Am I going to be controlled by the players too?

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

On New Year's Day, the first day of the Lunar New Year, all the officials of the capital went to court and gathered at the brand-new Wanchen Palace.

Thousands of palace lanterns were lit in the banquet hall, and red candles burned brightly. In the bronze cauldron in the center of the hall, ambergris incense burned, and wisps of smoke mingled with the aroma of wine and meat, lingering among the beams and pillars.

The three highest officials, the nine ministers, the six ministries, and the nobles of the court and the countryside lined up on both sides, their robes neat and their jade pendants jingling.

Ji Yushen sat on the throne, dressed today in a bright yellow dragon robe embroidered with gold, a nine-dragon crown on her head, and satin embroidered shoes on her feet. She held a wine cup, listening to the speech of the Grand Secretary Lu Weiming:

"Your Majesty is wise and sagacious. Since ascending the throne, you have expanded the territory and governed diligently. The downfall of the kingdom is imminent! Now, with the completion of the new palace and the arrival of envoys from all nations, this is truly an unprecedented golden age since the founding of our dynasty! We, your humble servants, offer a cup of wine to congratulate Your Majesty and the empire!"

After Lu Weiming finished speaking, he raised his cup with both hands and drank it all in one gulp.

The courtiers raised their cups in unison, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" and congratulatory voices filled the air, creating a lively scene of peace, prosperity, and shared joy between the emperor and his subjects.

Ji Yushen took a sip of wine and gestured for everyone to rise.

Her cheeks flushed slightly, whether from the alcohol or joy, it was hard to tell: "My lords, please feel free to do as you please. Tonight, we'll set aside the distinction between ruler and subject, and focus solely on our drinking capacity!"

The ministers laughed, and the atmosphere in the hall became more relaxed.

Eunuchs and palace maids filed in, bringing out dish after dish. Dragon liver and phoenix marrow, fine wines and rare delicacies from land and sea were piled high on the jade table, filling the air with their aroma. In the central courtyard, exotic catgirls danced, their sleeves fluttering, their figures graceful, accompanied by melodious music that lingered in the air.

The atmosphere in the hall became increasingly relaxed and cheerful, with the officials letting go of their inhibitions and laughing and chatting continuously.

After Ji Yushen took her first bite, Peng Longteng, sitting at the second seat on the left, acted without any refinement, grabbing a large piece of braised bear paw and stuffing it into her mouth. Oil dripped down her lip, which she casually wiped away before grabbing the wine pot.

Cang Xuan glanced at her coldly, then saw Lu Weiming walk over with a wine cup, smiling and saying, "General Peng has a good appetite."

"I can only eat dry rations on the front lines. It's not easy to have a decent meal, so can't I even have a few more bites?" Peng Longteng said without looking up.

“Of course it’s great.” Lu Weiming wasn’t annoyed. He turned to Ji Yushen, cupped his hands, and said, “Your Majesty, on such a fine day, I dare to suggest we play a game of ‘Flying Flowers’ to enhance the drinking experience.”

Ji Yushen's eyes lit up: "Alright. Today, auspicious snow has fallen, so let's use 'snow' as the theme. You go first!"

Lu Weiming immediately recited: "Suddenly, like a spring breeze overnight, thousands of pear trees bloom."

Next is the Minister of Revenue: "The window frames the snow-capped peaks of the Western Mountains, and the gate harbors ships from the distant Eastern Wu."

The others took turns reciting, some chanting "An old man in a straw hat and raincoat, fishing alone on a snowy river," others reciting "The evening sky threatens snow, shall we have a drink?" When it was Peng Longteng's turn, she thought for a long time, then picked up the wine pot and downed three cups in a row, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

Hime Mikami leaned back on her throne, one hand supporting her chin, the other toying with a wine cup, her gaze sweeping across the hall.

She suddenly put down her wine cup and asked, "Speaking of snow, it's really strange. My top scholar's first snow, why isn't it here today?"

The assembled officials were all taken aback.

Lu Weiming looked around and, seeing no sign of Tong Chuxue, quickly replied, "Your Majesty, Vice Commissioner Tong has not yet arrived."

"Why hasn't she arrived yet?" Ji Yushen frowned. "Among all the civil and military officials, she is no less talented than you in poetry and prose." After saying that, she turned her head and instructed the eunuch beside her: "Go and ask why Minister Tong has not arrived yet. If she hasn't left home, tell her that I sent a Maybach to pick her up."

The eunuch received the order and ran out of the palace.

Ji Yushen withdrew his gaze and smiled at everyone: "Continue, don't spoil my fun."

The music started again, and the catgirl continued spinning.

Lu Weiming recited another poem, which everyone praised. Peng Longteng and Cang Xuan started drinking, each with three empty wine jugs in front of them, neither willing to drink first.

About half an hour later, the eunuch returned.

He hurried to the throne, leaned down and whispered a few words in Hime Mikami's ear. Hime Mikami's brows furrowed slightly, then she released him:

"Are you sick?"

"Your Majesty, the people at Tong Qianshi's residence said she is not feeling well today and is resting at home for fear of offending Your Majesty." The eunuch's voice was very low.

"Is it serious? Has the imperial physician been summoned?"

"They said it was just a minor cold."

Ji Yushen nodded without asking further questions. Just as she was about to raise her wine cup to continue drinking, the eunuch took out an envelope from his sleeve and presented it with both hands: "Although Tong Qianshi has not come, he has personally written a New Year's greeting and entrusted this servant to take it back to present to Your Majesty."

"Oh?"

Ji Yushen accepted the envelope with a smile on her face: "Minister Tong is very thoughtful... I was just saying that her writing is excellent, and here it is." As she spoke, she held up the envelope and waved it to the assembled officials: "My dear ministers, let me see what kind of magnificent article your chosen scholar has written today!"

The ministers laughed and agreed.

Ji Yushen ripped open the seal and pulled out the thick stack of papers inside, staring intently at them. The three large characters of the title, "Memorial on Security," immediately caught her eye—"Respectfully submitted by Tong Chuxue, Vice Commissioner of the Embroidered Uniform Guard: To speak frankly about the most important matter under heaven in order to rectify the way of the emperor and clarify the duties of ministers, and to seek peace and security for all generations!"

Himeko was slightly taken aback, then continued looking down—

"The ruler is the master of all subjects and all things under heaven. As the master of all subjects and all things under heaven, the responsibility is extremely heavy... Your Majesty's current actions have caused numerous abuses and problems that are difficult to reverse... The people of the world have long been dissatisfied with Your Majesty!"

As he read through the words one by one, Ji Yushen's expression suddenly changed!

The official script in her memorial on maintaining order was no longer just words; each stroke was like a sharp awl piercing her very being: "...I cannot bear to watch the nation crumble and the people suffer. I dare to defy the Emperor's authority and speak frankly of Your Majesty's ten faults—"

"I cannot bear to stand idly by and watch the nation crumble and the people suffer. I dare to defy Your Majesty's authority and frankly point out ten of Your Majesty's faults—"

"One major flaw: His Majesty has arbitrarily issued the 'Dirty Spirit Decree,' which has defiled the capital and harmed the people's hearts... His Majesty has created the 'Dirty Spirit Decree,' placing 'Dirty Spirit Coffins' in thirty-six locations throughout the capital to gather malevolent energy and suppress the entire capital region... This is an unprecedented and absurd policy!"

"Two major flaws: Your Majesty's extravagance and indulgence in excessive construction projects have caused immense hardship and financial ruin for the people. Your Majesty is now building the Wan Chen New Palace, which is ten times larger than the imperial palace of the old dynasty. The blood and sweat of the people are being used to fill the pit of Your Majesty's personal desires. You regard the hardships of the people as worthless and the public treasury as your private property. This is a grave transgression of extravagance and disorderly governance!"

"Three drawbacks: rashly starting wars, exhausting the nation's resources through military expansion... Four drawbacks: not taking concubines, leaving the harem empty, violating regulations and committing incest... Five drawbacks: not establishing an heir apparent, leaving the foundation of the nation in limbo, and the state without a reliable successor..."

"...The root of these ten evils lies in Your Majesty's extravagance, stubbornness, prioritizing private interests over public ones, and neglecting your duties... I humbly beseech Your Majesty to deeply consider the harm of these ten evils, to abolish the harsh decrees on corruption, to halt extravagant construction projects, to stop the needless wars, to care for the soldiers on the battlefield, to open channels for honest and upright speech, to rectify the discipline of the court, to uphold the rules of etiquette, to solidify the foundation of the nation, to restrain personal desires, and to bring peace to all the people of the four seas..."

"...When the ruler is righteous, the world is at peace; when the ministers are clear in their duties, the state is secure. I, your humble servant, risk my life to offer this advice, and humbly beseech Your Majesty to carefully consider it!"

Ji Yushen's face was already ashen, her eyes bloodshot, but she gritted her teeth and continued reading. Finally, the words that had been buried deep in her heart, filled with dread, appeared: "—I fear that for thousands of years to come, I will be branded a tyrant and tyrant!"

"Rebellion! Rebellion!! Rebellion!!!"

Hime Misami finally let out a scream, her face turning from pale to white, her eyes revealing a desperate and fierce light, and her hand holding the stack of memorials trembling violently!

The high-ranking officials in the court were all stunned. Looking at the deep hall, they all had a premonition that the sky and the earth were about to collapse.

"My lord! What's wrong? My lord..." the eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial cried out.

Ji Yushen seemed to wake up, but she slammed the memorial that Tong Chuxue was holding onto the ground as if she were about to smash a mountain: "Grab, grab this person, don't let her get away!"

Chapter 120, Lu Mingfei Returns from the Western Front (No Fight)

First snow in Tongling...

First snow in Tong! First snow in Tong!! First snow in Tong!!

It was I who personally selected her to pursue a bachelor's degree, and it was I who personally appointed her as the top scholar! Her current position is entirely due to me! I have shown her great care and respect, and bestowed upon her abundant imperial favor; how could she possibly dare to be disrespectful! How could she possibly dare to be so disrespectful!

A person without father or ruler, who abandons his country and family!

The singing and dancing in the main hall gradually ceased, and the string and wind instruments suddenly stopped.

The officials in the hall noticed the eerie silence and fell silent, bowing their heads. The atmosphere instantly turned icy.

A deathly silence spread for several breaths.

"Your Majesty!" The eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial immediately turned around and knelt down, shouting, "It was premeditated! Someone instigated it!"

After being reminded by the eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial, Ji Yushen's previous rage subsided. He took a deep breath and told himself, "It was premeditated, someone instigated it. We must find out, find out..."

She quickly put on a sinister smile and gently asked Lu Weiming, "My Order to Infect the Fiend has always been accepted by the military officials, but you civil officials have been secretly opposing it... Tell me, which of you instructed Tong Chuxue? It's not too late to tell me now..."

Lu Weiming trembled, his forehead pounding even harder against the ground: "Your Majesty, I...I knew nothing. Tong Qianshi has always acted alone, having no dealings with the Grand Secretariat. I only saw this congratulatory letter today—"

"No contact?" Ji Yushen's voice was even softer. "Aren't you civil officials the best at forming cliques? She's a civil official who became the top scholar in the imperial examination and joined the Embroidered Uniform Guard. You're saying she has no contact with you?"

"I deserve to die! I truly knew nothing!"

Lu Weiming's voice trembled as his forehead struck the gold brick with a thud.

"I only met Tong Chuxue once during the provincial and palace examinations, and we have had no personal relationship since!" His beard was dusty. "If Your Majesty does not believe me, you may check all the official documents of the cabinet. If Tong Chuxue is mentioned in any of them, I am willing to accept the death penalty!"

Hime Misami looked at him, her gaze as cold as ice-cold well water in winter.

"Bullshit!" Ji Yushen suddenly roared in fury, his dragon-like might overwhelming. "It was you civil officials who instigated this! You were dissatisfied with my decrees, and fearing that Tong Chuxue had gained my trust, you secretly urged her to write this treasonous memorial, using it as an opportunity to ridicule the emperor, criticize the government, and humiliate me for being young and ruling the court!"

Ji Yushen, who was naturally suspicious and distrustful, had a premonition that a group of civil officials would take advantage of the Ran Sha Order, but she never expected that it would be at this moment that such a memorial would be used to criticize her achievements since her ascension to the throne in a completely disparaging way!

Shock, rage, disbelief!

She quickly deduced that this was a premeditated coup, and that someone was forcing him to abdicate!

who is it?

It's the civil service!

Only the civil service group has always been willing to sacrifice their lives to betray the emperor; they sacrifice their lives while betraying the emperor; they sacrifice their lives in order to betray the emperor; they never sacrifice their lives but always betray the emperor; they don't necessarily have to sacrifice their lives, but they definitely have to betray the emperor!

Even if we don't talk about sacrificing our lives, we're at least betraying the emperor!

"Heh... I know, you're all just waiting for someone like this to come out and scold me, and then force me to abdicate... Peng Longteng!"

Peng Longteng was overjoyed and immediately knelt down: "Your subject is here!"

"I grant you the highest authority. Investigate! Find out everything about Tong Chuxue, from top to bottom, and thoroughly investigate this entire civil service group!" Ji Yushen's eyes widened. "I've tolerated your civil service group for too long. Do you really think I know nothing about your shady dealings behind the scenes?!"

Peng Longteng was overjoyed upon hearing this, and quickly expressed his gratitude, signing a pledge to fulfill his military obligations.

Upon hearing that the military officer was gaining power, Lu Weiming panicked. He disregarded the need to distance himself from the situation and quickly raised his head, saying, "Your Majesty, I humbly request that you allow me to take a look at the congratulatory letter written by Tong Chuxue."

Ji Yushen was both angry and amused. "'A congratulatory message?' You're still saying that what Tong Chuxue wrote was a congratulatory message? Are you implying that you didn't know anything about what Tong Chuxue wrote beforehand?"

Lu Weiming: "Your Majesty, I have no idea."

"What a sharp tongue you have," Ji Yushen sneered. "Lu Weiming, if you're a hero, if you're a good man, then dare to admit it! I've always admired heroes! Including your so-called mentors, your so-called backers, your so-called accomplices—if you're a hero, then step forward. I'll like you all!"

"I am neither a hero nor a comrade of anyone!" Lu Weiming gritted his teeth and straightened his posture. "I am a disciple of the Emperor. If we speak of a mentor, Your Majesty is my mentor! If we speak of a backer, Your Majesty is my backer. If we speak of comrades, I am merely Your Majesty's comrade!"

The resounding voice echoed throughout the hall for a long time, and the civil officials secretly cheered!

Hime Misami gave him a deep look.

After a long while, she slowly withdrew her gaze and said quietly, "Since you are my subject, then I acknowledge you as a hero—let heroes investigate heroes, and heroes investigate heroes! Peng Longteng!"

"Chen is here!"

"One for you, one for the Directorate of Ceremonial, one for the Ministry of Justice, one for the Ministry of War, one for the Grand Secretariat, one for the Court of Judicial Review... Go investigate, all of you go investigate that Tong Chuxue, find out her accomplices!"

"As ordered!"

Peng Longteng remained calm on the surface, but was overjoyed in his heart. Although Lu Weiming had tried his best to extricate himself and even joined the investigation team of His Majesty, in the end it was their military officer group that was in charge. This time, under the guise of investigating his accomplices, he wondered how many more pedantic civil officials he could bring down.

We must investigate thoroughly, starting from Tong Chuxue's elementary school, continuing through middle and high school, and even uncovering the taxes she evaded!

…………