Two messengers were immediately thrown into the great prison and severely tortured.
The two men were already injured, and had recovered somewhat in the days since their return, but were still not fully healed.
As a result, they were beaten again. m..oΓg
Meanwhile, after instructing his subordinates, Guo Yong immediately sent people to invite several other closely associated ministers to his mansion.
"Lord Guo, what has happened? How can you call us together at a time like this? Don't you think this is a sensitive moment?"
"Something big has happened, everyone. It's time for us to act."
Guo Yong looked at everyone present, his face full of excitement.
"What is it that makes you so happy?"
Some people hadn't caught on yet, their faces full of confusion.
"Of course it's great news. Didn't we send people to the front lines to investigate? They returned today."
Upon hearing this, everyone present immediately sat up.
"They're back? Tell us what happened, are the messengers' words true?" Yan Fa said nervously.
The others also looked at Guo Yong with nervous expressions.
"It's false. These two fellows have already been arrested, though they haven't confessed anything yet. But it won't be long before they do."
"Then they will say that Chu Chen instigated them to report false news, and that both battles were actually lost."
Hearing this, everyone present was overjoyed.
"That's great! Let's take our troops and control Shuangyue City now. It will be our territory in no time."
"Yes, Chu Chen is at his wit's end. He actually reported false news. Fortunately, we anticipated this and didn't fall for his trick, otherwise, we would have been played by him this time."
"We must control this brat as soon as possible. He is a master of strategy. If we let him react, who knows what variables might arise."
"No matter how masterful his strategy, there will always be flaws."
Guo Yong frowned as he saw everyone discussing and arguing.
"Don't be so eager to argue about these things. There are still many things to do. Our main focus is to impeach Chu Chen and strip him of all his power."
"This brat is currently a minister assisting the regent, and he holds great power. If we don't unite everyone, it will be difficult to remove his power."
"We must bring those two messengers to the court and have all the officials unanimously agree to temporarily remove Chu Chen's prime ministership, and simultaneously place Chu Chen under house arrest, preventing him from contacting anyone."
"And all news must be blocked in the court."
"This way, even if Chu Chen were the Monkey King, he wouldn't be able to escape our grasp."
"Good, let's do that. Tomorrow morning, we will make this public."
"Everyone, please go back now, and don't let Chu Chen discover any news."
After everyone left, Guo Yong was still very excited. He lay in bed, still planning for the morning court session.
At the same time, several锦衣卫 (Imperial Guards) had quietly left from above his mansion and arrived at the Prime Minister's residence, knocking on Chu Chen's bedroom door.
Chu Chen had just lain down on his straw mat when he heard the sound of knocking on his door. He quickly got up and opened his bedroom door.
"What is it?"
Chu Chen looked at the锦衣卫 (Imperial Guards) in front of him, and knew in his heart that something big must have happened, otherwise they wouldn't have rushed to report it so urgently.
"Prime Minister, several ministers from the Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of War, and Ministry of Justice are gathered at Guo Yong's house, discussing important matters. Tomorrow morning, they plan to impeach you."
Hearing this, Chu Chen couldn't help but freeze, then his face was filled with disbelief.
Are these guys crazy? Why would they impeach him?
"Are you sure you heard correctly?"
The锦衣卫 (Imperial Guards) nodded and said, "Prime Minister, your subordinates are absolutely sure. These fellows must be talking about impeaching you. Moreover, they seem to have caught someone and claimed to have evidence of you fabricating victory reports for personal gain."
Chu Chen paused, then chuckled lightly and nodded. "Alright, I understand. You may go."
The锦衣卫 (Imperial Guards) bowed respectfully to Chu Chen and then left.
Chu Chen pondered for a moment and returned to his bedroom.
The Empress was sitting there. Seeing Chu Chen return, she quickly asked, "What happened?"
Chu Chen told her truthfully. The Empress's face turned cold. "Did you really send false news about this? Don't tell me you deceived me too?"
Chu Chen quickly explained, "Your Majesty, you worry too much. Even if I wanted to deceive Your Majesty, I wouldn't dare."
The Empress's expression softened slightly. "Don't just say these useless words. Do you have any evidence to prove you didn't lie?"
Chu Chen chuckled and said, "Your Majesty, this requires no evidence. In at most ten days, after these fellows rebel, the army will arrive at Shuangyue City."
"Then everything will be revealed to the world."
"How do you plan to deal with their impeachment tomorrow?"
Chu Chen smiled upon hearing this and said, "Your Majesty, I am prepared. Let them impeach me as they wish."
"However, Your Majesty, I also plan to discuss it with the regent. Your Majesty should go to sleep now."
The Empress nodded. Chu Chen quietly walked out of the bedroom and headed straight for the warm pavilion.
Li Xinyue was working here and also resting here at night.
Meanwhile, the Empress lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
For an unknown amount of time, she could endure this feeling of unbearable loneliness. Because of her detachment and lack of desire, she didn't think about many things, and thus had no problems.
Someone of her extremely high cultivation could not possibly be easily moved by desire.
However, after the incident in the cave last time, the Empress had deeply sealed away these memories, never intending to think about them again.
Yet, this kind of thing was not something that would not take root and sprout just because she didn't think about it.
On the contrary, the more she didn't want to think about it, the more it seemed to burrow into her heart like a parasite.
The Empress tossed and turned, then suddenly threw off the covers and looked at the ground. She only saw emptiness, and a sense of loss filled her heart.
At the same time, Chu Chen had arrived at the palace. A palace maid woke Li Xinyue.
Seeing Chu Chen appear by her bedside, Li Xinyue couldn't help but feel a little confused, and then her face turned slightly red.
"Why did you come in? This, with so many people outside, isn't it a bit inappropriate?"
Chu Chen smiled and said, "Your Highness Princess, you are overthinking. There is nothing inappropriate. I have important military and political matters to report to you."
Upon hearing this, Li Xinyue's expression became serious. "What happened? Speak quickly!"
As she said this, Li Xinyue was about to sit up from the bed to get dressed, but Chu Chen stopped her.
Chu Chen smiled and said, "Princess, just listen to me."