Chapter 162: Conflict Between Civilians and Imperial Power
He said it calmly, but his tone was dangerous as he released the intimidating pressure of an Emperor.
Gong Yi Mo lifted her head and stared at the other party in the eyes. She sighed and said, “Of course it is to report wrongs to you!”
Her words caused the faces of everyone present to change. Gong Sheng sunk into silence for a moment and glanced at the crowd below him. He spoke with a chilling voice,
“Who are you reporting?”
Gong Yi Mo smiled lightly. Even though she appeared tired, her actions were light and nimble.
“This humble lady has three grievances, please judge fairly!”
“Speak!”
She seemed to hold no fear of the Emperor as she looked at the important officials on the wall. They all glared back at her like a tiger eyeing its prey, as if anything that comes out from her lips are knives instead of words.
The heavens darkened as large clouds gathered together, as if a storm was brewing. The cold wind of winter blew bitterly. Gong Yi Mo tucked in the loose strands of hair by her ear and took in a deep breath before speaking.
“First report: the Princes!” Her eyes fell behind the ministers as she looked at the princes of various ages. However, it was just a short glance that carried traces of disdain.
“Ever since the start of the construction of the canal, there had been countless people trying to sabotage our work in the dark! Especially those powers behind the princes! I wholeheartedly worked on the front lines, day and night, but there were so many that didn’t want to leave your sight yet reap rewards. It really makes one seethe!”
“Ever since the construction of the canal started showing success, there have been countless people trying to sabotage our work in the shadows! Especially the clans working behind those various princes! I wholeheartedly worked on the front lines, day and night, but there are those who would rather stick beside Your Majesty, hoping to reap benefits without working. Their actions are a disgusting sight!”
She didn’t point at any particular person, but her disgusted tone caused everyone to tremble.
But since their actions were being watched by the civilians, those resentful princes wouldn’t dare lash out in anger! Also, they were afraid that if they opened their mouths, the scholars below would harshly rebuke them. That’s why they could only coldly glare at Gong Yi Mo.
When the Emperor heard her words, he couldn’t help but recall the various princes’ shady dealings and the occasional pillow talk from his concubines during the year and a half that the Crown Prince had been reconstructing the canal. For a moment, he couldn’t find any words to refute Gong Yi Mo’s words. If it hadn’t been for his firm support in the past, the canal would’ve only been half completed by now.
Thinking of this, Emperor Gong Sheng felt inexplicable disgust for those people.
“This humble lady’s second grievance: the ministers!”
Without waiting for Gong Sheng to react, Gong Yi Mo’s jade white finger pointed at the officials on the wall. Her face was pale white as she smiled and spoke.
“The Crown Prince almost lost his life during this assassination attempt, yet when it reached the palace, it was reported instead that the Crown Prince was faking injuries to avoid returning to the capital.
“Which led to the Emperor issuing three imperial commands to order the Crown Prince’s return, almost causing the Crown Prince to die on the journey way back!”
“As ministers, they don’t think about how to care for the civilians or to help develop and innovate the country, but are instead narrow-minded and compete for a favor like rabid dogs. Framing, even outright eliminating threats, doing whatever they want. They disgrace the holy books!”
She coldly mocked, her every word and phrase banging loudly against the others’ eardrums! Some of the ministers around the Emperor were ashamed, some were pale, and some were enraged!
“Utter slander! You keep twisting the truth for the Crown Prince in order to rid him of his crimes! Right after digging out that cauldron, you claim that the Crown Prince was almost assassinated! Who knows if the Crown Prince wasn’t harmed by someone around him. Feeling conceited because of the canal prophecy, that’s why you all decided to rebel!”
Some ministers glared evilly at Gong Yi Mo, “You keep saying that the Crown Prince was almost killed, but hasn’t he returned safely anyways?”
His meaning was clear: he was implying that Gong Che was faking it as per Gong Yi Mo’s orders to rid him of the accusations.
Gong Yi Mo laughed loudly!
“Your Majesty, do you also believe so?”