The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 640: Fifth Master Can No Longer Hold Office in Court

Chapter 640: Fifth Master Can No Longer Hold Office in Court

Elder Cao struggled to lift his bloodied body.

While others feared Nanli, he did not.

Glaring fiercely at Nanli, he bellowed, "Look at this! You and the Chu family want to dominate the court completely, don’t you? You’re trying to control the entire government!"

Spreading his arms wide, he shouted bitterly, "The Chu family wants to harbor a Qi royal! There’s no law anymore! From now on, the Chu family can do whatever they want, and you officials will have to live in constant fear, bowing to their will!"

"Chu Yan is the Prince of Jingyang of the Qi Nation! To clear his name and the Chu family’s, he killed Emperor Qi. At such a young age, he dared to commit fratricide! He and Emperor Qi were true brothers, equally ruthless and vicious!"

The officials exchanged uncertain glances.

Most of them were loyal ministers handpicked by Ye Siheng. While they remembered the Chu family’s contributions, they could not condone actions that defied the law.

The concern lay not in the Chu family’s current power but in the future.

If Nanli and Chu Hanlin were gone someday, and the Chu family’s descendants proved to be tyrannical and malicious, the nation would face disaster.

Moreover, Qi Nation and Mu Nation had been adversaries for centuries. If Chu Yan truly was a Qi royal, how could he stay? The Chu family’s decision to harbor him would be seen as outrageous.

Elder Xu, known for his integrity and fairness, spoke solemnly:

"For the sake of the Chu family’s honor and reputation, this matter must indeed be thoroughly investigated."

Adopting a measured tone, he added:

"Given the Chu family’s achievements, if it’s proven that the Fifth Master is the Prince of Jingyang, His Majesty will likely show leniency and send the Prince of Jingyang back to Qi Nation."

However, the return would come with conditions.

If Qi Nation’s court refused to recognize the Prince of Jingyang or meet the terms, then the prince would either face execution or imprisonment.

Regardless, Chu Yan could no longer serve as an official.

Chu Hanlin furrowed his brows deeply. "But Chu Yan..."

Elder Xu raised his hand slightly. "The Duke of Anguo’s concerns are understandable. However, the sudden reappearance of Emperor Qi is suspicious. It’s possible the brothers made a desperate decision to sacrifice one for the other."

Seeing many officials nod slightly in agreement, Chu Hanlin’s gaze grew darker.

Elder Xu then turned to Ye Siheng and his wife. "Your Highnesses, Ninth Prince and Princess, does my reasoning make sense?"

Chu Yan clenched his fists, his heart burning with anger.

His elder brother was dead, yet it wasn’t enough to resolve this matter?

He could endure the consequences himself, but he didn’t want to implicate the Chu family or his sixth sister!

Nanli’s expression remained calm, though worry flickered in her heart.

Elder Xu wasn’t trying to suppress the Chu family’s power but addressing the genuine unease of ministers and citizens.

The people of Mu Nation could not tolerate a Qi royal prince staying in their country and serving in their court.

Even Prime Minister Lu said, "Elder Xu is right. Ninth Princess, rest assured, we won’t force the emperor to order the Fifth Master’s execution. However, as a Qi royal, it seems the emperor will have to revoke his privileges, and the Fifth Master can no longer hold office."

Chu Yan’s nose tingled, and his eyes reddened.

This life of his... would it amount to no more than this?

However—

Emperor Muwu stormed into the hall, his presence commanding attention.

He roared, "Are you all deaf? I’ve said it multiple times already—Chu Yan is my illegitimate son!"

Prime Minister Lu and Elder Xu were stunned.

Even Nanli tilted her head, puzzled.

"Y-Your Majesty, are you serious?" Elder Xu clutched his chest.

"The matter of royal heirs is not one to joke about!" Prime Minister Lu growled.

Previously, they had assumed Emperor Muwu was speaking nonsense to protect the Chu family.

After all, he was the reigning emperor, so they chose not to press the issue, intending to let it slide.

Elder Cao spat furiously, "You dare acknowledge the Qi Nation’s Prince of Jingyang as your son? You’re nothing but a tyrant! Immoral and incompetent!"

Hands clasped behind his back, Emperor Muwu shot him a disdainful look. "And you’re a paragon of virtue and competence? Let me tell you—he is my only son, and as long as I live, I won’t let you harm a single hair on his head!"

His exaggerated gestures and expressions made Ye Siheng chuckle uncontrollably.

All eyes turned to him.

Prime Minister Lu asked, "Ninth Prince, do you also think the emperor is joking?"

Emperor Muwu was infuriated.

Damn it, Ninth Brother! Weren’t you the one who suggested I claim him as my son? Why are you laughing now?

He scolded, "He’s not laughing at me! He’s clearly happy for me, for having such a filial and clever son!"

The ministers wore awkward expressions, reluctant to agree.

Chu Yan was undoubtedly outstanding, but precisely because of this, he seemed even less likely to be Emperor Muwu’s son.

After all, Emperor Muwu’s two legitimate sons were known for their incompetence.

Ye Siheng quickly composed himself and nodded. "Yes, I’m happy for Your Majesty, for gaining such a son."

At first, Chu Hanlin was bewildered. Emperor Muwu’s claim was absurd enough, but why was the Ninth Prince supporting him?

He quickly realized the truth.

Emperor Muwu and the Ninth Prince were working together, not just to protect the Chu family but also Chu Yan!

His heart was deeply moved.

"Your Highness, what’s going on?" Nanli asked, looking up.

Ye Siheng sighed theatrically. "A’Li, it’s not that I wanted to keep this from you, but the emperor’s situation is... delicate. I didn’t have the heart to bring it up."

Emperor Muwu huffed and turned away, muttering, "What’s so delicate about it? It was just during a hunting palace event that I favored a maid."

Ye Siheng raised an eyebrow. "But, Your Majesty, that maid was a Qi captive."

He addressed the ministers. "Back then, though the emperor was still a Royal Heir, he was embroiled in power struggles with his brothers. It was a precarious time. If word got out that he had drunkenly favored a captive, what would have happened?"

Emperor Muwu sighed heavily, shaking his head.

He wasn’t remorseful for his actions back then.

He was lamenting how hard it was to be an emperor!