Chapter 0199: Chattering Ministers and Sinister Xie Chengze
Xie Chengze thought Emperor Jian must have gone mad.
He knew the emperor was prone to erratic behavior, but never expected it to reach such extremes.
In the majestic Golden Luan Hall, as Eunuch Zhao finished reading the imperial decree, the ministers below erupted in shock and horror, their terrified gazes fixed upward.
The solemn and dignified dragon throne stood empty, while to its right stood an exquisitely crafted rosewood chair and a desk carved with coiling dragons that hadn’t been there before. Xie Chengze sat upright in formal attire of dark gold court robes, his expression even more bewildered than the ministers’.
While the ministers were confused, he—the one who had been dragged from his bed early in the morning to receive a miniature imperial decree bearing the words “Come serve as Prince Regent”—was even more baffled.
Had he transmigrated again? Why had he woken up to find himself, a second prince determined to live a leisurely life, suddenly become Prince Regent?
“Gentlemen,” Eunuch Zhao announced calmly and steadily, “His Majesty has been unwell recently and cannot attend court. The Crown Prince is also still recovering from poisoning and unable to participate in governance. Therefore, the Second Prince has been appointed Prince Regent to temporarily manage state affairs on His Majesty’s behalf. Those with matters may step forward to report; if there are none, the court is dismissed.”
“But… is His Majesty truly ill?” one minister questioned skeptically. “Could this be the Second Prince’s attempt at rebellion?”
“Absolutely not!” Xie Zimiao immediately stepped forward to defend Xie Chengze. “Second Brother would never rebel!”
“Prime Minister Li, is His Majesty really ill?” another minister asked Li Ren. As the emperor’s confidant, Prime Minister Li shouldn’t lie.
Li Ren nodded. “Indeed, His Majesty is unwell.”
“I don’t believe it!” the first minister persisted stubbornly. “Li Ren, have you been bribed by the Second Prince too?”
Li Ren cast a faint glance at the minister. “You’re delusional.”
“We demand to see His Majesty!” several ministers stepped forward shouting. “His Majesty was perfectly fine yesterday—how could he fall ill today? Have you coerced and imprisoned him?”
“Exactly! Even if His Majesty is ill, the Crown Prince should temporarily handle state affairs. Failing that, Prime Minister Li could serve. What does this have to do with the Second Prince!”
“Right! There must be trickery here! We mustn’t be deceived by the Second Prince!”
“The timing of His Majesty’s illness is too convenient, and the Crown Prince has been poisoned. I refuse to believe the Second Prince isn’t behind this!”
The ministers chattered noisily, their faces filled with righteous indignation as they shouted at Xie Chengze in the hall, “We want to see His Majesty! We need to confirm His Majesty’s safety!”
What qualifications does the Second Prince have to be Prince Regent! If he becomes Prince Regent, will there ever be peace in this court?!
Everyone knows the Second Prince is a lunatic with screws loose. At least Emperor Jian’s decrees were normal and achievable, but when the Second Prince opens his mouth, he only issues impossible, heaven-defying commands!
Fail to complete them, and you might lose your head.
What good could come of Jian’an falling into the Second Prince’s hands?
Even some loyal ministers stepped forward, expressing deep concern about the prospect of the Second Prince ruling as regent.
The ministers clamored noisily below the hall, their chaotic voices converging toward the dragon throne like countless gossiping teachers buzzing in his ears with microphone amplifiers, making Xie Chengze’s head spin.
At this moment, he finally understood why Emperor Jian disliked holding court.
Even someone as emotionally stable as him was growing irritable after barely sitting down for a moment.
Taking a deep breath, Xie Chengze revealed a kindly smile and said, “If you wish to verify it, go ahead. This prince never said he would stop you. However…” He paused, his smile growing even more amiable, “You may only do so after court is dismissed and state affairs are handled. Surely none of you would want my ailing father to reprimand you for questioning his imperial decree?”
The ministers exchanged uneasy glances. Clearly, Xie Chengze’s conciliatory tone had taken them completely by surprise.
“His Highness the Prince Regent is right,” Eunuch Zhao now spoke calmly. “If you wish to visit His Majesty, you may do so after court adjourns. We are currently in the Golden Luan Hall, where state affairs should take precedence.”
Even Eunuch Zhao had spoken—this likely meant the imperial decree was genuine, and Emperor Jian was truly ill.
But why had the Second Prince been appointed Prince Regent?
The Crown Prince was unable to attend court due to poisoning, but wasn’t Prime Minister Li still available? Wouldn’t Prime Minister Li have far more experience handling state affairs than the Second Prince?
Unless…
Many officials secretly pondered, their minds racing with speculation. Could it be that the Emperor actually favored the Second Prince? Was appointing him Prince Regent meant to help him accumulate influence?
After all, the Crown Prince had the support of the Cao family. Deposing the Crown Prince would be no easy task. If the Emperor wished to elevate the Second Prince, this might be his only way.
It seemed the court was about to undergo another upheaval. The Second Prince… was rising once again.
With varied thoughts, the ministers returned to their positions. Meanwhile, Xie Chengze, seated beside the dragon throne, began conducting court with practiced authority.
“Honored ministers, what matters do you wish to present today?” Xie Chengze asked, suppressing a smile and adopting a stern expression.
The officials below glanced at each other but remained silent. It was unclear whether they had nothing to report or were unwilling to speak out of defiance toward the Second Prince.
After waiting a moment with no response, Xie Chengze patiently repeated, “Honored ministers, are there any urgent matters to report today?”
Still, no one spoke.
Just as Xie Zimiao was growing frantic and Shen Yuan prepared to intervene, Xie Chengze gazed down at the civil and military officials in the hall and slowly revealed a sinister, peculiar smile.
An aura of wickedness emanated from him, like a venomous snake toying with a young rabbit by flicking its tongue. “Since none of you have anything to report, then this prince shall announce the new policies I’ve recently devised?”
The ministers: !!!
Announce what?!
The officials jolted in terror, lifting their heads abruptly.
The inevitable had arrived! The Second Prince was about to increase their workload again!
With both the Emperor and Crown Prince unable to attend court, the Second Prince effectively held absolute power. Although the ministers might attempt to obstruct or be perfunctory, everyone knew his temperament…
If you claimed there was no money, he would find a way to procure it—such as by confiscating properties.
If you claimed there were no personnel, he would find a way to staff the positions—such as by directly recruiting local officials to install his own people.
As for lacking time? Everyone knew the Second Prince had an excellent relationship with the Grand Marshal. No time?
A blade at your neck would make time.
Such was the importance of military authority.
Immediately, ministers leaped to their feet in panic, exclaiming:
“This subject has a report to present!”
“This subject also has a report!”
“This subject has an urgent matter to report! An urgent matter!”
One after another, the ministers stepped forward, hastily reporting on the livelihood conditions in various regions, fearing that Xie Chengze might issue some impossible decree that would bring them an overwhelming workload.
Xie Chengze stroked his chin and once again revealed a benevolent smile.
That’s more like it~
Why did they have to wait for him to threaten them before they would dutifully attend court?