My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

At the end of the year, in the Throne Room, gathered the officials for the last court session before the new year.

The Great Chancellor stood at the forefront among the courtiers.

Not only officials, but even influential generals had come to attend the early court meeting.

Everyone awaited the arrival of Emperor Mu Yuyan, with many ministers concealing subtle glints in their eyes.

Ordinarily, as the newly appointed prince, Gu Lan should have been obliged to attend such a high-level annual court meeting.

However, although people had nearly all arrived by now, there was still no sign of him. Sima Qin, as the Great Chancellor, discreetly glanced at the Ministry of Judicial Review. He observed a hint of hidden frenzy on the face of the chief of it.

He couldn't help but speculate.

The Minister of judicial review was responsible for supervising the officials.

As the head of the Ministry of Judicial Review, it seemed there was some significant matter at hand.

Given recent events in the capital, it was likely related to the dispute between Prince Jingyang Gu Lan and the people of the Netherworld...

Sima Qin's expression took on a sly smile, indicating that today's court session would be quite interesting.

He wasn't concerned about Gu Lan facing any issues because he was one of the few who knew Gu Lan's background and understood his relationship with the Queen.

The accusations of the Ministry of Judicial Review would not affect him whatsoever.

In fact, apart from the Ministry of Judicial Review, many officials from the six ministries were also prepared to report this matter.

In their view, Gu Lan's altercation with the noble figures of the Netherworld who had aligned with the Jing Nation at the city gate was reprehensible, undermining the dignity of the nation and the Majesty of Mu Yuyan!

However, the Queen's handling of the situation was also unreasonable!

Instead of holding Gu Lan accountable, he had the noble figures of the Netherworld apprehended and punished.

How could this garner public support?

By showing such favoritism toward Gu Lan, was the Queen not allowing him to strut around the capital as he pleased?

Was he implying that Gu Lan could now offend anyone he wished with impunity?

Was there no justice or law left?

Hence, the courtiers were discontented.

Alongside Luo Chen's collaboration with remnants of Wu Fan's faction, these dissatisfied young officials gradually formed a force!

They intended to cause a stir at this court session. Explore more stories with My Virtual Library Empire

Even if they couldn't completely strip Gu Lan of his title, they would ensure he faced repercussions and couldn't continue his arrogance unchecked!

The actions of these ministers had almost no restraint, allowing Sima Qin to easily anticipate their moves.

Their goal was simply to prompt the Ministry of Judicial Review to take the lead.

Once the officials of the Ministry of Judicial Review stepped forward to criticize Gu Lan, they would follow suit, taking turns to attack him.

This chain of events would undoubtedly compel the Queen to respond!

After all, among them, a considerable number of officials had intertwined interests, developing into a significant force behind the scenes, enough to command nearly a third of the court.

Of course, it didn't mean the remaining two-thirds opposed them; most officials were neutral.

They tended to neither support nor oppose any arguments, always swaying with the wind.

If the supporters outnumbered the opposition, they would align themselves accordingly.

If the opposers held the majority, they would follow suit.

While this political stance wasn't remarkable, it ensured stability, which was crucial for officials navigating the court.

Being moderate and stable was often more important than standing out.

These officials were aware of the plans led by the Ministry of Judicial Review, but for the most part, they watched with a spectator's interest.

Involving a prince, especially the favored Prince Jingyang, in such matters required careful consideration.

Only the impulsive and passionate youths would be easily swayed into making rash choices.

These seasoned veterans, who had spent years in the court, watched with mild interest, preparing to witness the performance of the Ministry of Judicial Review.

When it came time for them to express their stance, they would primarily observe the Queen's reaction.

...

"Hmph, the court session is about to begin, and Prince Jingyang hasn't even arrived yet. It's utterly disrespectful, showing no regard for the court's authority!"

"Indeed, we officials must rise early, preparing from the early hours to await at the southern gate. Prince Jingyang's audacious behavior truly disregards Her Majesty."

...

Numerous voices condemned Gu Lan's absence, including those of the neutral officials, who frowned upon tardiness, as it symbolized disrespect.

At some point, Queen Mu Yuyan, adorned in a golden dragon robe, appeared from behind the hall.

Her regal bearing remained elegant and graceful, commanding attention as she sat upon the dragon throne.

Her expression exuded solemn dignity, a ruler's aura permeating the room.

The officials of the Ministry of Judicial Review below showed even more solemnity, for Gu Lan had yet to appear, a blatant disregard for the court's authority.

"Today marks the final court session of the year. Do any esteemed ministers have matters to bring forth?"

Her melodious voice echoed throughout the grand hall, instilling reverence in all officials, who now focused solely on the court session.

"Your Majesty, this humble official has a matter to bring forth!"

Upon a subtle signal from the Chief Minister of judicial review, a seventh-ranking censor stepped forward, speaking with righteous conviction.

"Please proceed."

"Prince Jingyang Gu Lan intervened in the internal affairs of the Netherworld, jeopardizing our friendly relations with them and displaying arrogance by oppressing the people and disrespecting the court's authority. I beseech Your Majesty to hold him accountable!"

As his words fell, all the censors of the Ministry of Judicial Review knelt, loudly imploring, "I beseech Your Majesty to hold him accountable!"

Mu Yuyan remained inscrutable, her expression giving nothing away as if she hadn't heard a word.

Standing at the forefront, the Chief Minister of judicial review observed with clarity, feeling a slight unease, unsure of the Queen's intentions.

They had anticipated that regardless of the Queen's stance, there would be a response, but she seemed indifferent, leaving them uncertain of how to proceed.

"Your Majesty! Prince Jingyang seeks merit from the Imperial Announcements Bureau, claiming undeserved credit, indulging in debauchery in the harem, arrogantly neglecting the Spring Exam, and thus disregarding Your Majesty's grace. I implore Your Majesty to revoke his title and demote him to commoner status!"

"He deserves to be executed!"

...

Not only did the censors speak out, but young officials from various ministries also stepped forward to denounce Gu Lan's actions as unforgivable.

Yet, in reality, the only matter of contention was his unauthorized altercation with the noble figures of the Netherworld.

However, the decision to subdue the Netherworld figures was Gu Lan's own, and Mu Yuyan paid it no heed.

Moreover, with her recent decree to deal with the noble figures, her intentions were clear.

The ministers' lack of knowledge about this decree made their accusations seem baseless, putting them in an awkward position.

"Are there any other matters?"

Mu Yuyan narrowed her phoenix-like eyes, her vermilion lips lightly parted, asking in a nonchalant tone.

Instantly, the kneeling courtiers' gazes subtly chilled, though the Queen's tone was calm, they sensed a faint displeasure...