Chapter 1645: Zhao Xuanji's First Strike

Chapter 178: Imperial Decree Forbids MarriageChapter 1645: Zhao Xuanji's First Blade

Everyone held their breath.

Although the incident with Dai Jing's appearance disrupted Zhao Xuanji's rhythm, it did not hinder his pursuit of power.

This instead made Zhao Xuanji quicken his pace.

He was no longer patient enough to waste time on roundabout maneuvers. Instead, he went straight for the most pointed issue—holding the Crown Prince accountable.

Su Zhenting's eyes were cold and sharp, his expression impassive as he stared fixedly at Zhao Xuanji.

And Zhao Xuanji, was also looking at him, a confident smile playing on his lips.

After decades of navigating the treacherous waters of the imperial court, Zhao Xuanji truly wasn't afraid of Su Zheting.

“The Emperor assigned the Crown Prince to supervise the country. His intention was that, with the Emperor’s health failing and unable to manage state affairs, the Crown Prince should begin learning how to govern early on. This was a good thing in itself, but with the loss of Yueya Pass under the Crown Prince’s command, it is evident that his ability is insufficient to govern the vast territories and people of the Qin Empire. We, as officials who are paid by the state, cannot simply sit idly by at this critical juncture and watch the foundation laid down by our ancestors crumble.”

Zhao Xuanji's words were of an extremely high standard.

Everyone could hear the underlying meaning in Zhao Xuanji's words, and they all felt a knot of apprehension in their stomachs.

As expected, Zhao Xuanji continued, "Therefore, I propose that the Crown Prince's right to act as Regent be temporarily suspended."

As soon as he said that, the Taihe Hall erupted in chaos.

Fu YuZhi and others wore expressions of triumph, as if victory were just within reach.

Xu Changqing and others were furious, wishing they could revolt at once.

While Dàntài Jìngzhī sighed again and shook his head, he did not say anything more.

On the East Palace side, Zhao Heshan was the first one who couldn't help himself.

"I respectfully disagree with Lord Zhao's opinion!"

As soon as Zhao Heshan opened his mouth, it was significant.

Zhao Heshan and Zhao Xuanji were relatives by blood, and what's more, Zhao Heshan was brought up and mentored by Zhao Xuanji. It is a laughing stock in the Da Qin officialdom that these two would later become enemies.

One could say that Zhao Heshan's existence was one of the few political missteps in Zhao Xuanji's life.

and the most vibrant stroke of all.

Since Zhao Heshan stepped down as the magistrate of Xishan Province and swiftly assumed the post of censor in the Department of Imperial Censorate, although they both worked together in the Taihe Hall, there had never been any direct confrontation between them, not even a simple greeting.

But today, the two Zhāos finally clashed with each other like swords.

“The right to hold the regency has always belonged to the Emperor. It is bestowed upon the Crown Prince by the Emperor, to be used when the Emperor is on pilgrimage, ill, or taking a leave of absence, allowing for the transfer of political power. This right has always been granted and revoked only by the Emperor; it has never been taken away by any subject. To do so is not only treasonous, but also a blatant disregard for Imperial authority!”

Zhao He Shan's rebuttal was well-founded and logical.

Zhao Xuanji said coldly, "In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken. Right now, the emperor is unconscious and unable to make decisions. This official believes that if the emperor were awake and knew of the prince's incompetence, he would be furious. We officials are only doing our duty."

Zha He Shan angrily said: "You are twisting the facts! You're using a high-sounding pretext to cover up your ulterior motives!"

"Zhao DaRen."

Zhao Xuanji raised his voice, his tone icy cold: "I see you're out of your mind. To roar like this in the Taihe Hall is an act of treason against Heaven. You are the one who has committed a crime. Go back to your residence and calm down for a few days before speaking again. As for the work at the Ministry of Public Works, leave it to someone else for now."

Zhao Xuanji's first strike to seize power landed on Zhao Heishan's head.

Zhao He Shan flew into a rage and shouted, “My position is bestowed by the Crown Prince himself, with an imperial edict as proof. Besides the Crown Prince and the Emperor, no one has the authority to dismiss me!”d the crown prince suffer defeat… By then, the saliva of all the scholars in the land would be enough to drown this King.”Upon hearing this, Li Songru was eager to speak but hesitated.The King of Ning...