Just then, Bi Linglong asked, “Madam Jin, is there someone who told you to say these things? There is no need for you to feel scared. Please tell us what you think. Your sister-in-law will take responsibility for you, so don’t be scared!” She immediately played the family card, making those present realize that King Jin and the crown prince shared the same mother. As sisters-in-law, their relationship was supposed to be closer as well.
The tall and sturdy, masked figure appeared in Madam Jin’s mind, and her heart rate mysteriously accelerated. A bit of rosiness returned to her face as well. She said, “No one taught this to me; I was just speaking the truth. In the past, it was none other than Madam Dai who came to say some things to my husband, and then King Dai also frequently visited the manor. After the fact, my husband became full of rage.”
Just then, Zhao Ruizhi suddenly cried out and jumped out of his seat. He grabbed a pumpkin from nearby and brought it down on King Dai's head, yelling, “You bastard! This crown prince is going to beat you to death!”
Bang!
King Dai became a bit dizzy from the strike.
This damn fatty’s cultivation isn’t high, but he is pretty strong…
If it weren’t because King Dai’s cultivation was far higher, his head likely would have exploded right there and then. He was furious, but he didn’t dare retaliate in front of everyone else. He could only cover his head and run away. The two chased after each other just like that, bashing left and right. The court now seemed almost like a theatrical troupe.
The empress coughed lightly and snapped, “Enough! Fighting and running around, whatever could be next? Men, separate them.”
“Understood!” Lesser eunuchs who ran over to hold the crown prince back, and only then did the palace gradually calm down.
The imperial uncle Liu Guang spoke up and asked, “Madam Jin, did you personally hear Madam Dai incite King Jin to go after Zu An?”
Madam Jin was stunned. She replied, “I haven’t heard it personally, but…”
Liu Guang immediately interrupted her, saying, “Then that makes more sense. It is natural for brothers to pay each other visits frequently. The madam might have misunderstood somewhere.”
Bi Linglong’s expression changed. The Liu clan had now clearly expressed their partiality, so didn’t that mean they represented the empress’ intentions as well? Sure enough, those who were sharper in the court immediately picked up on that fact. In the end, this was just a fight between the empress and the crown princess! Many people who had been arguing noisily now gave in as well.
Even though Madam Jin is pitiful, she’s not my woman. Why am I even fighting so much for her?
With the shift in mood, the Meng clan, King Dai, and even the Liu clan’s subjects began to speak up for King Dai. The Eastern Palace’s side was gradually pushed down.
In the end, the empress said, “This matter is full of suspicion. While there is insufficient proof against King Dai and Madam Dai, we need to investigate this more and not rashly come to a conclusion."
King Dai, Meng Yi, and the others immediately bowed, saying, “Your highness is wise.”
The empress gave Zu An a look. There was a trace of an apologetic expression on her face. However, she continued, “But the proof is already sufficient to show that Sir Zu is unrelated to the matter. From today forth, his freedom is no longer restricted.
“Furthermore, I have something to tell everyone. Because Zhuxie Chixin sacrificed himself on Violet Mountain, the Embroidery House cannot be without a leader. Golden Token Eleven is henceforth appointed as the Chief Commander of the Embroidered Envoy, and the other Golden Token Envoys are now under his administration. All matters big and small of the Embroidery House are also to fall under his jurisdiction.”
The court rose up in commotion. The new Chief Commander's authority was now even a bit greater than what Zhuxie Chixin had! After all, in the past, his majesty had assigned ten Golden Token Envoys to keep Zhuxie Chixin in check. They were to listen to Zhuxie Chixin in name, but they were actually all in charge of a large region of their own. They had their own means of secretly contacting the emperor too. Furthermore, the major affairs of the Embroidery House had actually only been decided through the emperor’s personal agreement. And yet now, the empress seemed to be handing all of this authority to Golden Token Eleven directly? That meant the Embroidery House had become a state within a state of its own! This new Chief Commander was now someone even more terrifying than Zhuxie Chixin!
Zu An frowned. He knew that she was doing so to compensate him. As expected, her conflict with Bi Linglong had already reached its climax. King Jin had been birthed by her older sister, after all. However, for the sake of the struggle between the Liu clan and Bi clan, she had actually decided to stand on King Dai’s side.
King Dai argued noisily, “Your highness, please reconsider! This isn’t in accordance with the rules! The Chief Commanders have always been personally appointed by his majesty! That Golden Token Eleven has a shallow foundation and doesn’t have many achievements either. How can he become the Chief Commander?!”
He had felt more and more resentment after having suffered so badly under Golden Token Eleven’s hands the previous day, so he had investigated the man. After all, when had the Embroidered Envoy gotten a new Chief Commander?
His guardian Elder Chen had been ruined, which was a huge deal that couldn't be kept hidden. Once he returned to the manor, Madam Dai had quickly received news of it. When she found out that he had gone all the way to visit Madam Jin in King Jin Manor, she immediately chewed him out viciously. But they were husband and wife in the end, so they were stuck in the same boat. After the matter, they still patiently discussed what to do from then on.
It did go as Chan’er expected. The empress appointed and nominated someone to this position in front of everyone, so I'll use this chance to seize back some dignity.
Golden Token Eleven, you’re good at fighting, aren’t you?
This king might not be your match, but those who work smart rule others, while those who work hard are destined to be ruled by others!
Heh, we’re playing politics here! How can a muscle-for-brains brute like you be a match for my Chan’er?