All eyes were immediately drawn to Lingjiu Hall.
What was the National Preceptor’s condition now?
It wasn't just the people on Prince Yu's side who wanted to know; everyone else was eager to find out.
Regardless of whom they were loyal to, the National Preceptor was too important to their Southern Ming.
"Your Majesty," someone among the officials whispered, "Your Majesty, what is the National Preceptor's current situation?"
"The National Preceptor was greatly weakened while performing a ritual to verify this princess's identity, and is currently recuperating," Chu Qianli replied.
Prince Yu snorted coldly, "Princess, why did I hear that the National Preceptor has actually left Lingjiu Hall?"
"The National Preceptor is currently in Lingjiu Hall, when did he ever leave?"
"I personally saw him leave with a man in black," Lan Fan stepped forward and said coldly, "Your Highness, could it be that the man in black is your companion?"
The National Preceptor was taken away by the man in black?
There had been rumors before, but no one knew if they were true.
What was the truth of this matter?
Everyone stared at Chu Qianli.
Chu Qianli, however, remained composed, her calmness far exceeding her age, giving everyone a sense of security.
They hadn't believed it before, thinking that royalty possessed inherent majesty. Now, seeing their own princess, they were gradually beginning to believe.
True temperament, it seemed, was indeed innate and natural.
"Prince Yu, why don't you get straight to the point and state your intentions," Chu Qianli said.
Prince Yu snorted, still holding a degree of disdain for her.
He wanted to speak directly with the Emperor, but the Emperor today acted like an outsider. This attitude clearly indicated that all major and minor affairs of the court had been handed over to Chu Qianli to manage.
A mere princess!
Yet, in the hall, apart from him, no one else dared to utter a single "no"!
Since no one else would speak, he would.
"Regardless of why the National Preceptor is severely injured, his injury is a fact. Since the National Preceptor is currently unable to manage Lingjiu Hall, Lingjiu Hall must have a new master."
Prince Yu looked at Lan Fan, then his gaze swept across everyone in the court.
"If Lingjiu Hall remains empty, won't everyone feel uneasy and restless?"
No one dared to speak.
How important was Lingjiu Hall to their Southern Ming!
Who in the entire country did not revere the National Preceptor?
But they revered the position of National Preceptor, not the person.
If this person was no longer capable of being the National Preceptor, then the position should be held by someone capable.
Lan Fan had performed a ritual in Xinhua Village to appease the populace. No one knew the actual effect, but the fact that the epidemic in Xinhua Village had completely subsided was undeniable.
Who could say that Xinhua Village's recovery was not due to Lan Fan's merit?
Although Chu Qianli was an atheist, she understood that for the people of Southern Ming, Lingjiu Hall was like a divine temple.
Faith, as long as you believed, it was divine, and no one could overthrow it.
Not even the Emperor.
"So, Uncle, are you suggesting that you want to find a new master for Lingjiu Hall?" she asked calmly.
Prince Yu's voice deepened, "What virtue or merit do I possess to choose a master for Lingjiu Hall? I have no authority to inquire about Lingjiu Hall's affairs."
"Then..."
"But I believe that since Mr. Lan is the National Preceptor's senior brother, his abilities are naturally not inferior to the National Preceptor's. Furthermore, Mr. Lan has made great contributions in the matter of the collapsed moat. If the National Preceptor has indeed lost the ability to govern Lingjiu Hall, then it would be most fitting for Mr. Lan to become the new master of Lingjiu Hall."