Chapter 178 Resonance: Getting Through A Hair-Raising Experience Without Mishap (1/2)

Marry the Tenth Princess? Or accept the crime of deceiving the monarch?

Majority of the officials felt that the Emperor had put Situ in a terrible dilemma.

While the First Prince and Gan Qingjia were spurning the Emperor's despicable means in their heart, they were worried that Situ's reaction would be too brazen. Due to their constant trust in Situ, they naturally felt that Situ could solve this issue impeccably. It was only a question of what kind of stratagem he was going to deploy.

What they were unable to deny was that Situ's meritorious achievements had indeed reached a stage where it would cause the Emperor to feel threatened. He had already made a name for himself when he was young and he had an ill.u.s.trious family background with ten thousand troops paying homage to him. With these achievements, one could easily conceive ill notions and start to concoct egotistical thoughts in their heart. However, this hadn't happened in Situ's case. He yearned for freedom and liked to gallop on the battlefield. He longed for a carefree and unfettered lifestyle, but he was also aware of his responsibility to defend his country.

However, the Emperor didn't think in this manner. Seeing this scene unfold, the First Prince was puzzled for a moment. If he were to attain that supreme position, would he become like his Imperial Father and be mistrustful of Situ?

This appalling thought only lasted for a moment before it was interrupted by Chamberlain Feng who stood forth.

When Chamberlain Feng was done presenting his long speech neither obsequiously nor superciliously, the main hall sunk into a brief moment of silence.

No one expected for Chamberlain Feng to actively get himself involved in this predicament. Chamberlain Feng had been always loyal to the Emperor. He'd never formed factions nor committed a crime but he was ultimately drawn into the tumultuous struggle for the position of the Heir. What would the Emperor think of this?

The Emperor was no longer the same gentle person. He glared fixedly at Chamberlain Feng for a long while before he abruptly burst into laughter, causing everyone's heart to tremble in fear.

“Since this is the case…someone, come!”

Like the rest in the main hall, Situ cast a worried look at Chamberlain Feng.

The cruel and blood-thirsty smile at the Emperor's face hadn't faded as he commanded, “Someone come, go to the Feng Residence and the Duke of Anping's Residence to check if the so-called marriage certificate and betrothal gifts are there.”

Someone immediately came forth to accept the decree and left the Imperial Palace.

Then, the hall fell into heavy silence again.

Chamberlain Feng didn't waver at all as he stood there deferentially.

Feng Luodi's temperament was very similar to Chamberlain Feng's to a certain extent. Situ thought.

“The result will naturally be announced later.” The Emperor's expression returned to one of indifference afterwards. Meanwhile, the officials present were still somewhat dazed, unable to adapt to the rapid change in the Emperor's mood.

“Let's proceed and review the matter of the First Prince supervising the nation now.” The Emperor's next words shocked everyone once again.

“I just heard that someone was dissatisfied with the First Prince's deportment. As for supervising the nation, the princes can take turns. Since the First Prince did it incorrectly, we can let the Eleventh Prince take over.”

The First Prince was dumbfounded for a split second, but he instantly recovered and returned to his composed self after hearing Situ cough from behind. He behaved as if he was ready to accept the Emperor's punishment then and there. The Emperor clearly stated a moment ago that he would hand over everything for him to handle. Yet, only a short moment had pa.s.sed and he had already gone back on his words. When had his Imperial Father who always placed importance on his prestige become like this?

As expected, his Imperial Father still doted on the Eleventh Prince the most.

Sorrow welled up in the First Prince's heart at this thought.

The expression of the officials who were in support of the Eleventh Prince instantly brightened at the mention of this. One by one, they started recommending the Eleventh Prince for the role of supervising the nation. They even uttered words like 'bringing good luck to the Xuan Kingdom.”

On the other hand, the matter of the First Prince causing numerous issues to occur when supervising the nation was raised. Those issues were clearly natural disasters and man-made calamities that couldn't have been foreseen. Yet, all the blame was pushed on the First Prince.

Situ noticed the strange expression in the recesses of the Emperor's eyes and he nodded his head at the Minister of the Right, who'd looked over with his head lowered.

The Minister of the Right immediately stepped forward before Gan Qingjia could do so. This made Gan Qingjia slightly at a loss. Didn't his Father-in-law say that, unless it was absolutely necessary, he wouldn't let His Majesty find out that he is in the First Prince's faction?

The Minister of the Right didn't bother about the doubts in Gan Qingjia's heart at this moment. He spoke loud and clear, “Your Majesty is wise and brilliant. It is the fortune of the officials and the commoners that Your Majesty is thinking on our behalf. Ever since spring, the Xuan Kingdom has been fraught with unceasing disasters and caused the commoners to worry. Lamentably, Your Majesty became ill in bed due to this, yet Your Majesty still attends the court a.s.sembly to enforce laws and discipline in the imperial court. I find this very admirable. Furthermore, everyone is aware that ever since the First Prince has supervised the nation, his governance for all the various regions is methodical. Even though the disasters didn't cease, there were also not many insurrections that made Your Majesty worry. I think that the First Prince's errors aren't serious to the point that his power to supervise the nation should be revoked. I hope Your Majesty could think twice before making an adjudication.”

This was considered as declaring his standing in a disguised manner. Many officials who were secretly waiting to watch a good show thought: An astute person like the Minister of the Right also had his moments of muddledness. Stating his opinion clearly like this when His Majesty had a change in mind…he was simply reckless and courting death.

The Emperor pondered in silence for a moment before he unhurriedly said, “It looks like the Minister of the Right is on the First Prince's side and you're doubting my decision.”

His fluttering and unhurried tone kept everyone on tenterhooks.

The Minister of the Right remained calm and collected amidst the heavy atmosphere.

“Your Majesty has absolute authority in this matter. I am naturally on Your Majesty's side. What does Your Majesty think?”

The Emperor chucked and then s.h.i.+fted his gaze towards the Minister of the Left.

“Minister of the Left, what are your thoughts?”

The Minister of the Left also imitated the Minister of the Right and showed that he was leaving all the decision-making to the Emperor.

Without waiting for the Emperor's gaze to sweep over, the Imperial Censor immediately waved his sleeves and said with a peaceful and dignified smile, “It's totally up to Your Majesty to make the decision.”

Seeing this scene unfold, Gan Qingjia suddenly realised that there were many things in court that he couldn't comprehend thoroughly yet. The officials' equivocal att.i.tude made it seem like they were standing on the Emperor's side but then again not.

The energetic officials, who were ardently supporting the Eleventh Prince a moment ago, said no more after this. After all, no matter what they proposed, in the end, it was the Emperor who had the final say.

“This matter will be discussed again next time.”

The Emperor's words made some people worried and some people delighted.