Inside the Great Qing Hall, the civil and military officials stood in ranks on either side. Morning light poured through the hall doors, spreading dazzling patches across the golden floor tiles.
A faint scent of sandalwood incense filled the air, mingling with the fragrances on the officials' robes into a heavy, muddled smell.
"Those with memorials, present them. Otherwise, court is dismissed." Eunuch Hou's shrill voice echoed through the hall.
His words had barely faded when a figure stepped out of the ranks.
He was a censor from the Overwatch Council, a follower of Zhou Cheng and one of the first civil officials to pledge allegiance to him.
He was Zhou Cheng's mouthpiece at court, and had also been among the first to step forward to impeach the Second Prince.
"Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present!"
Emperor Qing raised his eyelids slightly.
The censor knelt in the hall, holding his memorial high in both hands, his voice clear and firm. "I impeach Crown Prince Li Chengqian for colluding with Northern Qi, engineering the assassination attempt at the Hanging Temple, plotting treason, and deceiving his sovereign. The evidence is conclusive, and even death cannot atone for his crimes! I beseech Your Majesty to deliver your sacred judgment, depose the Heir Apparent, and appoint another legitimate heir!"
At these words, the court erupted in an uproar.
Chapter 86: Temple rites at Great Eastern Mountain
With someone taking the lead, it was as though they had found a direction.
A great many officials from all manner of departments and ministries immediately stepped forward, submitting memorials calling for the Heir Apparent's removal and the appointment of another legitimate heir.
Emperor Qing sat on the dragon throne, his face livid, and finished reading the memorial in his hands.
Then he slowly rose, seemingly