General, your wife has gone to deliver another calf for your horse.

Chapter 598 Is the Li family about to rise again?
"That makes sense!"

"If even the Grand Tutor is no good, then are we really going to have to appoint Li Rong?"

"The border is of utmost urgency. Now Yelü Qi wants Li Rong's head. In the end, this matter rests on Li Rong's shoulders. It is imperative to summon Li Rong to an audience."

"Gentlemen, this is just wishful thinking!" The Imperial Censor shook his gray beard. "Either thoroughly investigate the old case and clear General Li's name, or choose another capable general! Are you trying to put His Majesty in an unjust position by being so ambiguous at this moment?"

These words silenced everyone once again. They all looked up at the emperor.

The surrounding air seemed to freeze for a moment.

If we were to exonerate Li Rong, we would be burdened with infamy. He was a legendary general who protected the country for several dynasties. If he was wronged in the past, wouldn't the emperor be branded as unjust?

The civil and military officials each held their own opinions, but it was clear that they had noticed the emperor's bad mood and no one dared to continue arguing. They looked at each other and remained silent.

The Emperor's deep gaze didn't fall on the assembled ministers, but instead glanced towards the other side of the screen. He secretly rubbed his fist for a while before finally frowning and saying, "This is the result you've given me after a night of discussion? Good, very good. These are my good ministers."

Upon hearing this, all the officials clasped their hands in greeting and said in unison, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger."

"A bunch of good-for-nothings, all they know is how to seek advantage and avoid harm. Do you even remember how you were when you first entered the court? You've disappointed me greatly."

The emperor's voice carried a hint of weariness, and he leaned back on the dragon throne, rubbing his temples in frustration.

Now, regardless of whether it was true or not, all the officials wore expressions of shame and shouted in unison, "We are ashamed."

Finally, Grand Tutor Li stroked his beard and sighed, breaking the silence: "Your Majesty, this old minister believes that it is indeed time for Li Rong to go to war."

He seemed somewhat dejected: "Everyone's concerns are not without merit. But Li Rong's head absolutely cannot be given to Yelü Qi by our Great Jing. What difference would that be from surrendering?"

The censor's expression was also unpleasant. After a long while, he said, "Your Majesty, this old minister seconds the proposal to reinstate Li Rong. However, how to reinstate him requires a proper procedure."

For a moment, everyone looked at each other, each harboring their own secrets, but on the surface, they all kept their heads down, even exuding an air of indifference.

Finally, a sigh rang out, and an elderly Prince Su stepped forward. He was highly respected among the imperial clan. Leaning on his cane, he took two steps forward and spoke in a strong, aged voice: "Li Rong's abilities are evident to all. Back then, Li Rong was also confused for a moment. In this battle, this old minister is willing to risk his life to protect Li Rong as commander and relieve the crisis on the border."

The emperor finally lifted his eyelids and looked up.

Even Xiao Yuanshan looked over.

Prince Su said again, "If Li Rong harbors disloyal intentions, this old minister is willing to risk his life to protect him. I earnestly request Your Majesty to reinstate Li Rong and order him to go to the border immediately."

In fact, this was exactly what all the officials had been waiting for. At this moment, they looked at each other and started talking amongst themselves.

"Since Prince Su is here to vouch for us, Your Majesty, this matter cannot be delayed."

“The border is thousands of miles away, and Li Rong will still use Gu. We believe in the Regent’s Gu. If it is not checked, we will not feel at ease.”

"That makes sense."

"Enough." The emperor at the head of the table interrupted everyone: "You're all going around in circles, even I'm tired of it! Why don't we ask him what he thinks?"

As soon as the Emperor finished speaking, Eunuch Li immediately moved the screen aside.

Dang clang——

Suddenly, someone's prayer beads broke, and the smooth beads rolled through the gap.

All eyes in the hall followed the bead, watching it stop beside Li Rong's black boots.

The moment that familiar yet unfamiliar face came into view, gasps filled the hall.

Li Rong rose and slowly walked to the front from the back. He was as tall as ever, and his imposing presence remained undiminished. As he approached, the officials instinctively made way for him, momentarily afraid to even breathe, especially the Minister of Rites who had just been shouting. Upon seeing Li Rong, his eyes widened in terror. Although the officials had never met Li Rong before, they all knew he had returned to the capital; this was Li Rong's first formal encounter with the court officials.

The air seemed to fall silent for a moment.

Even the gasps seemed to have subsided.

Finally, Li Rong stood in front of the palace.

Seeing the officials speechless, the Emperor's sarcastic smile still held a hint of bitterness.

After a long pause, he finally said, "Your subject Li Rong, now that Prince Su is vouching for you, what do you think?"

The ministers exchanged glances, thinking that the emperor's intention was to reinstate Li Rong, and that the Li family might be reinstated in the future.

Just as everyone was lost in thought, they vaguely heard Li Rong's slightly hoarse voice.

"Li Rong is unwilling."

Just four simple words stirred up a huge wave in the imperial court.

The courtiers were all stunned for a moment.

Even Xiao Yuanshan suddenly looked at Li Rong.

The Emperor's eyes suddenly turned cold: "Li Rong, do you know what you're saying?"

Li Rong stood calmly before the hall, his voice ringing out clearly once more: "I said, I am unwilling."

Jiang Nuanzhi paced back and forth in the corridor of the Emperor's bedchamber. An hour had passed, and all the officials had dispersed, but the Emperor, A Rong, and several important officials, including Xiao Yuanshan, were still inside without making a sound.

Although Li Rong gave her a reassuring look when she and the courtiers were sent away, Jiang Nuanzhi still felt uncertain.

"Oh, Dr. Jiang, you're here! I've been looking for you everywhere."

The newcomer was an unfamiliar eunuch, appearing to be in his thirties with a kind face. He was dressed in the robes of a chief eunuch. Jiang Nuanzhi looked at him with surprise: "Who is this eunuch?"

"This humble servant is named Rongbao, and I am the head eunuch serving the Grand Princess. The Grand Princess specifically instructed me to come and see if you are free. If you are, she would like to invite you to come over." As he spoke, he made a very respectful gesture of invitation to Jiang Nuanzhi.

Jiang Nuanzhi frowned slightly and couldn't help but look back.

Rong Bao seemed to see Jiang Nuanzhi's worry, glanced at her, and said with a smile, "It seems that the Emperor is still a long way off. Don't worry, Physician Jiang, our princess just wants to have a few words with you and ask you to check on Tuanzi's health. It won't take up much of your time."

Jiang Nuanzhi remembered the little dumpling, so she simply followed Rong Bao to Changxin Palace.

Changxin Palace is located in a secluded area, and it took about 15 minutes to walk there.

There were very few people in the palace, and judging from the furnishings, it was clear that the owner was a free spirit. She placed things haphazardly, without caring whether they matched the surrounding decorations.

"Princess, Physician Jiang has arrived."

"Your humble servant greets the Grand Princess."

At this moment, the Grand Princess leaned against the soft couch, no longer adorned with jewels as before. Now, in her own palace, she wore only a sky-blue soft robe, with a white jade hairpin tucked behind her ear. She looked down at the little dumpling lying beside her, her gaze gentle, her hand lightly stroking the dumpling's body. Hearing the sound, she turned her head and said, "No need for formalities, come here quickly."

As he spoke, he waved to Jiang Nuanzhi.

(End of this chapter)