Chapter 487: Reminder
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Upon learning about the Old Marquis’s change of heart, the Emperor was incensed. He perceived the Crown Prince’s increasing disregard for him as his father.
The Crown Prince, aware of the backing from both the Public House and the
Empress Dowager, had grown increasingly audacious in his actions. As the Emperor, he found himself bound by the Public House and the Empress Dowager, having no choice but to confront the Public House.
After some contemplation, the Emperor concluded that he should retract Su Bin’s transfer order. This would provide him the opportunity to ascertain whether Su Bin was indeed the author of the anonymous letter, understand Su Bin’s background, and evaluate his potential usefulness.
However, the Emperor had already made a public announcement regarding Su Bin’s mistakes and the plan to transfer him to Shanglin Prefecture. To backtrack on his decision, he needed to provide Su Bin with an honorable exit.
The following day, during the court session, the Emperor addressed Su Bin’s transgressions and his scheduled transfer to Shanglin Prefecture. He believed that if a minister interceded on Su Bin’s behalf, it would offer a way out for him.
Consequently, the Emperor promptly rescinded Su Bin’s transfer order.
To his surprise, the two ministers he had arranged to appeal for Su Bin failed to appear in court that day. One had suddenly fallen ill, while the other had sprained his ankle on the way to court.
The Emperor’s countenance darkened as he pondered the implausible coincidence.
There was no doubt that these events were orchestrated by the Public House and the Crown Prince.
It was a lamentable state of affairs when, as an Emperor, he couldn’t even count on a trusted minister. Even if he had one, the Public House held them in check, much like his own predicament.
The Emperor cast a cold, deliberate gaze at the a.s.sembly of civil and military officials, his eyes lingering longer on the ministers from the neutral faction.
However, these ministers merely lowered their heads slightly. Even though they sensed the Emperor’s penetrating stare, they refrained from speaking out.
The Emperor issued a gentle reminder, “Ministers, please raise your heads. If you have any views, don’t hesitate to express them.”
“My esteemed ministers, you ought to recognize that I am not an arbitrary ruler.”
The Emperor inwardly mused, ‘I’ve been quite explicit with my hints. There must be one or two ministers on my side, right?’
Subsequently, the civil and military officials lifted their heads. Nevertheless,
no minister emerged to advocate for Su Bin.
What’s more, they voiced unanimous praise, a.s.serting, “Your Majesty displays wisdom! Someone as narrow-minded as Su Bin, who prioritizes his family over his nation, is truly ill-equipped to shoulder the weighty responsibilities!”
One minister even fervently declared, “The Court of Judicial Review holds a sacred position. Allowing such an emotionally driven individual to enter would be a national calamity.”
“Fortunately, Your Majesty’s sagacity and decisiveness averted this peril.”
The Emperor’s expression darkened. The minister who had spoken was from the Public House. Did he make such remarks intentionally to humiliate the
Emperor, or had he forgotten that the decision to have Su Bin join the Court of Judicial Review originated from the Emperor’s decree?
The Emperor duly noted this minister’s name and position.
While he couldn’t immediately confront the Public House, he contemplated targeting ministers who supported it.
He would deal with them one by one.
In one last attempt, the Emperor turned his attention to Minister Lin. “Minister Lin, do you have anything to add?”
He paid no heed to avoiding suspicion. If Minister Lin was willing to intercede for Su Bin, the Emperor was prepared to back that course of action.
Minister Lin, as Su Bin’s granduncle, seemed logically inclined to speak up for his relative or plead for leniency.
Minister Lin, however, appeared ashamed and replied, “Your Majesty, I have nothing to add except for my sense of shame!”
The Emperor’s anger flared, and he reminded Minister Lin, “Minister Lin, you’ve devoted your life to serving the country and its people. I am well aware of your dedication.”
“If you have any requests, I grant you the opportunity to make them.”
Yet, Minister Lin remained visibly ashamed and murmured, “I dare not make any requests!”