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Eunuch Pan saw the Regent come out and immediately bowed respectfully, saying, "The Empress Dowager is well aware that last night's incident has upset the Princess, so she has commanded me to bring some rare items as a gesture of goodwill."
Fong Yang didn't even glance at him, coldly instructing Han Jing, "Get rid of it." With that, he turned and walked away.
Outside the gates of the Wang residence, another person was kneeling—Wen Li, the legitimate grandson of the Wen Family. His face was pale, and beads of sweat dripped down his forehead.
Finally seeing Fong Yang emerge, he quickly raised his head and said, "My lord, my grandfather was extremely furious upon learning about Sister's situation. He specifically sent me to apologize to you and the Princess. I hope you can forgive Sister this once for my grandfather's loyalty and service. I beg for your grace."
Fong Yang shot him a cold glance, said nothing, and showed no expression as he brushed past him and swiftly mounted his horse.
Yin Ye received the order: "Let’s head to the palace!"
They then galloped toward the imperial palace. Wen Li remained kneeling in a daze, feeling as if all his pride had crumbled in that moment.
The fate of the Wen Family now rested entirely in the hands of the Regent. Would he truly refuse to spare even a shred of face for an old minister like his grandfather?
After clearing away those kneeling outside the Regent's Palace, Fong Yang mounted his horse and entered the palace to deal with the Emperor.
Inside the palace, Fong Gaoyun, sporting dark circles under his eyes but trying to maintain composure, spoke up: "Your Excellencies, is there any urgent matter to report? If there is nothing to discuss, we shall disperse immediately!"
The ministers had nothing to report but dared not move. They silently pondered: Disperse? The Regent announced last night that there was an important matter to declare; who would dare to leave now?
At that moment, a eunuch outside shouted, "The Regent has arrived!"
The ministers hurriedly bowed down in greeting.
Though holding the regent's power, Fong Yang rarely attended the Morning Court. When he did, he stood at the steps of the hall, never once stepping beside the Dragon Throne.
At this moment, Fong Gaoyun watched as the Regent approached, feeling increasingly uneasy. He asked, "Uncle Emperor, what are you doing?"
Fong Yang ignored him, while Yin Ye brought in another Throne from the back hall and placed it flat on the high dais.
Fong Yang leisurely sat down on the chair.
"Today’s matters in the Morning Court have been discussed. Is there any urgent business to report?"
Among the ministers, Wen Lan's grandfather, Taifu Wen, stood up and addressed the Regent and the Emperor. "This old minister is advanced in years and requests to resign from the position of Taifu to focus on my health. I hope the Regent and His Majesty will grant me this favor."
Fong Yang responded with a casual "Hmm," then said, "Granted. Taifu Wen has served Da Zhou diligently for decades; it is indeed time for him to rest. I intend for Wen Family Young Master Wenling to take over as Taifu. What does Taifu think?"
Upon hearing this, Taifu Wen understood that the Regent was magnanimous and had not taken offense at the Wen Family. He quickly bowed in gratitude. "Ling'er is inexperienced; it would be an honor for him to be promoted by the Regent. This old minister could not have asked for more."
A wave of anxiety swept through the ministers.
It had always been said that only princes or heirs tested poisons; was Taifu Wen trying to secure himself and the Wen Family with this move?
Yet Taifu Wen was a veteran of three reigns and a teacher to the current Emperor. To so readily compromise with the Regent seemed like a slap in the Emperor's face.
Fong Gaoyun gritted his teeth in anger and asked, "Uncle Emperor, what do you mean by this?"
Fong Yang turned to look at him indifferently and replied, "What? Does His Majesty wish to retain Taifu Wen?"
Fong Gaoyun was still not fully aware of the situation and wanted to argue, saying, "Taifu Wen has dedicated his life to the state; shouldn't I try to keep him?"
However, Taifu Wen swiftly loosened his clothing and removed his official robes, stating, "Your Majesty's kindness makes this old minister feel ashamed, but my mind is made up. I can only disappoint Your Majesty's expectations."
Ignoring the Emperor's displeased expression, he directly exited the grand hall.
Fong Gaoyun's face turned as dark as a pot bottom; he never expected to be treated with such disrespect.
Fong Yang looked around before speaking, "Let them rise. I have an important matter to announce today."
The officials immediately responded, "We await Your Highness's orders!"
Sitting on the Dragon Throne, Fong Gaoyun felt for the first time like a true puppet.
Fong Yang casually continued, "Yin Ye, there is a will from the Former Emperor behind the plaque in the main hall. Bring it out for Chief Steward Chen De to examine."
Yin Ye complied, and the officials were taken aback; it was only at that moment they realized there was a will from the Former Emperor! By now, Yin Ye had already retrieved the will and handed it to the Chief Steward.
Fong Yang raised his gaze coldly and said, "Chen De, you have served the Former Emperor for many years and are familiar with his handwriting. Please check its authenticity first before allowing the other ministers to inspect it."
Chen De held the edict with trembling hands. As he unfolded it, his expression changed drastically, and his voice shook as he said, "This is indeed the Former Emperor's handwriting."
Fong Yang calmly instructed him to read it aloud while Chen De struggled to maintain his footing.
"The will of the Former Emperor bequeaths the throne to Third Prince Fong Gaoyun and appoints Emperor Fong Yang as Regent. Should the Emperor lack virtue or capability, the Regent has the authority to depose him and establish a worthy ruler."
Fong Gaoyun could no longer contain himself after hearing the imperial edict. He slammed his hand on the table and shouted, "Uncle Emperor, when did Father leave any edict? Do not think you can spout nonsense here just because you wield great power."
Although Fong Gaoyun was a year older than Fong Yang, he acted like a child in front of the Regent, displaying immaturity and impulsiveness, lacking composure and dignity.
Regardless of the authenticity of the edict, almost no minister dared to speak up for the emperor in the court.
Fong Yang ignored Fong Gaoyun's furious outburst and calmly instructed Chen De, "Hand the edict over to Virtuous King for confirmation."
Upon hearing this, Chen De eagerly passed the hot potato to Virtuous King, respectfully presenting it, "Your Highness, please take a look."
Virtuous King, who had been closest to Former Emperor, took the edict and after examining it for a moment, nodded, "I can confirm that this edict was indeed written in the hand of Former Emperor."
Fong Gaoyun's last glimmer of hope was extinguished, leaving him in a state of shock and anger.
Fong Yang then declared directly, "Since ascending to the throne, the emperor has neglected state affairs, focusing all his efforts on suppressing powerful ministers and eliminating rivals. I believe he is unworthy to continue sitting on the throne."
With these words, a minister finally spoke up in rebuttal; it was from the empress's family. For their own honor, he said, "The emperor cannot be deposed. I disagree with Regent's statement. Former Emperor personally passed the throne to the emperor as a sign of trust; how can we say he should be deposed just like that? The emperor neglects state affairs not because of his own doing but because Regent refuses to relinquish power; how can we blame him?"
Fong Yang remained unfazed and coldly replied, "Someone come! The Bai family has disrespected Former Emperor's edict and openly offended me. From this day forth, they are expelled from the court and will never be employed again."
Bai Hongru and his son were taken aback, not expecting Regent to be so resolute and unwilling to engage in verbal sparring. As they were dragged away by the Imperial Guards, they finally realized, "Regent, I am the grandfather of Her Majesty the Empress and also a trusted member of Former Emperor's cabinet; you cannot do this."
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