Through a hanging curtain, the silhouette of a girl was faintly visible.
“This!” The court officials erupted. Why had this girl come again!
It was one thing to accompany the Emperor to the enthronement ceremony, but how could she even come to court? What was this, rule from behind the curtain?
This wouldn’t do!
The court hall instantly became clamorous.
The censors sternly rebuked them, finally quieting everyone down.
Deng Yi said, “This is my arrangement.”
One court official said angrily, “Grand Tutor, this is absurd! The late emperor had you supervise the state. Do you understand what supervising the state means or not!”
Standing in the officials’ ranks, quite a few people exchanged glances, revealing some schadenfreude. This petty official Deng Yi was also standing in the court hall for the first time.
Deng Yi showed not the slightest fear. “This Grand Tutor’s supervision of state is only supervision. His Majesty will eventually assume personal rule, so he must attend court—”
What nonsense! Another official stepped forward. “His Majesty attending court is naturally proper, but where is the precedent for the Empress attending court?”
Deng Yi looked at him. “Because His Majesty is still young, the Empress does not leave His Majesty’s side day or night to instruct him. This Grand Tutor is not only the Grand Tutor but also the supervisor of state. My primary duty is to handle court affairs on His Majesty’s behalf, not to instruct His Majesty at every moment. For the stability of the nation and for His Majesty to quickly become familiar with court affairs, is there anyone more suitable than the Empress?”
This was still forced nonsense. To instruct His Majesty, which court minister couldn’t do so? The officials were about to speak, but Deng Yi’s patience had run out.
“Since you know this Grand Tutor supervises the state, having this Grand Tutor present in the court hall is sufficient.” He said coldly, “If you consider the Empress’s presence improper, then let His Majesty not attend court for now. Once His Majesty has been instructed, he can come to court.”
That was even more unacceptable! Wouldn’t the court hall then become Deng Yi’s domain!
The court officials immediately became clamorous again.
“If there are matters, present them.” Deng Yi shouted. “If there are no matters, court is dismissed!”
Along with his voice, the imperial guards standing solemnly in the hall struck their long halberds in unison and shouted, their gazes fiercely watching the noisy officials, waiting only for a command to swing their weapons and strike people.
The great hall instantly quieted.
Deng Yi said solemnly again, “If there are matters, present them. If there are no matters, court is dismissed.”
After a moment of silence, one official stepped forward.
“This subject has a memorial to present.”
Everyone looked over to see that this person was none other than Xie Yanfang.
Deng Yi nodded. “Speak.”
Xie Yanfang then spoke eloquently, but surprisingly didn’t mention even half a word about whether the Emperor and Empress were suitable or inappropriate, nor did he question the supervising Grand Tutor. He spoke of pressing current court affairs.
Seeing this, what could the officials not understand? The Xie clan didn’t object either—why should they seek their own troubles? The other officials put away their criticisms and stood with lowered eyes.
The turmoil in the court hall subsided. Xiao Yu, sitting on the dragon throne, exhaled in relief. That had been so frightening just now.
A hand reached over from behind, poking his arm.
As if to say, don’t be afraid.
Xiao Yu grinned and smiled. Beside him, Eunuch Qi coughed lightly, indicating this wasn’t allowed. The child put away his smile and sat upright with a straight little face.