I insist

Chapter 467: A Dilemma

"It seems I've come at a really bad time, arriving when the Prime Minister is busy. In that case, I won't bother you any longer and will take my leave now."

Yu Huailin stood up, looked at the housekeeper, and said softly.

The butler was surprised that Yu Huailin was planning to leave so easily. He frowned slightly and asked, "Are you really planning to leave like this?"

"I've already troubled you enough today, and I have other matters to attend to at my residence, so it's inconvenient for me to wait any longer," Yu Huailin said softly.

Upon hearing Yu Huailin's words, the butler realized that Yu Huailin had been waiting there for quite a long time, an entire afternoon.

Yu Huailin nodded slightly to the butler, then placed the things he had brought on the table and left.

Just like when it came, it disappeared in an instant.

The steward was at a loss for words when he saw him leave. Just then, the Prime Minister emerged from the secret room.

“Master.” The butler nodded slightly.

The Prime Minister looked at the spot where Yu Huailin had just disappeared and whispered to the steward, "Keep a close eye on him."

The steward was both the steward of the Prime Minister's residence and the Prime Minister's confidant. He readily agreed to the Prime Minister's instructions.

Recently, the matter of the Fourth Prince's assassination attempt on Du Chun'an has suddenly become a hot topic, and all the people know about it and have begun to condemn the Fourth Prince.

Du Chun'an was a great general who protected the country, yet he almost died at the hands of a prince, which greatly angered the people.

During the court session, the officials began to submit memorials one after another, urging the emperor to punish the fourth prince.

The Emperor frowned slightly: "Punish the Fourth Prince? Just because he assassinated Du Chun'an? But there is no evidence to support the claim that he assassinated Du Chun'an. How can this convince the public?"

The officials sneered inwardly upon hearing the emperor's words, knowing that they could not gain the respect of the people if they did not punish the fourth prince.

"Your Majesty, evidence is indeed needed now. If it is proven that Du Chun'an is lying, then the Fourth Prince's reputation can naturally be restored."

The reverse is also true, but at this point, the people are indignant. If this matter is not given an explanation, they will surely cause even bigger trouble.

"Your Majesty, please prioritize the greater good and first appease the people. At the very least, give them a promise to put their minds at ease."

The Emperor's face was extremely grim. He knew what had happened regarding Du Chun'an, although he had already given up on the Fourth Prince.

However, this did not mean that they could dispose of the prince at will, and they even forced him to do so, which made him even more dissatisfied.

"We'll discuss this later. If you don't have anything important to say, you may leave now."

After speaking, the emperor stood up first, leaving the dragon throne. He looked gloomy and it was clear that something was not going well for him.

The officials were surprised that he would so casually dismiss the matter, and they shook their heads before leaving the palace together.

When the emperor arrived at his palace, his face turned even uglier. Recalling the way the officials had acted earlier, he was furious.

"Du Chun'an is really capable of anything. He must have been the one who orchestrated this. It seems I have been too lenient with him."

The emperor was furious and insisted on getting to the bottom of this matter.

Late at night, the Emperor went to see Du Chun'an, his face extremely grim, clearly indicating that he was not someone to be trifled with.

When Du Chun'an saw him arrive, his expression remained unchanged, and he calmly bowed to the Emperor, saying, "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty."

"Du Chun'an, why are you causing trouble with your muddled mind?" the Emperor roared at him.

"Your Majesty, why do you say such things? This humble subject does not understand." Du Chun'an knelt on the ground, his expression perfectly calm.

The Emperor nodded repeatedly: "Good, very good, really very good. You dare to do it but not admit it. The Fourth Prince's affair has become common knowledge, but you were unaware of this matter."

"Of course I knew," Du Chun'an said without denying it.

These words left the Emperor speechless, and he simply stared at Du Chun'an.

Du Chun'an smiled and said, "Your Majesty, you've come to me about the Fourth Prince's matter, so why don't you investigate my own affairs properly?"

"Is it simply because I am a subject, and the Fourth Prince is your son? The emperor comes first, then the father; Your Majesty should be more impartial."

"Of course I am fair. You say the Fourth Prince assassinated you, but where is the evidence? You have no evidence, so I have already ordered an investigation. And you are still not satisfied."

The Emperor felt that Du Chun'an was not satisfied at all.

Du Chun'an said softly, "Your Majesty, it was I who was assassinated. I almost lost my life. You haven't offered any explanation. You asked for evidence."

Very well, then may I ask Your Majesty, do you have any evidence to prove that I did this? And please don't say it was something I just said.

"Your Majesty, I only said that I was aware of this matter, but that doesn't mean I did it. You are impartial, aren't you?"

The Emperor was speechless after Du Chun'an's words, and he was running out of patience to continue arguing with him. He spoke up, "Regarding the Fourth Prince's assassination attempt on you..."

This must be a misunderstanding; stop focusing on the Fourth Prince.

Upon hearing the Emperor's words, Du Chun'an suddenly burst into laughter: "My personal experience cannot be used as evidence, and you still claim it's a misunderstanding?"

"Your Majesty, I'll tell you directly, it's impossible. Since Your Majesty cannot seek justice for me, I will seek justice myself."

"How dare you! You are merely a general. The Fourth Prince is a prince, the emperor, while you are a subject. Du Chun'an, don't forget that."

The Emperor glared angrily at Du Chun'an and shouted.

“Your Majesty, I can also resign from this position. I am disillusioned with this court. Please grant me permission to resign.”

Du Chun'an knelt on the ground, kowtowed to the Emperor, and said in a very serious tone.

The Emperor was taken aback to hear such words. He frowned and asked, "Du Chun'an, what are you saying? Resigning from your post?"

Du Chun'an's troops are stationed at the border. If he were to quit, things would escalate, and the Emperor would not allow it to happen.

The Emperor glared angrily at Du Chun'an. He couldn't believe that Du Chun'an was unaware of the consequences of his resignation. He was doing it on purpose, just to make the Emperor punish the Fourth Prince.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I wish to resign. I have done what I should have done. I simply want to live a good life, not one filled with deceit and treachery."

Your Majesty, if you truly have compassion for me, please grant my request to resign. There are many talented people in the land.

"Your Majesty is sure to find someone more capable than me; why must I continue to occupy the position of Grand General?"

Du Chun'an raised his head, straightened his back, and looked at the Emperor with a very serious expression, not giving an inch.

Seeing Du Chun'an like this, the Emperor was caught in a dilemma.

If Du Chun'an really resigns, the troops guarding the border will certainly not obey anyone else. But if they disagree, then the only option is to sacrifice the Fourth Prince.