Three days a court session was held in the Yunyue Kingdom. During Chu Chen's absence, one such session had occurred, and upon seeing their master, the dog, absent, the courtiers immediately attacked the Empress.
Now, Chu Chen had returned, just in time for another court session.
In the Hall of Political Affairs, Chu Chen stood at the head of the civil officials, listening with his eyes slightly closed as they reported major state affairs to the Empress. Most of these involved local requests for water conservancy projects lacking funds, and several death penalty cases.
The former Prime Minister had handed over most of the miscellaneous administrative matters to the Empress, leading her to appear diligent in handling state affairs daily, holding court sessions non-stop, yet remaining clueless about the country's true situation. Her efforts, in the end, yielded little.
Now, as Prime Minister, Chu Chen had already delegated many trivial matters to his aides or the relevant ministers and vice-ministers to handle themselves.
This effectively shielded the Empress from most of the clutter, allowing her more time to investigate the country's conditions and focus her attention on truly important matters.
Therefore, as long as Chu Chen was present, court sessions typically concluded quickly, often in less than half an hour.
After the ministers finished their reports, just as the eunuch announced that anyone with matters to report could do so, and those without could retire.
Chu Chen suddenly opened his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I have heard that some ministers, taking advantage of my absence, neglected their duties and attempted to shirk their responsibilities. Does Your Majesty know of this?"
The Empress raised an eyebrow, and a hint of a smile touched her stern, cold face. "I am aware of some of it. Does Prime Minister Chu wish to...?"
As expected, this damned Chu Chen was planning trouble the moment he returned. Could they still serve as officials happily? Could they still deceive and pressure the Empress as easily as before?
Why was such a scoundrel serving as Prime Minister? His Majesty was becoming increasingly foolish, actually trusting such a villain! Hmph!
The ministers with guilty consciences cursed inwardly, but cold sweat broke out on their foreheads in sheer terror.
Chu Chen slowly walked from the front row to the center of the hall, his back to the Empress, and gazed at the civil officials without speaking, simply watching them with cold eyes.
Those civil officials with clear consciences stood naturally, unconcerned and at ease.
But those with guilty consciences, who had attempted to stir up trouble at the last court session, felt increasingly uneasy. The mere thought of the fate of Zhang Guojin, the Censorate's Grand Censor, who had opposed Chu Chen, made their legs tremble with fear.
"My esteemed colleagues, do you all suffer from some ailment? Why are your legs shaking so, as if unstable?"
Chu Chen stared at the Minister of Rites, Wu Sheng, the Vice Minister of Rites, and the Vice Minister of Works, with a half-smile.
"This, Prime Minister Chu, you truly have a discerning eye. I never imagined you were also skilled in medicine! To be honest, I did catch a cold yesterday, and my condition in court today is not optimal. However, after the court session, I shall return, take some medicine, and rest for an hour or two. I believe I will be fine."
Wu Sheng cursed inwardly, but forced a calm smile.
"Oh? Is that so? But I believe it is not so. I believe, rather, that you are guilty and fearful. Am I mistaken?"
"Guilty? How could that be! I conduct myself uprightly and honestly, how could I be guilty?"
Despite his inner terror, Wu Sheng maintained his composure, feigning surprise and a hint of indignation.
"Hahaha, then how did I hear that you were full of spirit last court session, actively seeking trouble? Is the Ministry of Rites too lacking in work, or are you colluding with those who oppose the new policies, attempting to cooperate from within to resist the court?"
Seeing this fellow's acting skills, Chu Chen decided not to play along any longer.
"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Chu is slandering me!"
Wu Sheng dared not look at Chu Chen and turned to the Empress for help, attempting to move her with his acting skills and feigned helplessness, a tactic that had always worked before.
Indeed, the Empress's expression faltered slightly, as if about to speak in his defense. However, she glanced at Chu Chen, sensing that the matter was not so simple, and closed her eyes, pretending not to see or hear.
"Your Majesty!"
"Old man, stop shouting. Look at this."
Chu Chen, with a look of disgust, flung a booklet. It flew several meters and struck Wu Sheng in the face.
Wu Sheng's heart surged with anger. He bent down, picked up the booklet that had fallen to the ground, and as he read it, his soul seemed to fly away.
"How is this possible! How could you know such confidential matters!" Wu Sheng shouted in disbelief.
He had met the secret envoy from the Chen Kingdom in his private study, with only the two of them present. Yet, this booklet recorded the entire conversation between them with perfect clarity!
This could not be explained by an inside informant or infiltration. It was as if Chu Chen had been present and overheard everything during their secret plotting.
How could Wu Sheng believe this? How could he not be terrified?
"Hmph~"
Chu Chen snorted coldly, turned, and bowed slightly, holding another booklet with both hands. He said, "Your Majesty, this booklet records the same details as the one in Wu Sheng's hand. I humbly request Your Majesty to examine it."
The Empress opened her eyes and nodded to a female official beside her. The official quickly retrieved the booklet for her.
After opening and reading the booklet, the Empress sighed and asked, "Minister Wu, when Prime Minister Chu proposed the new laws at the last court session, he stated that past mistakes would not be pursued, as long as they were not repeated. Why have you erred again?"
"This, this, I, I was momentarily foolish, momentarily foolish! Your Majesty, spare my life! Prime Minister Chu, spare my life!"
Wu Sheng cried out, tears of regret flowing from his dim eyes as he knelt on the ground.
"Momentarily foolish?"
Chu Chen sneered and said, "If you were momentarily foolish, would you have had such a clear mind to meet the secret envoy from the Chen Kingdom in your private study? To sell out all information regarding our country's spiritual energy revival, strategies for court, and the content of the new policies? What kind of momentary foolishness allows for such clarity? I too would like to possess such a trait! Wouldn't you agree?"
The ministers watching the spectacle from the periphery were instantly startled.
The former excuse might have been somewhat defensible, but the latter two points were clearly acts of treason and betrayal of the nation, destined to be recorded in history and bring eternal infamy! They never imagined that Wu Sheng, the Minister of Rites, who always spoke of Confucian teachings, would dare to be so shameless, disregard the law, disrespect the sovereign and national laws, and commit such a disgraceful act!
Wu Sheng remained silent, completely at a loss for words to defend himself.
"Seize him! Arrest the Minister of Rites, Wu Sheng! Imprison him in the death row and await interrogation!"
Upon hearing the shouts in the hall, the Jinwu Guard immediately entered with his men. He first glanced at the Empress, and seeing no objection, he waved his hand for his men to apprehend the Minister of Rites, Wu Sheng, who was weeping uncontrollably and speechless, and take him away.
This scene once again deeply shocked the civil and military officials. They knew that the Embroidered Uniform Guard was ubiquitous, but how could they infiltrate and obtain intelligence from private conversations in a secret room?
Could it be that there were spies within the Embroidered Uniform Guard working for him? Was there any place left in this world for secret plotting? Was there any safe haven?