Deliberations in the Warm Chamber

The door of the warm pavilion closed gently behind them, cutting off all sounds from the outside.

Unlike the grand and solemn main hall, the warm pavilion was not large, but its furnishings were far more exquisite.

Against the north wall sat a dragon-carved red sandalwood imperial desk. Emperor Luo was already seated upright beside it.

He was no longer leaning languidly against the armrest as he had been in the imperial court; instead, his back was straight, and his gaze, as calm as a deep pool, swept over the few people filing in.

Although there were no surrounding officials or towering golden halls, the oppressive aura within this small space was even heavier than in the court.

Gu Chengyin followed behind Luo Zhao, the second to step into the warm pavilion.

Logically speaking, given his status and position, he should have been the last in line.

But who could blame him when the person in front of him was the sole Crown Heir of Great Luo? Following closely behind Luo Zhao could not be considered overstepping his bounds.

However, because of this, when Emperor Luo raised his eyes, the first person he saw, other than Luo Zhao, was him.

Emperor Luo's gaze lingered on him for a moment without showing any emotion, then slowly moved away.

Gu Chengyin kept his eyes downcast, standing slightly behind Luo Zhao's side, trying his best to make himself look as inconspicuous as possible.

He quickly scanned the room. Cui Shifan, Hu Juzheng, and Yuan Zhengqing stood solemnly on the left, their expressions grave.

Luo Yanchen stood on the right, his usual sinister smile retracted, making him appear somewhat profound.

Xiao Song stood alone near the door, his head slightly bowed in a respectful posture, yet exuding a dreary, lifeless desolation.

Lyu Fang stood silently in attendance beside the imperial desk.

Once everyone had taken their places.

Emperor Luo finally spoke:

Grand Secretary Xiao.

Xiao Song, whose name was called, trembled slightly. He immediately took a step forward and bowed deeply: This old minister is here.

Emperor Luo's gaze fell upon this old minister who had assisted him for decades and held immense power in the court. He pondered for a moment before speaking slowly:

You have served as the Chief Grand Secretary for decades. For the country and the court, even if you lack great merit, you have worked hard.

These words were spoken plainly, but they instantly made Xiao Song's eyes turn red.

He bowed his head even lower, his gray hair and beard trembling slightly.

This time, you were deceived by Xiao Jie, resulting in such a black sheep emerging within your clan. Although it is a matter of lax discipline, it is also excusable.

Excusable.

These words acted like a pardon, instantly relaxing Xiao Song's tense body.

I can guarantee here, Emperor Luo continued:

As long as the crimes committed by the direct descendants of the Xiao clan are not too excessive, they will all be dealt with leniently and judged according to the circumstances.

As for you, since you have already requested to reflect on your mistakes behind closed doors, I will not be overly harsh.

Retire and return to your hometown.

Retire and return to his hometown!

These words put a final end to Xiao Song's official career.

From then on, there would be no more Chief Grand Secretary Xiao in the court. The Lanling Xiao Clan would completely withdraw from the core of Great Luo's power.

Xiao Song raised his head, tears streaming down his old face. He bowed again tremblingly, his voice hoarse and choked with emotion:

This old minister... thanks Your Majesty for your immense grace! Your Majesty is benevolent, and this old minister will engrave it in my heart. Even in death, I dare not forget!

How much of this tearful gratitude was genuine and how much was an act, those present had their own judgments in their hearts.

But at least on the surface, the grace and loyalty between monarch and subject were preserved.

Emperor Luo nodded slightly, saying no more, and turned to Lyu Fang: Elder Xiao is getting on in years and should not stand for too long.

Lyu Fang, escort Elder Xiao out carefully, arrange a carriage, and make sure he is safely returned to his residence.

This old servant obeys the decree.

Lyu Fang bowed in compliance, walked quickly to Xiao Song's side, and carefully supported the fallen Chief Grand Secretary.

Xiao Song turned back one last time, his complex gaze sweeping over the people in the warm pavilion.

Finally, it lingered on Gu Chengyin's face for an extra moment.

Then, allowing Lyu Fang to support him, he walked out of the warm pavilion step by step, slow and heavy.

That back, which had once been as straight as a pine and held the power of the world, was now hunched over, as if all its spirit and energy had been drained away.

The door closed again, shutting out Xiao Song's back.

Inside the warm pavilion, the air felt a bit lighter.

Emperor Luo's gaze then fell on the remaining people.

With Xiao Song retiring to his hometown, a seat in the Grand Secretariat is empty.

For the stability of the court, a replacement is imperative.

Cui Shifan.

This subject is here. Cui Shifan immediately took a step forward.

You were originally the Second Grand Secretary. According to the rules, you will temporarily act as the Chief Grand Secretary and manage the affairs of the Grand Secretariat.

Emperor Luo looked at this newly appointed Chief Grand Secretary, his tone growing heavier: The court has just experienced turmoil, and people's minds are unsettled.

You must maintain the stability of the court, pacify all sides, and prevent any further incidents.

Do you understand?

Cui Shifan bowed deeply, his voice steady and powerful: Rest assured, Your Majesty. This subject will do his utmost to stabilize the court and will not fail Your Majesty's heavy trust.

Mm. Emperor Luo nodded slightly, turning his gaze to the other side: Hu Juzheng.

This subject is here.

You will take over the position of Second Grand Secretary and assist Minister Cui in handling the affairs of the Grand Secretariat. Emperor Luo said lightly:

Regarding the Xiao Clan case, you must cooperate sincerely with Minister Yuan to investigate it thoroughly, but you must also grasp the proper limits. Do not implicate too broadly and cause unnecessary panic.

Hu Juzheng bowed and replied: This subject obeys the decree!

Emperor Luo's gaze then fell on Yuan Zhengqing: Minister Yuan, on the side of the Chief Surveillance Bureau, you must fully cooperate with Minister Hu to try this case. Ensure the evidence is conclusive and the sentencing is appropriate.

This subject obeys the decree! Yuan Zhengqing replied solemnly.

Emperor Luo's gaze drifted slightly, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the imperial desk, as if deep in thought.

A moment later, he continued: Let Shangguan Yuan take over as the fourth Grand Secretary.

As soon as these words came out, none of the people in the warm pavilion showed any surprise.

Although the Ministry of Revenue made a blunder this time, the main fault lies with Xiao Jie and his cronies colluding to deceive. Although Shangguan Yuan bears the responsibility of oversight, his crime is not that severe.

Emperor Luo explained lightly: Moreover, he has managed the Ministry of Revenue for many years and is quite familiar with the dispatch of money and grain, as well as the treasury's income and expenditure. Entering the Grand Secretariat will also allow him to utilize his strengths.

As for the fifth Grand Secretary, Emperor Luo looked at Cui Shifan and the other two, The Grand Secretariat will discuss it first, recommend a few suitable candidates, and report them to me.

We subjects obey the decree, Cui Shifan and the other two replied in unison.

With the personnel arrangements of the Grand Secretariat temporarily concluded, Emperor Luo finally looked at his children.

Zhao'er.

Luo Zhao took a step forward and bowed: Imperial Father.

In this audit, rooting out the Xiao Clan's corruption syndicate, you did very well.

Emperor Luo looked at his daughter, a look of approval on his face: Bold yet meticulous, swift and decisive. What is even rarer is that you know how to leverage power and use the right people.

When he mentioned using the right people, his gaze seemingly swept over Gu Chengyin.

Rooting out such a great menace, recovering losses for the court, and cleaning up the administration of officials, this is a great merit. Emperor Luo changed the subject:

With this, I am actually going to add more burden onto your shoulders.

Luo Zhao's expression remained unchanged, and she said respectfully: This is within your subject's duties; I dare not seek a reward.

Sharing Imperial Father's worries and serving the court is my duty.

Emperor Luo was noncommittal. His gaze glanced at Gu Chengyin behind Luo Zhao again, then looked back at Luo Zhao, and said slowly:

Currently, you have been staying in the Crown Heir's Palace handling government affairs. Although you are familiar with government affairs, you ultimately lack some practical experience.

In my view, it is time for you to take a tour of the Six Ministries and experience it firsthand.