2740 Determined



"Except for the chief elder, lost in daydreams throughout the day, the remaining six elders naturally grace our presence," remarked Chen Zhaozhi confidently.

"There's hardly an issue in inviting them over and promptly reaching a decision," Chen Zhaozhi asserted with conviction.

At this moment, Chen Baojia's mood showed a slight improvement. Reflecting on her father's earlier advice, a smile quickly adorned her face.

/The Council of Elders' decision is bound to falter!/

As long as the Divine Province Council of Elders failed to approve the resolution, the aspirations of the youthful crown prince consort to hold the official title in the Divine Province would be in vain.

Regarding Jing Linyao.

Their consultation with Jing Linyao about the Crown Prince's return had already taken place.

Jing Linyao exhibited no objections whatsoever to the Crown Prince's consideration of a Side Consort. Furthermore, it appeared that she was indifferent to matters concerning men.

This was advantageous. In the future, when their union was sealed in marriage, the more strained Jing Linyao's relationship with the Crown Prince Consort, the more Chen Baojia could exploit this opportunity to advance in the social hierarchy.

However, the woman Zhongli Zhiwei was profoundly cunning. Backed by the significant influence of the great general's estate, she was sure to secure passage during that time.

Yet, Chen Baojia remained certain that, given Zhongli Zhiwei's intellect, she would effortlessly outshine her. The gap was simply insurmountable.

Her Ladyship Qiaoqiao remained entirely unaware of the covert scheming unfolding within the minds of those present.

Even though she recognized that, according to her perspective, she merely needed to exert her strength to silence the turmoil, with no need for further debate.

She cast a cold gaze upon the assembly of individuals bouncing about, each without uttering a word.

On the opposite end, a flicker of irritation brewed within Mo Liusheng. He ruminated, /Chen Zhaozhi is becoming increasingly audacious. He's employing the Divine Province's Council of Elders to undermine me?/

/Does he believe I'm deeply concerned about the Council of Elders' presence?/

Witnessing the Emperor's countenance transform into one of cruelty, the assembly dared not even draw a full breath. They bowed their heads in silence.

All the dignitaries, including Chen Zhaozhi, sensed an oppressive weight exuding from the Emperor's very being.

A shared sentiment circulated among them: /The Emperor's demeanor belies our previous assumptions. His intent to remarry the Crown Prince and Crown Prince Consort is indeed genuine./

"I have reached a decision," the Emperor enunciated icily, his words brimming with cold finality.

Unexpectedly, a young eunuch rushed in, panic-stricken, to deliver a report:

"Fourth Elder, Fifth Elder, Sixth Elder, and Seventh Elder request an audience with Your Majesty!"

/Impressive! Chen Zhaozhi truly lives up to expectations. He's devised such a ploy, waiting for this very moment!/

Little did he anticipate his court official's proximity to the Council of Elders!

Chen Zhaozhi found himself perpetually wiping sweat away while unleashing a stream of curses within his thoughts.

/It wasn't I who summoned the Council of Elders!/

Though he had forewarned the Fourth Elder in advance, how could he orchestrate the sudden convergence of these Divine Province's Council of Elders here?

Moreover, he remained oblivious to the Emperor's impromptu decision to reinstate the wedding banquet tonight. Such preparations required time he simply didn't possess.

In essence, another hand had orchestrated these arrangements.

/This person's tactics were incredible./

However, the mastermind behind these shrewd maneuvers remained concealed in the shadows, leaving Chen Zhaozhi to shoulder the blame.

As the Emperor's gaze honed to a knife's edge, Chen Zhaozhi's unease deepened.

/Could the Emperor exploit this chance to strip me of my official post?/

Chen Zhaozhi's form quivered, yet he rapidly dismissed such a notion. While the Emperor could be ruthless, he generally maintained a sense of rationality.

After all, Chen Zhaozhi held the esteemed position of Minister of the Left. Even if the Emperor contemplated his removal, the repercussions demanded careful consideration.

Crown Prince Mo's lips curled in a frigid smirk. He fleetingly clasped the young one's petite hand, offering a gentle squeeze.