The palace walls were majestic, towering into the clouds, like an insurmountable barrier, shutting out the noise and chaos of the outside world. Standing beneath those magnificent walls, Rong Ning felt a strange sense of resistance welling up inside her; she truly did not want to step through that gate.
She has always cherished freedom and disliked any form of rules and constraints; however, fate always has its unexpected twists.
Eunuch Qi was already patiently waiting at the palace gate.
His smile was like the warm and gentle spring sunshine. He stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Highness, Your Highness, this old servant has been ordered by His Majesty to escort you both to the Taiji Hall to meet His Majesty."
The Crown Prince nodded slightly and replied politely, "Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch Qi!"
Despite being the future heir to the throne, he still maintained the necessary respect for this confidant of his father.
Even the Crown Prince had to give Eunuch Qi some respect in the palace, because his influence was not to be underestimated.
The palace servants had already prepared the sedan chair. The Crown Prince and Rong Ning slowly boarded it, and the sedan chair bearers steadily lifted it, heading swiftly towards the Taiji Hall.
Rong Ning sat in the sedan chair, her mind filled with countless thoughts.
It has been a full three months since I left.
In these three months, she experienced and reflected a lot.
Now, standing at the entrance of the Taiji Hall again, that familiar feeling has returned, as if the fighting spirit that had once been dispirited on the way has been rekindled with her return.
Outside the Taiji Hall, Rong Ning took a deep breath, straightened her clothes, and prepared to see the emperor.
The Crown Prince was a little worried and reminded her in advance, "A-Ning... talk things out later, don't upset your father so easily!"
The Crown Prince's tone carried a hint of worry. He knew Rong Ning's straightforward nature well; once she got emotional, she was prone to saying things that would displease her father.
Rong Ning smiled gently. She knew the Crown Prince's worries, after all, her straightforward nature was well-known both inside and outside the palace.
She nodded, indicating that she would be mindful of her words and actions.
After all, she wasn't some vicious, unreasonable person.
She simply hoped that the matter would be handled fairly, and that those officials who violated the law and regulations would be punished as they deserved.
"Let's go..."
Rong Ning urged him to leave quickly, because as a princess, she couldn't openly walk in front of the Crown Prince in front of her father, the Emperor.
This is a rule in the palace, and it also shows respect for imperial authority.
Inside the Taiji Hall, which was resplendent in gold and green, the emperor sat on the dragon throne, holding a memorial in his hand with a serious expression. It seemed that the memorial contained nothing good.
There was no one else in the main hall; it must have been cleared out specifically to wait for the two of them to return.
Rong Ning and the Crown Prince knelt down together and said in unison, "Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."
Their voices echoed in the empty hall, sounding exceptionally solemn.
The emperor nodded slightly, indicating that they should rise.
The Crown Prince stood respectfully to the side, while Rong Ning silently recited the Crown Prince's reminder in her heart, trying her best to keep her tone calm.
“Father…” Rong Ning placed the large box in her hand on the emperor’s desk. “This is the evidence I collected during my time in the North regarding the prefect’s illegal occupation of land, embezzlement, bribery, and… the sale of military equipment. The scope is extremely wide, and I dare not make a decision on my own. Therefore, I have brought the prefect back to the capital for trial. He has been imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice’s jail and awaits Father’s judgment.”
Her voice was calm, but her tone revealed firmness and determination. She knew that this evidence was enough to bring those corrupt officials to justice, and she awaited her father's fair judgment.
The emperor nodded slightly, his gaze sharp as he examined the files and evidence in the large box.
His eyes revealed a profound wisdom, as if he could see through all conspiracies and schemes. His fingers gently brushed the edges of the files, as if sensing the story and weight behind each piece of evidence.
He pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke, "A-Ning, you have done very well. My empire needs someone as insightful and daring as you."
You possess not only keen insight but also the courage to defy authority, which is commendable. However, this matter involves far-reaching implications, and I must carefully consider it before acting rashly.
His voice echoed in the spacious hall, each word sounding exceptionally heavy.
Knowing that this would be the case, Rong Ning was prepared, so she was not in a hurry. She simply lowered her head and replied, "Your subject understands. The Crown Prince has told me many times that this matter is of great importance, and I am well aware of the implications. We must not be too hasty."
But I also believe that justice will ultimately prevail over evil, and Your Majesty's wise decisions will surely restore justice to the people.
Her voice, though gentle, was full of determination and conviction.
The emperor stood up, walked to the window, looked at the palace walls outside, and said in a heavy voice, "I will immediately order a thorough investigation into this matter and punish those responsible severely."
But you must also remember that the political landscape in the imperial court is ever-changing. You must maintain your integrity, but also learn to weigh the pros and cons and protect yourself.
His gaze seemed to pierce through the palace walls, reaching into a distant place filled with countless challenges and unknowns.
Rong Ning respectfully replied, "Your subject will remember your teachings, Father. No matter how arduous the road ahead may be, your subject will certainly live up to your mission, share your burdens, and seek happiness for the people."
Her voice was full of determination and courage. She knew that her responsibility was great, but she also understood that only through unremitting efforts and wisdom could she realize her ideals.
The emperor turned around, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes, "Having a daughter like you is my good fortune, and a blessing for the whole world."
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