The princess was ordained by Heaven.

The Fifth Prince's lips curled into a smile as he asked helplessly, "Does my sister have some kind of problem with me?"

"Don't ask, I'm afraid you won't be able to handle it if I really tell you."

Even the best-tempered person would break down at this moment, let alone the Fifth Prince, whose good temper was just a facade.

He forced a smile and exchanged a few more pleasantries before slinking away.

The second prince scoffed, "Fool."

The Crown Prince couldn't bear it and said, "After all, they are brothers and sisters. Isn't this going a bit too far?"

Everyone stared at him with the same curiosity.

Zheng Jin patiently explained, "What kind of good person can't hear Yuan Jia's true feelings?"

"But those were all things that happened according to Yuan Jia's prophecy. At this time, the Fifth Prince hadn't done anything yet."

The Third Prince shook his head disapprovingly: "It will be too late once we do something."

“Brother,” the second prince put his arm around his shoulder, “have you noticed that you’re looking at things from a slightly different angle?”

"What's the problem?"

“You are the crown prince of the country. Knowing that your fifth brother may pose a threat to the Great Yong, you should be thinking about how to nip the danger in the bud, rather than hesitating about whether your attitude towards him is not good enough.”

Zheng Jiao said with exasperation, "What you will be carrying is the entire Dayong, and the millions of its people. You must not only have personal love but also a sense of the bigger picture."

Seeing that the atmosphere was not good, the second prince joked, "Brother, if you keep going like this, I might just let the most capable person take over."

This was the first time the crown prince was being educated by his own brothers and sisters together.

To be honest, he felt a little embarrassed.

He grew up under the tutelage of renowned teachers, yet in the end, he was less proficient than others. Was he simply too stupid? Or was he truly unsuitable to be emperor?

However, does the most capable person have the best position...?

……

People who have lived in the capital for a long time always have a strange but accurate premonition about changes in the court. In the past few days, there has been a sense of panic in the capital. When the Azure Dragon Guard and the Palace Guard are mobilized and ride through the long street, even the children on the side of the street dare not make a sound.

This was the third day after that morning court session, and the ground at Caishikou was already covered with a layer of fresh blood.

Zheng Xun's life has officially returned to normal. On this day, the Crown Prince, who finally made up his mind to deal with the traitor, returned to handle government affairs with the Emperor.

"Father, the Crown Prince is enough. Why must I go to the Imperial Study?"

"I have said it before: you are you, and he is him."

The crown prince conscientiously moved a stack of memorials to his desk.

He had been involved in government affairs for almost three years and was quite adept at handling them. In addition, the emperor was busy and didn't have much time to criticize him, so his days in the imperial study were not difficult.

But that was in the past.

The current emperor is particularly strict and always likes to test him with questions.

Then, unsurprisingly, he was given a severe dressing-down.

Zheng Xun was delighted to see others suffering alongside him, even more so than himself. Watching the spectacle made him much more efficient at handling matters.

The Imperial Study was bustling and lively, with Eunuch Li smiling as he watched his masters.

Oh, Great Yong, may this peace and tranquility continue forever.

After finishing the most urgent official business, the emperor held a memorial in his hand and asked seriously, "Crown Prince, Yuanjia, do you think I should go and take a look?"

The memorial was submitted by the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, detailing the follow-up to a case that occurred a month prior.

The deceased in the case was a vice minister of the Ministry of Works who was skilled in water management. The water conservancy project on the Ming River was only half completed, but it was put on hold because of his death. Therefore, the Court of Judicial Review and the imperial court attached great importance to this matter.

A few days ago, the murderer was found.

This was a revenge killing. After investigation, the murderer was identified as Lu Yuandao, the illegitimate daughter of the Vice Minister of Works.

Lu Yuandao readily confessed her guilt, but claimed that she was capable of taking over the management of Mingshui.

At first, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review did not believe her, but she did speak very eloquently about this matter.

The Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review dared not gamble and could only report the matter truthfully to the Emperor for a decision.

"Why don't you go?" Zheng Xun immediately stood up. "Let's go, let's go now."

[Wuhu, I'm off!]

Crown Prince: You just want to leave the palace.

Fearing the emperor's wrath, he advised, "Wait until you've finished reviewing the memorials..."

"There are never enough memorials to review. Even if we finish reviewing them today, there will be more tomorrow." Zheng Xun looked at the emperor expectantly.

[Agree quickly, agree quickly...]

The emperor put down the memorial and stood up: "Let's go."

Zheng Xun wasn't surprised at all and quickly walked to his side: "Father, would you like to change your clothes?"

The emperor glanced at his casual clothes and said, "This is fine."

Eunuch Li flattered, "Your Majesty stands out from the crowd no matter what you wear."

"Can I wander around a bit after this is over before heading back?"

"Yes, but I want to go with you."

The three of them walked out of the palace while talking, leaving the Crown Prince, who was holding the memorial, looking completely bewildered.

No? You just left like that?

He quickly dropped what he was doing and followed after him, shouting, "Wait for me!"

Zheng Xun listened to his hurried footsteps and affectionate complaints, and a smile curled at the corners of his lips.

This trip didn't seem like a big entourage, but Li Zhuo followed closely behind. The Azure Dragon Guard and the Palace Guard were in the open, while the Dark Guard was in the shadows, keeping them under tight protection from the outside.

Seeing the Crown Prince in such a grand display, for some reason, I sensed a tense feeling that a storm was brewing.

The Dali Temple has been very busy lately. When the Emperor arrived, only a few people came out to greet him, including two officials and inspectors from the Ministry of Justice.

The Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review was a young man in his early thirties. He was of the same ilk as Zheng Jin, with a scholarly air about him. He looked refined and easy to talk to.

The group went to the prison. Lu Yuandao's cell was spacious and clean, with dry straw and a tiny window. When they arrived, she was standing in front of the window, smiling at them.

"This humble woman, Lu Yuandao, greets Your Majesty and all the distinguished guests."

Lu Yuandao's bow was standard and composed. She was not tall, thin, and had a dark complexion, but her eyes were bright and piercing.

"Rise." The emperor said, his hands behind his back, his eyes revealing an undisguised scrutiny.

Lu Yuandao bowed his head respectfully, his expression calm.

"Can you really solve the Mingshui problem?"

“I can do it, and I’m sure I can do it better than him.”

The "he" she was referring to was naturally the official in charge of the Ministry of Works.

"Why do you want to see me?"

This little girl claims she can take over Yang Feng's job? The emperor was skeptical.

Lu Yuandao knelt on the ground: "This is a long story. Please let me tell you in detail, Your Majesty. Please trouble the Junior Minister to prepare tea."

Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review: ...

She commands him so smoothly; he's such a workaholic.

After muttering a couple of complaints to himself, he obediently went to arrange the tea.

"Your Majesty, please grant me justice!"

Lu Yuandao knelt down and kowtowed heavily, his forehead touching the ground, as if he wouldn't get up unless he agreed.

Eunuch Li's face darkened: "Are you threatening the Emperor?"

Lu Yuandao remained silent.

She's also a pitiful person. She's truly capable. For a capable person, being a little arrogant and assertive wouldn't be a problem at all.