Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne-Chapter 201 - 168: When I say it’s over, it’s over.

Before the fourth quarter of the hour, the entire court of civil and military officials stood at the palace gate, waiting for it to open.

Every day the morning assembly starts promptly, but the palace gates open in the fourth quarter of the hour.

The gate guards opened the palace gates promptly at the fourth quarter, and the officials entered in turn, heading towards Chengguang Hall.

On regular days, officials would enter the palace cheerfully chatting, but in the past few days, they have entered in silence.

Ever since the Yangzhou incident reached the capital, the atmosphere in the city changed immediately, becoming extremely oppressive. Whether commoners or officials, everyone became silent, fearing to speak carelessly.

The doors of Chengguang Hall have not yet opened, so the officials went to the side hall to wait.

This side hall is specifically for the officials to rest in.

Just as the officials sat down, eunuchs brought them hot tea.

Though it was already April and the weather had warmed up considerably, it was still very cold in the morning. The officials, having waited a while at the palace gate, had caught some of the cold.

The officials lifted their tea cups and slowly drank the hot tea.

The only sound in the side hall was the sipping of tea, nothing else.

After finishing their tea, the officials looked at each other, wanting to speak but not daring to do so.

Once the sound of sipping tea ceased, the atmosphere in the side hall became eerily quiet, with everyone lowering their heads. Some looked at their official boots, noticing some dirt and quickly bent down to wipe it off. Others inspected their official robe sleeves for loose threads. Some looked at their hands, checking if they had touched anything dirty.

A few officials looked up at the ceiling of the side hall, studying the carvings on the beams. Some simply closed their eyes and dozed off. In short, no one spoke.

Some officials couldn’t bear the oppressive, eerie atmosphere, looking visibly uncomfortable, unable to sit still.

Sitting at the head of the officials, Prime Minister He calmly continued drinking tea.

The Crown Prince and Prince Dai remained silent, glaring at each other.

Prime Minister He finished his tea and let out a satisfied sigh.

This sigh sounded particularly loud in the quiet side hall, immediately drawing the attention of all the officials towards him.

Seeing all the officials looking at him, Prime Minister He calmly gave them a slight smile. The officials quickly returned the smile.

The Crown Prince, unable to stand the odd atmosphere, lightly coughed twice and then spoke: "Prime Minister, you look in good spirits today, seems you slept well last night."

Being shown concern by His Highness the Crown Prince, Prime Minister He respectfully replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness, I have slept very well these past few days."

Upon hearing Prime Minister He’s words, the officials couldn’t help but inwardly remark: Prime Minister He, with such a major incident happening, how can you sleep?

Prime Minister He continued, "I haven’t slept this well in a long time. These days I’ve been sleeping very well." With the Yangzhou incident finally resolved, a heavy burden in his heart was lifted, making him feel much lighter, and naturally able to sleep well.

The Crown Prince was taken aback by Prime Minister He’s statement, his mouth twitching slightly as he said, "It’s good that the Prime Minister slept well."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness, I have slept very well."

The Crown Prince glanced at Prime Minister He, hesitantly asking, "Prime Minister, regarding the situation in Yangzhou..."

Upon hearing His Highness the Crown Prince raise the issue of Yangzhou, though none of the officials turned their gaze towards him, they all perked up their ears to listen.

Although the Crown Prince’s words were not finished, Prime Minister He knew what he wanted to ask, "Rest assured, Your Highness, the matters in Yangzhou are progressing very smoothly."

What the Crown Prince actually wanted to ask was not whether it was progressing smoothly, but exactly what had happened in Yangzhou.

"It’s good that the matters are progressing smoothly." After saying this, the Crown Prince did not inquire further.

The officials were waiting for His Highness the Crown Prince to continue questioning Prime Minister He about Yangzhou, but he suddenly stopped, leaving the officials anxious.

Your Highness the Crown Prince, please continue asking.

Seeing the Crown Prince not pressing further, the impatient Prince Dai could only inquire of Prime Minister He himself.

"Prime Minister, what exactly happened in Yangzhou?"

Upon hearing the question from Prince Dai, the officials inwardly praised him for asking well.

"Your Highness Prince Dai, the details of the Yangzhou incident will be announced at the morning assembly later." Prime Minister He respectfully replied, "You will know soon."

Prince Dai gratefully smiled at Prime Minister He, "Thank you, Prime Minister, for informing us."

"You are welcome, Your Highness Prince Dai."

The officials, knowing they would soon learn about the Yangzhou matter at the morning assembly, felt both anticipation and fear in their hearts.

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