Harem Daily Life

Chapter 739: Impeached for Harem Interference in Government

Tao Yanyan can be said to have used all the tricks in his life and finally calmed He Linzhang's heart.

The consequences were hard to describe. The next morning, she couldn't get up.

"Yan Yan, it's time to get up. It's time to go to court." He Linzhang whispered in her ear to wake her up.

"Well...or...or let's forget it...I'm so sleepy..." Tao Yanyan turned over, covered his head with the quilt and continued to sleep soundly.

He Linzhang was helpless and said to Eunuch Zhang outside the curtain: "Delay for half an hour. Let the imperial kitchen serve breakfast to the court officials first. Then say that the queen will accompany me to have breakfast before going to court."

Eunuch Zhang agreed and went out, and He Linzhang continued to wake him up.

Tao Yanyan finally got up in a daze, letting Qingfeng dress her up. She took a bite and then went to court yawning.

Despite being treated to an imperial feast, none of the court officials complained about the empress's lateness. Censor Zhang, however, stood up and declared, "I wish to impeach the empress for concealing your majesty's illness and preventing the princes from participating in government affairs. This is suspected of meddling in government affairs and undermining the imperial power and government. Her intentions are deserving of death."

"How dare you, Censor Zhang, do you know what you are talking about?" Prince Yong was the first to rebuke, angrily accusing Censor Zhang of talking nonsense.

"Prince Yong is right. The Empress and His Majesty are deeply in love. His Majesty is now recuperating from his injuries, and there is nothing wrong with the Empress taking charge of state affairs. The late Emperor also had the experience of the Empress Dowager ruling on his behalf. Censor Zhang, stop staring at the Empress all day long and focus more on government affairs." said Lord Yuan, the Minister of Revenue.

Others also blamed Censor Zhang, taking this opportunity to avenge the impeachment they had received from the Censorate.

Censor Zhang was no match for so many people. He was so angry that he blew his beard and glared, and raised his voice and said, "Hear me out, I have evidence that proves that the Queen is hiding the injury from Your Majesty."

As expected, everyone quieted down, waiting for him to reveal the news.

Censor Zhang stroked his beard and said, "Your Majesty's condition has worsened since he was injured, and half of his hair has turned white. How could someone's hair turn white so quickly? There's only one answer: Your Majesty has been poisoned."

"What? Poisoned? Could it be that he was assassinated that day and not only was he injured, but he was also poisoned?"

"If that's the case, then it's indeed appropriate to appoint a crown prince sooner rather than later. After all, the Great Zhou needs a successor, and the Empress can't always rule behind the scenes."

"Poisoning can be cured. You should be patient and wait until His Majesty's health improves."

"But what if... I think what Censor Zhang is worried about is not unreasonable. Allowing the prince to participate in politics can at least prevent the monopoly of power by the imperial relatives." After the man said this, he deliberately glanced at Tao Qian. Tao Qian rolled his eyes and said nothing.

Prince Yong raised his hand, pacifying the crowd, saying, "Your Majesty will surely recover. Please stop speculating here. We must all work together to support the Empress and stabilize the government during this difficult time."

Censor Zhang narrowed his eyes and said, "Your Highness Prince Yong may say that lightly, but we must be on guard. The Empress is now in absolute power, and we can't see His Majesty. We don't know how His Majesty is doing. What if the Empress does something treasonous during this period? Who would know?"

Prince Yong frowned and looked at Censor Zhang. "Didn't we just appoint regents yesterday? Censor Zhang, you're one of them. With us looking after the Great Zhou, what are you worried about? Stop overthinking all the time. The best policy is to focus on governing the country."

Censor Zhang still didn't dare to offend Prince Yong. He brushed off his sleeves and pointed his finger at Tao Yanyan, saying, "My concern is also for the sake of the Great Zhou. In these difficult times, allowing the prince to participate in politics is the best policy. If the Queen doesn't agree, I'm afraid she has something to hide."

Tao Yanyan looked up at Censor Zhang from behind the curtain and said coldly, "I have acted uprightly and have stood firm. Why don't I allow the prince to participate in government? I must have made it very clear yesterday. If Censor Zhang has an ear problem, he can ask the imperial physician to take a look."

Censor Zhang choked and said coldly, "Yesterday, I didn't know that Your Majesty's illness was so serious. If I had known, I would definitely insist on my own opinion and protect the prince's rights."

"The prince's rights? You mean the eldest prince's rights, right? Censor Zhang, do you still need me to remind you of what happened in the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery's Mansion? You've repeatedly tried to promote the eldest prince. What is your intention? Although the eldest prince is the eldest son, he is not the legitimate son, and his ability is not enough to allow him to be promoted to take on important responsibilities."

Tao Yanyan's words were very straightforward, indicating that the eldest prince was not the future heir to the throne. All the court officials knew this, except for Censor Zhang who still stood on the side of the eldest prince.

"Hmph, as long as there is no imperial edict to appoint a crown prince, the Empress shouldn't exclude the eldest prince." Censor Zhang said coldly.

Eunuch Zhang coughed lightly and reminded Tao Yanyan that His Majesty actually had an imperial edict to appoint an heir, and asked if he wanted to bring it over.

Tao Yanyan thought for a moment and then spoke, "Your Majesty's poison can be cured, but it will take a while. I have great confidence in Your Majesty, but it seems to me that you, Censor Zhang, lack confidence. You keep hinting that Your Majesty's life is coming to an end."

Zhang Yushi shuddered and hurriedly said, "Please be careful with your words, Your Majesty. When did I ever hint at anything? Your Majesty, please don't wrongly accuse me."

"I'm wrongly accusing you? Oh, everyone is listening. We all have good ears and brains, and we can understand your hidden meaning."

Tao Yanyan stood up and walked from behind the curtain to the front. His face was dignified as he spoke, "During these difficult times, anyone who wants to help the prince ascend to the throne has no confidence in His Majesty's recovery and does not wish for His Majesty's well-being. If you do not wish for His Majesty's well-being, then don't blame me for being ruthless. The Great Zhou court has no regard for disloyal ministers!"

Censor Zhang said anxiously, "Empress, aren't you being too arbitrary? I have served in the court for twenty years and have always been loyal to Your Majesty!"

"To His Majesty? Then you still don't have confidence in him? Haha, who would believe it if you say it!" Tao Yanyan said disdainfully.

"That's right. I don't know why Censor Zhang values the young prince so much and insists on recommending the eldest prince at this time. Could it be that you, Censor Zhang, have reached some kind of cooperation with the eldest prince?" Prince Jing said.

Censor Zhang explained, "Prince Jing, you cannot slander me. This is not true."

"But your behavior is really strange. I advise you not to form a clique for personal gain. Forming a clique for personal gain is a big taboo in the royal family. At the very least, it will ruin your future, and at worst, your life will be in danger." Prince Jing said lightly.

Censor Zhang's hands were shaking. "No, I have not. I am wholeheartedly loyal to Your Majesty and have never formed a clique with anyone for personal gain. Heaven and earth can bear witness to this."

"Boom--" Suddenly, a thunder fell with a loud sound.

Censor Zhang couldn't help but shudder and was shocked.

"Haha, don't always say things like "Heaven and earth can bear witness". There is a god above our heads. God also has eyes and ears, he can see and hear." After Prince Jing finished speaking, everyone laughed, and Censor Zhang became more frustrated.