As Liu Aotian's words echoed through the hall, a tense and murderous aura enveloped the entire court.

Many people's expressions turned serious, knowing that the main event had arrived.

It was indeed Liu, the Prime Minister, who struck first, catching the Emperor off guard.

Especially since the Emperor had just shown favor to Xiao Tian, only to be met with such an offensive.

Tsk tsk!

Originally bored and slumped in the grand master's chair, Xiao Tian immediately sat up straight.

"Oh ho, it's starting?" Xiao Tian's eyes sparkled with interest, his excitement piqued.

How entertaining!

This court intrigue, the sharp exchanges, where every word could be a matter of life and death.

It's incredibly thrilling.

Isn't it much more interesting than just slapping someone to death?

Most eyes in the court were focused on the Emperor and the Prime Minister.

Thus, they didn't notice Xiao Tian's demeanor, except for Zhong Ling and Liu Yan.

Zhong Ling, being an imperial bodyguard, and Liu Yan, the Commander of the Imperial Guards, were naturally present.

From afar, they both noticed Xiao Tian's excited expression.

"As expected of the Prince, others want to execute him, and he's still so happy," Zhong Ling thought to herself, exchanging a glance with Liu Yan.

Liu Yan shook his head, signaling Zhong Ling to remain silent and just watch.

The worst-case scenario would be the Prince revealing his strength against his will and slapping the Prime Minister to death.

With power, one can do as they please.

If the Prince wants to play, let him play.

"Your Majesty, my apologies," Liu Yan glanced at Zi Ruoyan again, feeling guilty.

After all, the Emperor was still in the dark about the Prince.

Just as the atmosphere was solidifying, Zi Ruoyan spoke, "Prime Minister, Prince Xiao Tian is my husband, and you want to execute him with just a word?"

"Nonsense!"

Boom!

Zi Ruoyan's aura exploded instantly, her Ninth Tier Saint Ascension Realm power on full display.

For a moment, the ministers were all shocked.

The Emperor's talent was truly unparalleled.

Only twenty years old, and already at such a realm, it was truly...

"Your Majesty, congratulations on your advancement," Liu Aotian suddenly bowed, saluting Zi Ruoyan.

Yet, as his voice rang out, it invisibly dissolved Zi Ruoyan's aura, allowing the ministers to recover from their shock.

The other ministers also came to their senses, following Liu Aotian in saluting and congratulating Zi Ruoyan.

"We congratulate Your Majesty on your advancement, your power shaking the world."

Zi Ruoyan remained silent, merely staring at Liu Aotian.

Even at the Ninth Tier Saint Ascension Realm, she couldn't see through him.

In fact, with just a word, Liu Aotian dissolved her aura.

His strength was deeper than she had imagined.

Zi Ruoyan understood this clearly, as did the ministers.

Especially Zhong Lishuang and Zhong Yangming, whose expressions were grave.

Liu Aotian was far more troublesome than they had imagined.

"Your Majesty, advancement in cultivation is a good thing, but the Great Yan Dynasty's current state relies not only on strength but also on ability and principles."

"Prince Xiao Tian, as your husband, should possess great talents, but he engages in petty schemes that harm the people."

"Your Majesty is noble, the supreme of Great Yan."

"Yet you misuse the Emperor's name for personal gain, reeking of money, what right do you have to be the Emperor's husband?"

"This is a case of virtue not matching position!"

"Therefore, I request the Prince be deposed."

As Liu Aotian said this, he suddenly pointed to Zhong Ling, who was acting as a bodyguard with a sword at her side, "Zhong Ling, daughter of General Zhong, imperial bodyguard."

"She follows Xiao Tian around all day, not understanding the difference between men and women, nor the hierarchy."

"Commander Liu Yan neglects her duties, following Xiao Tian in his misdeeds, not focusing on her responsibilities."

"Minister of Revenue Zhong Yangming has become Xiao Tian's cook, making a laughingstock of himself."

"Isn't this a disgrace to the court?"

"With the Emperor favoring Xiao Tian like this, will he eventually stop attending court altogether?"

As Liu Aotian spoke, his tone was firm: "Therefore, I also request Xiao Tian be executed."

Execute Xiao Tian!

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These three words echoed in the vast Great Yan Hall, leaving the ministers silent.

Zhong Lishuang's face flushed with anger, wishing she could curse this old man.

Why drag her daughter into this, making it seem like she and the Prince were up to no good?

"Your Majesty, the Prime Minister is mistaken," Zhong Yangming stepped forward, suddenly speaking.

"Prince Xiao Tian reformed Qingyan Wine, established a winery, benefiting the people of Qingyan Town, building bridges and roads, taking from the people and using it for the people."

"How is this competing with the people for profit?"

"The wine bears the Emperor's name, spreading its fame across the world."

"Moreover, the Prime Minister might not know, but the Southern Frontier plan you praise so much was actually devised by the Prince, I merely executed it!"

Liu Aotian's eyes narrowed, clearly surprised.

Not only him, but the ministers also showed astonishment.

They all thought the Southern Frontier plan was Zhong Yangming's doing, who would have thought it was Xiao Tian's strategy?

No wonder Zhong Yangming had always been evasive about taking credit for the plan, was he waiting for this moment?

"You all know, my unruly daughter has improved by following the Prince."

"Commander Liu is from Qingyan Town, the Qingyan Winery benefits the locals, and with the Emperor's order to protect the Prince, what's the issue?"

"I want to ask the Prime Minister, the Prince is learned and talented, how is he unworthy of his position, and how is he a disgrace to the court?"

Zhong Yangming's questioning was like a sharp sword pointed at Liu Aotian.

On the dragon throne, Zi Ruoyan relaxed considerably.

As expected, Zhong Yangming was prepared, anticipating this scene, which is why he had Xiao Tian come to court to meet the ministers.

"Well done, quite the move," Xiao Tian also glanced at Zhong Yangming, quietly giving him a thumbs up.

"Is that so?" Liu Aotian's face showed no panic, instead staring directly at Zhong Yangming, "Minister Zhong, where is your evidence?"

"Prime Minister Liu, what do you mean?"

"How could Xiao Tian possibly have such abilities?" Liu Aotian shook his head, looking at Zhong Yangming, "Minister Zhong, how can you prove that what you claim was really done by Xiao Tian?"

"I have every reason to suspect that you are attributing your own deeds to Xiao Tian."

"Minister Zhong, I truly feel for you."

Zhong Yangming gritted his teeth, his expression dark.

Liu Aotian had indeed hit his weak spot; it was just Xiao Tian verbally telling him back then, what evidence did he have?

"You say Minister Zhong has no evidence to prove these things were done by me," Xiao Tian's lazy voice suddenly rang out from the platform.

Everyone turned to look at the imperial platform.

Xiao Tian leaned forward, elbows on his knees, looking at Liu Aotian, "Does the Prime Minister have evidence to prove these things are unrelated to me?"

As Xiao Tian finished speaking, Zhong Yangming's eyes lit up.

The Prince, well done!

Counterattack!

"The Prince makes a good point," Liu Aotian instead smiled, looking around, "Since neither I nor Minister Zhong can convince the other, how about this..."

"Since the Prince is learned and talented, why not demonstrate it?" Liu Aotian said, producing an ancient book from his hand.

"This is an ancient book of inheritance, why doesn't the Prince take a look?"

Seeing what Liu Aotian had taken out, everyone's expressions changed.

Zi Ruoyan's face turned angry, "Prime Minister Liu, what are you trying to do!!!"

"Prime Minister, you've gone too far," Zhong Yangming couldn't help but shout.

Zhong Lishuang also showed a fierce expression, "Prime Minister, are you determined to drive someone to their death?"