The next day, the Great Wu held his morning court session.
Before the sun had fully risen above the horizon, the majestic palace was already shrouded in a light morning mist, exuding an air of mystery and solemnity.
The civil and military officials were already standing in the main hall in an orderly fashion, each dressed in court attire with solemn expressions, like a group of soldiers waiting for inspection.
However, they waited for a long time but Song Xuan never appeared.
This is truly strange. You see, Song Xuan is usually the most enthusiastic about court affairs, yet he's so late today.
The ministers began to whisper among themselves, their voices rising and falling in the hall like a swarm of buzzing bees.
"Why has Your Majesty delayed attending court today?" an old minister couldn't help but ask, his voice tinged with unease.
The young official beside him also looked bewildered and said in confusion, "We've never seen anything like this before. This is truly bizarre."
Just then, the side door of the main hall slowly opened, and all eyes turned to the entrance.
Wu Yunyin was dressed in a magnificent dragon robe, on which the golden dragon embroidered seemed to be alive, baring its fangs and brandishing its claws. It shimmered in the morning light, displaying supreme majesty.
And following behind her was Chen Zhennan. Wasn't he and Wu Yunyin sworn enemies? What was he doing here?
The ministers were instantly shocked, their gazes shifting back and forth between Wu Yunyin and Chen Zhennan, unable to believe what they were seeing.
Wu Yunyin moved with graceful, delicate steps, each one seemingly touching the hearts of everyone present. She slowly turned around, her posture elegant and noble, and then sat firmly on the dragon throne, a symbol of supreme power.
The hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; the atmosphere was as tense as a taut bowstring, ready to snap at any moment.
Chen Zhennan smiled slightly and said loudly, "My lords! There is an important matter to announce at this morning's court session."
A strong sense of unease welled up in the ministers' hearts, and they stared intently at Chen Zhennan, waiting for his next words.
Chen Zhennan took a step forward, his posture as upright as a pine tree, his eyes cold and resolute.
He glanced around at the ministers present, and they involuntarily lowered their heads under his gaze.
Chen Zhennan cleared his throat and announced in a booming voice, "My lords, Song Xuan is dead. This is retribution for evil, and justice will prevail. Now, Her Majesty Wu Yunyin has once again become the emperor of our Great Wu. This is an act in accordance with the will of Heaven."
Wu Yunyin sat on the dragon throne, slightly raising her chin, a hint of smugness in her eyes.
The ministers were in turmoil upon hearing this news.
Some ministers secretly rejoiced, feeling that they had finally escaped the control of Song Xuan, that treacherous and cunning man.
Some ministers were worried, fearing that the new change of power would have adverse effects on them.
The imperial court was deathly silent. Chen Zhennan turned the tide and helped Wu Yunyin stabilize the crumbling court.
The courtiers all hung their heads, like a group of defeated roosters.
Back when Song Xuan usurped the throne, they were like reeds in the wind, siding with the treacherous Song Xuan. Now that the situation has reversed, they have slunk back to their original positions without uttering a word.
"His Majesty said that although many officials have failed in their duties in this matter, the overall situation should be taken into account, and past events will not be investigated."
Upon hearing this, Wu Yunyin was greatly displeased. These officials were all opportunists; to forgive them so easily would only make things easier for them.
But looking at Chen Zhennan's eyes, she couldn't bring herself to directly refute him, so she swallowed back the words that were on the tip of her tongue, her face so gloomy it looked like it could drip water.
"Wu Yunyin, the matter is settled, I should go now, goodbye."
After saying that, Chen Zhennan walked leisurely out of the main hall, as if he were a free spirit.
Upon seeing this, Wu Yunyin felt anxious and quickly got up and stepped forward to catch up.
She lowered her voice but spoke in a commanding tone: "Chen Zhennan, you stop right there."
Upon hearing this, Chen Zhennan found it utterly ridiculous.
Chen Zhennan stopped and turned to look at Wu Yunyin, a hint of mockery in his eyes: "Wu Yunyin, I have important matters to attend to and cannot comply. You should also know that Zhou Xiang's army and the Great Yan army both need me. Moreover, I am a traitor whom you ordered to be punished. What am I doing here?"
Upon hearing this, Wu Yunyin clenched her teeth and weighed the pros and cons in her mind.
She knew that although she had regained the throne, the court was fraught with danger, and without Chen Zhennan's help, she would not be able to hold onto the throne.
Taking a deep breath, Wu Yunyin abandoned her haughty demeanor and said almost pleadingly, "Zhennan, I know I was wrong before. It was all because of Song Xuan's silver tongue and flattery that he kept sowing discord in my ear, which led to the tragic killing of all 300,000 loyal soldiers under your command who had risked their lives for you. I am now filled with remorse, but Great Wu cannot do without you. Please stay and lend me your strength."
Upon hearing the words "300,000 troops," Chen Zhennan was instantly enraged, and the faces of his brothers flashed through his mind.
They fought side by side, charging into battle together; they were sworn brothers for many years!
Because of Wu Yunyin's suspicious and distrustful nature, 300,000 people lost their lives.
Chen Zhennan's eyes were bloodshot, like a lion about to erupt in fury. He coldly mocked, "Wu Yunyin, now you regret it? Humph, where were you before? Those dead brothers, they'll never come back!"
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