Chapter 71

“I am the evidence myself.” Yan Donghuang ignored the words of Consort De and Yan Ming, her tone indifferent and firm. “I am willing to personally lead people to the Chu family. If it turns out that I have wronged Minister Chu, I am willing to accept any punishment!”

Yan Ming stood up, looking at Yan Donghuang sternly. “Donghuang, it is against the rules to search the home of a court official without evidence! If everyone did this, where would the law be? Where would the emperor’s authority be? As a princess who leads troops, you should know how easy it is to break the rules and trust and how difficult it is to rebuild them.”

“If someone is willing to risk their life to impeach, my residence is also open for anyone to search.” Yan Donghuang’s voice was cold.

Yan Ming was stunned. “Who would search your residence? We are talking about lack of evidence now—”

“Who said there is no evidence?” Yan Donghuang coldly interrupted him. “I have received several secret letters, and who suppressed the impeachment memorials from the ministers, everyone knows. If these are not considered evidence, then is my testimony not enough?”

Yan Ming angrily said, “How can you be the evidence?”

“I am the evidence.” Yan Donghuang said coldly. “If what I say is false, then I have committed perjury. Everyone here knows how perjury should be dealt with. I am at your disposal!”

Yan Ming stared at her in silence for a long time, disappointment gradually appearing in his eyes. “Is it just because Minister Chu disagreed with you becoming the crown princess that you want to retaliate against him like this?”

“Second brother, you are quite good at diverting attention and confusing right and wrong.” Yan Donghuang mocked. “Unfortunately, I have no interest in arguing with you. Think whatever you want.”

With that, she turned to Emperor Wu Lie. “Father, I impeach Minister Chu for embezzling military funds and enriching himself. Please allow me to lead people to search the Chu family personally. If what I say is false, I am willing to accept any punishment.”

Emperor Wu Lie pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded. “I permit you.”

“Thank you, Father.” Yan Donghuang saluted and left to carry out the order.

Her tall and slender figure in black clothes, though having the delicacy of a woman, exuded an imposing and intimidating aura.

Yan Ming silently watched her back, his heart sinking. He withdrew his gaze only after Yan Donghuang walked out of the hall. Turning, he met Emperor Wu Lie’s cold and oppressive eyes.

Yan Ming’s heart tightened, and he knelt back down silently, his hands slowly clenching at his sides.

Outside the hall, Yan Donghuang saw seven generals standing there. Their expressions were also extremely shocked. Seven pairs of eyes stared straight at Yan Donghuang as if to confirm the truth. They had just heard the voices inside the hall. The emperor was going to make Her Highness the Crown Princess.

This matter was obviously too sudden and absurd… In the eyes of the ministers and princes, it was indeed absurd.

Yan Donghuang’s gaze swept over the faces of the seven generals, her thoughts momentarily dazed. That kind of near yet seemingly long-lost familiarity made her heart tremble. She let out a long breath, no longer feeling the excruciating pain in her chest.

Yan Donghuang quickly accepted the reality and calmly ordered, “Yaoguang, Chiran, you two each mobilize two hundred people and follow me to the Chu residence.”

Feng Yaoguang and Gu Chiran accepted the order. “Yes!”

Minister Chu’s face was pale in the quiet hall, and he knelt down urgently, crying out his innocence. “Your Majesty, I am wronged, I am wronged—”

“I know you are wronged.” Emperor Wu Lie’s tone was indifferent, without joy or anger. “But the Grand Princess says you are corrupt; you must prove your innocence; otherwise, how can I believe you?”

“But the Grand Princess has no evidence—”

“She said if she wronged you, she is willing to accept any punishment.” Emperor Wu Lie’s tone was full of authority. “Since you are so opposed to her being the heir, why not take a gamble? If she wrongs you, I will revoke the decree and appoint another heir.”

After saying this, he closed his eyes slightly, seeming tired. “To prove Minister Chu’s innocence, you will wait with me.”

Minister Chu’s face turned white, looking uneasily at Yan Ming.

Yan Ming’s expression was even more flustered because of the sudden change in his father’s and Yan Donghuang’s attitudes.

What happened to Donghuang?
Was someone instigating her, or was she ambitious herself, having long held military power, now desiring to become the ruler of the world?
What a delusion.
Even if a woman can fight, so what? After getting married, won’t she still have to manage the household and prioritize her husband?
Husband?

Yan Ming was stunned, thinking of Sheng Jing’an, who was in mourning at home, and suddenly felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps Sheng Jing’an should ask her what was going on. But how to solve the current predicament?

His uncle controlled the Ministry of War, one of his chips for the throne. If something happened to him, it would be like losing an arm, even losing all hope of the throne.

“Father.” Yan Ming carefully spoke. “Donghuang is good at leading troops, but she knows nothing about the court, unaware of the dangers of people’s hearts. I suspect she is being used—”

“Why are you in such a hurry?” Emperor Wu Lie opened his eyes. Even. Even though his body was weak, his gaze was still intimidating. “Whether she is being instigated by villains or someone is impeaching, Donghuang is just leading people to search. She won’t convict Minister Chu without evidence.”

Yan Ming’s face turned pale. “But—”

“A clear conscience fears no accusation.” Emperor Wu Lie closed his eyes again. “If Minister Chu is innocent, I will not only hold Donghuang accountable but also compensate Minister Chu for his grievances. You need not worry.”

Yan Ming choked, kneeling on the ground, his face extremely ugly.

Consort De looked anxiously at Minister Chu, wondering if the gold and silver at his home were well hidden, would Yan Donghuang easily find them?

Officials’ salaries are limited, even with occasional rewards or other income; it can’t be too exaggerated. If a few thousand taels of silver are found at home, today’s matter can be safely passed, but if a large amount of money is found and the source cannot be explained, then…

Minister Chu’s forehead was already sweating.

Seeing his expression, Consort De’s heart sank to the bottom, cursing Yan Donghuang for suddenly targeting her uncle.

There must be someone instigating discord. Consort De turned to look at Consort Gui, Consort Xian, and Consort Shu, her eyes filled with hostility. She wanted to know who was framing her at this time.

Could it be because the emperor was dying, they feared Yan Ming would seize the throne, so they let Yan Donghuang know about Minister Chu’s corruption?

How cunning, despicable, and shameless!

Chapter 72

Time passed slowly. The hall was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.

Minister Chu was like an ant on a hot pan, cold sweat dripping from his forehead. He shakily wiped it away, but soon it was covered in sweat again.

Emperor Wu Lie saw his expression and already had an idea, his eyes showing a deep and merciless gleam.

Very good, since he was the first to oppose, let Donghuang use him to establish her authority and eliminate a corrupt official. Let’s see who dares to stand out next.

The five remaining generals of the Qingluan Army exchanged looks of surprise without showing it.

Establish the Grand Princess as the heir?
Why did the Emperor suddenly have this idea?

Although the Grand Princess was extremely capable and decisive, making her an emperor was not out of the question, but there had never been a precedent for a woman to rule in the Yong Dynasty. The Emperor actually established a Crown Princess right away, shocking everyone. Could it be that Yong Dynasty was about to start a dynasty ruled by a female emperor?

“Your Majesty,” Rong Chun bowed and spoke, “the generals of the Qingluan Army are outside the hall. Besides the two called away by the Grand Princess, five generals are waiting. Should I summon them in?”

Emperor Wu Lie nodded slightly. “Let them in.”

“Yes.” Rong Chun turned and raised his voice, “Summon the generals of the Qingluan Army into the hall!”

Xie Yunjian, Qin Yang, Mu Yunfan, Xiao Qingwu, and Xiao Nanfeng entered the hall, each tall and upright. They exuded military generals’ steady and sharp aura, making people feel awe.

Entering the hall, the five knelt on one knee. “We greet Your Majesty, long live the Emperor!”

Emperor Wu Lie raised his eyes slightly, looking at the five generals in front of him.

The seven generals under the Qingluan Army each had their own style and characteristics, and all were Yan Donghuang’s most capable aides.

Emperor Wu Lie spoke, “Xie Yunjian.”

The handsome and elegant Xie Yunjian responded, “I am here.”

“You will immediately leave the city and mobilize three thousand troops to station at Donghua Gate, replacing the Donghua Gate Imperial Guards. For the next three months, you will be responsible for the rotation at Donghua Gate.”

“I obey the order.” Xie Yunjian accepted the order and left.

Emperor Wu Lie turned his gaze slightly. “Qin Yang.”

The steady Qin Yang responded, “I am here.”

“You will mobilize three thousand troops to station at Xihua Gate, replacing the Xihua Gate Imperial Guards. For the next three months, you will be responsible for the rotation at Xihua Gate.”

“I obey the order.” Qin Yang accepted the order and left.

“Mu Yunfan.”

The cold and taciturn Mu Yunfan responded, “I am here.”

“You will mobilize five thousand troops to replace the Imperial Guards at the Wu Gate.” Emperor Wu Lie ordered, “For the next three months, you will be responsible for the rotation at the Wu Gate.”

“I obey the order.” Mu Yunfan accepted the order and left.

“Xiao Qingwu, Xiao Nanfeng.”

“We are here.”

“You two will each lead a thousand troops into the palace, guarding the Fengtian Gate, under the command of the Grand Princess.”

“We obey the order!”

As Emperor Wu Lie’s orders were issued one by one, the people in the hall turned pale, feeling like they were in an ice cellar.

The Emperor was determined to let Yan Donghuang inherit the throne? But why?

Yan Donghuang was not only a woman but also born from a lowly palace maid who had a one-night favor. How could someone of such low birth inherit the throne?

Yan Ming’s hands slowly clenched at his sides, unable to understand how things had turned out this way. He thought his father had kept Yan Donghuang alone to consult her on the choice of heir, and Yan Donghuang would definitely recommend him.

The current princes had almost equal power, with equal opportunities to appear before the Emperor.

Although Yan Ming had a good reputation, the chips he held were not more than other princes, only the Chu family of the Minister of War and his close relationship with Sheng Jing’an of the Duke’s Mansion. But other princes also had power in the court.

The strongest chip Yan Ming held was the support of Yan Donghuang, the Grand Princess. Her military power was unmatched by anyone. As long as she supported him, Yan Ming was confident of victory. He was confident that Yan Donghuang would definitely recommend him because their sibling relationship was so good…

Who would have thought that the final choice of heir was not any of the princes but Yan Donghuang herself?
What did she say to their father to make the Emperor make such an absurd decision?

In the quiet waiting, time passed extremely slowly.

The floor tiles in front of Minister Chu were already wet. His breathing was rapid, and his face was unnaturally pale. But no one dared to speak at this moment.

After being punished, the eldest prince, Yan Zhang, was sent back to his mansion to recover from his injuries. He was no longer qualified to interfere in the matter of the heir today.

A stick of incense time passed.

Two-quarters of an hour passed.

Half an hour passed.

The princes’ knees were in pain from kneeling, and the concubines were swaying, their bodies unable to bear it.

Emperor Wu Lie did not force them, only said lightly, “Anyone who can’t hold on can return to their palace; no need to stay here and suffer.”

Consort Gui’s eyes were red, and she sobbed softly. She was the side consort married before Emperor Wu Lie ascended the throne, and the eldest son, Yan Zhang, was born to her. After entering the palace, she was promoted to Consort because of her son and later gave birth to a daughter, favored by the Emperor. She was quickly promoted to Consort Gui, second only to the empress.

She thought that after the crown prince was deposed and the empress lost power, their mother and son would have their day, with only Yan Zhang and Yan Ming being the most likely heirs.

Unexpectedly, the Emperor not only did not consider Yan Zhang but also punished him severely with a single word. How could the Consort Gui not feel pain?

Misconduct in front of the Emperor was a crime, and she could only sob softly.

Emperor Wu Lie’s gaze fell on her face, his voice indifferent. “Consort Gui, go back to your palace and rest. I will not blame you for today’s matter.”

Consort Gui trembled as she thanked him, then got up and left. There was no point in her staying any longer.

The Emperor was determined to establish Yan Donghuang as the heir. The upcoming battle would be between Yan Ming and Yan Donghuang, between the civil and military officials and the Qingluan Army; it had nothing to do with her.

Didn’t Consort De treat Yan Donghuang as her own daughter?

In that case, let the mother and daughter kill each other. No matter who wins, the other side will become the enemy and never be close again.

“Since I have issued this decree today, I am determined to establish Donghuang as the heir. No one can oppose it.” Emperor Wu Lie leaned on the dragon chair, his voice weak but full of undeniable authority. “A woman as emperor is unprecedented, so you should understand how strong my decision is.”

“If there are few opponents, I can ignore them; if there are many opponents, only a massacre can suppress your voices, then I don’t mind sending a batch of people down to wait for me before I die. We can continue our relationship as ruler and subjects or father and sons in the underworld.”

These words, spoken slowly, made everyone present feel a chilling and ruthless atmosphere. Some timid concubines couldn’t help but shiver.

“Report!” Suddenly, a loud voice came from outside the hall, and a guard entered and knelt down. “Reporting to Your Majesty! The Grand Princess ordered me to report!”

“The Qingluan Army found a large amount of gold and silver, jewelry, and jade in Minister Chu’s warehouse. The exact amount is not yet clear. The Grand Princess is counting it. If all are converted to silver, it is roughly estimated to be no less than four million taels. I came to report to Your Majesty!”

As the words fell, the air in the hall froze.

Consort De’s vision went black, almost fainting.

Minister Chu’s face turned pale. “Your… Your Majesty, I am wronged, I am wronged…”