Three cracks of the whip. Xue Liulan sat on the Dragon Throne, gazing at his ministers.
"If there is business, present it," Little Dingzi announced.
"Your Majesty, this subject has a petition." The Minister of Personnel knelt.
"Speak." Xue Liulan's expression was blank, but his peripheral vision caught Guo Shangzhong.
The eunuch stood quietly at the edge of the hall, but his invisible strings controlled most of the court. He was like a spectator holding the script, watching the actors perform.
"A rebellion has occurred in Yin. The Fourth Prince, Xiao Suyi, murdered his father's concubine, Consort Gao, and her father, Prime Minister Gao. He has exiled his brother, the Third Prince, and plans to install the Fifth Prince as a puppet." The Minister spoke with righteous indignation, as if Suyi had committed the ultimate sin.
Xue Liulan nodded calmly. "Go on."
"Our dynasty is built on benevolence and filial piety. Xiao Suyi's actions violate all ethics. We cannot tolerate this. If we do, we encourage rebellion and destroy our laws." The Minister's voice rang through the hall.
Eloquent, Xue Liulan thought, smiling faintly. He looked at the silent officials. "What do you all think?"
Silence. Everyone knew Guo Shangzhong was behind this. A mere Minister of Personnel wouldn't dare criticize one of the Four Princes without powerful backing. Suyi was not someone to be trifled with.
"I think the Minister has it backward," Yan Lingfu stepped forward and knelt.
Xue Liulan had been reinstating capable officials, and Yan Lingfu had matured. The reckless scholar was now a composed statesman.
"Rise and speak." Xue Liulan signaled his encouragement.
Yan Lingfu stood, staring confidently at the Minister.
"Why do you say I have it backward? Every word is true," the Minister blustered, unsettled by Yan Lingfu's gaze.
"I didn't say your facts were false," Yan Lingfu chuckled.
"You… Hmph. This is the Imperial Court, not some backwater yamen. Don't play games." The Minister sneered at Yan Lingfu's humble origins.
"Heroes come from anywhere. Your vision is too narrow. No wonder you judge a gentleman with a petty heart." Yan Lingfu looked at him coolly.
"Since Minister Yan disagrees, what is your high opinion?" Li Yan interjected smoothly, steering the conversation back before it turned into a brawl.
"The Minister listed Suyi's actions, but ignored the cause," Yan Lingfu said, walking up to the silent Minister.
"The power of the Gao family in Yin is known to all. Suyi's maternal family, the Su clan, was destroyed by them. His mother, Queen Su, died because of them. Suyi's own eyes were ruined in that palace coup. That he didn't execute the entire Gao clan is already mercy. How is that unfilial?"
"The law is the law. If Queen Su was wronged, he should have appealed to the Imperial Court. Taking matters into his own hands is vigilantism. If we allow this, warlords will rule."
"Hahaha! The Minister worries for the nation indeed. But Suyi's character is known throughout the realm. And installing the Fifth Prince as a puppet? Ridiculous. Yin has always chosen the capable over the eldest. Suyi is more capable than his brother."
"He seeks fame. But killing his father's concubine will ruin his reputation. If he takes the throne, the world will laugh."
"Oh? Are you saying the Emperor has poor judgment?" Yan Lingfu sneered, then turned and bowed to Xue Liulan.
The Minister froze, then knelt in panic. "I dare not! Your Majesty, please understand!"
"Mm." Xue Liulan sat up straight. "I have invited Xiao Suyi to Jindu. Let us hear what he has to say."
He signaled Little Dingzi.
"Summon the Fourth Prince of Yin, Xiao Suyi!"
Guo Shangzhong stiffened. Xue Liulan openly inviting Suyi to court? This was a declaration.
The puppet had cut his strings.
Suyi walked in slowly, dressed in black robes. His sharp gaze swept over the ministers, finally resting on Xue Liulan.
They exchanged a smile.
"Your subject greets the Emperor." Suyi bowed.
"Rise. How is your stay in Jindu?"
"Excellent, thank you." Suyi replied calmly, his demeanor radiating a reassuring confidence.
"You heard the discussion. What do you say?"
Suyi nodded, looking past the Minister of Personnel to Guo Shangzhong.
"I forced Consort Gao to death. I killed Gao Yuanfu. I exiled my brother. Yes, I did these things. And I take responsibility." Suyi spoke unhurriedly. "My reputation is given by the wise. I act according to my conscience. How others judge me is their affair."
"True." Xue Liulan smiled.
"As for the Fifth Prince, it was my father's dying wish. Here is his letter." Suyi produced a letter from his robe.
Little Dingzi took it to Xue Liulan. He glanced at it and handed it back.
"It is indeed the Duke's handwriting. Keep it as a memento."
The court understood. Suyi and the Emperor were close. Suyi was not here just to explain himself.
"Since Yin has a new Duke, Suyi is ready to fulfill his promise to the Emperor."
"Good. I have been waiting for those words." Xue Liulan stood up, punching his palm. "The position of Right Prime Minister has been empty, waiting for you."
The ministers were stunned. Eyes turned to Guo Shangzhong.
His face was dark. He had thought Xue Liulan was isolated after the fall of the Murong clan. He never expected him to ally with the most powerful of the Four Princes.
The next move would be critical.
Court dismissed. The officials filed out in a strange silence. Yan Lingfu and Li Yan walked at the back.
"Impressive, Minister Li. To make the Minister of Personnel target Suyi… without him drawing fire, we couldn't have silenced the opposition so easily," Yan Lingfu whispered.
Li Yan looked at him. "His family's lives are in my hands."
Yan Lingfu blinked. "Threats? Not very gentlemanly."
"Why be a gentleman to a villain?" Li Yan laughed.