"In truth, such matters should be handled with both leniency and severity. If you do not investigate, the Emperor will be unsettled, and this indeed concerns the law. If you do investigate, the Empress Dowager's approval will surely be impossible to obtain. Should the Emperor and Empress Dowager's mother-son relationship break down, it would not be putting the Emperor in a difficult position. Therefore, following Leng Yue's suggestion, both leniency and severity should be applied."
"How would one apply both leniency and severity?"
Shangguan Yao's interest was piqued. He fixed his gaze on Leng Yue. Lan Qinglun had begun to understand Leng Yue's underlying meaning, his eyes shining brightly. It seemed Leng Yue had indeed helped them.
"It is very simple. The Emperor could severely punish Lord Ye Siyuan, but he could also elevate Consort Zhao Yuan's position. With this punishment and reward, he can act with discretion. Perhaps the Empress Dowager would still cause a scene, but this depends on how the Emperor views it. If he values the imperial court, this is how it should be done. If he values familial affection, then naturally, it is another matter."
After Yun Xiao finished speaking, she fell silent. In truth, her suggestion was the best for the current situation. Punish Ye Siyuan severely, strip the Ye family of their military power, but elevate Ye Suxue's consort position, making her the mistress of the central palace.
Even if Ye Suxue became the Empress, with the Ye family powerless, she could not stir up trouble.
By doing so, even if the Empress Dowager was furious, it would not lead to a complete break with the Emperor; otherwise, their mother-son bond would surely be severed.
The Empress Dowager had been a force in the court for so many years, and the Ye family was her deeply rooted branch. It would not be easy for the Emperor to move against them.
The grand hall was silent. No one spoke. Lan Qinglun and Zi Chan looked at the Emperor, awaiting his decision.
Shangguan Yao's handsome features were filled with a cold, murderous glint in his eyes. His brows were slightly furrowed, as if he were calculating the advantages and disadvantages.
This was, in fact, an opportunity for him. He had long wanted to reclaim the Ye family's military power for his own use. But could this Lan Qinglun truly be trusted? Would he be a capable aide in the future?
Shangguan Yao's doubt alerted Lan Qinglun. This man did not yet trust him, so he needed to make a greater effort.
Lan Qinglun fell to his knees with a thud. "Your Majesty, this minister believes this matter should be resolved peacefully. If this causes discord between Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager, then I deserve a thousand deaths."
"Then how do you think Lord Ye Siyuan should be punished?"
Shangguan Yao narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Lan Qinglun kneeling on the ground. A sharp, discerning gaze pierced through Lan Qinglun's face, as if trying to see his true intentions.
Lan Qinglun quickly replied, "Your Majesty could fine Lord Ye one year's salary, and additionally, transfer Lord Ye to serve in another location."
His intention was the military power, and this was also what Shangguan Yao was considering. Why shouldn't he follow this lead? Although he very much wished for Lord Ye Siyuan to be severely punished, was it suitable for him to handle it at this moment? Unless?
Lan Qinglun's gaze, filled with a hidden light, fell upon Zi Chan. Zi Chan, having heard the implied meaning in his words, was nearly driven mad. Abandoning her usual calm and dignified demeanor, she cried out sharply.
"Lord Lan, what do you mean by this? It turns out that officials protect each other. It is true. It is only hateful that this humble woman was foolish enough to trust someone."
With Zi Chan's cry, she suddenly leaped into the air, heading straight for the bronze pillar in the center of the hall.
At this moment, Yun Xiao was closest to her. She immediately sprang forward, blocking Zi Chan's path. However, Zi Chan's resentment ran deep, and her strength was formidable. She did not stop due to Yun Xiao's interception. Instead, both of them collided with the bronze pillar.
However, their momentum had already slowed, and upon impact with the bronze pillar, they fell straight down.
Yun Xiao's delicate eyebrows creased in pain. She had not expected Zi Chan to have such martial arts skill. Caught off guard and not employing her full strength to resist, she suffered this blow. She felt a discomfort in her chest, but it was not a serious injury.
At this moment, a blur of light flashed through the hall. A figure floated to her side and beside Zi Chan, anxiously asking, "How are you? Are you alright?"
Shangguan Yao's urgent voice rang out, showing his concern for the person who had hit the pillar. Yun Xiao curled her lips into a slight smile.
It seemed Shangguan Yao truly favored Zi Chan, to be so concerned when she hit the pillar.
Who would have thought that Shangguan Yao would abruptly pull Zi Chan away without showing her any concern? Instead, he moved closer to Yun Xiao.
"Leng Yue, are you alright?"
Everyone in the hall was stunned. They all thought the Emperor was concerned about Miss Zi Chan, and Zi Chan herself believed it too. Who would have known that it was not the case? Shangguan Yao was actually concerned about Young Master Leng Yue. What exactly was going on?
Could it be because Leng Yue saved him?
Yun Xiao herself was also very surprised. She looked at him with cold eyes, seeing the undisguised concern in Shangguan Yao's pupils. She had seen such an emotion in Murong's eyes before. If she still didn't understand now, it would be too much.
This Shangguan Yao, dressed as a man, had somehow developed different emotions towards her. Could he be a homosexual? The thought made Yun Xiao indignant.
Could it be that she was the one who had restored his abilities? As this thought arose, goosebumps erupted on her skin, and her stomach churned with nausea.
She directly ignored Shangguan Yao's outstretched hand, struggled to her feet expressionlessly, and said with a grim face,
"Your Majesty, allow Leng Yue to say something. Your Majesty's indecisiveness will only implicate more people. If Leng Yue had not reacted quickly, blood would have already been splattered in this hall. Whether to act, or not to act. How to act? And what is the correct way to act? These are all Your Majesty's matters."
After speaking, Yun Xiao's handsome face flushed with anger. She clasped her hands in a bow and said in a deep voice, "Leng Yue does not understand matters of the court. The medical clinic still has matters to attend to. Leng Yue takes his leave."
Saying this, she walked away without even looking at Shangguan Yao's face, leaving directly.
In the grand hall, Lan Qinglun and Zi Chan could not help but cheer for Leng Yue. Remarkable! He actually dared to show displeasure to the Emperor and leave abruptly.
Shangguan Yao's expression turned instantly cold, but he eventually suppressed it. He raised his eyes to glance at Lan Qinglun, who was still kneeling, and commanded in a low voice,
"Lan Qinglun, Minister of War, heed this decree. Immediately take witness Miss Zi Chan and this ledger to the Ministry of Justice. You shall, together with the Ministry of Justice, adjudicate this case."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Lan Qinglun responded cautiously. Although he was overjoyed in his heart, he did not show it on his face, for if the Emperor sensed anything, his efforts would be in vain. Meanwhile, Zi Chan, standing beside him, repeatedly kowtowed her thanks upon hearing Shangguan Yao's words.
"This humble girl Zi Chan thanks Your Majesty, thanks Your Majesty."
"Rise, and withdraw."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Lan Qinglun and Zi Chan retreated. Shangguan Yao stood in the center of the grand hall, his expression solemn. He would now have to deal with many more people.
Once the Ye family's affairs were investigated, his mother and Ye Suxue would surely be alerted. These two women were enough to trouble him. From now on, he feared he would be very busy.
Yun Xiao sat in the imperial carriage out of the palace. The carriage, winding through various paths, suddenly stopped. Wanwan snorted angrily, "What's going on?"
"Young Master, someone has blocked the carriage."
"Who? Tell them to get lost."