Yu Mingyue nodded. Her brother's words made sense; deliberately avoiding suspicion would be overdoing it. It was better to let things take their natural course.
The Seventh Prince indeed held more authority in court now. After being named Crown Prince, every word and action he took required greater prudence. When one held a high position, not everything could be decided by oneself.
Moreover, based on her understanding of Sister Lingyi, she was not someone who easily gave up.
...
The Seventh Prince returned to the capital victorious. According to custom, merits should be rewarded and faults punished, especially considering the Emperor's stance on the Wang family.
It was understandable that the Emperor did not punish Prince Han but instead sent him back to Hanzhong. They were all descendants of the Xiao family, and not wanting to see them harm each other could earn him the reputation of a benevolent ruler. Such examples were common throughout history.
Prince Han had led a hundred thousand soldiers out of Hanzhong, and now only he remained. Even upon returning to Hanzhong, he would be considered a sinner in the eyes of the people, someone who wouldn't dare to go out alone in broad daylight.
Such a life would be worse than death, tormented every day.
But the Wang family father and son had incited students from the Imperial College to protest, and had conspired with the Northern Army to collude with rebels. Each of these offenses was a capital crime.
Without the Emperor's decree, the court was in an uproar.
Some defended the aristocratic families and the Wang family, while others demanded the Emperor severely punish them.
Before the Emperor arrived, the court was a lively scene. Places with many women were noisy, and places with many men were no different. They spoke one after another, their gossip as intense as that of the vegetable vendors at the street corner.
Through the "vegetable vendors," no, through the ministers, Xie Jiayan saw Minister Yao enter, as if he were the center of attention.
Minister Yao wore a purple robe and did not look at anyone, his gaze fixed upwards. His arrogant demeanor suggested he was about to ascend the throne as Crown Prince.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
After a sharp, high-pitched voice, the hall fell silent. Everyone resumed their dignified appearance, awaiting the Emperor's arrival.
The Emperor sat on his throne, waiting for the court officials to present their memorials. Every day brought new issues, and if there were none, they would create them. He was accustomed to it.
"Your Majesty, this minister has a memorial to present." The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice bravely stepped forward.
Since Yu Zheyan was demoted to a provincial commander, the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice had become vacant. Yao Zhinian had then promoted one of his own men to it.
"Esteemed Minister Geng, what is it you wish to report?" the Emperor asked with a smile.
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Justice has been interrogating day and night for the past two days. General Hu has confessed everything. He admitted that all his actions were at the instruction of Wang Ningqing. For many years, Wang Ningqing had placed many of his informants within the Northern Army. It was this internal collusion that led to the heavy losses of the Northern Army. This is his confession, please review it, Your Majesty."
Geng Fangda spoke with righteous indignation, his voice resounding.
He had long detested the wrongdoings of the aristocratic families. If not for Minister Yao's promotion, he might have served until retirement without ever reaching the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice.
Now was his time to repay the favor. He would ensure the Wang family father and son were brought to justice!
"Your Majesty, Wang Ningqing is indeed wrongly accused in this matter. It was Prince Han who held young Master Wang hostage first, and he was forced. Furthermore, regarding the inexplicable fire at the Wang family's villa, if not for the rescue by loyal servants, he would have perished. Having narrowly escaped death, he would not have the courage to plot rebellion. To convict him based on the words of a mere general is clearly an attempt to sow discord." Minister Qin of the Ministry of Revenue stepped forward to refute the accusation.
Minister Qin snorted. The Ministry of Justice, the Northern Army – did they not all require funds from his Ministry of Revenue? He hoped they wouldn't come begging him next time; delaying them for a year or a half would be considered lenient.
Who helped earn the silver in the national treasury? How was taxes collected from the various regions?
Without the assistance of the aristocratic families, the Great Wei itself might not exist. To cross the river and then tear down the bridge at this juncture was the height of shamelessness!