The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 555 - 415. What a cheap Duke (asking for monthly tickets at the beginning of the month)

"Lord, we have arrived at the base of the Imperial City."

Hearing the call from his personal driver, Cao Mao, who was leaning against the carriage, opened his eyelids.

After all, with the increase in age, even though he always presented himself as full of energy to the outside world, his gradually depleting stamina could not match that of the young.

Attending court meetings in the deep winter was undoubtedly a hardship for him.

Cao Mao was dressed in full regalia today, not only wearing his military officer robe but also girding himself with the gold belt bestowed by the late Emperor. Eleven gemstones embedded upon it, showcasing an extraordinary identity.

He moved his body, refusing the driver's assistance, and stepped off the carriage by himself, using a small stool.

His boots stepped into the shallow snow, while the cold wind drilled into his bones.

Cao Mao adjusted his attire, opened up an umbrella, and strode towards the gate.

Even a Duke overseeing a region seemed insignificant compared to the towering gates and the majestic city gate.

When he arrived at the Meridian Gate, the court officials were already gathered in threes and fours waiting.

Everyone held paper umbrellas to shield themselves from the snow. Upon seeing Cao Mao arrive, the murmurs abruptly halted, casting complex looks at him.

"Duke Cao."

"Duke Cao has arrived."

Someone greeted him.

Cao Mao nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping through the crowd.

Prime Minister Li Yanfu stood in a wind-shielded spot, with his hands tucked into his sleeves, eyes closed as if pretending to nap, with a demeanor that seemed to want no part in any disputes today—the Li Party's intention to have a peaceful New Year almost written on his face.

Secretariat Envoy Xue Shence appeared expressionless, standing upright like a spear, and the two military generals acknowledged each other with nods.

"Mr. Yuan, how have you been?" Cao Mao stepped towards Yuan Li, who stood by a Han White Jade pillar with an umbrella, greeting him casually.

Yuan Li smiled and nodded: "The Duke looks vibrant, undiminished from years ago."

Cao Mao, with a forced smile, replied:

"Still alive, at least a few rumor wouldn't disturb my demeanor. But if Mr. Yuan has any opinions, feel free to speak directly."

Yuan Li showed a startled expression: "Why does Duke Cao say that?"

Cao Mao's eyelids drooped as he intended to speak when suddenly a whirlwind passed by, and Yuan Li sidestepped to make room.

Cao Mao glanced at him, turned around, and stood shoulder to shoulder with the Pure Stream Party Leader, saying:

"These days, the Imperial Court of Supervision's censors have repeatedly impeached me, surely you're aware of that."

Yuan Li sighed lightly, showing helplessness:

"Duke Cao is misunderstanding. The Imperial Court of Supervision is not like a military camp, and the Capital is not Jubei City. Where can I, the Imperial Censor, dictate as you do in the North? Haha, if my censors were as obedient as your soldiers, that would be great."

"..." Cao Mao felt slighted by Yuan Qingyi's words.

Yet, he lacked evidence!

Especially the phrase "The Capital is not Jubei City," which recalled unpleasant memories.

"Hmph, officials shouldn't spread groundless rumors." After a moment of silence, Cao Mao made a cynical remark.

Yuan Li seriously said: "Duke Cao might say this later in the hall."

Finding no common ground, they lost interest in further conversation.

In silence, amidst flakes of goose feather snow, the dull sound of a bell rang.

The ministers entered the hall.

...

Cao Mao followed the crowd, stepping up the Han White Jade stairs, from the square to the Golden Throne Hall.

The hall was still not particularly warm, yet it was much better than the cold winds outside.

The umbrellas held by the ministers were neatly placed at the entrance.

While waiting for the Empress, Cao Mao surprisingly found many new faces in the court, with many familiar officials quietly gone.

In just one year, even though he had heard of tumultuous movements within the court, witnessing the changes firsthand moved him.

"Her Majesty arrives!"

A figure draped in a Dragon Robe walked up to the dragon seat from behind.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

"Rise." Xu Zhenguan dressed in the Dragon Robe, donned with a coronet, the bead curtain hanging forward obscuring most of her face.

Her fairy-like beauty became veiled with dignified majesty.

She overlooked the ministers in the hall, calmly stating:

"Heavy snow today, I hadn't intended for everyone to labor to this extent, yet... I've heard lately that there are many grievances among citizens in the Capital, the public speak of unjust cases in court, with multiple censors impeaching... Thus, we shall clarify the matter today, Duke Cao, what say you?"

Called upon, Cao Mao remained composed, stepping out from the line, he cupped his hands and said:

"I am ashamed of nothing, eager to clear this matter."

"Good," the Empress nodded, her clear eyes turning to the side of the officials, saying:

"Imperial Censor Chen Hong, since you were the first to impeach the Duke, present your words publicly, so the court may hear and understand together."

"Yes!"

Imperial Censor Chen stepped forward with prepared motions, retrieving a thick folded letter from his sleeve, holding it with both hands, without opening it, he recited the impeachment content.

His words were intense, directly targeting Cao Mao.

The content started with rumors among citizens and expanded to the Ministry of Justice processing cases, various censors of the Imperial Court of Supervision investigating, including retrieving past documents sent from Jubei City to the Capital, detailed and eloquent.

The impeachment accused Duke An Cao Mao of indulging his descendants, causing chaos and oppressing military dependents; after the incident, how Duke An covered up and fabricated content to mislead court judgment, etc.

The ministers showed various expressions, especially as Chen Hong's letter included many accusations unheard of outside rumors, causing further surprise.

"Utter nonsense!"

Cao Mao, suppressing his anger, waited to finish hearing, then loudly declared:

"Your Majesty, much of what Imperial Censor Chen said is falsified and exaggerated. Recently, I've conducted my inquiry regarding public discussions, not only is it largely false, the intention to harm me lacks any disguise. The rapid spread and sudden emergence of these rumors appear entirely suspicious.