When Mo Yunxuan arrived in the Imperial Court, the Empress wore a solemn expression.
For a moment, he couldn't resist the urge to be cheeky. He raised his eyebrows at her and grinned.
A moment later, Ji Ruxue's voice rang in his ear. "Mo Yunxuan! Don't push it!"
"Sorry, sorry. Your Majesty looks so beautiful today that I couldn't help taking a few extra glances."
"Hmph. At least you have good taste!"
"Wait, no, that's not right. What are you laughing at? Tell me!"
Watching Mo Yunxuan struggle to suppress the corners of his mouth, Ji Ruxue felt as if she'd been insulted. Inside, she was howling with rage.
But clearly, there wasn't much time for her to vent her frustration.
Seeing that she had been silent for some time, Hong Yu gently reminded her:
"Your Majesty, all the officials are here. You may begin the morning court."
The call brought Ji Ruxue back to her senses. She shot Mo Yunxuan a fierce glare.
This scoundrel's the one to blame!
She then resumed her solemn demeanor and said in an even tone, "If you have matters to report, speak. If not, court is dismissed."
"This humble official, Ji Ping, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, has a matter to report."
A middle-aged civil official below immediately stepped forward, shouting, his face set with the resolve of a man ready to die.
"Your Majesty, the Duke of Wei mobilized troops without authorization and slaughtered their way through Taihua Academy. Such actions..."
"Not only affront your majesty, but also violate Great Gan's laws."
"If this is not dealt with swiftly and severely, the scholars of the realm may lose heart and turn away from the court."
"I humbly beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree and instead convene a joint trial by