After everyone was gone, the emperor sat in the imperial dragon chair for a long while, then suddenly asked Gu Li, who was adding tea to him: “What do you think I should do?”
Gu Li has served the emperor for many years and knows his temperament. Prince Jin was the emperor’s successor to the throne, and Prince Jin has never disappointed the emperor. He did a good job. He has both civil and military skills, political integrity, and ability. He also has numerous military contributions. Hundreds of civil and military officials have no objection to him. Many ordinary citizens admired him. Prince Jin was indeed the best candidate for the heir to the throne.
On the other hand, unlike Prince Jin who lived outside the palace since he was a child, Prince Xiao grew up in the palace. He grew up receiving the favor and the heart of the emperor. The emperor really loved this son.
Therefore, even knowing that the sudden disappearance of Prince Jin was inseparable from Prince Xiao, the emperor became angry, but still suppressed the matter.
And regardless of the matter of the Jin Country’s envoy. It was obvious that Prince Xiao wanted to frame Prince Jin, but the emperor pretended to be deaf and dumb, which already made Prince Jin very dissatisfied.
Plus this time… …
Gu Li said: “The emperor, this old slave doesn’t understand any major national affairs. This old slave only knows that if Prince Jin and Master Dongfang didn’t see you take action, I’m afraid it will affect his majesty.”
The emperor closed his eyes and refused to speak.
Gu Li thought for a while and then said: “The emperor, although Prince Xiao was wrong in this matter, he was not the mastermind, you can ignore him. But if the empress is not punished, I’m afraid it will be difficult to explain this matter to Prince Jin and Master Dongfang.”
The emperor suddenly opened his eyes and said angrily: “Explain? What to explain? I am the emperor. Whatever I do, why should I explain to them?”
Gu Li held the teapot in silence and withdrew.
He knew that even though the emperor had a sharp tongue, he would do it in the end.
As long as it will not affect his son, everything can be easily said and done.
Not long after, the emperor made a decree to deprive the empress of controlling the harem, and she was not allowed to get outside the Qingan Palace without the emperor’s order.
This news soon reached Dongfang Mu’s ears. However, it still didn’t dispel his anger. Those people repeatedly designed his granddaughter. Do they think that he was now old and useless?
The next day in the palace hall, a dozen ministers joined forces and brought out matters of Prince Xiao, from political to trivial matters.
The emperor lost his face. He couldn’t help but glare at the civil and military officials coldly. His heart was filled with anger.
Do these people want to rebel?
He has severely punished the empress, was it still not enough? They still want him to punish Chu Feng?
Prince Jin said that he was sick and would not go to court. Dongfang Mu also refused to enter the palace. What do they mean by this? Are they trying to put pressure on him?
*
Bai Zhi originally wanted to go out and enter the palace, but was stopped by Dongfang Mu: “Don’t go.”
Bai Zhi was puzzled: “Why?”
“What is the palace, haven’t you seen it yet? What are you going to do there?” Dongfang Mu was furious.
Bai Zhi smiled and said: “With you and Hu Feng here, what am I afraid of? Besides, isn’t the empress confined?” The empress was confined and she was far in the Imperial Hospital. Imperial Concubine Shu would also help her. There was nothing to worry about.
Dongfang Mu shook his head: “You are too naive. She is the empress. She has been in the harem for many years. Do you think she has no means to come back? So what if she is confined, do you think because of this she cannot do anything? What more, the Empress Dowager is on her side, have you forgotten about it? I don’t know what trouble is waiting for you in the palace if you go there. Don’t forget, I have a different surname from them. If something happens to you in the palace, do you think I can go there right away?”