Even the Sage, who remained composed during Duke Han's rebellion, had a visibly displeased expression today.
Especially with Censor Lu arguing his case and Minister Qin resorting to veiled insults.
Either one of them would have been enough to overwhelm Yao Zhinian and his associates. With both of them joining forces today, it was an unstoppable combination.
The sharpness of scholars' pens, the eloquence of censors' tongues, and the might of generals' swords – today, the first two were truly put on display.
Prime Minister Mo received the news no later than the Seventh Prince. The Sage summoned him to the palace that very night.
In fact, Wang Ningqing's death had also resolved the crisis for the Five Clans.
However, disrupting the Sage's carefully laid plans naturally displeased him.
As soon as the city gates opened this morning, the retainers of various families in the capital began spreading the news.
The capital was about to become turbulent once more.
Indeed, before the morning court even concluded, scholars from aristocratic families were already kneeling at the palace gates, imploring the Sage to thoroughly investigate the cause of death and provide an explanation to the world.
Whether Wang Ningqing was involved in the rebellion remained undecided, but the deaths of the Wang family patriarch and his intended successor were undeniable.
Seeing the situation escalate beyond control, if the conflict between the aristocratic families and the imperial court continued to widen, it would be detrimental to the state of affairs.
"Father, this humble son is willing to investigate the cause of death of my maternal uncle, Wang Ningqing, and reveal the truth to the world." Xiao Che stepped forward.
Xiao Che's action was truly shocking, even Minister Qin seemed taken aback.
It was common knowledge in court that the Seventh Prince was not close to the Yao family. There was no reason for the Seventh Prince to involve himself in such a mess; this was akin to inviting trouble.
Even the Sage's expression showed surprise, clearly unaware of this beforehand.
As if he had made up his mind, Xiao Che repeated, "Father, this humble son is willing to investigate the cause of death of my maternal uncle, Wang Ningqing."
The Sage frowned, looking at his son for a long time before saying, "Granted!"
With that, he rose and walked towards the back. Zhang Ying, the attendant, immediately flicked his horsetail whisk and announced, "Court dismissed!" before following the Sage.
The ministers below looked at each other. Was that it?
Then, their gazes converged on Xiao Che, some with admiration, others with bewilderment. However, it had to be said, the Seventh Prince was increasingly displaying the demeanor of a future Crown Prince.
If he hadn't taken on this case, few others would have dared to.
Song Wei secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He had feared the Emperor would assign the Qianniu Guard to handle the case; thankfully, thankfully.
Song Wei disliked the Yao family, but now he was truly grateful to the Seventh Prince.
Xiao Che had intended to clarify the case and ease the tensions, but he unexpectedly gained favor in court. This was a pleasant surprise.
It seemed Xie Jia Yan had been right.
Xiao Che specifically called out to Xie Jia Yan, "Imperial Scholar Xie, please remain!"
Xie Jia Yan stopped and turned to bow, "Your Highness!"
"Imperial Scholar Xie, what did you mean before court when you said the dead tell no lies?" Xiao Che asked.
From the first time he met Xie Jia Yan, Xiao Che felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity. It was a feeling that was neither friend nor foe, making him unable to fathom it.
However, Yu Mingjing and Gu Tingyun both said he was a trustworthy person, so he was willing to believe him this once.
"Yes!"
"Explain!"
"Crane's crest poison is a secret medicine from the palace. Few people can access it!"
The Sage, of course, was one. In the harem, only Consort Yao was most favored. The remaining person was the most fortunate and highest-ranking, the Old Imperial Concubine.
Judging by Yao Zhinian's performance in court this morning, it was unlikely to be his doing. The Sage would also not have ordered Wang Ningqing's death at this time. This left only one possibility.
The Old Imperial Concubine was a palace maid from the Empress Dowager's court. She gave birth to a princess who married far beyond the frontier. Her husband was highly valued by the Sage, and consequently, the Old Imperial Concubine also received considerable care from the Sage.
She was now considered an elder in the palace, but she was usually very low-key, so low-key that everyone had forgotten such a person existed in the palace.