บท 648: Willing to Enter the Palace

At this juncture, the court's situation had gradually stabilized.

The civil and military officials, inherently prone to opportunism, swayed with the prevailing winds. Given the Third Prince's legitimacy as the rightful heir to the throne, it was unsurprising that they rallied behind the new king.

Initially, the emperor refrained from a harsh purge. He adopted a lenient policy, reserving severe punishments only for ministers who had collaborated with the Public House in nefarious activities. Those with less severe implications received pardons.

Yet, individuals understood this respite might be temporary. If the emperor chose to settle scores later, pinning a crime on them would be a simple matter.

Cognizant ministers devised strategies. After a brief tenure, they voluntarily resigned, forfeited their family wealth, and retreated to their hometowns. They opted for a life outside the realm of officialdom, deeming it preferable to potential liquidation.