Chapter 990: Thunder
Chapter 990: Thunder
The courtiers were all reminded of a crucial fact – Emperor Xuan’s temperament was mercurial, and when he turned malicious, he spared no one’s dignity.
Emperor Xuan remained unmoved, a cold sneer on his lips. “Silence! I have no desire to hear any more of your nonsense! My court will not tolerate heretics, evildoers, and despicable individuals like you! Men, remove his black hat, strip him of his official attire, and escort him out of the Golden Throne Hall!”
Censor Liu felt as if he had been struck by lightning. “Your Majesty…”
He had intended to plead for mercy, but upon seeing the icy glare in Emperor Xuan’s eyes, he dared not utter a word.
If he said anything more, the Emperor would surely reprimand him for his lack of insight.
His entire body went limp as he was dragged out of the chamber.
Officer Tian felt as though he had been slapped across the face, the sting of humiliation searing through him.
But what tormented him even more was the necessity to feign indifference, to act as though nothing had occurred.
For he knew that to react would only deepen the humiliation.
“Officer Shao, fear not. I am no tyrant, but I cannot abide those with wicked intentions attempting to deceive me,” Emperor Xuan turned to Shao Yunduan, adopting a friendly tone.
He gestured for the eunuch to present the memorial to Shao Yunduan.
“If there is anything else you wish to convey, speak freely, and I shall make a fair judgment.”
“Thank you for your benevolence, Emperor!”
Shao Yunduan bowed respectfully, then rose to accept the document.
The situation was progressing better than he had anticipated.
Shao Yunduan sighed ruefully as he recounted the events of his visit to the Qiao Family with his wife, which resulted in their expulsion and his wife being subjected to physical abuse.
He continued, “I possess evidence in the form of a severance letter written by the Qiao Family, formally disowning their relationship with both me and Ms. Qiao. However, as they are her family, I could not bring myself to reveal the truth. I had hoped to clear my name, but instead, matters have escalated, and the Emperor has been alerted. This is entirely my fault…”
The ministers were taken aback, while Officer Tian seethed with anger.
“Why did you not produce the severance letter earlier? It could have spared us much trouble.”
Shao Yunduan requested that Officer Tian retrieve the severance letter from his residence.
Emperor Xuan sneered. “There is no need. I am already aware of what transpired within the Qiao Family. Fearing that you would approach them for financial support, they wrote the severance letter to belittle you. Now that you have risen to the position of Primus, they are envious and seek to tarnish your reputation. How despicable! I recognize the injustice you have suffered in this affair!”
Shao Yunduan remained silent, processing the Emperor’s words.
“Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty,” he finally responded.
Emperor Xuan let out a sigh. “As the new Primus, if anyone dares to unjustly humiliate you, you have the right to seek support from the Crown Prince or the other princes. Let’s see who would dare to act against you!”
It was absurd to think that his newly appointed Primus would be subjected to bullying without any support. Emperor Xuan found the notion preposterous.
“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty,” Shao Yunduan expressed his gratitude once more.
“Rise,” Emperor Xuan commanded with a wave of his hand, his gaze coldly sweeping over the courtiers. “Is there anything else you wish to address?”
The courtiers shook their heads, acknowledging that the Emperor’s perspective was just.
No one dared to voice any dissent.
They all understood the clear message conveyed by the Emperor.