After failing the imperial examination, he began to wield immense power after entering the palace!

Not long after.

When Li Fan arrived outside the Taiji Hall, he saw dozens of ministers gathered in twos and threes at the entrance, preparing to enter the hall to attend a small court assembly.

These small court assemblies were only attended by officials of the fourth rank or above, and were of great importance.

As he approached, he heard an elderly man in purple robes standing in the crowd, speaking indignantly:

"Zhang Xuan is a traitor who colludes with the enemy and betrays the country; he deserves to be executed! Yet, someone is actually risking public condemnation to protect him!"

"Consort Xie, you're so foolish!"

His voice was loud and clear, full of energy, and he showed no sign of shyness.

Someone nearby whispered a word of advice: "Prefect Cao, watch your words, watch your words..."

This elderly man in purple robes was none other than Cao Mo, the Prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture.

Instead of lowering his voice, he raised it, looking righteous and awe-inspiring.

"What are you being careful about? I'm just telling the truth!"

"A mere woman, instead of staying content in the inner palace, insists on stirring up trouble in the court; she's utterly despicable!"

The surrounding ministers looked at each other, none of them daring to speak.

After all, Consort Xie wields considerable power now, and it's not easy to offend her in the palace...

As Cao Mo was speaking enthusiastically, he caught a glimpse of a young eunuch standing not far away, seemingly listening the whole time.

He frowned, immediately adopting an air of superiority, his tone unfriendly:

"You eunuch, do you have any objections to what I just said?"

Li Fan gave a very simple and honest smile.

"Prefect Cao's words make a lot of sense. Your Excellency, could you elaborate? I'm listening."

Cao Mo was taken aback.

Judging from the young eunuch's attentive listening, he didn't seem to be faking it.

I had just been criticizing Consort Xie in every word, and this person still dared to listen. He must be one of the Empress's people, which means he's one of my own.

Thinking of this, his expression softened slightly, but he still maintained a condescending attitude, stroking his beard:

"I heard that a couple of days ago, Consort Xie sent a eunuch named Gao Jin to the Ministry of Justice prison."

"That man was arrogant and domineering in prison; he even dared to assault my legal officer!"

"That's a seventh-rank official appointed by the imperial court. How dare a mere eunuch lay a hand on him?"

"I see that you have a good attitude and are sensible. Let me give you a word of advice: since you are working for Her Majesty the Empress, you must not be like Gao Jin."

"You must behave yourself and behave your place to have a smooth career in this palace. Do you understand?"

Li Fan was taken aback.

This person treats him like an empress.

He nodded obediently, his smile unwavering.

"Prefect Cao is right, I'll remember that."

"Is there anything else you wish to instruct me on, Your Excellency? Please elaborate; I am all ears."

Cao Mo was even more pleased to see his submissive manner.

He sighed, adopting a condescending tone, and raised his voice a few decibels:

"Take Zhang Xuan's case for example. He committed insubordination and treason, and the evidence is conclusive."

"But what about Consort Xie? She's holding onto this relentlessly; it's obvious she has ulterior motives."

"As for her ulterior motives, I don't care to know. In short, her ulterior motives have already affected the court and caused immeasurable harm!"

"Once we enter the palace, I will personally remonstrate with His Majesty to execute Zhang Xuan and quell these villains!"

Li Fan said "Oh," still smiling.

"Prefect Cao is truly remarkable; I admire him."

"However, Prefect Cao, I've heard that Zhang Xuan is innocent?"

Cao Mo's expression immediately darkened, his brows furrowing deeply.

"What injustice? Minister Liu personally submitted a memorial accusing him of treason; there is absolutely no injustice involved!"

Li Fan narrowed his eyes and asked again:

"Prefect Cao, have you thoroughly investigated this matter? After all, Minister Liu's account is only one person's, and it's impossible for it to be entirely accurate, is it?"

Cao Mo straightened his face, his tone carrying an undeniable arrogance:

"What kind of status does Minister Liu hold? He is the Minister of War, a pillar of the imperial court!"

"How could he possibly lie to slander a disgraced general from a poor family?"

"Zhang Xuan, you deserve to die!"

He emphasized the last two words heavily, as if he had already pronounced a death sentence.

Li Fan sneered inwardly.

Yes.

Because of their high positions and great power, whatever those scoundrels say is right.

This prefect can decide life and death without even conducting an investigation; he's just like Du Ming and his ilk.

Just then!

Leng Shuangqiu walked out of the palace.

She immediately noticed Li Fan standing next to Cao Mo, her expression slightly startled, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes.

But she quickly looked away and raised her voice expressionlessly:

"His Majesty has decreed that all ministers are summoned to the palace!"

Cao Mo straightened his clothes and strode into the Taiji Hall with an air of arrogance.

The remaining ministers filed in.

……

Inside the Taiji Hall.

It was resplendent in gold, with wisps of ambergris rising from the air.

On the dragon throne at the head of the table sat a middle-aged man dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe.

His complexion was sallow, and his eyes were sunken, indicating that he was not in good health.

At this moment, he was closing his eyes, pinching his temples with his fingers, and his brows revealed an indescribable restlessness.

It was none other than the Emperor of Chu, the Son of Heaven.

To the right of the dragon throne, there was a phoenix table, where a graceful and elegant woman sat.

She was around thirty years old, wearing a phoenix crown and a bright red palace dress. Her face was like a silver plate, and her eyes held a commanding presence. She was clearly someone who had long held a high position.

It was Empress Yang.

To the left of the dragon throne, there was also a slightly lower table.

A woman sat on the throne, Consort Xie.

Today, she changed into a formal, wide-sleeved robe, but it still couldn't hide her curvaceous figure.

She sat there upright, her posture elegant and aloof, like a white peony blooming on a cliff, cold and beautiful beyond compare.

As soon as Cao Mo entered the hall, he strode to the front, lifted his robe, and knelt down. His voice was so loud that it echoed throughout the entire hall:

"Your Majesty! I have something to report!"

"Your Majesty, I hereby impeach General Zhang Xuan for treason and collusion with the enemy, which led to the disastrous defeat in Liaodong. His crime is unforgivable!"

"Your subject requests that Zhang Xuan be executed!"

As soon as he finished speaking, more than ten ministers stepped forward from behind him, knelt in a row, and said in unison:

"We second that request! We request that Zhang Xuan be executed!"

The voices were perfectly synchronized and their momentum was astonishing.

This demonstrates the immense influence of powerful clans in Guanzhong at court; they commanded absolute obedience and formed an unbreakable united front.

The Chu Emperor kept his eyes closed, his fingers pinching his temples, his brows furrowing even more deeply.

"Consort Xie, do you have anything to say?"

Consort Xie, without changing her expression, said, "Your Majesty, I sent a young eunuch to investigate this case, and he found out some... rather interesting things."

"How about we have him bring Zhang Xuan in so he can tell His Majesty the truth about that battle?"

The Chu Emperor grunted in acknowledgment.

Standing at the bottom of the steps, Grandpa Hai immediately shouted in his shrill voice:

"Summon Gao Jin, bring Zhang Xuan and his daughter into the palace!"

Cao Mo knelt on the ground, a cold smile playing on his lips. He was unconvinced.

Zhang Xuan? How can a dead man speak?

next moment.

A gray figure strode in.

"What?"

Cao Mo's smile froze instantly.

Because the one who came in was the same honest-looking, obedient little eunuch who had been listening to the instructions earlier.

He is none other than Gao Jin, the arrogant and domineering lackey of Consort Xie.