After the mind-reading and gossip-eating incident, officials in the imperial city were demoted one a

Three days later, at dawn, the officials, dressed in their court robes, gathered in twos and threes, discussing in hushed tones as they waited in the Taiji Hall.

While undercurrents may have flowed in the imperial court in the past, today there was a more tense atmosphere.

The eunuch's sharp, drawn-out voice echoed in the empty hall, and everyone quickly straightened their clothes and bowed in unison.

"My lords, there is no need for such formalities."

The crown prince sat upright on a high seat beside the dragon throne, glanced at the front row, and raised an eyebrow.

"Why are some of you missing today?"

The ministers below were silent with fear, and the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review stepped forward and replied:

"Your Highness, those officials were taken away three days ago by His Highness Prince Jing on the grounds of assisting in the investigation of embezzlement of military funds."

There has been no news to date. I have repeatedly requested an audience with Prince Jing to learn more about the case, but Your Highness has not granted me an audience.

"Oh! Is that so?" The crown prince gently stroked the armrest of his chair, pretending not to know.

"Your Highness, I have a memorial to report!"

Suddenly, a loud voice rang out. It was the newly appointed Imperial Censor Xu, his face serious and indignant.

What brings you here?

Censor Wu raised his voice and said righteously:

“Your Highness, Prince Jing’s behavior is eccentric and disregards the laws and regulations of the court. I wish to impeach Prince Jing.”

Upon hearing these words from Imperial Censor Wu, the surrounding ministers couldn't help but gasp.

The ministers behind couldn't help but mutter under their breath, "He's really a newborn calf. Although Prince Jing rarely makes a move in court, everyone knows that in Yunmengze, no one dares to mess with him."

However, Censor Wu was oblivious to the thoughts of those around him. His words grew increasingly sharp and impassioned as he continued:

“Prince Jing is so audacious and reckless, completely disregarding the rules of the court, and arresting several ministers without the joint trial of the three judicial departments.”

The arrests were carried out with great fanfare, causing widespread panic and unrest among the people. What else could this be but a large-scale disturbance of the people?

Such actions not only disrupt the law and order but also disturb the order of the imperial city. If Prince Jing's actions are not stopped, the discipline of the court may be completely destroyed. Your Highness, you must not tolerate this!

“Lord Wu is quite right, Your Highness. Prince Jing’s actions are inappropriate.”

"I second the proposal."

Following this, several other ministers echoed the sentiment.

The Crown Prince looked on in disbelief and turned his gaze to Lord Mu.

"Oh! The person you're talking about is the Imperial Uncle? The Imperial Uncle lives a secluded life, how could he do such a thing?"

"Mu Qing, is the Imperial Uncle truly disturbing the people?"

The Crown Prince's tone was calm, and Lord Mu seemed to detect a hint of amusement in it.

“Your Highness, those people arrested by Prince Jing are morally corrupt, and I do not believe they constitute disturbing the people.”

Lord Mu remained calm.

Upon hearing this, Guo Ping immediately stood up to refute, looking at Lord Mu with displeasure.

“Lord Mu, Prince Jing has taken people away for three days, and none of the prefectures have received any news. Such absurd behavior treats the Three Judicial Offices as mere formalities. Even if it is not disturbing the people, do you think this is reasonable?”

“Lord Guo, Prince Jing must have a plan in mind for his actions. Lord Guo is worried about your brother. Why don’t you send someone to invite Prince Jing over for a detailed inquiry?”

“Prince Jing is favored by the late emperor and possesses the late emperor’s token. How could I possibly persuade him to come?”

They couldn't even get a glimpse of the other family members. Thinking of this, Guo Ping couldn't suppress his anger.

“Your Highness, Prince Jing is so domineering, relying on the late emperor’s token and ignoring the laws established by the founding emperor. I’m afraid he doesn’t even respect the emperor.”

"Lord Guo is right. It is an established rule of the court that the three departments should work together to handle cases. Prince Jing has not come forward to make any explanation so far. In my opinion, Prince Jing is undoubtedly challenging the authority of the court and may even be suspected of...treason."

Although the man's voice was not loud, it struck everyone's hearts like a heavy hammer.

"It seems not impossible that the Imperial Uncle is plotting a rebellion."

"Ye Qing, your Ye family has very close ties with the Imperial Uncle. Do you think the Imperial Uncle harbors such intentions?"

The Crown Prince asked Ye Xiumu.

“Your Highness, in my heart Prince Jing is as noble as a banished immortal, I do not believe it.”

Looking at the playful look in the Crown Prince's eyes, Ye Xiumu couldn't quite figure out what the Crown Prince was trying to do.

Qin Jingyu's cold and authoritative voice came from the outer hall.

"Who wants to know if I am plotting a rebellion?"