After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

As the palace banquet drew to a close, the lights inside the hall flickered, and shadows mingled among the people.

Xiao Ran lightly held her wine glass, her gaze slowly sweeping over the people at the table, taking in the various expressions on their faces.

Beside the Grand Tutor, Shen You was pale-faced and had a wandering gaze, as if she had something on her mind.

Not far away, Pei Yun and Wen Ming sat facing each other. Wen Ming drank one cup of wine after another in silence, his brows furrowed with melancholy.

Chen Zijin, standing next to Chen Ruonan, was ignored by everyone and lost in thought, seemingly isolated from the surrounding noise, her thoughts drifting away.

Amidst all the chaos, He Wan appeared remarkably composed.

She sipped her wine, picked up a delicate pastry with her fingertips, her movements elegant and her expression serene, as if she were detached from the situation.

Xiao Ran chuckled and spoke:

"Sister Wan is quite relaxed and at ease, not at all like someone entering the palace for the first time."

Upon hearing this, He Wan smiled slightly, her eyes as calm as water, and said softly:

"Sister, you jest. How could this not be Wan'er's first time entering the palace? It's just..."

She paused, her fingertips gently caressing the pastry in her hand, her tone full of meaning.

"This palace has always been a den of dragons and tigers. Following it means proceeding with extreme caution, as if walking on thin ice. It is much more comfortable to go against it and follow one's heart."

Her voice was soft, yet each word was clear, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples.

“Sister Wan is a sensible person.”

But how long can this understanding last?

Just as he was pondering, a loud shout suddenly came from the hall, breaking the tranquility of the banquet.

"Your Majesty! This old minister has something to report!"

The Emperor was startled by the sudden voice, his brows furrowing slightly, his tone carrying a hint of displeasure:

"Minister of Revenue, what do you mean by this? Today is a palace banquet, not the morning court session!"

Minister of Revenue Zhao, however, looked solemn and bowed, saying:

"Your Majesty, please forgive my rudeness. This matter concerns the nation's welfare and the people's livelihood, and it cannot be delayed. I must report this to everyone!"

Seeing his solemn expression, the Emperor softened his tone slightly:

"What's so urgent?"

Minister Zhao took a deep breath and said in a deep voice:

"The drought and floods in the Jiangnan region are abnormal, causing people to be displaced and suffering greatly. Although Your Majesty has ordered disaster relief, those in the Ministry of Works have embezzled the relief funds, resulting in no relief whatsoever! I request a thorough investigation into this matter, and I humbly request Your Majesty's decision!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Minister Wang of the Ministry of Works stood up abruptly and angrily rebuked him:

"What nonsense are you spouting! Your Majesty, I have absolutely no such intention! The disaster situation in Jiangnan is severe, and the funds for disaster relief are already stretched thin. How could we possibly control such a situation?"

Minister Zhao sneered, showing no sign of backing down:

"Minister Wang, don't try to deny it! It's clear that your Ministry of Works has embezzled disaster relief funds, causing the people to suffer!"

Minister Wang's face turned ashen, and he pointed at Minister Zhao, shouting:

"Minister Zhao! I think you're getting more and more confused! How dare you spout nonsense in front of His Majesty!"

The atmosphere inside the hall became tense, with everyone exchanging bewildered glances, and the tension suddenly turned heavy.

"enough!"

The emperor flew into a rage, his voice booming like thunder throughout the palace.

"Zhao Ning, is what you say true? If even a single word is false, I will not let you off lightly!"

Minister Zhao knelt down with a thud, his forehead pressed against the ground, his voice trembling but firm:

"Your Majesty, you are wise! Every word I have said is true. If there is even a single lie, I am willing to be torn to pieces!"

"Hmph!" The emperor slammed his hand on the table, causing the cups and saucers to rattle. Everyone in the hall held their breath and fell silent.

"Wang Chengyun, what do you have to say now!"