The Slender Waist-Chapter 442 - 322 Conspiracy to Rebel

For a time, the news spread throughout Central Capital.

The Astronomical Bureau divined that the Northern Rong raising troops was an omen of great misfortune.

The Empress Dowager of Jin felt inwardly alarmed and hastily summoned the nobles and ministers to deliberate in the Taiji Hall.

"The Northern Rong has been pillaging and plundering at our Dajin’s northwest frontier, extorting and harassing us. What plans might you all have?"

The court was abuzz with discussion.

Having just concluded the war with Nanqi, and with the Emperor dead, the court was in total chaos. The invasion by the Northern Rong at this critical juncture was adding fuel to the fire.

A group of officials were condemning and cursing the Northern Rong, adding insult to injury.

Li Zongxun petitioned, "With a land so vast, we cannot be without a successor. To respond to this urgent military situation, I request that the Young Emperor be installed as the new sovereign."

"Ridiculous!"

Pei Jue immediately retorted, "The late Emperor’s legitimate son still lives, what reason is there to adopt another’s son to inherit the throne?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the assembly fell silent.

At the time of Li Sangruo’s sudden fostering of the son of Prince of Runan, Li Zongxun’s intentions had already been a clear move in the game. The harassment by the Northern Rong only accelerated the pace, exposing the conflict between Li Zongxun and Pei Jue to everyone.

Low whispers and various opinions echoed in the great hall.

Li Zongxun’s faction was numerous and complicated, while Pei Jue was an isolated figure. Aside from two or three military generals who were outraged and accused Li Zongxun of disregarding the court’s protocol, no one came forward to speak.

The rest of them either tried to smooth things over or remained silent.

Watching the contention in the court, Li Sangruo suddenly found the scene all too familiar.

When her Kuangkuang ascended the throne, there were many who supported Prince of Qin, Yuan Shangyi, because he was the late Empress’s son and even two years older than Kuangkuang. At that time, the situation had nearly spiraled out of control, with those dignified officials bickering so fiercely that their spittle flew.

It was Pei Jue who had stood up and ended the dispute.

Now, three years later, Pei Jue was standing on the opposite side.

Li Sangruo said, "Three years ago, Minister Pei stated that Prince of Qin was frail and unfit to be sovereign. Why have you changed your tune today?"

She used the very words that had helped Yuan Kuang ascend to the throne to gag Pei Jue.

The court suddenly fell into an awkward silence.

"Prince of Qin has recovered from his illness," Pei Jue responded coolly, "Back then, it was by the late Emperor’s edict, who assumes the throne was not up to me to decide."

Back then, it wasn’t up to him to decide...

So now it was up to him to decide?

The remark was left unsaid, but judging by the look in his eyes, it was full of arrogance.

The atmosphere was tense as if drawn swords were at the ready.

Li Zongxun snorted and gave a bow to the assembly of officials.

"There was an edict from the late Emperor then, and there is one today as well."

The ministers looked at one another, dumbfounded.

Ao Zheng asked, "Where does this edict from the late Emperor come from?"

"The late Emperor made provisions in advance. His sacred intentions are all contained in the will."

After finishing his statement, Li Zongxun suddenly produced a yellow silk from his sleeve and loudly declared:

"The late Emperor’s will, let all ministers listen to the decree."

There was a moment of silence in the hall.

After a while, seeing Li Zongxun holding up the sacred edict, the ministers knelt down one after another to receive the order.

Only Pei Jue remained standing.

Li Zongxun gave him a glance and read out with an air of indifference.

Emperor Xifeng’s will stated that there were few heirs, and considering the deep affection between the Prince of Runan and his brothers for the sake of the dynasty’s future, should anything unforeseen happen to the Young Emperor, the son of the Prince of Runan could be adopted to rectify the succession.

This will was questionable, and the ministers found themselves in a dilemma, whether to accept it or not. They knelt there, exchanging glances.

"A forged edict!"

Pei Jue said icily, then turned and left with a sweep of his sleeve.

-

The meeting in the court ended on an unwelcoming note, pressing down on everyone’s hearts like a massive stone.

Luo Yue leaned against the gate of the small courtyard, her belly swollen with pregnancy, waiting and waiting until she finally saw Wei Zheng with a sullen face entering.

She hurriedly took the oiled paper umbrella from the hand of a maidservant and met him. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"My lord, what happened?"

Wei Zheng glanced at her, his eyes dark and brooding.

Today, Luo Yue had taken special care with her appearance, even applying a layer of powder to her face, which looked pure white and striking with vibrant red lipstick, both festive and beautiful.

But Wei Zheng was not in the best of moods.

"Who let you come out? Get back inside."

Luo Yue was startled by his unusual attitude, her mouth twisted as she lowered her head.

"I have sinned; please punish me as you see fit, my lord."

She knew well how to show submission, and her voice of contrition combined with the prominent curve of her belly, made for a pitiable sight as she gazed up at her husband from the doorway.

Wei Zheng scrutinized her, "Are you so concerned about Pei Jue?"

Luo Yue curled her lips and cast a reproachful glance at him, "So it’s because of this you are displeased. Silly husband..."

She raised her hand, delicately and lightly patting Wei Zheng’s arm in a coquettish manner.

"If it weren’t for the Great General, if it weren’t for Feng Twelve, there wouldn’t be a Luo Yue today. I am someone who repays kindness... You’ve been good to me, my lord, and in the future I shall work like an ox or horse for you."

Her eyes seemed to speak, easing Wei Zheng’s irritation.

"Don’t think I don’t know about the little tricks you’re playing behind my back." He waved his hand for the servants to step back, and then fixing his gaze on Luo Yue, he said softly, "I’m warning you, don’t try to be too clever."