The Emperor's expression was inscrutable. The ministers below didn't know if His Majesty was angry or not, nor could they guess if he was angry with the Wang family father and son, or with Minister Yao.
Although Xiao Che was not entirely satisfied with Minister Qin's attitude, he had no intention of speaking up. Firstly, it was not worth it to rashly step forward to defend the Yao family. Secondly, the position of Minister of Revenue was not one that just anyone could hold. Without a better candidate, Minister Qin was the treasury of the Great Wei, and he could not be touched.
The remaining ministers wore expressions of onlookers. This was truly a turn of fortune. Before the Seventh Prince returned to the capital, how powerful was Minister Yao? His demeanor was that of a royal uncle, like a living Buddha, whom passersby had to bow to.
Who would have thought that after returning to the capital, he would be slapped in the face?
Serves him right!
There were melons to eat every year, but this year there were especially many. What a lively scene!
It was the Minister of Rites who was quick-witted. He blocked Minister Yao's restless urge to rush forward and fight, and quickly stepped forward to whisper, "My lord, let's talk things through properly."
This was in front of the Emperor and all the civil and military officials. Don't give others a handle to criticize, otherwise, even if you were in the right, you would appear to be in the wrong.
Moreover, judging by Minister Qin's physique, he was clearly a practitioner of martial arts. Most of the scions of noble families were accomplished in both literary and martial arts. Minister Yao might not be his match.
Yao Zhinian had indeed become a bit arrogant lately, but he wasn't foolish. His objective today was to expose the crimes of the Wang family father and son to the public.
Although Minister Qin had interfered, his objective had been achieved.
Calm down, must remain calm!
Seeing the look in Yao Zhinian's eyes, Geng Fangda cupped his hands towards Minister Qin and said, "I apologize for my presumptuousness today, but my actions were all for the sake of the Great Wei. One matter is one matter. I will continue to investigate the case of the Northern Army, and I ask for Minister Qin's understanding."
Minister Qin chuckled, like a smiling tiger, and stepped forward to straighten Geng Fangda's askew collar. "Minister Geng is too polite. We are all working for the Great Wei, and it is normal to have disagreements in political views. Investigating cases is your duty, of course, you should continue. After leaving the court, we are still friends."
Geng Fangda did not believe that Minister Qin was being kind. The old fox was cunning. He had to consider the presence of all the civil and military officials just now. He then respectfully replied, "Minister Qin is right. This subordinate remembers it."
"Your Majesty, I spoke out of turn in a moment of urgency, but the matter is of great importance, and I dare not speak carelessly. The case of the Northern Army rebels colluding with Prince Han is indeed conclusive evidence." Geng Fangda was still unwilling to give up.
If he could bring down the Wang family, he would not only be the top confidant of Yao Zhinian but also earn the favor of the Seventh Prince.
Therefore, he would kick even the hardest iron board. Bringing down the Wang family was imperative.
"Your Majesty, investigating the case of Prince Han's rebellion is not impossible, but it involves many people, and it is difficult to investigate clearly in a short period. Moreover, His Majesty has already pardoned Prince Han, so further investigation is meaningless and a waste of manpower. It would also make people think that His Majesty's pardon of Prince Han was a pretense." Minister Qin's words were somewhat sharp, but there was truth in them.
If the ringleader had been pardoned, then investigating further would involve the five great clans. But His Majesty was unwilling to punish the Wang family, which clearly indicated a desire for collective punishment. He wanted everyone to argue and muddy the waters so that he could fish in troubled waters and reap the benefits.
His Majesty was using the noble clans and the Yao family to their fullest. If one were to speak of wickedness, this was true wickedness.
"As long as one wants to investigate, nothing cannot be investigated. General Fan is here today. It was General Fan who discovered Adjutant Hu. If the Wang family father and son are truly wronged, this subordinate is willing to accept punishment."
"Are we all to stand here and accompany Minister Geng in his investigation?" Minister Qin shook his head with a smile, even his expression of disagreement was very graceful.
This idiot, this was no longer a contest between the noble clans and the Yao family. He didn't even realize he had become a pawn.
His Majesty was killing without drawing blood. Minister Qin even felt a bit of sympathy for Yao Zhinian. Being a royal uncle was not an easy task.