The most romantic little emperor

For two consecutive days, it was like a dark cloud pressing down on the sky, and bad news came like a tide, casting a heavy gloom over Qin Hao's heart.

Tomorrow will be the day when Qin Hao officially ascends the throne. This should be a moment of joy and solemnity, but at this moment in the imperial study, there is a solemn atmosphere.

At this time, the imperial study was crowded with people, including Qin Hao's trusted courtiers, noble princes, his younger brother and some female relatives. Their faces were full of worry and uneasiness, as if foreshadowing that the upcoming enthronement ceremony would not go as smoothly as expected.

Qin Hao tried hard to calm his inner turmoil. He waved his hand, signaling the female relatives to leave and go to keep vigil for the late emperor or return to the palace to rest.

Then he turned to the princes and nobles, calmed them down, and told them to go back and prepare for tomorrow's coronation ceremony.

After some consolation and comfort, the atmosphere in the imperial study gradually eased. Qin Hao's eyes swept over the faces of these loyal ministers and several younger brothers one by one, and he smiled softly: "Go back, I said that tomorrow's enthronement ceremony will still be held as scheduled, and there will be no changes."

However, after he finished speaking, the crowd did not get up and leave as he expected. They looked at each other, with complex emotions flashing in their eyes, as if they wanted to say something but didn't know how to start.

Qin Hao saw this and understood what was going on. He seemed to be able to read their inner thoughts. He raised his voice and said, "Why, my dear ministers, don't you believe what I say?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone was immediately terrified. They knelt down one after another and kowtowed, saying, "We dare not do that. Your Majesty is wise and wise, and we will obey you."

As everyone left, the imperial study returned to peace again.

Elder Feng walked in with steady steps and said softly, "Your Majesty, those ministers are still waiting outside the palace and have not left. They are waiting for your summons."

Qin Hao smiled slightly, with a hint of helplessness and teasing in his eyes: "These old stubborn people, I really admire their patience. Well, let's summon Xie An, Shi Minghan, Fan Wenhai, Feng Huaiyu, Li Mu and other beloved ministers to come in. As for the others, let them go about their business, there is no need to waste time here."

Upon hearing this, Old Feng nodded slightly, turned around and left.

Soon, Xie An, Shi Minghan and others came to the imperial study again. Qin Hao looked up at everyone and said casually, "Just find a seat and sit anywhere! Don't be restrained."

Everyone thanked him in unison, and then each found their own seat and sat down.

Xie An coughed lightly and spoke slowly, "Your Majesty, when we were dealing with the memorials recently, we found a rather thorny problem. Several officials jointly submitted memorials, claiming that the Supervisory Censor Guo Jia used his position to enrich himself during the disaster relief in Hedong, harmed the gentry and wealthy businessmen, and even framed local officials. This matter has caused quite a stir in the court. Local officials even jointly submitted memorials, and many ministers in the court also impeached and demanded severe punishment for Guo Jia. It seems that someone really wants to take action against Lord Guo."

Qin Hao frowned, obviously aware of the seriousness of the problem, but did not make any comments.

Xie An sighed and continued, "Your Majesty, this is not the worst. Some people have taken this opportunity to discredit Lord Guo and dug up some of his old stories from twenty years ago. They accused Lord Guo of abandoning his wife and even killing loyal people in pursuit of wealth and glory. These accusations seem to be well-founded, but in fact they are all nonsense. However, once such public opinion spreads, it will undoubtedly cause great damage to Lord Guo's reputation."

Qin Hao's fingers tapped on the table, making a rhythmic sound. There was a barely perceptible chill in his voice: "What else? What else did they say?"

Xie An turned his head slightly and looked at Shi Minghan who was sitting beside him.

Shi Minghan nodded. He took a deep breath, mustered up his courage, and spoke carefully: "Your Majesty, they... they said something even more excessive. They said that Guo Xuanxuan is not Lord Guo Jia's biological daughter, but... but..." He hesitated, as if he was considering his wording, fearing that he would anger the emperor in front of him.

Qin Hao urged impatiently, "What is it? Lord Li, just tell me. I want to see what these bastards can come up with."

Shi Minghan took a deep breath and mustered up his courage to say, "They say Miss Guo is a bastard... born of Lord Guo and a prostitute."

There was a loud bang, like thunder exploding in the silent palace.

Qin Hao smashed his clenched fist hard on the sturdy table, causing the porcelain teacups on the table to bounce up and splash tea everywhere.

Everyone was frightened by the sudden loud noise, and they all fell to their knees, shouting in unison: "Your Majesty, calm down! Your Majesty, calm down!"

"How ridiculous! These bastards actually dare to openly slander my ministers and women. They must be tired of living!"

Qin Hao's eyes instantly turned icy. He turned to Elder Feng and said, "Elder Feng, pass on my order to the imperial guards to immediately arrest these bastards and interrogate them strictly! I want them to know what will happen to those who slander my ministers and women!"

Xie An took a deep breath, slowly took out an exquisite booklet from his clothes, held it in both hands, and bowed his head respectfully, saying, "Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance, and the scope of involvement is staggering. Seventeen important officials in the court are involved, and there are as many as fifty-four officials of all ranks in Hedong. This matter is of great importance and has far-reaching implications. Your Majesty, please consider it carefully and do not mess up the laws and proportions of the court because of a momentary anger."

A trace of solemnity flashed across Old Feng's eyes. He took the booklet from Xie An and carefully handed it to Qin Hao.

Qin Hao took the booklet, flipped it open casually, and looked through it carefully page by page. Every name and every official position seemed like a living being, jumping before his eyes.

The more he looked, the more frightened he became. It turned out that there were so many corrupt officials in the court, from civil and military officials to local clerks, all of them were involved. They dared to break the law and disregard the country's laws.

Fury burned fiercely in Qin Hao's heart. He felt a strong anger surging in his chest, as if it was going to swallow him up. He held the book tightly, his fingers turning white from the force, as if he was going to crush the book.