Sima Hao watched Yi Zhiye chatting and laughing with the courtiers, and heard that he was about to invite them for a meal. He felt a flicker of anticipation.
However, glancing at Sima Zhu beside him, whose face was ashen and grim, he dismissed the thought.
Yi Zhiye had dealt a heavy blow to Sima Hao today. He couldn't rest easy if he didn't keep a close eye on things.
Only after the courtiers had finished their pleasantries with Yi Zhiye did he smack his lips.
At this moment, someone finally noticed Sima Zhu's sour expression.
Instantly, everyone felt a pang of regret. They had been so caught up in their excitement that they had forgotten about the Emperor!
Their Emperor, after all, was a petty man.
"Does Your Majesty have any urgent matters to discuss with us?" Zheng Xiang stepped forward and bowed.
The morning court had only just concluded. Was there something left unsaid?
Although he was tempted to probe the Grand Emperor for information, Jiang Yubao was an old hand, unwilling to reveal anything.
In truth, it wasn't Jiang Yubao's fault.
It wasn't that he was unwilling, but that he dared not.
Before he left, Yi Zhiye had explicitly forbidden him from disclosing a single word.
Upon Zheng Xiang's question, the other courtiers also recalled that the Emperor had summoned them for a reason.
Could it be to introduce them to the Grand Tutor?
Oh, right. And the Fifth Prince.
Just now, the Fifth Prince had sat quietly without saying a word, and they had completely forgotten about him.
Thinking of this, the courtiers looked towards Sima Han. They saw that Sima Han was still sitting there calmly, his expression placid.
Seeing this, their opinion of Sima Han shifted slightly.
After a few years, the Fifth Prince had certainly matured a lot.
Sima Zhu's face darkened further, but he finally opened his mouth. "It's nothing important. I just wanted you all to meet the Grand Tutor and the Fifth Prince. It's been a while since they returned, and you haven't had a chance to meet them..."
Yi Zhiye, however, directly interrupted Sima Zhu, smiling and saying, "It seems His Majesty is too embarrassed to say it. Well, I suppose I, as the Grand Tutor, shall do the talking. Today, His Majesty and the Grand Emperor summoned me and the Fifth Prince to the palace, stating that His Majesty has been feeling weak and weary lately, and that his will exceeds his capacity for state affairs. Therefore, considering that you are all veteran officials, possessing ample experience and outstanding capabilities, His Majesty intends to select a few regent ministers to assist him in managing state affairs."
As Yi Zhiye finished speaking, the entire room fell silent.
The courtiers looked at Yi Zhiye as if they were seeing a ghost, then cautiously glanced at Sima Zhu.
Had they truly heard him correctly?
The Grand Tutor said that His Majesty's capacity was insufficient and that regent ministers would be selected?
Everyone in the room knew perfectly well what regent ministers were – they wielded immense power.
His Majesty had always held the reins of power tightly. Why would he suddenly wish to relinquish some of it?
It was no wonder they were skeptical. Ever since Sima Zhu ascended the throne, the court had essentially become a one-man show.
Whatever Sima Zhu said went. If he was inclined to hear opinions, he would; if not, he would proceed as he wished, even if he was in the wrong.
While this was a source of great frustration for the courtiers, they were powerless to change it.
Now that Sima Zhu seemed willing to delegate power, they felt a sense of shock.
Sima Zhu was stunned into silence after hearing Yi Zhiye's words.
He had thought that Yi Zhiye was merely speaking to scare him.
But he never imagined that he would actually go through with it.
Looking at the strange glances from the courtiers, Sima Zhu felt like a complete fool.
He had just told them it was nothing and to go back.
And now Yi Zhiye was announcing the selection of regent ministers.
The courtiers, including Zheng Xiang, exchanged bewildered glances.
Although they had various grievances against Sima Zhu, they had never truly considered becoming regent ministers themselves.
Sima Zhu was still young. If they were to rely on the Grand Emperor and the Grand Tutor now and become regent ministers, what would happen after the Grand Emperor was gone and the Grand Tutor had departed?
Well, their own lives might not be at stake, but they had their families and descendants. They couldn't possibly ruin their family's foundation for a moment of personal ambition and power.
Sima Hao naturally noticed the hesitation on the faces of the courtiers and looked at Yi Zhiye with concern.
Yi Zhiye understood their reservations. With a slight, knowing smile, he spoke in a clear, resonant voice.
"If the courtiers are unwilling, that is also acceptable. Among so many loyal officials, there will surely be some who are willing."
As soon as Yi Zhiye uttered these words, the faces of everyone present changed.
Initially, Sima Zhu had felt a sense of amusement at the courtiers' hesitation.
But before any hint of a smile could appear on his face, he heard Yi Zhiye's statement.
"Grand Tutor, you are forcing me too much! If it comes to it, I will fight you to the death!"
Sima Zhu's words were filled with desperation.
Everyone in the room knew that Sima Zhu was truly cornered.
Yi Zhiye remained unperturbed, his voice still calm, "Does His Majesty believe he has the ability to fight me to the death?"
Despite the overt disdain in his words, Sima Zhu, along with everyone else, was utterly astonished.
Such an overbearing Yi Zhiye was a sight they hadn't witnessed in a very long time.
"Em... Grand Tutor, do you truly not have me in your eyes?" Sima Zhu's face turned pale, his voice weak.
Yi Zhiye smiled gently, "What does His Majesty think?"
Upon hearing this, Sima Zhu's face grew even paler.
There was no need to ask further. The answer was obvious.
Although he had spoken with great force just moments ago, faced with such an imposing Yi Zhiye, Sima Zhu had lost all his courage.
After a prolonged stalemate, he could only reluctantly agree to Yi Zhiye's proposal and select regent ministers.
Yi Zhiye smiled even more gleefully at this.
For the remainder of the time, Yi Zhiye remained silent. His intention in selecting ministers was to spite Sima Zhu, but who ultimately became a regent minister was of no concern to him.
After an hour of deliberation and discussion, out of the six selected regent ministers, four were Sima Hao's men, and only two were Sima Zhu's.
Facing the outcome, Sima Hao beamed with immense satisfaction.
Sima Zhu, on the other hand, seethed with resentment.
Yi Zhiye and Sima Han seemed indifferent to the result. Since the selection was made, they naturally wished to leave as soon as possible.
Seeing Yi Zhiye and Sima Han stand up with Lu Taobao and a few others, preparing to leave, the courtiers quickly rose and hurried after them.
The Grand Tutor had promised to invite them for a meal. Missing this opportunity would be foolish, so it was best to catch up quickly.
Left behind and forgotten by the courtiers were Sima Zhu and Sima Hao, their faces freezing for a moment.
In the next instant, Sima Hao's expression returned to normal.
Although being abandoned by the courtiers, who had followed Yi Zhiye, was a blow to his pride, Yi Zhiye had, after all, rendered him a great service today.
Given this, he harbored no ill feelings towards Yi Zhiye.
In contrast to Sima Hao's indifference, Sima Zhu could not let it go so easily.
Yi Zhiye had publicly humiliated him so today; he would surely seek retribution someday.
"Your Majesty must be tired after these few days. You should return and rest early," Sima Hao said cheerfully.
Sima Zhu glanced at Sima Hao upon hearing this, seeing the undisguised excitement on his face. He sneered, "Don't celebrate too soon. Perhaps his actions were not for your benefit at all."
Sima Hao's expression flickered, but he quickly regained his composure. "Ah, as one ages, one feels discomfort everywhere. Fortunately, the imperial physicians have been tending to my health, and I can finally take the divine elixir today. If Your Majesty does not wish to return, feel free to stay here a while longer. I shall depart now."
With that, Sima Hao stood up and left without regard for Sima Zhu's reaction.
Sima Zhu watched Sima Hao's retreating figure, his steps light and cheerful. Sima Zhu's expression gradually contorted with hatred.
He detested this damned old man and wished he could kill him right now.
Why had he ended up in this predicament today? It was all due to this old man's suggestion.
He had said it was possible to coerce the Grand Tutor into providing another portion of the divine elixir, so they wouldn't have to share it, and the effects would be even better.
If it weren't for his words, would he have gone to capture that Lu Taobao?
In the end, he had lost both the woman and the soldiers, not only failing to obtain the divine elixir but also being forced to relinquish his power.
Yet this old man had not only regained some power but would also enjoy the divine elixir all to himself.
The more Sima Zhu thought about it, the more furious he became, wishing he could stand up and kill Sima Hao, thus eliminating the source of his troubles.
But he couldn't do that.
If the Grand Emperor were to die inexplicably at this juncture, he would be the prime suspect.
At that time, Yi Zhiye would undoubtedly use this as a pretext to deal with him, or even depose him, and legitimally place Sima Han on the throne.
Suddenly, Sima Zhu's eyes narrowed.
If he hadn't thought of this just now, he truly wouldn't have realized it.
Yi Zhiye's actions today were probably not just to avenge Lu Taobao and his family, were they?
Even if it was partly a factor, the more important reason was undoubtedly to sow discord between him and the Grand Emperor.
Having figured this out, Sima Zhu's face revealed a knowing expression.
He sat there alone, deep in thought, a fleeting smile crossing his face before he finally stood up and walked out.
As Sima Zhu's silhouette receded, two figures emerged from the shadows of the courtyard.
These two were Sima Hao and Jiang Yubao.
Jiang Yubao glanced in the direction Sima Zhu had disappeared and said cautiously, "It seems His Majesty has figured it out..."
Sima Hao chuckled, "So what if he has? If he hadn't figured anything out, that would be abnormal. But even if he has figured it out, nothing will change. Unless he is willing to hand over the throne, even if he knows it's a trap, he can only fall into it now."
Jiang Yubao fell silent upon hearing this.
What the Grand Emperor said was indeed accurate.
How could the Emperor possibly relinquish his power?
"With the Grand Tutor here, he is a great help. The Grand Emperor can plan with confidence and achieve his goals," Jiang Yubao said with a smile.
Sima Hao also smiled and said nothing.
At the same time, by the gates of the Forbidden City, rows of carriages were parked.
Yi Zhiye and Sima Han led Lu Taobao and a few others out of the Forbidden City, followed by the group of courtiers.
As they reached the palace gates, they saw carriages parked at intervals.
Zheng Xiang strode forward, surpassing the other courtiers, and approached Yi Zhiye. "Do the Grand Tutor and the Fifth Prince have carriages to pick them up? If not, you can travel with me."
Yi Zhiye raised an eyebrow and said, "The Prince Duan's manor and my Si Yang House are likely not on the way."
Zheng Xiang's face stiffened, then he smiled and said, "The Grand Tutor is inviting us for a meal, so naturally, it will be on the way."
Yi Zhiye suddenly recalled that he had indeed said something of the sort earlier.
"I did say I would treat everyone to a meal, but will Prince Duan also be attending?"
Zheng Xiang looked at Yi Zhiye, confused, "What? Does the Grand Tutor not welcome me?"
Yi Zhiye shook his head, "How could that be? But weren't you attacked? Don't you need to go back and apprehend the assassins?"
Zheng Xiang was taken aback. He had indeed forgotten about that.
However, thinking of Zheng Wei, who had left that morning, Zheng Xiang's eyes flickered.
Although he had followed Zheng Wei all the way to Si Yang House and watched him enter, he hadn't seen anyone accompanying him.
But this did not mean that Kong Huangwei was not with him.
Perhaps it was a diversion.
His relationship with Zheng Wei had not improved, and he was not particularly close to the Grand Tutor or the Fifth Prince. Therefore, gaining entry to Si Yang House would not be an easy task.
Now that such an opportunity had arisen, how could he let it slip away?
Zheng Xiang said to Yi Zhiye, "Those who are meant to be caught will be caught. Those who cannot be caught, even if I personally pursue them, will only be in vain."
Yi Zhiye raised his eyebrows, "I didn't expect the Grand Tutor to be so magnanimous."