Another day dawned.

As the sky began to lighten, the ministers had already gathered outside the palace.

They whispered among themselves, occasionally glancing in one direction.

There, a man with white hair but a youthful face stood at the forefront, hands clasped behind his back.

A number of officials gathered around him, maintaining a respectful distance, acknowledging his authority.

Only a young man who resembled him stood closer.

This was Liu Aotian, the Prime Minister of the Great Yan Dynasty.

Beside him was his son, Liu Shimei, a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Justice.

From the current situation, it was clear that Liu Aotian wielded significant power in the court.

A third of the officials clustered around him.

Another third, led by the couple Zhong Lishuang and Zhong Yangming, formed a faction centered around the Empress's trusted aides.

The remaining officials stood in small groups, maintaining neutrality.

Though these officials stood silently without making any moves, many could sense the brewing storm.

They had already received news that the Northern Frontier had been secured and the Emperor was returning.

This court assembly would also see the appearance of the Prince, who would meet with the ministers.

In fact, many of the officials present had already met Prince Xiao Tian.

They shared a common understanding that the Empress held a special affection for this prince.

Firstly, the Empress Qingyan Wine, which was all the rage in the Imperial City, was crafted by the Prince himself, and its exquisite taste was well-known.

The fact that Xiao Tian could profit under the Empress's name was a testament to his favor.

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Secondly, the Minister of Revenue had recently been cooking personally for Xiao Tian.

Zhong Yangming was known for his culinary skills, but few had the privilege to taste his dishes.

For the Minister of Revenue to become Xiao Tian's personal chef further demonstrated his standing in the Empress's heart.

Clearly, Empress Zi Ruoyan had a deep affection for this prince.

However...

Everyone present knew that Prime Minister Liu Aotian was displeased.

The Prime Minister had always intended for the Empress to marry his son, Liu Shimei.

This court session was bound to see Liu Aotian clash with the Emperor over the Prince.

The neutral officials were particularly curious about the impending storm in the court.

Would the Empress withstand the Prime Minister's challenge?

Or would the Prime Minister force the Empress into a reluctant compromise?

Creak...

The palace gates opened with a heavy sound, and the ministers all looked up, staring straight ahead.

It wouldn't be long before the outcome was revealed.

The ministers filed in, entering the palace along the sides of the imperial path, ascending the jade steps, and entering the Great Yan Hall.

Once they found their places and stood, they noticed something different this time.

Beside the dragon throne on the dais of the Great Yan Hall, there was an additional seat.

The ministers understood who this seat was for.

At the forefront of the ministers, Liu Aotian's expression remained unchanged.

But Liu Shimei clearly lacked his father's composure, unable to maintain a calm facade.

He stared intently at the empty seat, his hands clenched tightly, clearly unwilling to accept it.

Those who observed Liu Shimei's demeanor found it amusing.

But it was understandable.

Liu Shimei had always eyed that position, often presenting himself as the future prince in front of others.

Who could have predicted that Xiao Tian would swoop in and snatch it away?

In the Imperial City, Liu Shimei had suddenly become a laughingstock.

Thus, his lack of composure was quite reasonable.

"The Emperor arrives!" a nearby attendant suddenly announced loudly.

Dressed in imperial robes, Zi Ruoyan stepped forward, assisted by her maids, and ascended the dais, taking her seat on the dragon throne.

Not only that, but a familiar yet unfamiliar figure to the ministers followed Zi Ruoyan to the dais.

"A phoenix chair???" Xiao Tian, who had ascended the dais, immediately noticed the seat meant for him, his expression turning peculiar.

Should he sit or not?

Wouldn't it be a bit embarrassing?

"What's wrong?" Zi Ruoyan, seated on the dragon throne, noticed Xiao Tian standing there dumbfounded and asked.

Xiao Tian pointed at the phoenix chair, "It's nothing, just this chair..."

"Someone!" Zi Ruoyan interrupted Xiao Tian, giving an order, "The Prince is a man; how can he sit on a phoenix chair? Change it!"

"Yes!" The attendants quickly responded, hurriedly removing the phoenix chair and replacing it with a grand master's chair.

Xiao Tian glanced at Zi Ruoyan and saw her wink at him.

"I see." Xiao Tian understood that Zi Ruoyan's actions were a signal to the ministers.

The Emperor favored the Prince greatly!

Since that was the case, Xiao Tian naturally had to play along, showcasing the demeanor of a prince favored by the Emperor.

Xiao Tian casually leaned back in the grand master's chair, crossing his legs and shaking them, like a spoiled heir.

Arrogant and ostentatious.

Zi Ruoyan seemed to ignore Xiao Tian's behavior entirely.

Their heart-to-heart talk last night had greatly increased their mutual understanding.

Together, they demonstrated to the ministers what it meant to be spoiled and arrogant.

In the Great Yan Hall, the ministers reacted in various ways.

The Prime Minister's faction frowned.

Even Liu Aotian's gaze flickered with a hint of darkness.

As for Liu Shimei?

He was so furious that he seemed ready to grind his teeth to dust and swallow them.

On the other hand, Zhong Yangming, Zhong Lishuang, and the Empress's trusted aides were quite surprised.

They understood the Empress's character and were taken aback by Zi Ruoyan's preferential treatment of Xiao Tian.

As for the neutral ministers, they simply watched with detached interest.

The show was about to get even more interesting.

Amidst these varied thoughts, the court session began.

The Emperor and ministers engaged in discussions.

Especially Zi Ruoyan and Liu Aotian, the Emperor and the minister, conversed smoothly.

"This... is getting interesting." Xiao Tian remained slouched in the grand master's chair, lazily observing Liu Aotian's performance with surprise.

The man was indeed a capable minister.

He was quick to adapt, and for every issue Zi Ruoyan raised, Liu Aotian had already found a solution.

Even when Zhong Yangming stepped forward to discuss matters in the Southern Frontier, Liu Aotian filled in the gaps and expanded on the points.

From start to finish, Liu Aotian not only fulfilled his duties as Prime Minister but did so excellently, leaving no room for criticism.

The Great Yan Dynasty's prosperity owed much to Prime Minister Liu's contributions!

"This guy is no simple character." Xiao Tian clicked his tongue. It's not a problem for someone to have ambition, but it's concerning when that person is also highly capable.

No wonder Zi Ruoyan found him troublesome, and reclaiming some power from such an opponent was evidently a significant challenge.

"Your Majesty!" At the closing of the session, Liu Aotian suddenly raised his voice, "Prince Xiao Tian is unworthy of his position, corrupting the court and leading Your Majesty astray."

"I request the removal of Xiao Tian's title as Prince, and furthermore..."

At this point, Liu Aotian looked up with a fierce gaze, staring coldly at Xiao Tian.

"Execution!"