Chapter Seventeen: Unleashing Power

Eunuch Mingde watched as the Minister of Revenue gradually disappeared into the distance, only then did he slowly let out a breath.
“All right, let him go.”
The wife of the vice minister, whose presence was now clearly unnecessary, shot Lu Jue a fierce glare before swaying her hips and leaving.
Eunuch Mingde ordered the guards to release Lu Jue, then dismissed them and took the opportunity to examine Lu Jue anew. With a smile, he said,
“You are now considered a trusted confidant by His Majesty. How can you be so thoughtless?”
Lu Jue recalled that Mingde had just saved him, undoubtedly offending others in the process. He simply offered his thanks and prepared to leave.
“Wait, Young Master Lu, this old servant has a few words for your own good. Would you care to listen?”
Eunuch Mingde stopped Lu Jue in his tracks and continued,
“In this palace, ever since the ministers petitioned His Majesty to restore the harem, there have been many comings and goings.”
“If you have something to say, please speak plainly. I will listen.”
Hearing Mingde mention the harem again, Lu Jue couldn’t help but feel irritated, his tone impatient.
Eunuch Mingde was unbothered by Lu Jue’s tone; he simply continued,
“From now on, matters in the harem will be far from simple. Which of these people aren't aristocrats? Which of them do not wield power? If you wish to continue serving by His Majesty’s side, you must learn to discipline yourself.”
“Discipline myself?”
Lu Jue raised his brows, sensing a hidden meaning in Mingde’s words.
“I wonder what you mean by discipline, Eunuch?”
“You still don’t understand, Young Master Lu? In today’s court, a single word from the Minister of Revenue can determine life and death in a region. These noblemen are of royal blood; your reckless actions could bring disaster upon yourself.”
Eunuch Mingde let out a cold laugh and turned to leave.

“Bring disaster upon myself?”
Lu Jue quietly repeated Mingde’s words, sorrow rising within him.
Outside the study, everyone had dispersed, and the earlier commotion gave way to silence. Lu Jue stood alone, unmoving for a long time.
Behind the door of the study, Feng Yewu silently watched everything unfold and conclude. Every word spoken outside reached her ears clearly.
Lu Jue’s solitary figure in the end pierced her heart deeply. Tight in her palm, a few drops of bright red blood had fallen.

The next day, in the imperial court, Feng Yewu kept a dark expression as she waited for the ministers to finish discussing state affairs, after which they should have been dismissed.
But this time, Feng Yewu uttered not a single word. Below the throne, faced with her silence, the ministers were at a loss, exchanging uneasy glances.
“Your Majesty?”
At last, pushed by the anxious gazes around him, the Minister of Revenue was forced to speak, gently inquiring.
“Hmm? Is there something urgent, Minister of Revenue?”
Feng Yewu feigned ignorance and returned the question.
“Your Majesty, we have nothing further to report.”
Faced with her inquiry, the Minister of Revenue could only lower his head helplessly and reply once more.
“Are you all certain you have nothing else to say?”
Feng Yewu sat up slightly, confirming again.
“Yes!”
The hundred officials responded in unison.

“If none of you have anything to say, then I do.”

Just as everyone thought there was nothing left to discuss and prepared to withdraw, Feng Yewu unexpectedly declared she had something to say.
With no choice, the ministers straightened themselves and listened quietly.
“In recent days, regarding the proposal by Prince Changwu and the Minister of Revenue to restore the harem for me—”
At this point, Feng Yewu paused, scrutinizing the officials below.
Both the Minister of Revenue and Prince Changwu stiffened, clearly troubled. On the other side, Lu Jue's expression was deeply affected by Feng Yewu’s words.
“I find it particularly inappropriate.”
“Your Majesty? What do you find inappropriate?”
Startled by her statement, both Prince Changwu and the Minister of Revenue were taken aback. The expansion of Feng Yewu’s harem was thought to be a foregone conclusion; their families had made every preparation.
Now that Feng Yewu abruptly refused, chaos ensued.
Unable to hold back, the Minister of Revenue immediately asked,
“Since my ascension, the realm is not yet pacified, my achievements are lacking. To restore the harem so soon—how will the people view their king? Do you wish me to repeat the mistakes of the previous dynasty?”
Feng Yewu glared at the Minister of Revenue, her almond eyes sharp as she rebuked him.
“This... Your Majesty, forgive me, I never intended such a thing.”
“No such intention? I think you acted deliberately! You, a dignified Minister of Revenue, spend your days idle, neglecting your duties, and concern yourself only with my harem affairs. Is that not intentional?”
Feng Yewu’s voice rose, pressing with authority, leaving the Minister of Revenue unable to utter a word.
Prince Changwu, who had intended to support the minister, fell silent at the sight.