C164

The next day, Ming Jiling and Su Zongwen both went to the Imperial Study to receive their orders — —

There were many arguments about this matter, so Ming Chengjun did not agree to it in a hurry.

Imperial Study.

Ming Chengjun was seated behind the table, reviewing the imperial reports. Eunuch Chen had his head lowered as he walked over to report, "Your majesty the Prince Su and the Scholar Master Su are waiting outside the door for an audience."

"Let them in." Ming Chengjun's hand that was holding the brush paused slightly, and said with a deep voice.

"Yes."

Eunuch Chen bowed and left, leaving the house and welcoming Ming Jiling and Su Zongwen inside.

"This subject pays his respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor, long live and long live the Emperor."

"This son greets Royal Father. Long live and long live Royal Father."

Ming Jiling and Su Zongwen walked to the table and bowed together.

"No need to stand up." Ming Chengjun's tone was casual, but his gaze was still focused on reviewing the imperial reports, "My son and my beloved daughter are looking for us at this time, is there something urgent?"

Reporting to Royal Father, the bandits outside the city are wild, the people are suffering unspeakably, I am willing to take responsibility for Royal Father, and lead the troops to eliminate this group of bandits, I am here specifically to seek your permission. Ming Jiling lowered his head and replied warmly.

"This subject is also willing to help the Emperor and the Imperial Court resolve their predicament. This subject is willing to accompany His Majesty the Prince Su." Su Zongwen also took a step forward, and said with a deep voice.

Ming Chengjun's hand that was holding onto the pen trembled slightly, a trace of unfathomable emotion flashed past her eyes, and she finally raised her head from within the numerous reports.

"I'm sorry, my son and my beloved daughter." Ming Chengjun placed the brush on the pen holder, his voice was imposing.

His brows were furrowed, as if he was thinking about something.

Seeing his expression, Su Zongwen and Ming Jiling's hearts were in turmoil.

The Son of Heaven did not speak for a long time. From the looks of it, it seemed like there was no hope for them to request for an army …

Ming Chengjun actually had a lot of thoughts in his heart — —

If he had a grudge with his Imperial Consort, he might just let his son go. But now … Noble Consort Su had been beaten into the cold palace for many years, and not that long ago, he had repeatedly separated Noble Consort Su from his mother.

On the battlefield, blades and swords had no eyes, and Ming Jiling was Noble Consort Su's only son. If anything were to happen to him, Noble Consort Su would definitely lose his mind, so Ming Chengjun was even more unwilling to part with him.

"This matter shall be decided after consultation with the court officials. You may go back today."

After a while, Ming Chengjun frowned, and ordered.

"Your son shall take his leave."

"This official will take his leave."

Ming Jiling and Su Zongwen looked at each other, then saluted and left.

Ming Chengjun fell into deep thought as he watched the two of them leave. He did not agree to Ming Jiling's order, and taking into account that his safety was only one of the reasons, there was actually another more important point —

Currently, Ming Jiling had a lot of influence in the imperial court, and was loved and respected by the citizens outside the imperial court.

In short, Ming Jiling had already threatened his throne.

Perhaps every monarch was like this. The older they were, the more suspicious they became. They would always be on guard against their own sons, afraid that they would miss their throne.

Therefore, as long as he remained in power, all the authority in the court would be in his hands. Only then would he be at ease.

"Is This Emperor old?" Ming Chengjun retracted his gaze and turned to look at Eunuch Chen who was standing respectfully by his side.

"The Emperor is the Son of the True Dragon, whose life is equal to the Heavens." Eunuch Chen lowered his head and said with fear and trepidation.

Ming Chengjun laughed out loud. He had said all these to flatter him, and he understood everything in his heart.

"If I had encountered such a thing when I was young, I would have definitely sent troops to suppress them or to strangle them. However, now that I am old, I have a soft spot." Ming Chengjun's smile slowly faded and his expression became dark and unclear. He lowered his eyes and let out a light sigh.

"In the end, I am already old …"

"The Emperor is the son of a True Dragon and has the protection of a deity. Why should he worry so much?

Eunuch Chen lowered his head and said carefully.

"It is only natural for people to live and die from old age. As the emperor, how could I not know?"

Ming Chengjun's usually dignified face carried a trace of a smile, as if he had already seen through everything.

He tilted his head and looked at Eunuch Chen, sighing, "I seem to have seen my own self in Ling'er's body back then. Ling'er is the most outstanding prince among us, and also the one who is most similar to us. It's just that he is born gentle, he lacks a bit of dignity, plus, he's still young, so his personality is still not stable enough.

After he finished speaking, he withdrew his gaze from Eunuch Chen. He took up his brush and once again examined the imperial report. "Old thing, you have been by my side the longest. You should understand my thoughts the best."

Ming Chengjun's tone was serious, and his body carried an indistinct might.

"This old servant is terrified, and does not dare to speculate about the Holy Will."

Eunuch Chen almost buried his head into his crotch. Unknowingly, his entire back was drenched in cold sweat.

"Look at how scared you are. I was just casually saying that. Hurry up and get up."

Ming Chengjun looked kind and amiable, as if everything that had just happened was just an illusion from Eunuch Chen.

"Thank you, your majesty the Emperor."

Eunuch Chen heaved a sigh of relief. He raised his sleeve to wipe away the sweat that had gathered on his forehead and hurriedly stood to the side.

Although he had served Ming Chengjun for dozens of years, and was an old man by his side, his divine will was unfathomable. For this small life, he would tie his head to his belt everyday, and if he was not careful, he could move his head.

"You can leave first." Ming Chengjun was focused on reviewing the reports.

"This old servant will take his leave." Eunuch Chen bowed and left the room, only after he had walked out of the Imperial Study did his heart calm down a little.

Ming Chengjun raised his head to look at the slowly closing door, a look of deep thought on his aged face, and after a moment, he lowered his head and once again reviewed the imperial reports in his hands.

He deliberately agreed to Ming Jiling's request today, but he wanted to think of a method that would be perfect for both of them. It could prevent Ming Jiling from thinking about the power of the army, and at the same time, allow him to gain prestige, and let the citizens think of his grace.

Before long, Ming Chengjun's words had traveled to the imperial harem like a gust of wind …

Peace Palace.

"This son greets mother." Ming Jize rushed into the inner hall, his expression anxious.

"All of you can leave now." The empress glanced at Gong'e, who was standing beside her, and ordered.

"Yes, your servant will take his leave." Gong'e, who was serving in the inner hall, left the hall together, closing the door at the same time.

"Muhou, is what was said in the palace true?" Ming Jize saw that there were no outsiders in the hall, and immediately asked.

"These words came from the official next to you in Royal Father, and it is very likely to be true."

The empress nodded. She was anxious too, but she was the empress. As the mother of a nation, she needed to be calm no matter what.

Even though she had heard the rumors, she maintained a calm expression on her face.

"Mother, is Royal Father planning to cripple me, the crown prince? What should I do? " Ming Jize anxiously spun in place.