For the civil and military officials of the Great Yue Dynasty, today was an ordinary day, and also an extraordinary one.
It was ordinary because they still had to attend court as usual.
It was extraordinary because it was the second day of court since the new Emperor ascended the throne.
With the new Emperor's enthronement, all officials were swamped with work.
There were too many matters that needed to be changed and advanced, and they also had to deal with the former Emperor's constant interference from behind the scenes.
But in truth, most of the court officials were happy.
During his reign, the former Emperor could indeed be called a "wise ruler."
However, as he grew older, he seemed to have lost some of his former sagacity, clarity, and insight.
He had a strong favoritism towards the then Prince Ning, Mu Han Su, which later led to Mu Han Su's rebellion, and the former Emperor was almost killed by Mu Han Su.
Everyone knew that the former Emperor had handed over the throne to the current Emperor under duress.
However, anyone who wished for the Great Yue Dynasty to prosper supported the former Emperor's decision.
The current Emperor possessed loyalty and showed great compassion for the common people.
Most importantly, he was a man of strategy, courage, and magnanimity.
Furthermore, with a capable minister like Prince Chang assisting him, the court officials were filled with hope for the future of the Great Yue Dynasty.
However...
When the court officials arrived for the morning assembly today, they realized that Prince Chang was not present.
It was known that even when Prince Chang's leg was "broken," he had never been late for court.
On the contrary, he was always diligent and conscientious.
But today, even as the officials repeatedly glanced at the spot where Prince Chang should have stood, it remained empty.
Only when the eunuch announced, "His Majesty arrives—" and Prince Chang's position was still vacant, did everyone realize that Prince Chang would likely not be coming today.
At this moment, some assumed Prince Chang was ill, while others thought the Emperor had secretly dispatched Prince Chang on another mission.
It wasn't until the Emperor took his seat that he addressed the assembly, saying, "From today onwards, all matters handled by Prince Chang will be distributed among you all."
"What?!"
"Why?"
These words indeed stirred up a hornet's nest.
Someone in the hall voiced their question, "Is Prince Chang ill? I saw him yesterday and he seemed fine. How could this happen so suddenly?"
"No, no, Prince Chang is in good health."
The Emperor surveyed the expressions of the ministers and then waved his hand, "He himself requested to leave the court."
"This... how is this possible?!"
The ministers looked at each other in disbelief, "Prince Chang himself requested to leave the court?!"
"Yes!"
The Emperor's gaze dimmed slightly, "He said he should not have remained in court. It was only for the sake of Great Yue, and for... me, that he stayed to handle so many affairs. He dislikes the tension of court politics; years of living abroad have made him accustomed to freedom. He dislikes being controlled or constrained, and therefore naturally does not wish to remain in court. He asked me to release him and allow him to take his family away from the capital."
"What?! Prince Chang's consort and children are also leaving with Prince Chang?"
The ministers were filled with disbelief, unable to comprehend, "Why is this? Why are they leaving like this, out of the blue?"
"Alas!"
The Emperor sighed and gave a wry smile, "Actually, all my beloved ministers know Prince Chang's situation. You know what he was like when he first returned from the Southern Kingdom. He said that now he can stand up in an instant. I believe you all understand why, don't you?"
In truth, before coming to court, the Emperor had not decided to reveal this matter so directly to everyone.
He genuinely did not want Mu Chang Xi to leave, but Mu Chang Xi had said this more than once, making the Emperor understand more clearly that he could not keep Mu Chang Xi.
The Emperor's heart felt indescribable.
But they all knew that even if the Emperor had no doubts about Mi Cu Xing Xi, the ministers could not help but harbor suspicions towards Mu Chang Xi.
Only when Mu Chang Xi left would he be the most at ease.
"This..."
Upon hearing the Emperor's words, the court officials exchanged glances.
One bold minister stepped forward and said to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, could it be... that Prince Chang has been deceiving us all along? His leg was actually fine all this time. It was only due to various reasons that he lied to us, making us all believe his legs were crippled."
"Indeed."
The Emperor did not deny it and nodded, "His legs were always fine. Although I know he did this only for self-preservation. During those years in the Southern Kingdom, he must have endured countless grievances and hardships, and naturally learned how to protect himself. His reasons for returning to the Great Yue Dynasty under such circumstances without informing everyone are also understandable."
"Furthermore!"
The Emperor lightly tapped the table before him, "If it weren't for Mu Han Su, you, Zi E, wouldn't have realized his legs were fine, and Prince Chang wouldn't have been able to surprise everyone by saving Father Emperor and me. By all rights, he should be rewarded for this!"
"Indeed, indeed, anyone would act that way in such a situation. I believe Prince Chang should not be blamed!"
No one was unaware of Mu Chang Xi's conduct in the capital over the past two years, so naturally, some officials stood up to speak for him. "Prince Chang has truly had a difficult time. There is no need to blame him for this matter!"
However, just as some spoke in favor of Mu Chang Xi, others spoke against him.
As soon as one person finished speaking, another immediately interjected, "But such a major matter, and Prince Chang managed to keep it completely secret. For two years, not a single whisper from within or outside the palace. His mind is so deep and calculating; if he were to plot against Your Majesty or the Great Yue Dynasty in the future, wouldn't he be able to keep that equally secret? I, for one, think it is good that Prince Chang is leaving. This way, Your Majesty's side will be clear."
"Absurd!"
Someone retorted, "What has Prince Chang done in the past two years that has wronged our Great Yue Dynasty? Moreover, even when his legs were crippled, his meticulousness, carefulness, and far-sighted strategies were evident for all to see! Without Prince Chang, Your Majesty is like a general without his left and right arms. Can you handle all the affairs Prince Chang left behind in his stead?"
"Not at all, not at all!"
In an instant, the ministers in the court began to argue heatedly over this matter.
The hall became boisterous, with them speaking one after another, causing the Emperor to involuntarily reach up and rub his forehead.
After a long wait, the court officials continued to clamor endlessly.
"Enough, all of you, be quiet!"
The Emperor finally spoke, interrupting them.