The imperial bedchamber fell silent once more. Just as others prepared to speak, Emperor Rui weakly raised his arm and waved, his voice somewhat hoarse.
"Grand Tutor, Prime Minister, esteemed ministers of the Three Ducal Offices and Six Ministries, please remain. The rest of you may withdraw."
Seeing his state, those who had been about to speak swallowed their words.
This was for the best. The Emperor had gone missing and now returned. They, too, needed to return and re-strategize how to alter their plans.
Soon, everyone else in the bedchamber departed, leaving only the dozen or so ministers singled out by Emperor Rui. The palace consorts waiting outside to see Emperor Rui were also sent away by the Empress's decree.
Emperor Rui announced his intention to exonerate the Prince of Pingbei's estate, leaving the assembled ministers stunned for a moment before erupting into heated discussion.
Naturally, the most fervent debates came from the New Faction officials, those promoted by Emperor Rui and considered his loyal followers. Thus, upon hearing the Emperor's intent to clear the Prince of Pingbei's estate, their immediate reaction was refusal.
They knew how much effort, how many lives, and how much blood had been shed in secret to suppress this matter. And now, to clear the estate would mean exposing everything to the public. For them, the consequences could only be described as earth-shattering.
It was no exaggeration to say that all their past efforts and current standing would be destroyed if these truths came to light!
In contrast, the Old Faction ministers frowned deeply. They couldn't fathom the Emperor's true intentions. Was he sincere, or was this a test?
Ever since the incident with the Prince of Pingbei's estate, the matter had become Emperor Rui's taboo. It had escalated to a point where anyone who mentioned it met a dire end.
They would never forget how, when the Prince of Pingbei's estate was accused of colluding with the enemy and treason, many old officials had spoken out in support of Huo Sijun, only to meet unfortunate ends.
Eventually, anyone who pleaded for clemency faced consequences ranging from removal from office and exile to desolate lands, to confiscation of property and execution of their entire family.
Even among the common folk, if anyone dared to mention Huo Sijun's heroic deeds for the Great Yu Dynasty, they would be found dead in the streets the next day, and their families would suffer misfortune.
Gradually, no one dared to speak well of the Prince of Pingbei's estate. Even when discussing the matter, the populace would only spew curses and condemnations.
One person's words might not be believed, but if a multitude, even an entire nation, spoke the same way, falsehoods would eventually become truth.
Over time, everyone became convinced of the Prince of Pingbei's estate's treason and collusion with the enemy. They rejoiced at the tragic fates of Huo Sijun and his wife, and their associates.
Hearing the eloquent condemnations from below, detailing how arrogant and disobedient Huo Sijun had been, and how his family deserved their fate, Huo Qiyuan, hidden on the beam, felt a chill rise from his core.
Looking at the ministers below, who twisted right and wrong for their own selfish gains, and at the ignorant populace, Huo Qiyuan had, more than once, harbored the desire to personally destroy the Great Yu Dynasty.
The thought that his father had dedicated his life to protecting such people caused his hatred and killing intent to churn uncontrollably.
Beside him, Su Muqing, who had been watching with keen interest, suddenly felt a chilling presence. She turned her head to see Huo Qiyuan staring down at the people below, his eyes bloodshot.
He was enveloped by a powerful aura of malevolence. The most direct impression Su Muqing had of Huo Qiyuan at that moment was that he was about to leap down and slaughter them all!
Su Muqing reached out and grasped his slightly cold hand. Huo Qiyuan's immediate reaction was to grip it tightly, with enough force to crush the small arm that had appeared.
Once Huo Qiyuan's emotions had slightly stabilized, he realized he was tightly clutching an arm. Seeing Su Muqing's pained expression, he quickly released his grip.
Su Muqing's skin was already fair, and even a gentle touch would leave marks. After Huo Qiyuan's forceful squeeze, circles of bruises appeared.
Huo Qiyuan looked at the tender arm before him, marked with bruises he had caused, feeling both remorseful and pained.
After learning of his parents' happy ending, Huo Qiyuan had believed he had moved on. However, his emotional outburst just now showed he had overestimated himself.
This was merely the beginning of the exoneration process. Many wounds, no matter how much time passed, would still bleed when revisited, still leave one breathless.
Sensing the complex emotions in his eyes, Su Muqing withdrew her arm and placed it over his hand.
Seeing Huo Qiyuan's gaze, Su Muqing smiled and shook her head, indicating she was fine.
Fortunately, she was indeed alright. Due to her unique constitution, the bruises on her arm vanished on their own shortly after, her slender, fair arm returning to its original state.
The debate within the bedchamber had not ceased. The Old Faction ministers observed from the sidelines while the New Faction ministers continued to earnestly persuade Emperor Rui to abandon his idea.
Despite their efforts, Emperor Rui remained silent. Growing anxious, one of the New Faction ministers subtly hinted that if the truth were revealed, not only their careers but possibly Emperor Rui's throne itself would be destabilized!
This statement was both a warning and a threat. After speaking, the minister knelt and begged for forgiveness, an act meant to urge Emperor Rui to reconsider.
The bedchamber fell silent once more.
The Old Faction ministers wore grim expressions. They knew this matter was complex and had anticipated the potential consequences. However, the reality seemed to far exceed their imaginations.
The unproven suspicions they had entertained earlier now resurfaced in their minds.
This affair, meant to vindicate the Prince of Pingbei's estate, would undoubtedly stir up a hornet's nest. Worse, it could even lead to national unrest.
Emperor Rui felt a pang of bitterness. Did he not understand the seismic impact of the outcome? Seeing everyone fall silent, he finally spoke slowly.
"This is my decision. I have kept you here today only to inform you. When you withdraw, please relay this decision."
"Your Majesty..." the New Faction ministers attempted to protest further, but Emperor Rui raised his hand to stop them.