The Treacherous Minister Who Helps the People 8

The next day, Shen Qi found herself at the center of a scandal during the grand court assembly.

The Imperial Censor, holding his ceremonial tablet, expressed his deep regret and resentment, “Emperor, throughout history, the harmony of yin and yang has been emphasized. Shen Qi, as the Minister of Personnel, has committed an act that goes against our ancestral teachings by engaging in same-sex relationships, not to mention the coercion involved…”

The Imperial Censor’s words seemed to stretch from the heavens to the earth, encompassing all aspects of society, as if a mere interaction between Shen Qi and Gu Qing was an unforgivable crime against divine order.

Shen Qi rolled her eyes in secret frustration. “Did you witness it with your own eyes? Censor Li, falsely accusing a court official is a grave offense, isn’t it?”

“Everyone knows about this matter. There’s no need for evidence to convict you now, is there? Or perhaps, Censor Li, are you using official business as a means of revenge against me?”

They engaged in a heated exchange, captivating the attention of the Emperor, who sat on his dragon throne with a growing headache.

Not only did Censor Li accuse Shen Qi, but a group led by Grand Preceptor Shen also stepped forward to denounce her. They fearlessly confronted the court, disregarding anyone’s dignity.

The Emperor couldn’t help but rub his temples. “Enough!”

The court fell into an immediate silence.

“What trivial matters! You censors are always focused on personal affairs instead of addressing important matters. Are you worthy of the court attire you wear?”

The Emperor clearly favored Shen Qi. Seeing the discontent among the court officials, he immediately added, “What’s the matter? Are you suggesting that Shen Qing, a respected Minister, cannot even discipline a servant?”

“We did not mean that, Your Majesty.”

Shen Qi blinked her eyes, stealing a glance at Grand Preceptor Shen—Father, it’s your turn to perform!

Receiving the message, Grand Preceptor Shen immediately clutched his chest, took a few deep breaths, and then rolled his eyes, feigning a fainting spell. The ministers beside him hurriedly supported him, preventing him from falling to the ground.

“Grand Preceptor Shen, Grand Preceptor Shen!”

“Please calm down, Grand Preceptor!”

The court erupted into chaos, and the Emperor, taken aback, ordered, “Dismissed!”

At this moment, Zhou Li exchanged a glance with Censor Li, who then stepped forward again. “I accuse Zhou Ce, an official of the Ministry of Revenue, of accepting bribes totaling thirty million taels…”

The Emperor’s mind was still preoccupied with the fainting Grand Preceptor Shen.

But then he heard it—thirty million taels!!!

Before the accusation was even finished, he waved his hand dismissively. “Dismissed! Investigate and handle the case. Dismissed!”

He quickly had Grand Preceptor Shen carried to a side hall and called for the imperial physician to attend to him. Then, the Emperor met privately with Shen Qi, sighing helplessly. “If you like Gu Qing, you can indulge in your private affairs, but don’t let the news spread everywhere.”

Wasn’t he asking her to clean up the mess?

“I acknowledge my mistake, but I also don’t understand how the news got out,” Shen Qi furrowed her brows. “I will thoroughly investigate the staff in my residence upon my return.”

The Emperor nodded gently. “In that case, visit Grand Preceptor Shen when you have time.”

After all, Shen was his teacher. It was unpleasant for him to see that Shen fainted in court.

“Emperor, if my father were to see me, he would be even angrier.”

The Emperor realized this as well and sighed once again. “Why do you have such a peculiar preference? No wonder you never consider marriage.”

“It is my nature, Your Majesty.”

“Enough, enough. I won’t judge you. Fortunately, with the incident involving the Grand Preceptor and Zhou Ce’s bribery of thirty million taels, or else how could you go through this easily?”

“It is also fortunate for me,” Shen Qi casually replied to the Emperor before briskly leaving the Hall of Diligent Governance.

She met with a group of ministers at the entrance, engaging in a peculiar exchange of words before dispersing.

Before departing, Shen Qi exchanged a glance with Zhou Li, who nodded slightly in her direction.

To prevent any further delays, Zhao Baiyue personally intervened to protect Zhou Ce. They had no choice but to resort to extreme measures.

In truth, Shen Qi’s involvement was merely a prelude, and the fainting of Grand Preceptor Shen was a ploy to divert the Emperor’s attention away from Zhou Ce, a mere insignificant physician. They exaggerated the amount of bribery involved.

Zhou Ce had no chance of turning the situation around!

Shortly after the morning court session, Zhou Ce was already imprisoned and under investigation. He was sentenced to death by beheading that same afternoon, and the confiscated silver was deposited into the treasury.

When the Emperor saw that there were only slightly over ten million taels, he did not find anything amiss with Censor Li’s accusations. He was even angered that a mere official could embezzle such a large sum.

Meanwhile, within the palace, Zhao Baiyue lost her fair and tender skin which she was proud of.

She had been happily adorning herself when she took out a hairpin from her box, only to witness her once radiant complexion gradually darken and become yellowish-black.

Startled, Zhao Baiyue nearly let out a cry.

She hastily dismissed her maids and eunuchs, while a cold and familiar voice from the system resounded in her ears.

“Side quest—Zhou Ce—has failed. Implementing punishment: loss of radiant and captivating skin.”

Frustrated, Zhao Baiyue clenched her teeth. “How could the mission fail?”

However, the system remained silent, as if it were a fool incapable of responding.

With no other choice, Zhao Baiyue heard that the Emperor was on his way to find her.

She quickly accessed the system and spent another twenty thousand points to restore her skin’s appearance.

Coincidentally, the Emperor entered just as Zhao Baiyue adjusted her hairpin and concealed her twisted expression. She gently rubbed her face and smiled softly, addressing him, “Your Majesty~”

“My beloved consort.”

The Emperor skillfully wrapped his arm around Zhao Baiyue’s waist. “My beloved consort, you seem different today.”

Zhao Baiyue’s heart skipped a beat. “Your Majesty, how am I different today?”

“You look exceptionally beautiful, my beloved consort.”

The Emperor lightly tapped Zhao Baiyue’s nose, then chuckled. “By the way, did you know? Shen Qi was unexpectedly liking men. I have never noticed it before…”

The Emperor rambled on about his past encounters with Shen Qi.

Zhao Baiyue secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Since the Emperor voluntarily brought up court matters, she followed suit and inquired about Zhou Ce.

“Zhou Ce.”

At the mention of him, the Emperor’s eyes filled with disdain. “He dared to accept over ten million taels in bribes. He was accused by the censor this morning. His greed is truly excessive, and I cannot let him go unpunished.”

Gritting her teeth, Zhao Baiyue inwardly cursed the censor responsible. “I wonder who this censor is, so capable of ruining my plans. I must bring their head to justice!”

Her twenty thousand points had gone down the drain!!!

“Censor Li,” the Emperor said, laughing. “Tomorrow, I will gift you two hundred thousand taels. Buy some new jewelry.”

Pretending to be coy, Zhao Baiyue lowered her gaze. “Your Majesty, thank you.”

She didn’t want jewelry.

She wanted Censor Li to die!!!