"Prime Minister Chu, why are you running so fast? I almost couldn't catch up," Huo Qing panted, catching up from behind, a hint of blame in his eyes.
Chu Chen was surprised by his demeanor. "Old War God, why are you here? Didn't you say you wouldn't participate?" Chu Chen found it amusing and unexpected. He had already prepared for the Old War God's absence, but he was given another surprise.
Huo Qing waved his hand. "Didn't you say it yourself? His Majesty ordered me to protect you. Although it's not constant companionship, if something happened to you at this time, wouldn't that be a slap in my old face?" "I followed you all the way here. It shouldn't be a problem to come in a little further."
Chu Chen laughed heartily. "Old War God, I knew you would come. Let's go. Today's court session will definitely be lively. Just wait and see."
Huo Qing's interest was piqued. "Tell me, how will it be lively?"
Chu Chen snorted. "Those guys caused trouble before. They liked to hide population, which led to Yun Yue Kingdom's taxes always being uncollected." "After Qian Jieren was investigated this time, some officials were also dismissed, but not all of them were removed." "After all, the court still needs to operate, and it needs these officials to contribute. His Majesty is not foolish; he can't let these guys take salaries and only know how to flatter." "Before, His Majesty never discussed the issue of hidden population. It's estimated that this time, His Majesty will discuss it. This will definitely affect those people's interests. Now it depends on whether they are willing to give up the profits they have in hand." "If they are still as greedy as ever, I think they will sooner or later perish due to greed."
Huo Qing's eyes lit up, and he smiled. "Prime Minister Chu, how come I heard that you had already dealt with these guys before? Do they still dare to cling to their interests? Aren't they afraid of the same fate as Qian Jieren?"
Chu Chen smiled. "As long as it's for profit, anyone will waver, let alone these high-ranking court officials?"
Huo Qing nodded, deeply agreeing with this.
The two walked and discussed, and soon arrived at the great hall, where it was already filled with court officials. When everyone saw Chu Chen and Huo Qing enter together, they seemed to ignore Huo Qing and rushed directly towards Chu Chen.
"Prime Minister Chu, good morning." The Minister of Personnel, Sun Mo, stepped forward and cupped his hands.
The Minister of Rites, Wu Sheng, also came before him with a fawning expression. "Prime Minister Chu, you look well today. You must have rested well last night."
The Minister of War, Meng Yuan, also said with a smile, "Prime Minister Chu, you look full of spirit. By the way, Prime Minister Chu, are we discussing how to prevent hidden population today? I also heard His Majesty occasionally hint that His Majesty can't wait to act."
Chu Chen was surrounded by everyone, feeling a bit speechless. Were these guys too impatient? "Everyone, who is this? I think you all know him. This is the Old War God of our Yun Yue Kingdom, Old Master Huo. You haven't seen him, or are you pretending not to recognize him?"
Upon hearing this, everyone looked embarrassed and turned to look at Huo Qing, chuckling. "Oh, so Old Master Huo is here too. Sorry, our attention was all on Prime Minister Chu just now." "Old War God Huo, why are you here? Are you going to lead troops to battle? We haven't heard of Yun Yue Kingdom going to war."
Everyone chatted with Huo Qing, one after another. Huo Qing wore a fake smile and engaged in desultory conversation with them.
A moment later, everyone looked back at Chu Chen, their eyes full of inquiry. Chu Chen patted his sleeves and said with a smile to the crowd, "Fellow colleagues, what's wrong? Although one doesn't hit a smiling person, your intentions are too obvious." "Are you trying to pry information out of me? If there's anything, won't you know after you see His Majesty later?"
Everyone became fidgety again. They had intended to be more subtle, but Chu Chen was too direct, speaking his mind immediately. This was such a major matter, of course, they wanted to discuss it with Chu Chen first. Otherwise, if they went directly to the Empress and she became angry and killed them, wouldn't that be too tragic?
"Prime Minister Chu, we are just trying to lighten His Majesty's burden. His Majesty is busy with state affairs every day. It's only natural for us, as subjects, to share her worries, isn't it?" "If we discuss it now, His Majesty will be able to save some worry later." "Yes, yes, Prime Minister Chu. We privately felt it was too much for His Majesty to be so angry before. This time, we must make amends."
Chu Chen gave a dry laugh and then said seriously, "Since you are all so thoughtful, please state your case to His Majesty in person. His Majesty has arrived."
Upon hearing this, everyone looked flusteredly towards the Golden Hall. Indeed, they saw the Empress slowly approaching, staring at them.
"You are gathered here, discussing how to be one way to朕's face and another behind朕's back?"
The officials quickly waved their hands and shook their heads. "Your humble servant dares not."
Everyone looked dejected. His Majesty had arrived half an hour earlier than usual today. This must have been planned with Chu Chen, right?
"What do you dare not do? You only dealt with Qian Jieren before, and you think you are safe now?"
Upon hearing this, everyone was terrified. Wasn't the past over? Was His Majesty going to bring it up again? They couldn't help but look at Chu Chen. Recalling Chu Chen's previous attitude, they broke out in a cold sweat. No wonder Chu Chen had been so indifferent before. Were Chu Chen and His Majesty really going to deal with them? They had witnessed Chu Chen's methods; he had both strategy and courage. They dared not challenge Chu Chen. Although if they united, they could form a powerful force, this brat Chu Chen could fly. If he was truly angered, they would be the ones to suffer. They wouldn't be so foolish as to make an enemy of someone like him.
The Empress glanced at these people. When her gaze swept over them, they didn't even dare to move!
"Enough, let's begin the court session." The Empress snorted and then turned to walk towards the throne, which symbolized power and authority.
Only then did everyone slightly relax, wiping the sweat from their foreheads. The Empress's majesty was truly growing stronger. Just a glance from her made them feel as if they were carrying a thousand pounds of burden!