I Became the Devil Queen's Heart Demon-Chapter 855 - 320: Empress: This Chen Mo Must Become a Household Chief—Who Approves? Who Opposes?

The Golden Throne Hall was deathly silent, so quiet that even a pin drop could be heard.

The officials stared at the Crown Prince in disbelief.

Since the founding of the Great Yuan by the Grand Ancestor, the concept that "Imperial Power is ordained by Heaven" was established.

This so-called "Heaven" is not tangible, but represents the absolute authority of the cosmic order, with the Emperor acting as Heaven's worldly agent, overseeing the people with the mandate of Heaven.

The mandate of Heaven and Imperial Power are closely intertwined, inseparable. The Crown Prince's statement is tantamount to dismantling the authority of the Imperial Family!

The veteran ministers standing at the forefront furrowed their brows, their hearts stirring with shockwaves.

The Crown Prince is young and unrestrained in his words, occasionally making a mistake is understandable.

However, his statements were clear and coherent, especially the phrase "human words are untrustworthy, the mandate of Heaven is not to be feared" - it is unlikely to have come from the Crown Prince himself, it must have been taught to him!

What is the purpose?

Currently, multiple officials in the court have fallen, key positions remain vacant, could this be an opportunity for a major reshuffle?

A few glances were subtly directed towards the bamboo curtain.

"Your Highness, mind your words!"

Ding Yi, the Minister of Rites, first broke the silence and said sternly, "The Crown Prince is destined by the mandate of Heaven, how could one defy the will of Heaven? Such actions would disrupt propriety and morality!"

Mei Zhong, with white whiskers trembling, stepped forward cautiously: "The Grand Ancestor's teachings are clear, 'The mandate of Heaven is the foundation of the nation,' without the protection of the mandate of Heaven, how could the kingdom endure for a thousand years? This is the lifeblood of the Great Yuan!"

After speaking, he prostrated on the ground, shouting, "I, for the Earth God and altars, implore, Your Highness, retract your words!"

Clang—

At the foot of the steps, the officials fell like tides, their voices urging like thunder:

"The mandate of Heaven cannot be defied!"

"These are words of a nation-destroyer!"

"We plead Your Highness to retract your words immediately!"

Lv Huaiyu stood at the forefront, his tall figure immovable, his expression stern as he glanced askance at the crowd.

These old codgers usually sit steadily, undisturbed by any sky-falling. Now, concerning their vested interests, they jump out impatiently, which is amusing to contemplate.

The Crown Prince was startled by the scene, involuntarily shrinking back.

He never thought that just by expressing a few heartfelt words, it would evoke such intense reactions.

"Silence!"

The voice of Eunuch Jin exploded in everyone's ears, causing a stabbing pain in their eardrums.

The previously noisy Golden Throne Hall finally quieted down.

From behind the bamboo curtain, the Empress's calm voice sounded: "Master Lv, were these words taught by you?"

"..."

A significant accusation came blindsiding.

Lv Huaiyu's brow twitched, naturally unwilling to accept it. He shook his head and said, "I only speak of governance, the education of rites has always been the Chamberlain's responsibility, and I've been busy with state affairs lately, having no time to enter the palace for lectures..."

The Chamberlain's Mansion is the government office of the Eastern Royal Palace, and this was throwing the ball back.

The Crown Prince hesitated for a moment before proactively saying, "No one taught me these things; it was my own thoughts after the temple upheaval... Your child spoke childishly, hoping Mother does not take offense."

The Empress pondered and said: "The Crown Prince's temperament is not yet mature, having just experienced a life-and-death crisis, it's commendable he managed to attend court at all, how can we demand too much? I trust all ministers here can understand."

Being young is the best amulet.

The exchange between the two lightly dissolved what could be deemed "treasonous" remarks into nothingness.

Ding Yi narrowed his eyes slightly and said: "As the nation's Crown Prince, the inheritor of the temples above and the heart of the populace below, your words and actions should conform to propriety and cannot be frivolous. I hope Your Highness will nurture virtue and conduct, speaking and acting with caution in the future."

"Mr. Ding's words are reasonable," the Empress said. "This gentleman is the chief of the Ministry of Rites; if the Crown Prince has any questions about propriety in the future, he may ask Mr. Ding for guidance."

Hearing this, Ding Yi's face showed pleasure, and he straightened up a bit more.

Among the Three Dukes, the Grandmaster governs, the Grand Tutor teaches, the Grand Protector provides amulet.

Positions of Grand Tutor and Grand Protector have been vacant for long, Ding Yi naturally had considerations.

As the Minister of Rites, he is already a key figure, but still a step away from the more core positions of Three Dukes and Grand Secretary, which is the pinnacle of honor and status! Saying one is just beneath another wouldn't be an exaggeration!

And this is a rare opportunity!

"I understand," the Crown Prince said, observing Ding Yi, "In fact, I have quite an impression of Mr. Ding..."

Ding Yi was even more delighted, ready to climb the ladder, but then heard the Crown Prince continue:

"During the grand sacrifice day, just as I lit the ceremony furnace, this Mr. Ding started shouting something about blue smoke soaring to the sky, and harmonious rivers and seas, then the temple exploded. I thought you were giving a signal to someone..."

?!

Ding Yi's expression froze on his face.

Immediately, a chill shot up his spine to the back of his head!

He had merely shouted slogans, who could have predicted there were explosives beneath the altar?

These two matters have no causal relationship, but the Crown Prince's words completely altered the perception! It's a question of one's integrity!

Ding Yi could no longer remain composed, lifting his robes, kneeling, he cried out, "I am devotedly loyal to the court, how could I possibly collude with rebels? I was merely inspired by the auspicious signs from Heaven, hoping Your Highness discerns the truth!"

The Crown Prince snorted, muttering, "Always talking about Heaven's mandate, I thought you truly understood, yet you can't even distinguish omens from blessings? If being loud was the qualification for office, we wouldn't need the civil examinations, just see whose voice is the loudest."

The voice was not too loud or soft, just enough for everyone to hear clearly.

"Pff—"

Suppressed, low laughter echoed.

The officials in blue robes shook with laughter, their faces turning liver-colored from holding back.

The Crown Prince managed to make biting remarks without using vulgarity, leaving them nearly euphoric!