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墨書 Inktalez
The pressure from the previous dynasty and the harem surged toward the Emperor like a tidal wave. Under this immense strain, he finally summoned his Seventh Daughter, Yun Qingyu.
Today, the Imperial Palace was bustling with activity, yet it carried an oppressive atmosphere, as if a storm was brewing. Ministers and princes lined up on either side, while the Empress Dowager and Consort Lu sat in their respective places.
Yun Qingyu approached with steady steps, her expression calm and devoid of emotion as she surveyed the room. Her cold gaze seemed capable of piercing through everyone present.
The moment she stepped into the Imperial Palace, all eyes turned to her, filled with a myriad of emotions—some were furious, as if they wished to devour her; others were indifferent, like the frost of winter; some were wary, as if they had encountered a fierce beast; others were puzzled, questioning her actions; and of course, there were those who remained composed, their eyes glinting with anticipation for the unfolding drama.
Upon seeing Yun Qingyu, Prime Minister Lu immediately stepped forward, his tone laced with accusation. "Your Highness, may I ask what offense Mingzhan has committed to provoke such great anger from you that you would resort to personal punishment?" His brow furrowed as he fixed his sharp gaze on Yun Qingyu, searching for answers in her expression.
Before Yun Qingyu could respond, Consort Lu began her performance, tears welling in her eyes as she spoke in a choked voice. "Mingzhan is a delicate scholar who has never faced punishment. It was because Your Highness favored him that he gave up his official career to enter Princess Manor. Your Majesty, I implore you to intervene and not let the court officials grow disheartened."
As she spoke, she delicately dabbed at nonexistent tears with a handkerchief, appearing utterly wronged.
Yun Qingyu stood there with an indifferent expression, yet her eyes held a fierce glint as she shot a glance at Prime Minister Lu. Her voice was icy as she declared, "Lu Mingzhan has spoken disrespectfully to this palace and has repeatedly insulted me. The fact that I have not killed him is already an act of great mercy."
Her words were not loud but echoed throughout the palace, each syllable dripping with undeniable authority.
As Prime Minister Lu met Yun Qingyu's frigid gaze, the reputation of the "Violent Princess" flashed through his mind, causing him to involuntarily shiver. His expression shifted slightly, but he forced himself to maintain composure.
"Mingzhan insulting the princess is impossible; he has always been a man of propriety. It was also Your Highness who wished to marry him..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Yun Qingyu's brow furrowed slightly as her tone turned icy to the extreme. She interrupted him directly: "It seems that Prime Minister Lu harbors some dissatisfaction toward this palace. Are you implying that Lu Mingzhan marrying me would be a grievance for him?"
Her gaze grew sharper, as if she intended to see through the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Lu, hearing this obvious trap, was suddenly startled. He instinctively glanced at the Emperor on the Dragon Throne, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He quickly said, "I did not mean that, Your Majesty. The marriage is a decree from the throne..."
He felt flustered; he dared not say that Lu Mingzhan was wronged, for that would imply discontent with the Emperor.
Seeing this, the Third Prince hurriedly stepped in to diffuse the situation. He feigned an air of righteousness and declared loudly, "Sister Seven, how can you take matters into your own hands and disregard the dignity of the royal family?" He shot a provocative glance at Yun Qingyu, attempting to pressure her.
Yun Qingyu coldly swept her gaze over the Third Prince, showing no sign of fear and offering him no quarter. She replied icily, "The affairs of this palace are none of your concern. Don't think that just because he received fifty lashes, he can provoke me further; if he dares to upset me again, I will have him chopped into pieces and fed to the dogs."
Her words cut like a sharp blade, causing everyone present to shiver involuntarily. The entire palace fell silent in an instant; no one dared to speak for fear of drawing attention to themselves.
The Empress Dowager, emboldened by the Emperor's presence, shouted angrily, "Impudent!" Her eyes were filled with rage as she glared at Yun Qingyu.
However, Yun Qingyu suddenly heard the Emperor's thoughts: "Now that Western Chu's National Treasury is insufficient and we still don't know how to deal with Dongling's tributes. The son of the Lu Family merely received a beating yet causes such a commotion; I have no time to concern myself with Lu Mingzhan."
As events unfolded, the Emperor appeared somewhat irritated. He spoke up, "Qingyu, Lu Mingzhan is after all your Consort by formal marriage; you shouldn't make things too difficult for him."
Upon hearing the Emperor's words, Yun Qingyu fell into contemplation.
In this land, there were originally nine kingdoms. Over twenty years ago, Dongling annexed Nanyue and Country You, becoming the strongest nation on the continent and maintaining its peak strength ever since.
Western Chu had suffered greatly from internal strife and was now unable to compete with strong nations. Even with an empty National Treasury, it had no choice but to pay tributes to Dongling year after year.
Yun Qingyu raised her head, her expression calm as she asked, "Is Father worried about this year's tribute to Dongling?"
Upon hearing this, the Emperor's eyes brightened, a glimmer of hope flashing within them as he nodded eagerly.
Yun Qingyu replied in a detached tone, "I have a solution."
The Emperor perked up, suddenly looking at his renowned Seventh Daughter with anticipation. "You have a solution?"
The officials present turned their gazes toward Yun Qingyu in unison, their eyes filled with skepticism and an inexplicable unease, uncertain of what this elusive princess might propose next.
Yun Qingyu slightly raised her hand and spoke with composure, "The reason Dongling is strong is that corrupt officials have been eradicated. Without greedy officials siphoning off the National Treasury, they naturally have ample funds to train and maintain their army. Western Chu can follow suit. We can send people to investigate thoroughly and take the opportunity to deal with corrupt officials."
As soon as she finished speaking, several officials present broke out in cold sweat. The momentum they had just gathered to confront the issue evaporated instantly, replaced by fear and anxiety.
Yun Qingyu's gaze shifted slightly, a faint smile appearing on her lips as she looked at Prime Minister Lu. "As the head of all officials, let's start with your household, Prime Minister. You have always been loyal to His Majesty; I trust you won't oppose this Palace's suggestion, will you?"
Though her expression seemed gentle, it made Prime Minister Lu feel as if he were being pricked by thorns.
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