After being forced into a marriage with a wealthy family, the virtuous wife caused a huge uproar.

With witnesses and physical evidence readily available, he knew there was no way to refute the charges and he had no choice but to confess, otherwise the entire Gao family would be destroyed.

If he wisely withdraws from the court, the Gao family can still retain some of its assets.

The third son, oblivious to the consequences, thought that being a local official meant he could control everything.

He wrote to his third son many times, warning him not to act recklessly, but even when he wasn't under his watchful eye, the son still acted recklessly.

As long as Consort Cao and the Crown Prince remain in power, the Gao family will naturally rise again in the future.

"Luo Hanyi of the Ministry of Justice, step forward to receive the imperial decree," Emperor Taikang called out softly.

Luo Hanyi was the eldest grandson of the late Prime Minister Luo. He served as a senior official in the Ministry of Justice and was thirty-four years old, in the prime of his life.

"Your subject is here." Luo Hanyi responded, stepped forward, and knelt to receive the imperial decree.

"I hereby give you fifty Imperial Guards. They shall immediately leave the city and head to Qizhou Prefecture to arrest Gao Shiming and his family and bring them back to the capital for trial."

"Your subject obeys the decree." Luo Hanyi knew that the emperor was giving him an opportunity to make merit and paving the way for his future promotion.

My grandfather was a veteran of three reigns, serving both the previous emperor and the current one for many years. The emperor is showing his appreciation for my grandfather's contributions.

"Gu Changqing, listen to my decree. I hereby appoint you as the new Prefect of Qizhou. Take up your post immediately and take over the administration of Qizhou."

"Your subject obeys the decree." Gu Changqing stepped forward from the back of the line to receive the decree.

Serving as the prefect of a prefecture is a fourth-rank official position, which is two ranks higher than his current position.

Once his three-year term is up, he will likely be promoted again upon returning to Beijing, which would be a fantastic opportunity.

Gu Changqing was Gu Ce's cousin and the eldest nephew of the late Duke's wife's family. He had repeatedly requested to be transferred to a post outside the capital, but had not had the opportunity. Today, however, he had such a good opportunity, and the Emperor had thought of him.

Before the morning court session was even over, the two received the imperial decree and left the main hall directly.

Gao Qiliang was still kneeling on the ground.

"Gao Qiliang has failed in his duty to educate his son. His resignation is hereby granted, and he is confined to his residence for three months. Gao Shixun is dismissed from his post in the Ministry of Rites and is to return home to serve his elderly father, pending the investigation of all of Gao Shiming's crimes. If Gao Shiming's actions are found to be related to you and your son, you will be punished as well. If not, a further decision will be made." Emperor Taikang also imposed punishments on the Gao family.

All three members of the Gao family—father and sons—lost their official positions.

Of the Gao family, only the father and his two sons held the highest official positions in the court, but now they have been reduced to their original status.

As long as Emperor Taikang is still alive, it will be virtually impossible for them to return to the court.

Gao Qiliang made no struggle as the guards carried him away. As he passed Gu Ce, he glanced at Gu Ce with a distant look.

That one glance held resentment, but even more so, hatred.

But Gu Ce wasn't afraid of that look. It was just a matter of the victor taking all; it was all about who would have the last laugh.

The Golden Palace was completely silent.

During a morning court session, the emperor punished the Crown Prince and Consort Cao, and also dealt with Minister Gao, who was considered the most likely candidate to become the next prime minister.

Gu Ce discovered the harmful things Mingyue Tower did and uncovered Gao Shiming's rampant misconduct in the local area.

Both of these are truly great achievements.

The court was divided into three factions: the Crown Prince's faction, Gu Ce's faction, and the neutral faction, which did not favor any of them.

Gu Ce was simply a minister whom the emperor had chosen to oppose the crown prince.

Every court official knew exactly what was going on.

A moment of silence followed, and no one dared to speak.

"If you have something to report, speak up; otherwise, the court may adjourn," Eunuch Gao called out shrewdly at the opportune moment.

Gu Ce made a small gesture to one of the people.

"I have something to report," said the Imperial Censor, stepping forward.

"What can I do for you, Minister Ren?" Emperor Taikang sat up straight, ready to listen.

"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Luo is getting on in years, and I've heard that he might not make it through the winter. The position of Prime Minister cannot remain vacant for long, as it would be detrimental to the affairs of the country. I urge Your Majesty to make a decision as soon as possible." Lord Ren bowed deeply.

Appointing a prime minister of a nation is a major event.

As soon as he finished speaking, the courtiers suddenly came to life and began to whisper among themselves.

"These days, without the Prime Minister, many things have fallen into chaos. Things that are clearly not our Ministry of Works are being assigned to us."

"Your Ministry of Works is all about getting things done, what's there to complain about? We in the Ministry of Rites are the ones who are wronged. It's clearly a matter for the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, but they're making us in the Ministry of Rites do it."

"Indeed, we can't do without the Prime Minister; many things are being implemented much more slowly than before."

"The Prime Minister is a crucial figure who assists the Emperor, commands all officials, pacifies the barbarian tribes, and soothes the people. Who would be most suitable to serve as Prime Minister?"

"Previously, Minister Gao was the most popular candidate, but now he has resigned. None of the other ministers and grand secretaries have such high prestige. They are either too old or lack sufficient seniority."

......

Emperor Taikang coughed lightly, and the court officials immediately fell silent.

"Whom does Minister Ren believe is most suitable for the position of Prime Minister?"

"I believe that Minister Gu, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, is the most suitable candidate." Minister Ren bowed again.

"Lord Gu is only a third-rank Vice Minister, and there are several Ministers ahead of him. Why do you think he is the most suitable?" Emperor Taikang offered him a way out.

"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Luo was also appointed as prime minister before he was thirty years old. He devoted himself to the country and worked hard all his life."

Prime Minister Luo instructed Lord Gu in his studies. Although Lord Gu did not formally formally become his disciple, he was deeply influenced by him. It is appropriate for him to inherit his mantle. This is one reason.

Secondly, Lord Gu is a top scholar in the imperial examination and the son of the Duke of Zhenguo, possessing both literary and military talents. He was promoted to the rank of Third-Rank Vice Minister at the age of twenty-three, and his political achievements over the years have been outstanding, surpassing even those of Prime Minister Luo in his prime.

Thirdly, his great-grandfather was a great hero who defended our Southern Xia Kingdom and was loved by the people for many years. As his great-grandson, Lord Gu will be even more devoted to serving the people. Lord Ren said three points in one breath.

Emperor Taikang knew that the appointment of the Imperial Censor was arranged by Gu Ce, but what he said made sense and was not exaggerated.

The most important point he hasn't mentioned yet is that Gu Ce always puts him, the emperor, first and foremost, and never oversteps that line.

Even when he sent five bodyguards to Gu Ce, Gu Ce, knowing full well that everything about him would be exposed, accepted the five men without hesitation and even gave them important positions.

This is Gu Ce's greatest strength: unwavering loyalty.

"What do you officials think?" Emperor Taikang asked with a faint smile.

The change in the emperor's expression was noticed by the court officials, who knew that the emperor was very satisfied with Gu Ce as the prime minister.

A young and promising person, full of energy, is certainly more likely to be willing to work hard and without complaint than an older person to be prime minister.

"I second that proposal," someone stepped forward.

"I second that proposal." Once there's a first one, there's bound to be a second.

......

In a short time, seven people seconded the motion.

The prince's faction dared not speak out against their anger.

Because of the Mingyue Tower incident, the Crown Prince was confined to his quarters, and no one dared to show up and cause trouble at this time.

If we anger the emperor and he reprimands us or dismisses some officials, then it would be a great loss.

"Your Majesty, isn't Gu Ce a bit too young? Young people act impulsively and without considering the consequences. The Duke of Zhenguo holds considerable military power. If Gu Ce were to be promoted to Prime Minister, the influence of him and his father in the court would be too great," Prince Xuan, Yuwen Jin, raised his objection, getting straight to the point.

The Prime Minister is the head of the civil officials, and the Duke of Zhenguo has only slightly fewer troops than the Prince of Liao. If the father and son wanted to rebel, it would be an easy task.

He wanted to create obstacles for Gu Ce and see if Gu Ce had the ability to refute him.

Gu Ce was the son-in-law he favored. Rong Shi was just a merchant's daughter; it would be easy for him to kill her or force her to abdicate.

He needs to put Gu Ce to a good test.