Chapter 2189: Chapter 2186: Testing the Waters

Those who originally wanted to ally with the Chu family became even more intent.

Ye Muyu thought of this, and frowned slightly.

She suddenly realized that she might be busy for a while.

Although Chu Heng’s public confession made her happy, thinking of the upcoming social engagements...

She felt somewhat helpless.

In fact, Ye Muyu was not wrong.

For half a month, she couldn’t leave the house as ladies kept visiting her.

Speaking of which.

Meanwhile.

In the court, the regulations concerning the Cavalry Corps were not yet confirmed.

The conflict between Chu Heng and Minister Qi in Xiang City became the focus.

Ultimately, it ended with Hu Hua being dismissed, and Chu Heng being punished with a deduction of three months’ salary by the Emperor for making his personal affairs known to everyone.

As for Minister Qi and Xiang City.

Although Emperor Xuanming said nothing, precisely because he said nothing.

The two became even more fearful.

If the Emperor expressed anger, they could react accordingly.

But now he showed no reaction.

This made the situation even more unpredictable.

Minister Qi and Xiang City walked out of the grand hall, exchanged a glance, both frowning.

A difficult issue lay before them.

How should they interact to regain Emperor Xuanming’s trust?

If hostility continued, they would have to sacrifice their personnel to stop the Emperor’s suspicions.

If relations improved, it would imply acknowledgment of their previous clandestine interactions.

Either could be devastating for them at this point.

Minister Qi regarded Chu Heng as a lifelong rival.

And Xiang City harbored deep hatred towards Chu Heng.

Yet, Chu Heng had a hold over them.

He racked his brains, wanting to deal with him.

At the moment, Chu Heng, who was extremely resented, was in the Imperial Study.

Kneeling on the ground, listening to Emperor Xuanming speak.

"Minister Chu, what kind of commotion were you trying to stir today? The official newspaper is the court’s official newspaper, you are bold!" Emperor Xuanming shouted angrily, showing his dissatisfaction with this conduct.

He saw the conflicts between his subjects privately.

He wouldn’t stop internal strife, as long as it didn’t cross the line.

"Emperor, I am wronged." Chu Heng, already kneeling, wasn’t told to rise by Emperor Xuanming, indicating genuine anger.

Emperor Xuanming looked at him with ambiguous intent, "Oh? Wronged?"

"Minister Chu, where do you feel you’ve been wronged? Did I misunderstand your private conduct?"

Actually, Chu Heng submitted a memorial before the morning assembly, and the official newspaper only released the news simultaneously. Yet, prior reports were submitted one day in advance, requiring Emperor Xuanming’s approval before being published.

This time, he forced the publication deliberately, testing Emperor Xuanming’s tolerance.

Even if he intended to be a loyal and capable minister, if he sensed mistrust from the Emperor, he would naturally change his approach.

As long as there is trust, even if he oversteps, so what.

Unless Emperor Xuanming secretly resented him, wanting to act against him, he could proceed and strip away his power.

"This incident certainly involved overstepping, I admit guilt, but I am also prepared to redeem myself." Chu Heng stated, neither humble nor pushy.

Emperor Xuanming showed interest: "Oh? How do you plan to redeem yourself?"

"Emperor, my actions are all for the court, for the future development of the official newspaper." Chu Heng said emphatically, "From the very start, the official newspaper must represent the court’s image, must be fair and strict, to earn a reputation among the people, which is one of the fundamental principles of the official newspaper."

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