The Empress has abandoned me? I'll support a new emperor and destroy your kingdom!

"My ministers," the emperor finally spoke, his voice hoarse and weary, "you all know about the Jianghuai Salt Case. You have also read the report from the Third Princess Yun Jin and the impeachment by Minister Qian and others. What are your thoughts? Speak up."

The hall was silent for a moment, then erupted into chaos.

"Your Majesty! Her Highness the Third Princess, acting on behalf of Heaven, uncovered such a shocking case of corruption, recovered a huge sum of embezzled funds, stabilized salt prices, and comforted the people. Her merits are great for the nation and will benefit future generations! This is a testament to Your Majesty's wisdom and the Princess's virtue! Qian Minzhi and his ilk, unable to distinguish between loyalty and treachery, slandered this meritorious official; their intentions are deserving of punishment! I implore Your Majesty to reward the Princess handsomely and severely punish those who spread slander and mislead the public!"

A Hanlin scholar, known for his integrity and having no connection with salt affairs, stepped forward first and delivered a passionate speech.

He was genuinely shocked by Yun Jin's actions and the amount of embezzled funds seized.

"absurd!"

Qian Minzhi immediately retorted. He was in his fifties and had a thin face, but at this moment he was full of indignation. "Merit is merit, and fault is fault! It is true that the Third Princess has made merit in investigating the case, but it is also true that her procedures were improper and that she abused her power to kill!"

Without the approval of the imperial court, a private court was set up to interrogate high-ranking officials. If this precedent is set, what will become of the national law? What will become of the social order?

As for his unidentified subordinates, a thorough investigation is necessary! Who knows if he's using this case to eliminate dissidents, install his own people, and do what Wang Mang and Cao Cao did?!

"Lord Qian, please watch your words!"

Officials who supported Yun Jin angrily rebuked, "Your Highness, with the royal decree and the imperial sword, has the right to execute first and report later! The evidence against Liu Wenyuan and Zhou Kang is conclusive, and the people are extremely indignant. What is wrong with Your Highness making a decisive decision?"

Are we supposed to wait for them to collude, destroy evidence, or run away? As for the people the princess employs, they are undoubtedly capable and competent. Do we really need incompetent fools to investigate a case?

"A capable and cunning individual? A capable and cunning individual of dubious origin? Who can guarantee that he isn't harboring malicious intentions, taking advantage of the princess's youth to do something nefarious?" Another official from the First Prince's faction said sinisterly.

"Your Majesty! Although the Third Princess's actions have benefited the country, her methods are cruel and ruthless. Executing someone without prior instruction damages Your Majesty's reputation for benevolence and also makes local officials live in fear. This is not a way to ensure long-term stability!"

An elderly and prudent clan leader also issued a statement.

Both sides stuck to their own versions of events, arguing fiercely. Supporters praised his achievements, while opponents criticized his procedures and "intentions," leaving the court in chaos.

The emperor, increasingly agitated, slammed his hand on his desk: "Enough!"

Silence returned to the hall.

The emperor looked at the eldest prince, who had been silent all along: "Crown Prince, what do you think?" He used the title "Crown Prince," which carried a subtle hint of rebuke.

Yun Jie's heart tightened. He stepped forward, bowed, and said in a steady but heavy voice, "Father, my third sister has rid the country of a scourge. Her heart is commendable, and her achievements... are also undeniable."

However, the concerns raised by Imperial Censor Qian and others were not without merit. The laws and regulations of the state are the foundation of the court, and they cannot be abandoned because of certain matters.

The backgrounds of those employed by the Third Princess must be thoroughly investigated to reassure the public.

Your Majesty believes that the most urgent task is to summon the Third Princess back to the capital, to provide a detailed account of the case, and... to thoroughly examine the people she has employed.

The officials involved in this case can be handed over to the relevant authorities for trial according to national law. This would both fulfill the merits of the Third Princess and uphold the law of the court.

These words, seemingly fair, actually limited Yun Jin's "merits" to "investigating the case," lightly pointed out her "faults," and demanded that she be recalled for investigation. At the same time, the power to adjudicate the case was returned to the imperial court to prevent Yun Jin from using the case as an excuse to expand her gains.

The Third Prince, Yun Huan, also stepped forward and spoke gently.

"Father, what my eldest brother said is wise and experienced in governing the country. My third sister has worked hard and should return to the capital to rest. The affairs of Jianghuai can be handled by the newly appointed officials. As for the criminals and accounts involved in the case, they can be escorted back to the capital for a joint trial by the three judicial departments to ensure fairness."

The emperor remained silent in thought.

He was pleased with Yun Jin's "merit" in recovering the huge sum of money and winning the hearts of the people, but he was also wary of the ruthless methods she displayed and the possible "unknown forces" involved.

The safest approach seems to be to recall them to the capital, investigate them thoroughly, give them a dressing down, and then reward them for their contributions.

Just as the emperor was about to issue his decree, a eunuch's urgent announcement came from outside the hall:

"Report! Urgent report from Jianghuai Circuit! Third Princess Yun Jin has set off for the capital, escorting the main criminals Liu Wenyuan, Zhou Kang, and others, along with all case files and evidence. She is expected to arrive in the capital in five days!"

In addition, people from seven other prefectures, including Jiangning, Yangzhou, and Suzhou, spontaneously presented ten "People's Umbrellas" and seven rubbings of the "Merit Stele" to the Emperor!

The entire hall was astonished!

Yun Jin actually took the initiative to escort the criminals and bring all the evidence back to the capital without waiting for the imperial decree?

Moreover, there are also "umbrellas for all people" and "merit monuments"?

The emperor's spirits lifted: "Bring it here!"

Soon, ten umbrellas of different shapes, but all exquisitely crafted, with their surfaces covered with names and handprints, were laboriously carried into the main hall by the eunuchs.

Although they were only a partial representative, the weighty significance of their presence and the simple, direct support from countless ordinary people still moved the entire court.

Next came seven inscriptions printed on clean white Xuan paper, all praising "Imperial Envoy Princess Yun" for her integrity, her ability to eliminate evil and protect the people, and her love for the people like her own children.

Seeing these genuine feedbacks from the people, the gloom on the emperor's face dissipated considerably, and even a glimmer of light appeared in his eyes.

Public sentiment! That's what matters most!

Although Yun Jin's actions were somewhat outrageous, they did win the hearts of the people and earned him, the emperor, and the court a lot of face!

The faces of the officials from the Crown Prince's faction turned extremely ugly.

The "Umbrella of Ten Thousand People" and the "Memorial Stele" are the trump cards!

Against the backdrop of such overwhelming public opinion, dwelling on "procedures" and "methods" seems pale and powerless, and even borders on "jealousy of the heroes" and "disregard for public sentiment."

"Good! Good! Good!"

The Emperor exclaimed "Excellent!" three times, clapping his hands and laughing heartily. "Truly worthy of being my daughter! She has won the hearts of the people! Issue an edict ordering the prefectures and counties along the route to provide proper accommodations for the Third Princess and her entourage. On the day of their arrival in the capital, I will personally lead all officials to greet them outside the city!"

These words essentially defined and stated Yun Jin's stance on her trip to Jianghuai.

The eldest prince, Yun Jie, turned deathly pale instantly, and his body swayed almost imperceptibly.

He lost this game, and he lost badly.

Not only did they lose a key general and cut off their source of income, but Yun Jin also returned with tremendous achievements and overwhelming public support, making his position even more secure and unshakeable.

"Your Majesty!" Qian Minzhi, still unwilling to give up, stepped forward with a forced smile. "We dare not deny the Third Princess's contributions. However, her actions were careless, and she employed the wrong people, which still needs to be investigated. In particular, the origins of her accountant and guards are suspicious, and I fear..."

"Qian Aiqing."

The emperor interrupted him, his smile vanished, and his gaze sharpened.

"The people employed by the Third Princess are capable and competent, having helped her solve such a massive case. As for their backgrounds, I will inquire about them in detail once the Third Princess returns to the capital. As for you all..."

His gaze swept over Qian Minzhi and the several censors behind him, and his tone turned cold.

"As officials responsible for remonstrating, it is their duty to report on matters heard from the public, but they must also be able to distinguish right from wrong and consider the overall situation. The massive corruption case in Jianghuai is shocking. You do not remember the princess's merit in eliminating corruption, nor do you consider the dignity of the court and the support of the people, but instead you are fussing over trivial details and harshly criticizing meritorious officials. What kind of logic is this? Could it be... that you have some connection with Liu Wenyuan and Zhou Kang?"

"Your subject dares not!"

Qian Minzhi and the others were so frightened that they hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed to the ground.

"Hmph!" the emperor snorted coldly. "I have my own plans for this. Court adjourned!"

"Congratulations to Your Majesty!"

The emperor turned and left, leaving behind a court of officials with their own differing thoughts.

The eldest prince, Yun Jie, lowered his head, his fists clenched tightly in his sleeves, his nails digging deep into his palms.

What a disgrace! An utter disgrace!

Yun Jin! And that cowardly guy hiding behind her!

I will fight you to the death!

The Third Prince Yun Huan looked at the First Prince's almost undisguised resentment and malice in his back, and then glanced at the ten glaring "Umbrellas of Ten Thousand People" outside the palace. The gentle smile on his face slowly faded, and only deep thoughts remained in his eyes.

This third princess has already gained power. She is no longer someone to be underestimated.

……