How can you rule the world if I'm just a substitute for you?

Every word landed firmly and resounded.

The hall was deathly silent.

No one expected that Fu Youde, who had always been neutral, would be so assertive today, publicly defending the Crown Prince.

Chen Jingxiu's face turned ashen. He stepped forward and said, "Lord Fu, you are mistaken. We are all devoted to the country. It is only because the Crown Prince's actions are not in accordance with the law that we submitted this memorial. We have no other intentions."

As soon as he finished speaking, the other officials echoed his sentiments:

"Your Majesty, you are wise. We are devoted to the country and have no other intentions."

Fu Youde snorted coldly and dismissed the matter with just two simple sentences.

Emperor Qian sat upright on the dragon throne. He remained silent for a moment, his eyes showing tacit approval as he surveyed the officials in the court.

The loyal officials, seeing the emperor's signal in his eyes, immediately stepped forward, cupped their hands, and said:

"Your subject agrees with what Lord Fu said!"

"The Crown Prince was acting under imperial decree, his authority and responsibilities were clearly defined, and he did not overstep his bounds or disrupt the administration!"

"Jiangzhou has long suffered from deep-seated problems that cannot be eradicated without swift and decisive action. Although the Crown Prince's actions are forceful, they are beneficial to the country and its people! I beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly!"

In a short period of time, many officials publicly took sides and tried their best to protect the crown prince.

The previously one-sided impeachment situation was instantly and completely reversed.

Meanwhile, Duke Qin Lie, the Duke of Zhenguo, stood to the side with a face so gloomy it was almost dripping with water.

He clenched his fists tightly, his eyes blazing with fury, yet he held back, daring not to retaliate.

He saw clearly.

Fu Youde took the lead in protecting the Crown Prince, and many officials spoke up for him. This was not anything else, but rather His Majesty's determination to protect the Crown Prince!

It's clear they intend to continue supporting the Crown Prince's actions in Jiangzhou.

Qin Lie's chest was burning with rage.

However, he could not directly confront the divine will, and could only suppress his surging anger, standing still and enduring it without retaliating.

The officials who had impeached Lin Xuan understood the situation. Seeing that the Duke of Zhenguo was standing there without saying a word, they knew that even the Duke of Zhenguo, Qin Lie, would not dare to openly defy the emperor's will. Without the Duke of Zhenguo, Qin Lie, taking the lead, the officials who had impeached Lin Xuan could no longer be assertive, and they all fell silent.

Emperor Qian finally spoke slowly, his voice majestic and resounding throughout the hall.

"What Fu Aiqing said is very fair."

In short, it sets the tone.

Emperor Qian said calmly:

"The Crown Prince was ordered to inspect Jiangzhou and held the power to execute first and report later. Liu Chengzhang's crimes were conclusive, and his execution was justified."

"Jiangzhou has long suffered from deep-seated problems, with tax deficits for many years and pent-up public resentment. The Crown Prince's trip is to eliminate these problems for the country and to rectify the local situation; there is nothing wrong with it."

"My dear ministers, there is no need for further discussion."

This statement effectively shuts down all impeachment proceedings!

Immediately, Emperor Qian picked up the memorial on the table and pronounced the verdict in front of everyone.

"I approve the Crown Prince's report regarding the appointment and removal of personnel in Jiangzhou."

"Liu Huai'an is temporarily appointed as the acting governor of Jiangzhou."

"The Crown Prince is granted full authority to select officials of the fifth rank and below in Jiangzhou and to reform the local administration in Jiangzhou."

"The appointment and removal of officials of the fifth rank and above, as well as the military power of the Jiangzhou garrison, remain under the control of the imperial court."

These words caused a stir throughout the court!

Not only was the crown prince not punished, but he also rightfully seized control of personnel matters at the grassroots level in Jiangzhou!

The faces of the aristocratic officials and those from the Third Prince's faction turned deathly pale instantly.

Their elaborate schemes to impeach the Crown Prince not only failed to bring him down, but also solidified his authority to govern Jiangzhou!

Fu Youde remained calm, feeling reassured.

he knows.

With today's battle, the overall situation in Jiangzhou under the Crown Prince's control is completely stabilized.

Emperor Qian's final, cold gaze swept across the entire audience:

"The matter of Jiangzhou is now settled. Anyone who uses this opportunity to stir up trouble, speaks ill of the Crown Prince, or obstructs local reforms will be punished for forming cliques and disrupting the government!"

"Dismiss the court."

A dramatic storm in the imperial court ended with the crown prince's complete victory.

After the court session ended, the officials were filled with unease and hastily withdrew.

……

For two consecutive days, Jiangzhou City was unusually quiet, a stark contrast to the previous days' tense atmosphere.

Crown Prince Lin Xuan did not order Liu Huai'an to continue arresting members of aristocratic families. The Qin family also remained inactive, showing no signs of making any moves. On the surface, the entire city was calm and peaceful.

Inside the study of the government office, two newly delivered secret letters were placed side by side on the desk.

One letter was sent by Meng Yuanbao from the capital by express horse. It stated that Fu Youde had done his best to persuade Emperor Qian to protect the crown prince, and the turmoil of impeachment in the court had been settled.

The other letter was a message sent back by Lin Mo, who was lying in wait outside.

Just then, Su Ling Shuang hurried into the study, her expression anxious.

"Your Highness, a secret message has arrived from Qiyue Pavilion."

Upon hearing this, Lin Xuan immediately looked up: "There's news from Qiyue Pavilion?"

He reached out and took the secret letter, then immediately opened it and began to read it.

The letter stated that Qiyue Pavilion captured a suspect who appeared to be a private soldier of the Qin family. From this person, they extracted clues that the stolen silver was very likely hidden in Black Wind Mountain.

Lin Xuan's expression instantly darkened.

"Ling Shuang, bring me a map of the entire Jiangzhou region."

"Yes."

Su Ling Shuang acknowledged and withdrew. A moment later, a rolled-up map was spread out on the table.

Lin Xuan's gaze swept across the area quickly, and he soon locked onto the location of Black Wind Mountain.

This place is located at the border of Qingshan County and Yong'an County, not far from Jiangzhou City.

The entire area is characterized by high mountains and dense forests, with towering peaks and dense canopies that block out the sun, making it ideal for hiding people and goods.

Lin Xuan picked up Lin Mo's secret letter again and read it carefully.

After the Wang family, the magistrate of Qingshan County, were secretly taken away that night, Lin Mo led the Shadow Hunters to Black Wind Mountain.

Furthermore, it was discovered that a private army was indeed entrenched within Black Wind Mountain. However, the defenses within Black Wind Mountain were extremely tight, and the Shadow Hunters were unable to penetrate deep into the mountain. Whether Yan Yin was truly hiding in the mountain could not be verified at the moment.

Lin Xuan put down the letter and muttered to himself in a low voice.

"Could it be that the silver taels are really hidden in Black Wind Mountain?"

He picked up Meng Yuanbao's secret letter from the capital again and compared it with the intelligence from Qiyue Pavilion. The more he thought about it, the more his brows furrowed.

"Something's not right, it's too much of a coincidence."

I just received Yuanbao's letter, informing me that Emperor Qian has done everything in his power to protect me. Then, Qiyue Pavilion captured a man who claimed to be a private soldier of the Qin family, and he directly revealed that Yan Yin was hidden in Black Wind Mountain.

The timing was so perfect, it seemed almost too deliberate.

Su Ling Shuang stood to the side and, seeing Lin Xuan's solemn expression, sensed that something was wrong and quickly asked.

"Your Highness, what exactly happened? What's wrong?"

Lin Xuan shook his head slightly, his tone heavy.

"Whether Yan Yin is actually in Black Wind Mountain is still uncertain. I have a feeling that someone is deliberately releasing clues to lure us to Black Wind Mountain."

Su Ling Shuang's heart skipped a beat, a chill ran down her spine, and her voice trembled slightly.

"Your Highness, could it be that the Qin family is desperate and planning to ambush you at Black Wind Mountain?"

Lin Xuan's expression was solemn as he slowly nodded.

"It's too early to draw conclusions."

Before he could finish speaking, a flurry of footsteps sounded outside the door, and Zhang Shitou rushed in, looking panicked.

"Brother Lin!"

Lin Xuan looked up: "What happened?"

Zhang Shitou held a feathered arrow in his hand, with a secret letter firmly nailed to the shaft.

"Someone just shot this letter directly at the gate of the government office!"

Lin Xuan's expression changed drastically: "Where is the archer?"

"Liu Yunzhou has already led his men in pursuit!"

Lin Xuan waved his hand.

"Bring the letter over first."

Zhang Shitou quickly stepped forward and handed over the arrow. Lin Xuan reached out and took the letter attached to the arrowhead, unfolded it, and saw that there were only a few words on the paper.

Black Wind Mountain is dangerous.