Zhang Yuan's announcement of the arrival of the Emperor caused everyone in the hall to kneel. Even the usually disrespectful Xuan Tian Ming had a stern and serious expression.
Feng Yu Heng pulled Xiang Rong down and loudly said with the other officials: "Long live our Emperor!"
After this salute, the Emperor finally walked to the hall's stage after a long time. Sitting down on his imperial throne and facing the officials, he gently raised his hand: "Everyone, please rise."
Only then did everyone noisily stand up; however, they continued to keep their heads lowered. Everyone was speculating. After the night of chaos, there was a day off for the morning court session, and things had returned to normal today. Exactly what sort of decision would the Emperor make today.
Someone turned their attention toward the fourth prince, Xuan Tian Yi, and found that he had a calm expression; however, his eyes no longer had any of its former glory or anticipation. All that remained was hopelessness and anger.
There were others that looked in the direction of Feng Yu Heng and Xiang Rong. They thought to themselves that if county princess Ji An came to court, there must be something good to come.
Of course, Feng Yu Heng receiving something good from the Emperor would not be unexpected for everyone. After all, Feng Yu Heng's merits were there for all to see. She would receive the benefits that were due to her. They were just wondering if the Emperor would do as the officials had speculated, using this chance to choose a crown prince.
Everyone's hearts were filled with doubts. After the Emperor sat down, he did not speak for a long time. He just looked down with cold eyes. When his gaze landed on Xuan Tian Yi, there was a look of disappointment that could not be hidden.
Xuan Tian Yi was also a little moved. He moved his mouth a little, wanting to say something; however, he was unable to think of anything to say.
The first person to step forward to break this awkward atmosphere was the governor, Xu Jing Yuan. As a leader of the capital, since something huge had happened in the capital, when he attended court once more, he was carrying two scrolls. One had information on the enemy troops that were caught after the chaos had ended. The other was had an apology for his mistake and a voluntary resignation.
He walked out from the group of officials and stood in the middle of the hall. He then took two steps forward and handed them to a eunuch. He then swept his robe and kneeled in the middle of the hall and loudly said: "The chaos of the capital has already been investigated. The end result was that the third prince, Xuan Tian Ye, and the fourth prince, Xuan Tian Yi, as well as, the General of the East, Bu Cong, and the deputy leader of the North, Duan Mu Qing, are participants. The guilty official, Duan Mu Qing, has already passed away during the rebellion. This official has also arrested both of the princes under his Highness the ninth prince's orders. Only Bu Cong has escaped. The citizens of the capital were slightly shocked, but there was not too much harm done. They have already returned to their daily lives without trouble. After he said this, he kowtowed to the Emperor three times and said: "This official is the governor and has shared your Majesty's burdens while helping the citizens prosper for many months, but my merits cannot offset this. The most basic reason that this chaos could occur was a result of this official's mistake. This official will not beg your Majesty to spare my life. I voluntarily resign, recognize my mistake and request death. This official just hopes that your Majesty will allow this official to help his Highness the ninth prince finish this investigation, such that an explanation can be given to your Majesty and the citizens. If that is the case, even if this official dies, it will be without regrets."
He spoke seriously and without any greed. The Emperor knew that this Xu Jing Yuan was a part of his old ninth's group, and he was an honest person that relied on hard work. He was very clear on right and wrong while hating evil like an enemy. He worked simply and neatly. He was naturally a little reluctant to kill him. But with such a disorderly night occurring under his watch as the leader, it would be impossible for him to not suffer any repercussions. Fortunately, this person was not foolish. He took the initiative to first announce the case then acknowledge his mistakes. This gave him some time and an opportunity to remain at ease.
