The playboy county magistrate

Seeing that the person in front of him remained unmoved, this respected old minister in charge of the Ministry of Rites became even more furious.

"Li Xuanzhi has deceived the emperor, abused his power, and wreaked havoc on the court; he will surely face divine retribution one day!"

The screams echoed throughout the study, leaving only a state of disarray and madness.

The Imperial Guards, following their pre-arranged plan, systematically searched the area, examining hidden compartments in bookshelves, gaps in walls, and secret underground chambers.

In a short while, stacks of sealed secret letters, ledgers recording collusion and bribery, and tokens privately minted by old aristocratic families were all found and neatly displayed on the table.

The secret letter clearly records the entire scheme of the old party's collusion, suppression of new government officials, and infiltration of palace spies over the years, all of which are irrefutable evidence of treason.

Several of the letters, with their fresh ink, were evidence of Feng Huai'an's recent collusion with remnants of the old regime in various regions, plotting to seize the opportunity presented by the emperor's incompetence and the turmoil in the court to stage a coup and force the court to reform.

Witness testimony, physical evidence, confessions, and plans—each and every piece of evidence is irrefutable, leaving no room for further rebuttal.

Feng Huai'an stared at the table piled high with evidence, his body stiffening, his face ashen. All the stubbornness and madness in his eyes vanished, leaving only utter despair.

He endured years of patient maneuvering, meticulously planning and scheming. In the end, however, he was defeated by Li Xuanzhi's elaborate schemes and ruthless methods.

"Take them away! Seal off the mansion, and detain all involved clansmen, retainers, and servants until interrogation!"

As night deepened, the imperial guards escorted a group of criminals, carrying a cart full of evidence, and returned to the capital overnight.

At the same time, actions were taken simultaneously throughout the capital.

The Imperial Guards and the Dragon Shadow Guards worked side by side, arresting officials who had close ties with Feng Huai'an, those who were affiliated with the old party, those who opposed the new policies, and those who harbored disloyal intentions, all according to a secretly compiled list.

The corrupt remnants who had previously lurked in various parts of the court and mingled among the upright officials were all exposed overnight, with no one escaping.

Before nightfall, the prison was already overflowing with people.

……

The next morning, as dawn broke, the rosy clouds painted the golden palace.

The morning bell rang as scheduled. After a night of solemnity, the atmosphere in the court today was more solemn and austere than ever before.

Civil and military officials lined up to enter the court, each with a respectful expression and restrained demeanor; no one dared to make the slightest noise or disturbance.

The news of last night's citywide purge of the old party has already spread throughout the court and the public. Everyone knows that today, the court should be on high alert and handle the situation with utmost care.

The Crown Prince sat upright beneath the throne, his brows and eyes cold and dignified.

Li Xuanzhi stood at the head of all the officials, dressed solemnly in purple, his expression cool and indifferent, his demeanor utterly serene. Yet, he commanded the attention of all the civil and military officials, who dared not look up at him.

Tang Zheng, holding all the incriminating files, strode into the hall, knelt down, and loudly reported:

"Your Highness, the traitor Feng Huai'an, along with his cronies, clansmen, and related officials, have all been apprehended and brought to justice. All secret letters, account books, and tokens related to the treason have been seized; the evidence is irrefutable, and nothing has been overlooked!"

Although everyone had heard rumors about this matter to some extent last night, the Crown Prince and Li Xuanzhi already knew everything.

But that doesn't stop us from bringing this matter to the imperial court today for a proper discussion.

Many officials who had had brief dealings with the old party felt a chill run down their spines, secretly relieved that they had not been deeply involved in the vortex of the anti-party.

The Crown Prince's gaze swept over the assembled officials, his voice clear and steady, resonating throughout the entire Golden Palace.

"Feng Huai'an, as a high-ranking official of the court, did not think of being loyal to the emperor and serving the country, nor did he uphold his duties. Instead, he colluded with old traitors and amassed power for himself. He poisoned the emperor in the inner palace and plotted rebellion, attempting to overthrow the new government and plunge the country into chaos. His crimes are unforgivable!"

He delivered his verdict in court, each word resounding and the law clearly evident.

"Upon investigation, it has been confirmed that Feng Huai'an committed ten heinous crimes and is sentenced to death by slow slicing as a warning to others! All members of his family involved in the rebellion are to be exiled three thousand li away, never to return to the capital!"

"The remaining officials involved will be punished according to the severity of their crimes. Those who neglect their duties will be dismissed from office, those who plot treason will be severely punished, and those who sympathize with the rebels will be demoted!"

"All positions held by the old party members will be vacant immediately, and the cabinet will select honest and capable ministers who are deeply committed to the new policies to fill these vacancies!"

The judgment was clear and the law was strictly enforced. There was no favoritism or leniency.

The powerful clans and aristocratic families that had plagued the Dayong court for hundreds of years were now completely eradicated, with no possibility of them ever rising again.

"Your Majesty, we obey!" All the officials bowed in unison, their voices echoing throughout the palace.

The crown prince sat upright on the steps, quietly watching the crowd, his voice steady and powerful.

"From now on, the court will appoint officials based solely on their talents and merits. There will be no distinction between noble families and social classes, no constraints from aristocratic clans, and no new or old factions. All officials should prioritize the nation and the people. They should diligently perform their duties, uphold the new policies, and jointly safeguard the peaceful and prosperous era of the Great Yong Dynasty."

The young crown prince's governing philosophy is open, fair, and magnanimous, fully demonstrating the vision of a future wise ruler.

Looking at the young prince with his remarkable bearing, Li Xuanzhi felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

At this moment, the eunuch from the Imperial Study rushed over, his face beaming with joy, and knelt down to report.

"Your Highness, good news has arrived from the Imperial Medical Academy: the toxins from the 'Stagnation Powder' in His Majesty's body are gradually dissipating, his pulse is stabilizing, and he is out of danger. He should be awake by today!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the entire hall was filled with excitement, and the festive atmosphere in the Golden Palace gradually intensified.

After the officials left the court, the palace was empty.

The Crown Prince slowly descended the steps, shedding the solemn tension of his regent duties. A touch of youthful gentleness appeared in his eyes, yet his steps remained steady and measured.

Regent and overseeing the country made him truly understand the weighty responsibility of governing the nation.

Li Xuanzhi nodded, his gaze gentle and lingering.

"Your Highness has remained calm and composed during times of crisis, demonstrating the qualities of a wise ruler. Even though His Majesty is still unconscious, you have firmly safeguarded this court and its territory."

The two walked side by side, passing through layers of palace corridors, toward the imperial study.

The imperial guards stood guard in an orderly fashion, and the palace servants moved with composure and calm. The previous atmosphere of fear and anxiety was gone.

Outside the Imperial Study, the imperial physicians of the Imperial Medical Academy were still on duty in shifts, all with relaxed expressions, no longer showing the solemnity and sorrow of yesterday.

Upon seeing the two arrive, the head of the academy hurriedly stepped forward, bowed, and greeted them with a joyful expression.

"Your Highness, and Lord Li, report that His Majesty's poison has been completely cleared and his energy is gradually recovering. He has just slowly opened his eyes and is conscious. However, he is still weak and speaks slowly."

"Excellent." The Crown Prince's eyes lit up instantly. The worries and anxieties of the past few days vanished, and he quickened his pace slightly, his heart filled with concern for his father.

Li Xuanzhi also felt a slight sense of relief; the heavy burden that had been pressing on his shoulders finally settled gently at this moment.

The two entered the palace quietly. The imperial study was warm and cozy, with a light fragrance of medicine, and there was no trace of the gloomy atmosphere of critical illness.

On the dragon bed, the emperor lay on his side. Although his face was still pale from recovering from a long illness, his eyes were clear and his mind was fully awake, no longer as dull and lifeless as before.

Having once again faced a life-or-death situation, his eyes held a touch of world-weariness, as well as a sense of peace that had settled down.

Hearing footsteps, the Emperor's gaze fell first on the Crown Prince, his eyes instantly softening with tenderness and kindness as he spoke softly. Though his voice was slightly hoarse, every word was clear:

"My son... has grown up."