All the air in the imperial study seemed to have been drained away at this moment, the oppressive atmosphere causing everyone to break out in a heavy sweat.
A candle within its lantern cover crackled and popped, the sudden noise startling a palace maid so much that she shrank her shoulders and dared not breathe.
Outside, the voices of the imperial censors continued endlessly. It was unknown how much time had passed before Xiao Chengjing finally straightened his posture.
His words were spat out one by one, sounding as if he wanted to crush someone's bones with his teeth.
"Let Ye Liangyu enter."
By now, the ministers who had figured out the whole story were also engaged in heated discussions.
They had initially thought it was just a rumor, but unexpectedly, both witnesses and material evidence were present, and even Earl Zhongqin had a hand in it.
The imperial court had expended so much manpower searching for so long, yet the potatoes had already been delivered into the hands of the Shuobei Kingdom.
"As an imperial prince, one should put the world before oneself. For Prince Qi, as a prince, to hand over the potatoes to the Shuobei Kingdom—how is this any different from treason?"
"This is rearing a tiger to cause future trouble! Once the Shuobei Kingdom's rations are abundant in the future, they will definitely raise an army to attack us. Prince Qi is so foolish!"
Gu Qishan, who had arrived a step late, listened to the ministers' crusade against Xiao Rongche, his heart panicking so much it felt as if it would leap out of his chest.
Such a massive matter, why didn't His Highness discuss it with him first!
Eunuch Zhao walked out with an apprehensive expression and said to Ye Liangyu, who was kneeling in the middle, "Lord Ye, the Emperor summons you inside."
Seeing this, the other censors all looked toward Ye Liangyu.
To summon only the Palace Deputy, what does the Emperor mean by this?
Before the people from the Censorate could speak, Dongfang Shaoting stepped out from the side.
"I also wish to seek an audience with the Emperor. I trouble the eunuch to announce me."
Fei Yanzhang closely followed, "I also wish to seek an audience with the Emperor. I trouble the eunuch to announce me."
...
Eunuch Zhao looked at the crowd with a troubled face, nervously swallowing his saliva.
"The Emperor only summoned Lord Ye. This servant will go and announce you all again."
After bringing Ye Liangyu into the imperial study, Eunuch Zhao lowered his voice, "Reporting to Your Majesty, Secretariat Director Lord Dongfang, Chancellor Lord Gu, Hanlin Academy Grand Secretary Lord Fei, Minister of War Lord Zhong... are outside seeking an audience with Your Majesty."
Zhao Yande named thirteen people in one breath. With every name spoken, Xiao Chengjing's face darkened by another fraction.
The look he directed at Ye Liangyu grew increasingly displeased.
In the past, when Prince Qi and Prince Ying had formidable power in the court, it was a good thing for the Censorate to continuously impeach them.
But now, neither of them posed a threat anymore. Especially Prince Qi, who, having been blinded in one eye, was destined to have no hope for the throne. When it was time to let them off the hook, they should be let off.
Such a major incident concerned Prince Qi's life and death, as well as the dignity of the imperial family; Ye Liangyu should have informed him privately.
Now, bringing the Censorate to submit a joint memorial had caused a great shock throughout the court and the public, stirring up endless discussions.
Could it be that they wanted him to personally issue an edict to execute his own son?
Feeling the oppressive aura from above, Ye Liangyu, kneeling on the ground, could not help but clench his fists and hold his breath.
"Have all the official duties of the court been handled? I have no time to see them today."
With a trembling heart, Eunuch Zhao bypassed Ye Liangyu and walked outside.
Dongfang Shaoting and the others immediately took a step forward.
Eunuch Zhao hurriedly used the horsetail whisk in his hand to stop them.
He smiled tactfully and said, "My Lords, the Emperor asks you to return and handle your official duties. He will not be seeing anyone today."
Everyone held in their anger.
What official duty could be more important than a prince committing treason?
If the Emperor could see Ye Liangyu, why wouldn't he see them?
He definitely wanted to protect Prince Qi.
Seeing that they were not leaving, Eunuch Zhao had no choice but to continue persuading them, "The Emperor is currently furious. It would be best for you Lords to come back another day."
Fei Yanzhang walked around Dongfang Shaoting to ask Zhao Yande, "Eunuch Zhao, do you know what the Emperor's attitude is regarding Prince Qi trading potatoes with the Shuobei Kingdom?"
Eunuch Zhao pulled a bitter face, crying grievance for himself.
"Lord Fei, how could a mere servant like me possibly guess the Emperor's thoughts? You all should hurry back, lest you get implicated when the Emperor loses his temper."
After saying that, he turned and walked back into the imperial study, having the doors closed behind him.
