uphold moral order..."
"A talented person, utterly lacking in manners, deserves to be dismissed..."
Hearing everyone criticizing him, Nangong Qing coldly snorted, his gaze sweeping over everyone. A chill rose from the bottom of each person's heart, making them realize that if they continued to speak, they might die on the spot...
Recalling certain legends, some people wisely kept quiet, but there were still some foolish ministers who recklessly courted disaster…
"By imperial decree, Nangong Qing is virtuous and kind, a model for the nation, and is hereby conferred the title of Empress of the New Tang Dynasty!"
boom!
It was like a huge rock being thrown into a calm, still lake; everyone felt as if they had experienced an earthquake. The news was truly shocking, and it came without any prior warning…
"Your Majesty, you mustn't... The position of Empress concerns the fate of the nation; how can it be decided so hastily?"
Jiang Moyan was the first to stand up and object, after all, his daughter was also a concubine, and she had coveted the position of empress for a long time, how could they just hand it over like that...
"Your Majesty, the matter of establishing an empress must be considered carefully and cannot be treated so lightly..."
Liu Ting also stood up and objected!
"Since ancient times, empresses have all come from prominent families. Consort Nangong's background is illegitimate; if she were to become empress, the world would likely be dissatisfied..."
"Indeed, such an important matter must be handled with utmost care..."
Many people spoke up, after all, this concerned the national system and their personal interests, so they couldn't easily back down...
"Grand Tutor Jiang was considered a senior statesman, with an extraordinary status and position, and was a role model for scholars throughout the land..."
Hearing Nangong Qing praise him, Grand Tutor Jiang looked smug, thinking to himself, "Go on, that's just the kind of person I am..."
"But Grand Tutor Jiang sells official positions, privately manufactures weapons and armor, and raises assassins. Is this loyalty to my New Tang Dynasty?"
Faced with Nangong Qing's direct and blunt questioning, Grand Tutor Jiang was speechless and could only stand there awkwardly, unsure of how to respond...
"Marshal Liu commands all the troops in the land, yet he practices nepotism, creating chaos and corruption within the army. He embezzles rations and pay, and falsely reports military achievements. You cannot escape responsibility for this great chaos in the land..."
Liu Ting's lips trembled with anger, but what Nangong Qing said was all true, and he couldn't refute it...
"And you, Lord Zhang, abandoned your wife and children for your own future. Your wife died of illness because of your abuse, didn't she? If your father-in-law knew about this, I wonder if he'd jump out of his coffin and strangle you, you ungrateful wretch..."
Every time Nangong Qing spoke, he exposed the ugly face of an official, leaving everyone horrified...
After she read out the charges against more than a dozen ministers, all the ministers present fell silent. After all, no one was truly innocent. This was a chaotic world, not a peaceful one. Some underhanded tactics were normal, and the emperor would turn a blind eye. Stabilizing the regime also took time…
However, their current status is entirely dependent on the New Tang Dynasty, so they must abide by its rules. The crimes that Nangong Qing just mentioned are basically enough to get these ministers executed seven or eight times over…
At that moment, Nangong Qing had already reached the steps in front of the dragon throne. She suddenly turned around and shouted loudly.
"My ministers, do I need to continue? You are all pillars of the new Tang Dynasty, yet instead of serving it loyally, you leech off it. Is this the etiquette, morality, and ethical principles you speak of?"
Upon hearing Nangong Qing's question, everyone's expression turned extremely grim, because they dared not question him any further, fearing that he would expose their past misdeeds...
They were simultaneously shocked at how Nangong Qing knew all this. They even wondered if he knew what they were wearing, as if confirming their suspicions. Nangong Qing continued,
"You don't need to question what I'm saying. I even know what underwear you were wearing this morning, and I've prepared an exact matching pair for each of you..."
After Nangong Qing finished speaking, he waved his hand, and then a line of maids entered, each carrying a tray with a pair of underwear on it...
After the maid stopped, Nangong Qing continued calmly.
"I think I don't need to say anything more. Am I qualified for the position of Empress?"
Upon hearing Nangong Qing's words, everyone's faces flushed. They never expected it to be so embarrassing, especially since some of the ministers' underwear was brightly colored, making them blush with shame and wish they could disappear into the ground. It was just too humiliating...
"Consort Nangong forcibly entered the court and used coercive means to intimidate the ministers. How can such a person be a model for the nation?"
Grand Tutor Jiang gritted his teeth and said, before casually pulling away his pink underwear. After all, it was rather disrespectful for a dignified Grand Tutor to wear underwear of such color…
"Grand Tutor Jiang, shall I also tell you about Consort Jiang, so that you may know what it means to be a model of virtue for the nation?"
After being rebuked by Nangong Qing in such a sarcastic manner, Grand Tutor Jiang dared not reply. He was unsure how much Nangong Qing knew about Consort Jiang, but whatever it was, revealing it would affect Consort Jiang's status, and consequently, the Jiang family's status...
"Since everyone has no objections, then I will accept the position of Empress..."
Seeing that no one objected, Nangong Qing continued.
"Now that the north is initially pacified, other regions are repeatedly provoked by the enemy. I stand here today to make one thing clear to all of you: anyone who contacts the foreign enemy is considered a traitor, and their entire family will be confiscated and exterminated..."
Upon hearing Nangong Qing's words, many ministers' expressions changed drastically, and their eyes became shifty...
"Someone come here..."
At Nangong Qing's command, a squad of imperial guards rushed into the main hall...
The clanging of armor echoed clearly in the silent hall, like invisible knives piercing the hearts of some, making it hard to breathe for a moment…
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
