Geng Fangda, young and eager to impress, immediately retorted after listening, "Prime Minister Qin, your words are perhaps too self-centered. These testimonies are the result of the collective efforts of my colleagues in the Ministry of Justice. How, in your words, have they become slander? Prime Minister Qin, in defending Wang Ningqing so vehemently, are you perhaps related to the Wang family?"
Minister Qin, upon hearing this, smiled and did not rush to refute. Instead, he slowly turned his gaze towards the Sage on the dragon throne.
The Sage shifted uncomfortably, his lips moving but saying nothing. However, it was evident that his previously expressionless face now showed displeasure.
Satisfied, Minister Qin flicked his sleeves and spoke slowly, as if imparting wisdom, "Lord Geng is indeed young. I shall indulge in the privilege of age and offer a suggestion. After returning home, perhaps you could familiarize yourself with the family tree of the Five Great Clans. However, you are correct in your guess. My mother and Wang Ningqing's mother share the same surname. Wang Ningqing is, in a way, my… cousin."
Minister Qin's pronouncement of "cousin" carried a deep meaning. Wang Ningqing was not merely his cousin, but also the Sage's cousin and brother-in-law.
To speak of nothing else, consider the Gu family and the Mo family; tracing their connections would reveal relationships.
Lord Geng's casual mention of "relatives" had inadvertently offended a multitude of powerful families, making it no wonder the Sage was displeased.
Prime Minister Mo had no intention of intervening. He stood serenely at the front, his old ears seemingly unable to catch the recent exchange.
Gu Bohao was in a similar state, preoccupied and anxious. The Wang family was tainted, and the Zheng family was not clean either. He was distantly related to the Wang family, and the Zheng family was his maternal clan.
What a predicament this was.
The Minister of Revenue was not to be trifled with. Age had tempered his temper; in his youth, he would have verbally thrashed his opponents into silence.
With capability, background, and achievements, was he not allowed to have a temper?
If anyone was causing him vexation, it was Wang Ningqing. At his age, he was still causing trouble. The Wang family was in disarray; his cousin was dead, and the Seventh Prince was the next in line. What the Wang family should be doing was not seeking revenge, but lying low, enduring humiliation, and covertly sowing discord between the Seventh Prince and the Yao family. This would force the Seventh Prince, who lacked a strong background, to seek the support of the aristocratic families. But what was he doing?
He had endured for so many years, and now he could not? Truly, a lifetime of wisdom leading to a moment of foolishness.
Yu Mingjing leaned towards Xie Jia'an and whispered, "Is this the good show you mentioned for today?"
Yu Mingjing's title of General of Guide was just barely sufficient to attend court, placing him at the lowest rung. Although Xie Jia'an enjoyed the Sage's trust, his official rank was also low. The two stood at the back, only able to see the backs of the adults' heads, which conveniently allowed for whispered conversations.
"Not good-looking?"
"Very good-looking!" Yu Mingjing nodded. "Minister Qin's old sword is still sharp."
"It will be even more spectacular later."
Other officials from the Secretariat were also watching the spectacle. Any trouble that arose would not fall on their shoulders. Besides Prime Minister Mo, there was also Prime Minister Yao. What were they anxious about? Anxiety would not lead to the premiership.
Let them quarrel. The bigger the commotion, the better. The Secretariat was long overdue for a thorough reevaluation.
Geng Fangda suddenly realized he had spoken out of turn. Old Man Qin had dug a deep pit for him. In his haste, he quickly knelt to beg for forgiveness: "This minister misspoke!"
The Sage turned his body, his gaze slowly sweeping over Geng Fangda, who was kneeling below. "Rise. Ignorance is forgivable."
The Sage's remark of "ignorance" was a further blow to Geng Fangda's pride. The imperial clan was the Wang family; even commoners knew this. How could a Vice Minister of Justice not?
Rather than saying ignorance was forgivable, it would have been more palatable to simply call him stupid.
Minister Qin quickly offered flattery, "The Sage is wise."
Yao Zhinian was so enraged his lungs felt as if they would explode. No, he had to continue recruiting talented individuals to serve him, otherwise, he would continue to be bullied by the aristocratic families. He could not endure this humiliation.