Chapter 288: Yin Yuanli Returns
As expected, the next day countless memorials impeaching Rong Zhi fell before the Emperor like snowflakes.
Even though the Emperor was ‘seriously ill,’ many ministers knelt outside the Emperor’s imperial chamber, delivering impassioned speeches at the top of their lungs.
“Your Majesty, he, Rong Zhi, as Imperial Chancellor and a member of the Grand Secretariat, has committed such unfilial and unkind acts. He is unworthy to be a minister.”
“Your Majesty, as far as I know, Chancellor Rong has had no contact with his family since the Imperial Examination. He looks down on the Rong family. Such an ungrateful person is not fit to be an official.”
“Your Majesty…”
Inside the imperial chamber, the Emperor was utterly annoyed. These people came to him with every trivial matter.
He was still pretending to be ill.
“Everyone, please calm yourselves. This Imperial Prince will go and see Imperial Father on your behalf.”
The First Prince stepped forward at this time, saying hypocritically, “Previously, Chancellor Rong blocked me from seeing Imperial Father, claiming he was gravely ill and receiving no visitors. Surely Chancellor Rong will not block me now?”
He cast a provocative glance at Rong Zhi.
Those kneeling immediately said, “Rong Zhi, you have wolf ambitions! Who knows if His Majesty has been controlled by him? What are your true intentions!”
Rong Zhi calmly replied, “My loyalty to His Majesty is as clear as the heavens and earth. It was merely at His Majesty’s command that I prevented people from visiting and disturbing him. I did not expect the First Prince to think so much.”
The First Prince sneered, “Chancellor Rong’s actions inevitably make this Imperial Prince think too much and worry for Imperial Father.”
The Third Prince also stepped forward at this time, “Since that is the case, let us all go and see Imperial Father, so that Chancellor Rong may clear his name.”
“All Imperial Princes, Lords, His Majesty summons you.”
At this moment, the Grand Eunuch by the Emperor’s side came out. After issuing the summons, everyone entered.
Seeing the Emperor lying weakly on his bed, they all immediately began to cry with great emotion, their eyes full of worry.
“Your Majesty, please take care of yourself.”
The Third Prince, appearing concerned for his old father’s health, said, “Imperial Father, Your Son has found a renowned doctor for you. Shall he examine you?”
The First Prince secretly glared at the Third Prince, thinking, “You’re really trying to show off here, acting like the filial son.”
“Imperial Father, Your Son is so worried about your health. Where are the Imperial Physicians? Why is there no improvement in Imperial Father’s illness? What are you all doing? If you cannot cure Imperial Father, this Imperial Prince will take your heads!”
Yu Wuyou, standing to the side, directly rolled his eyes.
“You’re so noble, aren’t you? You say you want heads when you want people to make a fuss, but if you’re so capable, why don’t you do it yourself instead of just talking big.”
The Emperor, lying on the bed with his eyes closed: So noisy. When will they leave?
“Your Majesty, Rong Zhi he…”
A minister immediately began to speak rapidly, exaggerating Rong Zhi’s lack of filial piety. The tone and embellished stories made it sound as if Rong Zhi were an unforgivable villain.
It was a complete contrast to the butler of Chancellor Rong’s mansion.
“Chancellor Rong, we truly did not expect you to be this kind of person!”
The Emperor’s voice was weak, “Beloved Minister Rong, do you have anything else you wish to say?”
This was not an act on his part. To make his illness appear realistic, Yu Wuyou had administered medicine to him in advance.
Even kneeling, Rong Zhi’s back was straight, and his face showed no sign of worry.
“Your Majesty, my conscience is clear.”
The First Prince: “Well said, ‘my conscience is clear.’ Chancellor Rong has nothing more to say, has he? No matter what, your parents and siblings came to Shangjing to find you, and you didn’t even let them in, directly beating them away.
Such an unfilial person is actually serving as a prominent minister of our Tianqi. If other small countries knew about this, they would likely mock us, who pride ourselves on being a land of etiquette, for not even acknowledging our own parents.”
“The First Prince speaks erroneously. A good official is judged by their ability. Lord Rong is proficient in both civil and military arts, and his position as Imperial Chancellor was earned step by step through his own competence. Furthermore, Chancellor Rong’s character is known to all. It is best not to jump to conclusions on this matter.”
“One can know a person’s face but not their heart. Who knows if Rong Zhi is a hypocrite, feigning goodness on the surface but being selfish, ruthless, and venomous in private? We do not accept such a person.”
“Go to hell! Although I am a rough soldier and I dislike you civil officials the most, Rong Zhi at least gets things done. He is much better than you lot who only know how to spout nonsense and do nothing.”
“What’s this? It seems Chancellor Rong has a good relationship with you military generals too. As expected of someone who can navigate all sides.”
“What do you mean… Who said I have a good relationship with him? I’m just stating the facts. Don’t think I don’t understand what you’re implying. That’s why I hate you eloquent speakers the most. If you have the ability, just say it directly!”
“Utterly vulgar! How dare you speak such nonsense in front of His Majesty!”
“Weren’t you the ones who farted first? Don’t think that just because you speak nicely, it’s not farting. Do you really think your farts smell good?”
“You, you, you… you brute! I won’t argue with you, but you’re pushing your luck.”
“What? Do you want to fight? With your old arms and legs, you should be careful. Don’t break if I touch you lightly, and then claim I hit you. I don’t accept scamming.”
Watching these people kneel and curse each other, deliberately spitting saliva while talking, spraying it directly onto each other’s faces, they looked like they were about to fight at any second.
Yu Wuyou watched with great interest from the corner.
It was quite fun watching the ministers of Tianqi argue.
The Emperor also found it amusing at first, but with so many voices arguing among themselves, it became chaotic. Furthermore, someone, no one knew who, was so inconsiderate as to take off their shoe and throw it.
“My shoe! You shameless old man! Why did you take off my shoe when you didn’t take off your own!”
“Ugh… how smelly. Marquis Wu’an, you’ve lost decorum in front of the Emperor. Hurry up and get out.”
Marquis Wu’an stretched his neck, “Who took my shoe? I didn’t take it off, so what does it have to do with me?”
“Marquis Wu’an, how long has it been since you washed your feet!”
The Emperor was so angry he rolled his eyes, “Get out! All of you, get out of here!”
In the end, Marquis Wu’an left dejectedly clutching his shoe, while only a few who were determined to impeach Rong Zhi stubbornly remained kneeling.
“Your Majesty, regarding Chancellor Rong’s matter…”
A smug look flashed in the eyes of the First Prince and the Third Prince. This time, they were sure Rong Zhi would have to pay dearly.
“I, however, have different views from those ministers.”
A tender yet steady voice came from the doorway. The expressions of several ambitious princes changed, and everyone in the imperial chamber turned their heads in unison towards the entrance.
The Emperor also sat up excitedly.
A young boy, wearing a small red robe and with a handsome face, entered with dignified bearing.
His appearance, even at his young age, was enough to make him the center of attention.
“Imperial Father, Your Son has successfully completed his mission and returned from disaster relief.”
The dignified and noble young boy knelt before the Emperor’s bed, his tender voice resounding powerfully.
“Good, good, good…”
The Emperor patted his shoulder, his aged and clouded eyes filled with satisfaction.
This scene, however, filled the other princes with extreme jealousy and unwillingness.
