The "miscarriage event" of the Queen of Yun and Gui was inevitably criticized by the palace, and whenever the concubines mentioned this unlucky queen, they would cover their sleeves and smile in embarrassment. The reputation of the Empress also suffered some impact. These days passed slowly, and both the court and the people were unusually calm. Before long, it was already the end of the month.

  This was a grand day for the imperial court, and the vassal kings set out from their inns. A line of yellow sedan chairs arrived at the Xihua Gate.

  At this time, the eastern sky was already bright and clear, and the streets were swept clean. In the bright morning light, one could see a solemn and dignified scene: eight large bronze vats with golden decorations stood in two rows on either side of the street. Far away, dozens of guards stood motionless like nails in front of the majestic Gate of Supreme Harmony, their uniforms shining brightly despite the sweltering heat, filling the air with an eerie and solemn atmosphere.

  The king smiled slightly and pointed to the guards, saying with a smile: "The emperor is really not considerate of others, it's so hot today, but he still makes them wear full armor."

  He strolled casually, just about to move forward, when suddenly the Jingyang Bell and the drum sounded loudly. The majestic and steady sound of the bell and drum spread over the layers of palace buildings and halls, passing by the solemn and magnificent Wufeng Tower, and transmitted directly out of the Wu Men Gate.

  "Long live the launch of the vehicle"

  One by one, the imperial edicts were delivered out of the Meridian Gate by the eunuchs.

  He didn't say much more and followed his uncle into the palace. As soon as they entered the palace gate, he felt a great difference from the last time he had an audience. From the north of the Golden Water Bridge to the central main hall, the vermilion gate with copper nails and copper rings was tightly sealed. Two rows of officials stood on either side, taking slow steps into the grand hall.

  Along the way, every three steps there was a knife-wielding 'guard', in front of the majestic and towering palace hall, bronze tripods, bronze turtles, bronze cranes and bronze cauldrons were all burning incense, wafting imperial incense from the mouths of the turtles and cranes, faintly spreading out, purple smoke swirling, misty and descending, adding a few points of sacred solemnity to the Taihe Hall.

  But then the music officials all played elegant music, the sounds of the Huangzhong and Dalue were magnificent, the Emperor's crown, robes and attire were all complete, radiant and majestic as if a divine being, calmly and slowly stepped up to ascend to the imperial throne.

  "Gentlemen, today's grand court has several urgent national affairs to discuss with everyone..."

  The emperor's voice was clear and powerful, he picked up a few things such as the drought in Yunzhou and the disturbance of the Tatars on the border, and then asked the Ministry of War about the remaining Tatar troops that were eliminated last time. Then he smiled and said: "Do you have anything else to say?"

  The entire hall was silent, with not a sound from the officials. After a while, several high-ranking officials were about to step forward to report, when suddenly someone in the group of vassal kings shouted hoarsely: "I have something to report!"

  However, it was the emperor's uncle, the honest King Cheng, who was over 50 years old. His white beard made him look still weak and ill.

  He came forward and knocked his head, saying: "I am old and frail, the day of my departure is not far away. Yi state is located in a barbarous and desolate place, with dense miasma and birds often breaking their wings. I beg your majesty to let me stay in the capital to await my heavenly years."

  The emperor said with a gentle and helpless tone: "Uncle's body is not very healthy, I am also deeply worried about it. The chief physician of the Imperial Hospital has also reported to me that uncle should not think too much and timely treatment is urgent."

  He spoke with concern, though vague, and also tacitly approved King Cheng's request. The old man let out a long sigh, thanked him, and was about to withdraw when he heard someone behind him shout loudly: "I also have something to report!"

  The king propped himself up with both hands, his eyes gleaming with a subtle, fierce light. He took several strides to the front of the throne and knelt down, saying: "Your subject has recently been deep in thought, dazed and confused, fearing that he may have contracted some illness. If he stays in the fiefdom any longer, he fears that his five internal organs will be boiling with rage until he dies!"

  "Oh?"

  The emperor was somewhat surprised and raised an eyebrow with a hint of sarcasm, smiling: "Third brother, has your fief also produced miasma?!"

  "Although it's not in the middle, it's not far either!"

  The King of An slightly raised his head, looking at the Emperor and saying: "I, this vassal king, may sound noble with 'gold and jade', but in reality I am truly being trampled by others. Does the Grand Historian sent by Your Majesty even consider me?"

  A murmur of low voices rose among the courtiers, and some people gasped at An Wang's bold words.

  This morning, the vassal kings were enfeoffed, which was a continuation of the old system of the previous dynasty. However, the former emperor, being wise and farsighted, had already discovered the drawbacks of this system and established rules to regulate it. The court would dispatch a senior historian to assist the vassal king, and all important matters had to be stamped with his seal to be considered valid.

  The emperor's face showed a hint of anger, but it was suppressed by a cold smile. He lightly grasped the dragon-carved armrest, his eyes gleaming like swords as he stared at Prince An without speaking.

  These princes are very powerful, and the long history has been under their control for a long time. The only thing to do is to barely maintain the situation. Now, King An actually reverses black and white and comes before you to complain about his grievances!

  "I also have a memorial to present!"

  King Ping calmly said, also advancing to kneel down, saying: "My jurisdiction and the Tartar's dog-toothed 'intersection' is wrong. Once the situation becomes critical, mobilizing troops will not be able to respond promptly ---- The long history was originally a civil official, with no understanding of military affairs at all. If there is a delay in the war opportunity, how can it be obtained?!"

  He spoke fluently, with a smooth tone, but his words were identical to those of An Wang. He smiled extremely politely and gazed at the celadon floor tiles, saying: "There are also territorial salt transportation and grain transportation, if I can take charge of coordinating and arranging them, it will reduce many frictions."

  The emperor's anger burst forth in his chest, and he gritted his teeth with a smile: "This is truly an extraordinary discussion. The system of the Grand Historian assisting was established by the previous emperor. If you want to change it, are you saying that the Sacred Ancestor made a mistake?"

  "Your Majesty's trust is misplaced," An Wang replied loudly, "We dare not, but later generations will discuss it and think that Your Majesty treated his brothers harshly!"

  As soon as this was said, the officials in the hall were stunned, as if they had been struck by a nightmare. They looked up at the throne and then at each other, and the hall fell silent to the point where you could hear a pin drop. Some people couldn't withstand the pressure and fainted.

  The emperor's face was calm and collected, his eyes deep and unfathomable. He smiled lightly and said: "So it turns out that I sent the Grand Historian to be harsh on my brother - you're really good at taking it!!"