I woke up as the Villainous Empress

"Now, tell me, does anyone have any more objections? If there are, I am happy to address them all," Zheng Liang asked coldly and intimidatingly, making the ministers shudder at the Crown Prince's icy demeanor.

The ministers had expected that Zheng Liang would at least support their arguments since Zheng Xiang's return to the palace wouldn't be good for him either. However, not only did he silence them, but he also humiliated them in front of everyone, subtly threatening everyone by hinting at their pending criminal cases.

While everyone remained silent, bowing their heads to avoid Zheng Liang's piercing gaze, Yang Luoyang gritted his teeth and asked with a seemingly sincere expression, attempting to conceal his annoyance. "Your Highness, we have no objections to Prince Zheng Xiang's appointment as the Finance Inspector.

However, what about Officer Zen, who has been in this position for so long and served the royal court loyally?"

"Without any mistake or crime, wouldn't it be unfair to replace him from the position? Today he is absent from the royal court due to sick leave. He isn't even available here to represent his case. Don't you think it would be too unfair to him?" Yang Luoyang raised a question, appearing to be just and sincere towards his colleague.

Zheng Liang smirked at Yang Luoyang's attempt to pressure them to change this decision, however, does he have the power to do so?

He looked at Yang Luoyang with a mocking snicker and responded, "I wasn't going to say this today, but since Minister Yang is insisting on it, let me make this clear to everyone. Officer Zen has been dismissed from his office on the grounds of not fulfilling his duties properly and accepting bribes from other ministers.

His name has been implicated in numerous corruption cases, including forging reports and documents for other ministers to hide the corruption."

" His case is still on trial until he confesses the names of the ministers engaged in corruption with him. The day before yesterday, he was captured from his residence and has been taken into custody for further investigation. Since it was a sensitive case involving corruption with ministers, it wasn't necessary to mention it in the court."

"However, it is certain that the once loyal and sincere financial inspector Zen was involved in corruption. That is why Prince Zheng Xiang will replace him and take over this responsibility from now on. Does that answer everyone's questions?"

Zheng Liang's announcement struck the main hall like a thunderbolt. Those who had been associated with Officer Zen in the past were rendered speechless, nervously sweating, and anxiously contemplating their futures. Yang Luoyang, who had actively collaborated with Officer Zen, was particularly concerned and perspiring profusely, fearing that Officer Zen might implicate him during the investigation.

'What is happening? How is everything turning against me one by one?' Yang Luoyang gritted his teeth, witnessing his plans crumble before his eyes.

Observing the ministers fall silent and lower their heads, a relaxed smile graced Zheng Liang's lips as he spoke, "It seems no one has any objections now. I'm pleased that you all share the same opinions as His Majesty. I assure you that Prince Zheng Xiang will carry out his duties with perfection and expose the corrupt individuals one by one.

I have confidence in him." His words carried an underlying warning to others.

Zheng Xiang glanced at Zheng Liang, experiencing a mix of emotions upon seeing his brother's support and confidence in his abilities. It was the first time Zheng Liang had praised him.

___

Earlier, when the morning royal court session commenced and Zheng Xiang took his seat next to Zheng Liang on the elevated throne seat, he could hear hushed murmurs among the ministers who were side-glancing his way. He noticed the hostile expressions of ministers staring at him as if he were a criminal who had forcefully returned to the palace.

Sighing, Zheng Xiang chose to ignore their judgmental opinions. He was not interested in the boring court session. He had already expected everyone to be against his appointment as the Finance Inspector.

After all, this crucial position could pose a threat to many others.

After Yang Lingxin was exiled to the cold palace, as her son, Zheng Xiang was prepared to be loathed by the ministers and face opposition to his appointment. Even if he didn't do anything, they would use Yang Lingxin's name to throw dirt at him.

He was ready to hear all kinds of arguments and be given any other remaining position that wouldn't threaten anyone, and he didn't mind that. After all, it wasn't his decision to leave the palace in the first place nor to return to it after more than a decade.

He was fine either way.

He just needed to stay at the palace to learn more about the girl Hou Wei, who visited the Jade Pavilion yesterday. Now, that girl was the only motivation he had to remain at the palace and navigate through life there.

When Zheng Huang announced Zheng Xiang's appointment as the Finance Inspector, a wave of dissatisfaction swept through the court, complaints voiced by ministers one after another. At this point, the discontent was no longer surprising.

While Zheng Xiang silently observed the unfolding drama, the ministers who had supported his return just moments ago now expressed dissatisfaction with His Majesty's decision. Their rapid change of stance prompted him to scoff silently at their swift shift.

Zheng Xiang was curious to see how His Majesty would be forced to change his decision due to the clashes of opinion at the court. However, the drama he had expected didn't happen. Zheng Huang didn't change his decision after being pressured by the ministers.

Instead, Zheng Liang, who hadn't spoken a word to him properly since yesterday, stood up for him and silenced everyone, stuffing their greedy mouths with a shocking announcement.

'Is he taking my side? Why?' Zheng Xiang stared at Zheng Liang in disbelief, pondering why his brother, who had harbored hostility in the past, was now supporting him.