Moon frost snow

As the carriage approached, Gu Wenbo helped Gu Mingbai get out. The sunlight fell on Gu Mingbai, illuminating his handsome face and upright figure.

Duke Zhao showed a barely perceptible smile on his face, but in his heart he was secretly thinking about how to deal with the various situations that might happen next.

A group of ministers dressed in gorgeous court robes lined up in an orderly manner. They knelt on their knees, foreheads pressed to the ground, and shouted in unison: "Welcome Your Majesty, may Your Majesty be well!"

The sound was as loud as a huge bell, echoing throughout the entire hall, as if it was about to break through the sky.

All the ministers looked solemn and respectful, not daring to slack off in the slightest, for fear that they would anger the emperor if they were not careful.

Gu Mingbai raised his hand and said, "No need to bow."

As soon as he stepped into the palace, Gu Mingbai immediately summoned all the ministers to come for an audience.

After everyone filed in, they saw Gu Mingbai sitting in front of the dragon throne in the hall with a solemn expression but unable to hide his relief.

After all the ministers finished paying their respects, Gu Mingbai cleared his throat with a light cough, then scanned the entire room with a sharp gaze, finally fixing his sight on Crown Prince Gu Wenbo standing in the front row.

"I have been away from the palace for many days, and I am deeply concerned about the affairs of the court. However, I am particularly pleased that my son, Gu Wenbo, as the crown prince, has been able to handle the many affairs of the court in an orderly and proper manner while I am away!"

At this point, Gu Mingbai couldn't help but nod slightly, expressing his affirmation and appreciation for Gu Wenbo's ability.

Then, Gu Mingbai listed some specific examples in detail to prove that what he said was true.

For example, when dealing with a difficult government issue, Gu Wenbo listened to the opinions of many people, weighed the pros and cons, and decisively took effective measures to resolve it.

For example, in the face of complex diplomatic relations, Gu Wenbo skillfully maneuvered, not only safeguarding his country's interests and dignity, but also successfully enhancing friendly exchanges with neighboring countries.

As Gu Mingbai spoke, the ministers present began to whisper to each other.

Some praised Gu Wenbo's outstanding performance, while others expressed envy and jealousy.

At this time, Gu Wenbo always had a humble smile on his face, quietly listening to his father's praise, without being arrogant or impatient, showing the demeanor of a great man.

Just when everyone was still immersed in the shock brought by the words just now, Gu Mingbai suddenly changed the subject. His originally gentle face instantly became extremely cold, and his eyes swept across the ministers present with cold eyes like cold stars.

He straightened his body and said in a condescending manner: "I know very well that there are some among you who still think that I am not a good and competent emperor."

"For this, you have racked your brains, used all your efforts, and even resorted to all kinds of insidious and cunning means in a vain attempt to put me to death!"

"However, I must tell you that this time, I will investigate this matter of someone plotting against me thoroughly and will not tolerate it!"

"Whoever dares to oppose me, come at me! I want to see who is so audacious!"

Hearing this, everyone present was like being struck by thunder. Their faces turned pale in an instant and their bodies began to tremble involuntarily.

Then, as if driven by some invisible force, they all knelt on the ground and kowtowed.

The sound of everyone's forehead hitting the ground came one after another, echoing in this empty place, seeming particularly loud and shocking.

"Your Majesty, please calm down! We dare not do this. We have absolutely never done this!"

Cries of fear and pleading came from these people's mouths.

They kowtowed desperately and kept repeating this sentence, as if only in this way could the person who spoke believe their innocence.

Some people's voices have become hoarse because they are too nervous and scared.

Some people even scratched their foreheads because they used too much force, and blood flowed down their cheeks, but they did not dare to stop at all.

Gu Mingbai slowly stood up, his tall and majestic figure like an unshakable mountain.

Then, he suddenly swung his wide sleeves with force, like a gust of wind whistling past, bringing with it the sound of his clothes fluttering.

"Okay!" His voice was as loud as a bell, echoing throughout the palace, making people's hearts tremble.

"Whether you have ever thought about or done those things, I know it very well in my heart! Let's stop here for today, everyone, please leave!"

After saying this, he scanned the people present with his sharp hawk-like eyes. No one dared to look him in the eye.

Then, he turned around and left the hall with steady and powerful steps, leaving behind a group of silent ministers looking at each other in bewilderment.

Then, everyone started whispering and talking among themselves and gradually dispersed.

They walked in groups of three or five, or alone, and they would look back from time to time.

Gu Wenjie followed closely in the footsteps of Duke Zhao and left. He walked quickly, as if he was afraid of not being able to keep up with the noble man in front of him.

His eyes were always on Duke Zhao, as if that was his only guide at the moment.

Arriving at a quiet and deserted place, Gu Wenjie stopped and looked eagerly at Duke Zhao who was walking slowly not far away.

Gu Wenjie took a deep breath and summoned up the courage to shout, "Grandfather..."

This cry seemed to contain thousands of words, but also seemed to carry some hesitation and uneasiness.

The sound echoed in this quiet space, appearing exceptionally clear and loud.

Duke Zhao slowly turned around, his originally resolute and majestic face now filled with embarrassment, as if there were thousands of words stuck in his throat that he couldn't say.

His deep and solemn gaze was fixed on Gu Wenjie, revealing an unspeakable worry and uneasiness.

Then, Duke Zhao looked around cautiously, as if he was afraid that someone would suddenly appear nearby or something unexpected would happen.

After confirming that there was nothing unusual around him, he lowered his voice slightly and said to Gu Wenjie, "Your Highness, at this moment, please remember not to ask anything, and don't do anything rash. Everything will be discussed after this period of time. Do you understand?"

Gu Wenjie frowned tightly. He was certainly aware of the seriousness of the matter, and his heart felt like it was being weighed down by a heavy rock.

However, despite this, he still couldn't help but open his mouth with worry, his voice trembling slightly: "Grandfather, if this matter is discovered by the emperor, what should we do? I really can't imagine how terrible the consequences will be..."