Chapter 274: Eradicating the Worms

"Bold! How dare you utter such treasonous words, Emperor!" The Censor knelt on the ground and shouted, "This person's words and deeds are erratic, daring to curse the succession of Daqi, committing lèse‑majesté; his heart deserves execution. I think he should be dragged out and slain at once to uphold the dynasty's order."

The Emperor slowly opened his eyes and cleared his ears, "What did you just say? I didn't hear anything."

Censor: "……"

"Emperor……"

"Continue! I actually find today's morning court rather entertaining; you may speak a few more lines, and I'll listen with interest."

This……

Is this correct?

Chi Nan Yi's eyes flashed with a hint of smile; she glanced at the person sitting ahead, her gaze burning as she stared at her Mo Junyan, the corner of her lips slightly upturned.

At that moment, the Censors bowed to Mo Junyan: "Prince Li, the Emperor didn't hear; you always hear, right!"

Mo Junyan glanced at him: "So what?"

"Your Highness, this woman spreads demonic words, cursing Daqi's fortunes……"

"If Daqi's fortunes would fall merely because of her few curses, then it would be better to replace the throne right now!"

Everyone: "！！！"

It's chaotic, chaotic!!!

"Then Chi, who claims to be a Divine Doctor, Prince Li's leg has shown no improvement yet, how can you speak like that?"

As soon as the words fell, Mo Junyan let out a snort of laughter: "Lord Liu is really overstepping; This Prince hasn't said much, yet you hop around here like a leaping clown. How my leg is, I know in my heart. Chi's medical skill is superb, and I deeply trust her."

Censor Liu's complexion turned a pallid green; he seemed to see clearly that Prince Li and Xie Yuwei were plainly protecting Chi Nan Yi.

Grand Tutor Qin's face darkened; he never imagined that Chi Nan Yi not only spoke sharply, but also dared to openly refute the Censors in court, with even the Emperor and Prince Li openly shielding her. Today his scheming is bound to fail.

Damn.

Not only has she escaped his designs many times, now she is right under his nose, and he can't do anything about it.

This humiliation made Grand Tutor Qin swallow his breath, feeling stuck in his chest.

"Is there anyone still opposed?" the Emperor sat on the dragon throne, leisurely watching the officials below, who were as stifled as if they'd eaten flies, feeling a surge of pleasure.

"Father Emperor." Mo Junheng said in a deep voice: "If Chi, who serves as an official, enters the court, should the selection system be changed?"

Mo Junheng sneered inwardly; if the selection system were changed, then women could also become officials and intervene in state affairs, and given his Father Emperor's temperament, he would absolutely refuse.

The Emperor furrowed his brows, looking at the Crown Prince with great displeasure.

This clueless fool.

The Emperor thumped the table heavily, coldly eyeing him: "Fine, since the Crown Prince has such a request, it's not impossible to amend the selection system. I see that you pig‑brained ones are probably less perceptive than some women."

The officials below, hearing this, all wore bitter expressions.

Their gazes at the Crown Prince also harbored resentment.

Why bring up this matter so abruptly? The Emperor scolds the Crown Prince, and drags them all into the rebuke.

Censor Liu rolled his eyes, receiving Grand Tutor Qin's approval; he glanced at the few Censors beside him, and they knelt in unison, loudly saying: "Emperor, if a woman is allowed to become an official, we are willing to resign our Censor posts, retire to our hometowns, and hope Your Majesty will grant permission."

The Emperor listened to their words, his brows slightly furrowed, and said gravely: "What are you saying?"

Thinking they had grasped the Emperor's soft spot, they secretly rejoiced, while Grand Tutor Qin stroked his beard, his eyes full of smugness.

He didn't believe it; with the Censor platform empty, the Emperor wouldn't be anxious.

"We do not wish to serve alongside a woman as officials; we wish to retire, still hoping the Emperor will graciously approve."

"Approved!"

Just as they thought the Emperor would speak to retain her, and expel Chi Nan Yi from the court, the Emperor, full of vigor, thumped the table heavily: "I have approved! Attendants! Draft the edict!"

What?

Approved?

The Emperor actually approved?

Mo Junyan looked at his Father Emperor's eyes, where excitement was deeply buried, and couldn't help but shake his head silently.

His Father Emperor must have been waiting for this day for a long time.

Those Censors were startled, their faces turning pale instantly.

The Emperor actually approved their resignation; shouldn't he have tried to retain them? How… how…

"Em… Emperor…"

"Lord Liu, I know your heart is with the common people, but I also know you do not wish to serve alongside a woman. You have served many years in court; I feel regretful, originally I intended to promote you, but… never mind. Since you wish to resign and return home, I approve it. As for the other few ministers, I will grant you several extra months' salary; return home!"

When the words fell, the imperial decree had already been drafted.

It was delivered in one breath, without a pause.

"This… this…"

Is this correct?

His gaze swept over the pale faces of the resigning Censors; the Emperor looked at the others: "What about you? Is there anyone else who wants to leave? If anyone wishes to resign, speak up. Daqi lacks no talent; if you don't want to be officials, I select the worthy and appoint the capable. Still you don't believe that my great nation cannot produce a few who can be Censors."

Only at this moment did they finally understand.

Where did they think they were pinning the Emperor?

Clearly it was the Emperor maneuvering step by step, having long intended to dismiss them.

Now the Emperor acts in accordance with the situation; the ones who fell into the trap are they.

"Emperor!" Censor Liu knelt on the ground, loudly saying: "Emperor, this old official was blind and foolish, failed to perceive your intentions. Now I have awakened in remorse, I beg your forgiveness, and I am willing to continue serving the court, sharing your burdens!"

"Emperor, forgive my crime!"

The Emperor's gaze was indifferent as he looked at them, speaking softly: "I have given you opportunities. What do you think I am, a man of golden words and jade promises? You publicly refuted my decree, already intending to oppose me. Now I have granted your wish, yet you neither thank me nor accept it, instead kneeling to beg to return. I can tell you clearly: it is absolutely impossible."

"Emperor! Emperor…"

The imperial guards entered the great hall, about to expel them, when Prince Li softly said: "Wait."

Those people, upon hearing, looked at Prince Li with hopeful faces, assuming he could intercede for them, and heard him smile lightly and say: "Before you, esteemed gentlemen resign, This Prince still has some old debts and wishes to settle them with each of you."

Old debts?

As soon as he finished speaking, Mo Junyan waved his hand, and Ji Bai produced a pile of letters, and Lord Li hurriedly presented them.

The Emperor looked at the contents of the letters, and his expression grew increasingly grim.

"Excellent! Excellent! Very good! The trusted pillars of my administration turn out to be court parasites, embezzling disaster‑relief silver, taking bribes, selling official posts, framing the loyal, harming the people—truly a scourge." After speaking, he tossed the secret letter in his hand out: "Look at what you have done yourselves!"

Upon hearing this, the crowd's hearts suddenly sank.

It's over.

Completely over.