" Please invite Imperial Uncle and Divine Marquis Zhuge in," Zhu Houzhao said lightly when he heard the eunuch's words.
Although he had only transmigrated to this world for a few days, Zhu Houzhao already had a lot of understanding of this world. As for the Ming Empire, he had a more detailed understanding.
In the court of the Ming Empire, the East Chamber and the Guarding Dragon Mountain Villa were opposing each other. Cao Zhengchun and Zhu Buduan were at loggerheads. Even the ministers in the court were divided into two groups.
Apart from the East Chamber and the Guarding Dragon Mountain Villa, there were also the Cabinet and the Divine Constabulary, two other influential forces in the Imperial Court.
As for the Embroidered Uniform Guards, they had almost become the vassals of the East Chamber.
Li Dongyang, the Prime Minister of the cabinet, was a great scholar of the current era. He was not to be underestimated in terms of knowledge, but in terms of the court, he was far inferior to Cao Zhengchun and Zhu Bujue.
The faction represented by Li Dongyang had always maintained a neutral attitude.
The Divine Constabulary was on the same side as Li Dongyang and had a similar stance. They did not participate in the conflict between the East Chamber and the Dragon Guarding Mountain Villa.
The master of the Divine Constabulary was named Zhuge Zhengwo. He was conferred the title of Marquis by the late Emperor. Since he was a Divine Constable, others would address him as the Divine Marquis.
In order to differentiate himself from Zhu Budian, the Iron-Gutted Deity Marquis, Zhuge Zhengwo would usually be addressed by his surname.
Not long after, Zhu Bujue and Zhuge Zhengwo entered the main hall of Zhu Houzhao's bedroom.
"Greetings, Emperor!"
After Zhu Budian and Zhuge Zhengwo arrived, they bowed to Zhu Houzhao at the same time.
Zhu Houzhao glanced at the two of them and said lightly,""Rise."
"Thank you, Emperor!"
Zhu Budian and Zhuge Zhengwo greeted Zhu Houzhao respectfully and stood up again.
"Imperial Uncle and Divine Marquis, are you here for the Empress Dowager's matter?" Zhu Houzhao asked lightly.”
Hearing Zhu Houzhao's question, Zhuge Zhengwo gave Zhu Houzhao a meaningful glance.
Zhu Budian nodded slightly at Zhuge Zhengwo, then cupped his fists at Zhu Houzhao and said,""That's right. Divine Marquis Zhuge and I learned that the Empress Dowager had gone missing last night, so we came to ask the Emperor to investigate this matter.”
Zhu Houzhao glanced at the two of them and said lightly,""Since Imperial Uncle and Divine Marquis have such intentions, I will not refuse. However, the East and West Chambers have already begun investigating the Empress Dowager last night. I hope that in the process of investigating and rescuing the Empress Dowager, you can put aside your past prejudices and work together to save the Empress Dowager as soon as possible.”
Zhu Budian immediately cupped his fists and said,"Don't worry emperor, this official will definitely put aside my prejudice and prioritize saving the empress dowager.”
"Of course, I trust Imperial Uncle's words." Zhu Houzhao nodded slightly. Oh right, yesterday, Imperial Uncle sent Duan Tianya and Haitang to investigate the Yun Nation's emissary. I wonder what the result was?”
Zhuge Zhengwo's eyes flashed slightly upon hearing Zhu Houzhao's words, but he did not say anything.
Zhu Budian heard Zhu Houzhao's question and said with a serious expression,""Duan Tianya and Haitang went to investigate and found that Wu Wan's strength was indeed unfathomable. Haitang also suffered considerable injuries because of this. If the Emperor wishes to receive the emissary of the Yun Nation, it would be best if he has a minister, Divine Marquis Zhuge, or Supervisor Cao accompanying him.”
Zhuge Zhengwo nodded and said,""If that's the case, then for the sake of the emperor's safety, this official believes that imperial uncle's suggestion is very necessary.”
"If that's the case, wouldn't it be a downfall to my Great Ming's prestige?" Zhu Houzhao smiled faintly.”
" Your Majesty, for your safety, please reconsider." Zhu Budian quickly tried to persuade him.
Zhuge Zhengwo also said,"Imperial Uncle is right. Please reconsider."”
"Don't worry, Imperial Uncle and Divine Marquis," Zhu Houzhao said lightly."I will not put myself in danger.”
" Your Majesty is wise." Zhu Budian and Zhuge Zhengwo both greeted Zhu Houzhao respectfully.
" Your Majesty, Eunuch Cao requests an audience." At this moment, the eunuch on duty at the entrance of the main hall respectfully called out to Zhu Houzhao.
Zhu Houzhao's eyes flashed when he heard this. He said indifferently,""Let him in."
"Servant Cao Zhengchun greets the emperor!”
After a while, Cao Zhengchun entered the main hall and greeted Zhu Houzhao respectfully.
"Governor Cao, did you come here with news of the Empress Dowager?" Zhu Houzhao asked lightly.”
Zhu Bujue and Zhuge Zhengwo looked at Cao Zhengchun with a strange look in their eyes.
Hearing Zhu Houzhao's words, Cao Zhengchun's face immediately revealed an awkward expression. He hurriedly said,""Please forgive me, Your Majesty. There is no news of the Empress Dowager for the time being, but we will definitely save her as soon as possible.”
"Since there's no news of the Empress Dowager, why don't you go and find her?" Zhu Houzhao said coldly.”
Cao Zhengchun replied," Your Majesty, the Yun Nation's special envoy, Wu Wan, has already arrived at the posthouse next to the palace gate. This servant is here for this matter. I wonder if Your Majesty will meet him?"”
Hearing Cao Zhengchun's words, Zhu Houzhao's eyebrows twitched slightly and he continued,""The morning court session is about to begin. Go tell Wu Wan to bring Princess Li Xiu to Taihe Palace. Zhen will receive them in front of all the officials.”
" Yes, I'll pass the message to Wu Wan now," Cao Zhengchun said respectfully. He then bowed to Zhu Houzhao and slowly left the hall.
After Cao Zhengchun left, Zhu Houzhao looked at Zhuge Zhengwo and Zhu Budian and said,""If Imperial Uncle and Deity Overlord have nothing else to say, you may leave. After the morning court session, you will work with the East and West Chambers to find the Empress Dowager as soon as possible.”
"Yes, I will take my leave!"
Hearing Zhu Houzhao's words, Zhuge Zhengwo and Zhu Buduan greeted him respectfully at the same time, then slowly retreated out of the hall.
"Right, Divine Marquis Zhuge, please wait a moment.”
When the two of them retreated to the door, Zhu Houzhao suddenly spoke.
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