CHAPTER 594: CHAPTER 496: TAMING THE HORSE KING

The officials from Prince Jin’s camp, for the first time ever, submitted no petitions, aiming to shorten the duration of the morning court and hastily sentence the Imperial Grandson for missing the exam without cause.

The Minister of Agriculture, holding his memorial tablet, spoke up, "Your Majesty, this subject has a matter to report."

Emperor Liang said, "Proceed."

The Minister of Agriculture cleared his throat.

King Qi chuckled, "Minister of Agriculture, you wouldn’t be deliberately stalling for time, would you?"

The Minister of Agriculture sighed and said, "Your Highness King Qi, are you aware how many regions in Great Liang have gone without a single drop of rain for months? If this continues, Great Liang will see lands filled with puddles from ox hooves and beached fish in dried-up streams, leaving barren stretches for miles."

King Qi’s smile froze.

Minister Meng stroked his beard and said, "Spring rains are as precious as oil. Without spring rains, how will there be an autumn harvest?"

King Qi was so embarrassed that he wished he could disappear.

This is what it means to lift a rock only to drop it on one’s own foot.

He had assumed the Minister of Agriculture was stalling for time for the Imperial Grandson, only to find that the minister indeed had a pressing matter to report.

Perfect. Not only had he judged a gentleman with a petty heart, but he also ended up appearing as someone indifferent to the suffering of the people.

Prince Rui whispered lowly, "Didn’t I tell you not to act impulsively? You’re on our elder brother’s side. If you mess up, you drag elder brother and Qi’er into disrepute too."

King Qi glanced at Prince Rui, then at Prince Jin on the other side, and grumbled under his breath, "Understood, third brother."

Zhang Qufeng feigned surprise and said, "Minister Meng, you’ve attended court two days in a row—what a rare occurrence!"

Minister Meng, advanced in years, had been excused from daily court by Emperor Liang. He only attended occasionally, at most three to five times a month.

Minister Meng asked, "Does Lord Zhang find this old minister’s presence at court objectionable?"

Zhang Qufeng, holding his memorial tablet, gave a dry smile that didn’t reach his eyes, "Minister, how you jest! This humble subject was merely concerned that, at your age, frequent attendance might be inconvenient for you. Your health is important."

Minister Meng dusted off his wide sleeves and said, "No need for Lord Zhang to worry. I advise Lord Zhang to spend less time scheming and more time thinking about how to serve the people. Do you have any solutions to the issue raised by the Minister of Agriculture?"

"I..."

Zhang Qufeng was rendered speechless, thoroughly stifled.

A few words had completely turned the situation around—how could he not be the leading cabinet minister?

Minister Meng’s gaze swept across the room and landed on the Grand Tutor. "Do you also have words for me?"

"This student wouldn’t dare!"

The Grand Tutor immediately straightened up and behaved.

Minister Meng stood in an inconspicuous position. Like Zhang Qufeng, many had assumed he wouldn’t attend court today, especially after witnessing his frail appearance yesterday; everyone thought he would be confined to bed for some time.

"Your Majesty, this subject also has a matter to report," Minister Meng said.

Emperor Liang: "Proceed."

Minister Meng said solemnly, "The Ministry of Revenue has delayed the funds again. The ten thousand taels originally scheduled for early last month to repair Wenyuan Pavilion have not been sent at all."

The Minister of Revenue shuddered internally: Fight among yourselves, why drag me into it?

The Grandmaster said, "Your Majesty, this subject also has a matter to report."

Lowering his voice, Prince Rui leaned toward Prince Jin and said, "Elder brother, these people are all neutral parties we couldn’t win over. But now, they’re all speaking on behalf of Lu Linyuan. Two petty competitions, and Lu Linyuan’s already won so many hearts. If this man isn’t dealt with, the consequences will be endless."

Prince Jin’s eyes narrowed slightly.

One civil servant after another stepped forward, holding their memorial tablets, bringing up issues as trivial as missing manhole covers on certain streets.

If this goes on, court might never end.

Prince Rui glanced at the officials working hard to buy Lu Yuan more time, then at Emperor Liang, who was intently listening. Without changing his expression, he said, "Elder brother, we can’t wait any longer. Make the call."

They had plenty of skilled experts stationed outside. As long as elder brother gave the order, Lu Zhaoyan and his son could be completely trapped on their way here.

He refused to believe these old fools would still have anything to say once night fell.

Prince Jin’s fingers twitched slightly.

"Well, what a lively scene."

Along with a familiar voice, Lu Yuan strode confidently into the Jinluan Palace.

Everyone turned to look at him in unison.

He had a slightly hurried demeanor and was somewhat out of breath, but his clothes and headpiece were intact, a clear sign that he had taken the time to tidy up his appearance before stepping into the Jinluan Palace.

He walked to the center of the hall, standing shoulder to shoulder with Lu Qi, and respectfully saluted Emperor Liang on the dragon throne. "Royal Grandfather."

Emperor Liang nodded slightly. "Where is your father? Is he recovering well from his illness?"

Lu Yuan said, "Thanks to Miss Yan from Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, Father is much better. This grandson entered the palace first. My mother stayed behind with Father in the carriage and will arrive shortly."

With those words, he not only explained the reason for his tardiness but also provided a valid excuse for his mother’s delay.

Seeing Emperor Liang is important, but taking care of a sick person is even more so—especially when that sick person is Emperor Liang’s own son. Had his mother abandoned his father to come to court, it would have incurred Emperor Liang’s displeasure instead.

Prince Fu spoke up. "You were so late—do you realize how close you were to losing?"