Catching Monsters

Chapter 591: Dizzy

The official from the Ministry of Rites, with a solemn expression, slowly said, "In the history of our Zhou state, there has never been such a terrible incident."

"You should know that the Imperial Guards are His Majesty's personal guards, and they are required to protect His Majesty's safety at all times. Yet they are being mobilized by His Highness the Crown Prince at will."

"What if rebels happen to arrive at this moment and cause trouble?"

"Who can bear such a responsibility?"

"Moreover, the battle between the Imperial Guards and the Embroidered Uniform Guards caused quite a stir in the capital, and people were in a state of panic. Many people did not know what had happened, and there were even rumors that either the Imperial Guards or the Embroidered Uniform Guards had rebelled and were suppressing a rebellion."

"This is utterly ridiculous! His Highness the Crown Prince has actually done something so absurd!"

"As an official of the Ministry of Rites, I believe that the country should be governed by rites. If this matter is not severely punished, His Highness the Crown Prince may do something even worse in the future."

At this point, the official in charge of the Ministry of Rites took a deep breath, slowly looked up at Xiao Yuzheng, and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, please reconsider! His Highness the Crown Prince is the foundation of the nation. If the Crown Prince acts so recklessly, the foundation of the nation may be shaken, and at that time, the nation will cease to exist..."

Hearing this, Xiao Jingqing finally couldn't hold back any longer. He stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Father, I am innocent. The mobilization of the Imperial Guards was not done by me, but by Gu Zhengyu."

We can't let the people from the Ministry of Rites keep spouting nonsense.

Xiao Jingqing knew very well that if he let this guy keep rambling on, who knew what other trouble he would cause? He had to step in and stop him as soon as possible.

Besides, someone has already taken the blame for him, so this person can't keep pestering him.

Soon, Gu Zhengyu took a deep breath, slowly stepped forward, his expression somewhat solemn. He clenched his teeth slightly and said, "Yes, mobilizing the Imperial Guards was my personal action and has nothing to do with His Highness the Crown Prince."

These words immediately caused an uproar in the court, but Xiao Yuzheng, who was sitting on the throne, did not change his expression and remained quietly seated.

Upon hearing this, the official in charge of the Ministry of Rites stared at Gu Zhengyu and said, "Commander Gu, do you have the guts to mobilize all the Imperial Guards to go out and fight on their own?"

Do you know how serious the consequences will be?

At this point, the official in charge of the Ministry of Rites stared intently at Xiao Jingqing and said, "Your Highness, do you dare to swear to Heaven that this matter has nothing to do with you?"

"Why should I swear to God if I didn't do it?" Xiao Jingqing frowned.

Soon, another civil official stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I suspect that Gu Zhengyu is just taking the blame for His Highness the Crown Prince. Such a big thing could not have been done by Gu Zhengyu alone."

"We urge a thorough investigation into this matter. His Highness the Crown Prince must not allow Gu Zhengyu to take the blame."

"Yes."

"Your Majesty, I agree."

Many civil officials spoke up at this point. Of course, these officials and ministers, although now holding high positions in the court, all started from the bottom.

Finding someone to take the blame is a trick they've used to death; they can't be easily fooled.

After listening to the words of the people below the court, Xiao Yuzheng slowly spoke, staring at Gu Zhengyu and saying, "Gu Zhengyu, was this really done by you alone?"

Do you know what the consequences will be?

"Think it through before you speak."

Gu Zhengyu hurriedly knelt on the ground, beads of sweat slowly dripping down his face. He took a deep breath and gritted his teeth, saying, "Your Majesty, it was indeed His Highness the Crown Prince who instructed me to dispatch the Imperial Guards."

Xiao Yuzheng had already said so much, and Gu Zhengyu knew the consequences...

If it were just dismissal and imprisonment, there would still be a chance that Xiao Jingqing would find a way to get him out.

But judging from the relentless attitude of these civil officials, they clearly intended to escalate the matter.

This is something he can't handle.

What if they suddenly decide to execute the entire family? Where would I go to protest my innocence?

Upon hearing Xiao Yuzheng's words, the civil officials present were even more delighted and became even more excited.

"Your Majesty, in such a serious matter, His Highness the Crown Prince actually sent Gu Zhengyu to take the blame. Not only did he mobilize the Imperial Guards without authorization, but he also lacked the courage to take responsibility."

"What about Jiang Yun!" Xiao Jingqing took a deep breath and pointed at Jiang Yun: "It takes two to tango, right? The Imperial Guards and the Embroidered Uniform Guards are fighting, so how come it's all my fault? The Embroidered Uniform Guards were summoned by Jiang Yun, weren't they?"

The official in charge of the Ministry of Rites said calmly, "Jiang Yun? Your Highness, we are discussing your unauthorized mobilization of the Imperial Guards. We'll talk about Jiang Yun later."

"How can he say it later?" Xiao Jingqing's face flushed red.

Soon, a commotion broke out, mostly accusing Xiao Jingqing. Xiao Jingqing looked at the military officers and nobles who were walking close to him.

These nobles and military officers remained silent.

There was nothing they could do; His Highness the Crown Prince had indeed made a grave mistake this time. What else could they do but plead for him?
"If you ask me, His Highness the Crown Prince has a flawed personal character. How can this be allowed? He represents the future of our Great Zhou."

"Your Majesty, Xiao Jingqing has only recently become the Crown Prince. In my opinion, you might as well remove him from the position of Crown Prince and then reconsider."

Hearing the words of these court officials, Xiao Jingqing's face darkened, and he remained silent as he looked at Jiang Yun, who was resting with his eyes closed.

The anger in his heart intensified, and he clenched his fists tightly as he listened to the group of civil officials actually proposing to depose him as crown prince because of this matter.

He gritted his teeth, secretly vowing that if he were to ascend the throne, he would kill all these bastards no matter what!
He remembered them all.

Just then, Yan Hua, the Minister of Personnel, slowly stepped forward and coughed lightly, causing all the civil officials present to fall silent.

The Minister of Personnel, also privately referred to by many officials as the "Heavenly Official," was in charge of matters such as the appointment, dismissal, evaluation, and conferment of honors on officials.

He was the head of all officials.

Yan Hua's position and status within the entire imperial court can be considered quite important.

"Minister Yan, what are your thoughts on this matter?" Xiao Yuzheng breathed a slight sigh of relief when he saw Yan Hua step forward.

Yan Hua slowly said, "As my colleagues have said, His Highness the Crown Prince privately mobilized the Imperial Guards and, in the midst of the disturbance, got into a fight with someone to vent his anger. This has never happened before in the more than three hundred years of history of our Great Zhou Dynasty."

"It can even be said that this is unheard of. If Your Majesty does not punish such a serious matter severely, it will indeed be difficult to convince the public. However, removing the Crown Prince from the position would be too frivolous."

"I have an idea. Since His Highness the Crown Prince is so impulsive, let's remove him from his military post and have him take a position in one of our six ministries."

"Read more books by sages in your daily life to cultivate your character and temperament."

"Your Majesty, what do you think of my suggestion?" Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingqing's expression changed, and he quickly stood up: "Minister Yan, what you said is not right. Since you want to remove me from my post, Jiang Yun's post must also be removed."

Xiao Jingqing cursed Yan Hua, that old fox, in his heart. He knew that Yan Hua had removed him from his military post and transferred him to one of the Six Ministries.

To some extent, he wanted to sever his ties with many military officers.

He has no troops or power, only a nominal position. So what if he's the crown prince? He'll be at the mercy of others.

How many examples are there in history of crown princes being dethroned by their brothers who held military power?
Isn't the emperor sitting on top a perfect example?

Jiang Yun, who was resting with his eyes closed, was slightly taken aback and opened them. Why was this guy dragging him into this again?

After speaking, Jiang Yun looked at Yan Hua. Yesterday, she had personally visited Minister Yan with the First Prince's token.

As expected, Yan Hua slowly spoke: "I also know about yesterday's events. Jiang Yun mobilized the Embroidered Uniform Guard because he heard that the Imperial Guards had suddenly gathered and thought that there were rebels who had broken into the capital."

"Otherwise, the Imperial Guards would not be mobilized so easily."

"Jiang Yun was worried about His Majesty's safety, so he immediately dispatched the Embroidered Uniform Guard to help, but he did not expect that they would be attacked by the Imperial Guard as soon as they arrived at the scene."

After Yan Hua finished speaking, a civil official next to him couldn't help but praise, "Lord Jiang truly has a sincere heart."

"Indeed, since Lord Jiang took office as the Commander of the Eastern Garrison, he has made outstanding contributions..."

Jiang Yun, without blushing or skipping a beat, smiled and raised her hand in a bow: "Everyone is too kind, too kind."

Li Wangxin couldn't help but take a deep look at Jiang Yun. It was truly unprecedented for these civil officials in the court to speak up for the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Normally, these civil officials act like mad dogs. Any slight disturbance in the Embroidered Uniform Guard's office is enough for them to make a fuss about.

"You, you, you all..." Xiao Jingqing was so angry that his face turned red, and he actually rolled his eyes and fainted.

"Quickly, summon the imperial physician!" Upon seeing this, Feng Yu's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly shouted.

A civil official looked at Xiao Jingqing, who had fainted and collapsed, and muttered under his breath, "Not only is his character flawed, but his health doesn't seem to be very good either. How can he be entrusted with such an important position as the Crown Prince?"

Soon, the imperial physician rushed over and, after examining the prince, respectfully said, "Your Majesty need not worry. His Highness the Crown Prince has simply fainted due to excessive stimulation. After resting for a while and taking some calming and nourishing medicine, he will recover."

"Take him to the Imperial Physicians' Office to rest," Xiao Yuzheng said in a deep voice.

"Yes."

Soon, Xiao Jingqing was carried away on a stretcher, and Xiao Yuzheng's expression remained somewhat uncertain.

He couldn't make a decision on this matter. On the one hand, he truly loved Xiao Jingqing and had taken care of him for so long when he was seriously ill.

On the other hand, Xiao Jingqing's behavior was also intolerable to Xiao Yuzheng.

If it were anyone else, daring to tamper with his imperial guards, he would probably have ordered them dragged out and beheaded long ago.

He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and fell into deep thought. The crowd below the court exchanged glances, but did not urge him, quietly waiting for Xiao Yuzheng to speak.

Of course, this is a matter that Xiao Yuzheng needs to make the final decision on.

"As Minister Yan said, remove Xiao Jingqing from his position as deputy commander of the Imperial Guards and send him to work in the Ministry of Personnel."

Upon hearing this, Yan Hua's eyes flickered slightly, and he bowed, saying, "Your Majesty is wise."

Most of the civil officials present were led by Yan Hua.

Upon hearing Yan Hua's words, they all exclaimed in unison that His Majesty was wise.

Immediately afterward, Xiao Yuzheng slowly turned his gaze to Jiang Yun and asked, "What are everyone's opinions on how to deal with Jiang Yun? Should he be dismissed? Or..."

Yan Hua, standing below, said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, dismissing Jiang Yun from his post is inappropriate. I do not believe that Lord Jiang has done anything wrong in this matter."

Xiao Yuzheng narrowed his eyes slightly, then smiled and said, "Alright, since you say Jiang Yun is not wrong, I will not pursue his responsibility."

"Is there anything else? If so, please speak. If not, the court is adjourned."

Soon, some officials stepped forward and brought up some important matters, such as the collection of grain, including the intense fighting in the southwest, where the daily grain and salary expenditures were too high, and it was necessary to find a way to break through the three southwestern provinces as soon as possible.

Many officials were also discussing these matters at length.

Jiang Yun didn't offer any opinions, but quietly listened to the ministers arguing amongst themselves.

Contrary to Jiang Yun's expectations, the civil officials in the imperial court, despite their refined and polite appearance, were not as impressive as they seemed.

However, in the imperial court, if they encountered something that disagreed with their political views, they would really curse and even want to roll up their sleeves and fight.

Xiao Yuzheng was happy to see this scene, always letting them argue, and then he would judge who was right and who was wrong after they finished arguing.

This is also the most common tactic used by emperors: they will never personally engage in the struggle, but will instead act as decision-makers.

It wasn't until noon that the matter was mostly resolved.

As Feng Yu shouted that the court was adjourned, Xiao Yuzheng got up and left. However, his expression clearly showed some displeasure, after all, his beloved crown prince had been driven to the point of fainting by these civil officials in the court.

No wonder he felt terrible.

With Feng Yu by his side, they headed straight for the Imperial Physicians' Office to check on Xiao Jingqing's health.

After the court session ended, many officials slowly walked out of the palace.

Many people couldn't help but look at Jiang Yun, who was clearly involved in this matter, and even deeply involved.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Yun escaped unscathed without saying more than a few words.

Jiang Yun knew in his heart that he was able to escape so easily entirely thanks to Minister Yan.

Civil officials might be useless in other places.

However, the power that civil officials can wield in the imperial court is indeed considerable.

After leaving the palace, Jiang Yun headed straight back to the Eastern Garrison Command to check on the condition of his Jinyiwei brothers who had been seriously injured earlier.

(End of this chapter)