I have traveled through time, who am I afraid of?

Chapter 1012 The Emperor's Edict, All Officials Listen

Xiao Jingyu subtly observed Jiang Ciche and Marquis Guo Yuan of Dongping... Seeing that the two of them looked very relaxed, it seemed that they were unaware that the offspring they had sent away had fallen into the hands of the Eastern Commissioner's delegation!

It's likely that that idiot from the East... will suddenly visit these two's residence tonight.

In such situations, sending subordinates to keep an eye on things and then waiting for them to return and report is not as good as going there yourself to see and hear for yourself!

Tonight... I and Yue'er will probably have to make another trip!

Xiao Jingyu thought again. He was a grown man who had been tracking and investigating the movements of the Dongwei beasts for days. He didn't mind the hardship, but he felt sorry for his little Yue'er who was getting tired.

Or... should I just act alone tonight?

However... it must be said that having Xiaoyue'er's space makes things much more convenient;

Furthermore, out of selfishness, having my own little Yue'er by my side makes even unpleasant things like stalking Dongwei beasts easier and more enjoyable!

Let's wait until we see Yue'er again and ask her what she thinks!

Just as Xiao Jingyu was thinking, his father, the emperor, sitting on the dragon throne, finally spoke again, breaking the silence in the golden hall.

Emperor Hongde looked down at the officials below, as if he had just noticed the silent officials, and said in a slightly low voice, "My dear ministers, why are you all so listless?"

Could it be... that the sudden death of the former Vice Minister Zhang Jinyan and his family has affected the mood of all my beloved ministers?

In fact, in my opinion, it is I who should be the one whose mood is affected by this matter!

My heart... is truly aching!

At this moment, even I myself do not know what words to use to describe my feelings!

well! "

Emperor Hongde let out a long sigh in front of everyone.

From Emperor Hongde's long sigh, the civil and military officials in the hall heard anger, sorrow, and helplessness.

Yes, it's just frustrating!

So what if he's the emperor?

The emperor knew perfectly well who was behind this, but he was constrained by various entanglements and could neither convict nor punish the instigator. What could he do but sigh?

Emperor Hongde's words were understood by all the officials, but not a single one dared to respond.

How to pick it up?

You can't exactly tell the Emperor: "Who told you that the person who was silenced was your own nephew?"

Who made your nephew's father the late Crown Prince?

Who told His Highness the former Crown Prince to have done you a favor?

Fearing that the world would say Your Majesty is ungrateful, Your Majesty can only tolerate and endure it!

Everyone knows the character for "patience" has a knife above it!

It's so painful!

What can we do if we can't bear it?

Just as some of the officials in the hall were pleading for Emperor Hongde and others were lamenting his situation, Emperor Hongde on the dragon throne suddenly perked up, changed the subject, and started talking about something else!

Emperor Hongde's tone shifted so quickly that it was almost impossible for anyone to keep up!

Then Emperor Hongde called out, "Where are the officials from the Ministry of Rites?"

"Chen is here!"

"Chen is here!"

"Chen is here!"

Minister of Rites Han Xu, Vice Minister of Rites Bian Wenbo, and Vice Minister of Rites Xia Qinian immediately stepped forward to pay their respects.

When the courtiers in the hall heard Emperor Hongde summon the officials of the Ministry of Rites, they were all somewhat bewildered!

What's happening here?

Many officials are wondering... what connection is there between the sudden death of former Vice Minister Zhang Jinyan and the Ministry of Rites officials?

Could it be that... Prince Xiao Jingyi is tasked with collecting the bodies of Zhang Jinyan's family, and the Ministry of Rites is required to intervene?

The Ministry of Rites, together with Prince Yi (Xiao Jingyi), handled the funeral arrangements for the family of former Vice Minister Zhang Jinyan...

Is this... is this the treatment a disgraced official should receive?

Before anyone could think further, Emperor Hongde spoke.

He did speak up, but he never mentioned again the sudden death of the Second Grand Secretary Zhang Jinyan and his family.

"My three beloved ministers, my birthday is approaching."

In a few days, delegations from neighboring countries will arrive in the capital.

Put aside the Ministry of Rites' routine affairs for now and focus on arranging the Qianqiu Palace Banquet, especially the reception of foreign delegations during this period!

"The Ministry of Rites bears the heavy responsibility of ensuring my imperial birthday. I hope my three beloved ministers will work together diligently and meticulously, ensuring that all matters are handled with utmost care and without disrespect for the propriety and dignity of my Jingyue Dynasty!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, we obey your decree and will not fail in our mission!"

Emperor Hongde nodded upon hearing this, then looked at Dong Wen, the commander of the Imperial Guards, and said, "Minister Dong, from the time the foreign delegations arrive in the capital until they leave, you must ensure the defense of the palace and the capital, and at the same time, do everything in your power to guarantee the safety of the foreign delegations. There must be no delay whatsoever!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I understand!"

Your Majesty, I have already made arrangements for defense during Your Majesty's reign, and I am certain that the palace and the capital will be absolutely safe. Please rest assured, Your Majesty!

"I naturally trust Minister Dong to handle things properly!"

Furthermore, after court today, you will personally go to the Five City Garrison Command and the City Defense Battalion to convey my imperial edict…

"The Five City Garrison Commands and the City Defense Battalion are ordered to fully cooperate with the Imperial Guards to ensure the safety of the capital!"

"Sir, obey the order!"

Dong responded loudly.

"Oh, perfect..."

Emperor Hongde saw Zheng Tong, the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, who was still standing in the hall.

"Prefect Zheng Tong, the beloved minister of Shuntian Prefecture, happens to be here. Then let him hear my decree in person!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, your subject Zheng Tong obeys the decree!"

Zheng Tong quickly stepped forward and bowed in greeting.