Who put the yellow robe on me?

Dianzhang sat at the table, the teacup in his hand trembling slightly, creating subtle ripples in the water. He took a deep breath, brought the cup to his lips, and felt the temperature of the tea, slightly cool yet with a hint of warmth.

Putting down the teacup, he raised his head and his eyes wandered among the people.

The atmosphere in the room was somewhat solemn, as everyone was waiting for his news. His brows were slightly furrowed, his expression solemn and complicated.

"The situation is not optimistic." Dianzhang finally spoke, his voice low and hoarse, as if carrying a heavy weight.

Jiang Chen sat on the chair opposite, his eyes deep, as if he was thinking about something. Hearing Dian Zhang's words, his fingers stopped and looked up at him: "What happened?"

Jiang Sirou sat next to Jiang Chen, her hands clasped tightly together. An ominous premonition rose in her heart, and her voice trembled slightly: "Dianzhang, tell us quickly, what happened?"

Dianzhang sighed, a trace of helplessness and indignation flashing in his eyes. "Minister of War Guo Wulie was attacked by someone, and was severely reported by Minister of Revenue Cao Shouku. As a result, Lord Guo was dismissed from his position and has now been demoted to Left Vice Minister of War."

The room was silent, with only the sound of the candlelight flickering.

Jiang Sirou's eyes widened in disbelief, "How could this happen? Lord Guo has always been loyal, how could he be framed?"

Jiang Chen's eyes flickered slightly, and a trace of worry rose in his heart. He recalled that in the past, he had worked with Guo Wulie in the court to win the opportunity to march west, worked hard for state affairs, and was not afraid of the powerful.

He said slowly, "Who is currently serving as the Minister of War?"

Dianzhang raised his head, his expression complicated. "According to what I've heard, General Su Yunliang, the Southern Guardian, returned to the capital to recuperate some time ago and has not left since. Now, he has been appointed Minister of War, concurrently in charge of military affairs."

"Su Yunliang?" Jiang Sirou frowned, a hint of doubt in her tone. "Hasn't he been stationed in southern Xinjiang, guarding the border? Why did he suddenly return to Beijing and take over as Minister of War?"

Dianzhang nodded, his eyes revealing a hint of deep meaning: "According to rumors, General Su Yunliang has a special relationship with the Sixth Prince. I'm afraid his return to the capital this time is not just for recuperation."

He Xiaowei had been listening quietly, but couldn't help but sneer at this moment, her tone full of obvious contempt: "I heard that the General Zhennan is actually the Sixth Prince's aunt's cousin, and now Lord Guo has joined them. He's really good at dealing with people."

Although her voice was soft, it was tinged with sarcasm. She recalled how Jiang Chen had helped Guo Wulie's child survive a disaster, and she had a favorable impression of Guo Jiaben.

Now Guo Wulie chose to stand on the side of the Sixth Prince and became an enemy rather than a friend of Jiang Chen, which made her feel very angry.

Jiang Chen shook his head slightly, his eyes deep and calm.

His heart was in turmoil, and he was filled with thoughts. He didn't want to believe that Guo Wulie would betray him and join the Sixth Prince's camp. Or rather, he didn't want to face this cruel fact.

He said softly, "Perhaps there is something else going on. We shouldn't jump to conclusions."

Jiang Sirou looked at Jiang Chen, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes. She knew that Jiang Chen had always been loyal and righteous, and he must feel bad about Guo Wulie's betrayal.

In order to ease the awkward atmosphere, she changed the subject: "Dianzhang, how is the emperor's condition now?"

Dianzhang looked gloomy and sighed, "I heard that a month ago, Your Majesty went to the mausoleum with the Sixth and Ninth Princes and others to offer sacrifices. After returning, he caught a cold. Since then, his condition has not improved. Now, Your Majesty's health is getting worse day by day."

When Jiang Sirou heard the news, she felt as if struck by lightning. Her body swayed and she almost fell.

Her eyes quickly became moist, tears welled up in them, and her voice choked with sobs: "Father...how could he be like this?"

She could no longer control her emotions, tears slid down her cheeks, dripping onto her clothes, splashing wet petals.

Seeing his sister so sad, Jiang Chen felt a pang of pain in his heart. He gently put his arm around her shoulders and said softly, "Don't worry too much, Thirteenth Sister. Father is a lucky person, and he will definitely get better."

He Xiaowei also stepped forward, gently held Jiang Sirou's hand, and said softly: "Sister Rou, we will definitely find a way."

The atmosphere in the room was heavy and depressing, and everyone had their own thoughts and mixed feelings.

Jiang Chen looked at the two sisters, his heart aching. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, and turned to Dian Zhang and said, "Have you found out about the situation of the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice?"

Dianzhang shook his head, frowning, "I don't have any specific information about Lord Xiong Zhiheng, but I heard that he's not living a happy life right now."

"Not satisfied?" Jiang Chen asked doubtfully, feeling a little uneasy.

Dianzhang nodded and explained, "Yes, I heard that he openly contradicted the Ninth Prince in the court, and was later suppressed by the Sixth Prince in every way, which greatly affected his career."

Jiang Chen's frown deepened, a hint of gloom flashing in his eyes: "Ninth Prince? Sixth Prince? Could it be that they are really colluding with each other now?"

He Xiaowei raised her head and said seriously, "Sixteenth Prince, the current situation in the palace is very unfavorable to you."

Jiang Chen nodded, his eyes deep: "Yes, the forces opposing me are becoming stronger and stronger. If I rashly show up in the capital, the consequences will be disastrous."

His voice was low and firm, revealing a calm analysis. He knew that the current situation was very unfavorable to him and he had to act with caution.

He closed his eyes, and familiar faces flashed through his mind.

Officials closely related to him, such as the Minister of War Guo Wulie and the Right Vice Minister of Punishment Xiong Zhiheng, were all blocked, while the Minister of Rites Mu Shenru and the Minister of Revenue Cao Shouku, who had been in constant conflict with him before, were now enjoying great success in the court.

"If you say that all this has nothing to do with me, then I will never believe it even if I die." He thought to himself, feeling that a deep conspiracy was approaching him.

The air in the room seemed heavier, and the candlelight seemed dim.

The night wind blew outside the window, bringing a chill that made people shiver.

At this moment, Zuo Yongyu walked in, breaking the silence in the room. He looked serious, holding a letter in his hand.

"Your Highness, I just received a secret letter." He whispered, a hint of anxiety in his eyes.

Jiang Chen took the letter and quickly started reading.

His eyes moved quickly across the paper, and his expression gradually became solemn.

"Just as expected." He muttered to himself, with a cold look in his eyes.