Chapter 3

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Zhao Yanji knelt at the lower end, his palms soaked with cold sweat. He struggled to maintain a submissive expression on his face, yet the terror inside him surged like a devastating flood, nearly overwhelming him.

Another killing.

The horrific screams he had heard before seemed still to echo in his ears. He fought to suppress the rising nausea, but his mind involuntarily replayed the recent scene—

He was all too familiar with this scenario.

First, the terrifying laughter, then the “granting the rod to death,” and finally, the bloodstained ground littered with corpses.

The Chu family was nothing but a collection of madmen disguised in human skin; the late emperor was like this, and so was the new emperor before him!

A sudden, indescribable fury welled up in the heart of the Minister of Rites.

Yao Shenke’s fate was sealed, but that fool had taken him down before dying! That noble lord... that noble lord clearly said she was young, newly ascended, and would surely show some restraint... a lie! All lies!

It was obvious—they were all being discarded!

Detestable!

He hated Yao Shenke’s incompetence, resented the orders from behind the scenes, and loathed Chu Yingzhao’s heartlessness—

“Since the two ministers care so much about My prestige and divine grace,” the Empress finally spoke from the upper end, “why don’t you personally inspect the refugees in the outskirts of the capital, ascertain the situation, and present Me with a detailed report?”

The two men were slightly startled, then their expressions changed abruptly. Zhao Yanji reacted more quickly, bowing nervously: “Your Majesty! This humble servant... dare not refuse, but the situation with the refugees in the outskirts is complex. A slight misstep could harm the state’s dignity...”

“Oh,” Chu Yingzhao lightly tapped the imperial desk, “did you not just say this matter demonstrates the vastness of heavenly grace? Such a fine task—do the ministers not wish to share My burden?”

Both men shuddered instantly, finally acting in unison as they kowtowed repeatedly: “This humble servant dares not!”

Chu Yingzhao did not look at them again but turned to the other court officials with calmness: “If there are no further reports, today’s court session is adjourned.”

Naturally, no one dared to speak further; no one wanted to touch this bad omen.

The Empress then slowly descended the crimson steps amid the chorus of respectful shouts from the ministers. All officials prostrated respectfully until her figure vanished deep within the hall.

Qi Zhengheng was the first to rise, his eyes swiftly scanning the still kneeling Minister of Justice and Minister of Rites. Doubts grew in his mind, but his face remained expressionless.

“The Emperor’s will is decided,” he raised his hand slightly, his voice hoarse, “I urge all departments to perform their duties diligently and without negligence.”

The ministers nodded silently, none daring to speak further. Many quietly lowered their heads, glancing at their sleeves, their palms dampened with cold sweat.

*

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