Chapter 186 Chaos

Chapter 186: Chaos

Before Cheng Ge could react, three or four young censors immediately sprang out from behind him, grabbing Chen Ke, who looked like he'd lost his mind.

"Lord Chen, calm yourself! How can you resort to violence at court?"

"Exactly! Lord Cheng was merely reporting the facts—why get so worked up?"

"Could it be that his words struck a nerve, and now you're furious with embarrassment?"

These censors might not excel at much else, but their sharp tongues were second to none, masters of snide remarks and sarcasm.

Now they took turns, each jab landed right on Chen Ke's sore spot.

Seeing their fellow official under siege, the officials from the Chen faction could no longer sit idly by and stepped forward to voice their stance.

"Censor Cheng! If you're filing an impeachment, do so—but why must your words be so filthy, resorting to personal attacks?"

"Exactly! Discussing an official relieving himself—what kind of decorum is that? It's a disgrace to the court's dignity!"

"I think Censor Cheng is just settling a personal grudge, deliberately picking a fight!"

Seeing the challenge, the Censorate got even more fired up and immediately got straight into the argument.

"Decorum? Where was his dignity when he relieved himself in the street?"

"The facts are the facts—just because it's unsightly, are we not allowed to speak of it?"

"We censors have the right to report based on hearsay to uphold the law—what personal grudge is there?!"

The two factions immediately erupted into a quarrel in the Golden Throne Hall. When civil officials argue, they usually quote classics and make veiled jabs.

But today's matter was too bizarre, and both sides were furious.

As the argument grew increasingly heated, the language got harsher and the atmosphere more explosive.

Someone shoved someone else, or perhaps someone swung a tablet in agitation.

"Ouch!! Who hit me!!!"

A roar rang out, like a fuse had been lit, and the scene instantly spun out of control.

"Damn you! %^*#*&!"

"You! You, you... I'll kill you @#￥%&*!"

"You #@^*#*&!!!"

...

With Cheng Ge and Chen Ke at the center, officials from both sides actually came to blows!

In an instant, the solemn hall turned into a street brawl.

Once-dignified ministers were now grappling, tablets flying everywhere, official hats rolling across the floor.

Someone grabbed another by the collar, another threw a punch, while others tripped and rolled on the ground in a tangled heap.

Elderly ministers retreated in fright, afraid of being caught in the fray.

The younger ones either pretended to break it up or took the chance to land a few sneaky blows.

Tablets were swung like weapons, boots were kicked off and went flying through the air.

Shouts, cries of pain, and pleas for peace mixed together in a chaotic din.

"—How dare you!" A sharp rebuke suddenly rang out.

The ministers locked in battle froze as if doused with ice water.

They hastily released each other, not even bothering to straighten their disheveled robes or retrieve their fallen hats.

They immediately knelt in a rustling wave, bowing deeply, and shouted in unison: "Your Majesty, calm your wrath!"

The entire hall fell silent, only the sound of heavy panting left over from the scuffle.

Zhou Mingqi's face remained grim as his gaze swept over the mess, finally settling on the chief culprit.

Cheng Ge, though kneeling, held his back straight, his official robe not even a wrinkle out of place.

He held a new tablet up to shield his face, as if none of this had anything to do with him.

Zhou Mingqi's eye twitched almost imperceptibly. His gaze shifted to Chen Ke.

Chen Ke's hair was disheveled, his official cap long gone, and his face bore fresh, clear handprints.

His robe was torn askew, and even the back was stained with someone's shoe print.

He was prostrate on the ground, shoulders heaving—clearly beside himself with rage.

Zhou Mingqi rubbed the throbbing area between his brows and let out a heavy sigh.

"Ministers of state, brawling like common fishwives—what kind of conduct is this?!" The ministers bowed their heads even lower, not daring to utter a word.

"All involved in today's fight, regardless of cause, shall forfeit two months' salary to serve as a warning!"

When Cheng Ge heard "forfeit salary," his back stiffened almost imperceptibly.

He raised his eyes slightly, quickly glancing at the throne, then lowered his eyes again.

Zhou Mingqi noticed his subtle reaction but showed no expression on his face. "As for what Lord Cheng reported concerning the Court of Imperial Entertainments Vice Minister Chen Ke..."

He paused briefly, and Chen Ke's heart instantly jumped into his throat. "The Censorate, together with the Capital Magistrate, shall immediately conduct a thorough investigation! If the allegations are true, punishment will be severe!"

"If they are false..." Zhou Mingqi's gaze passed lightly over Cheng Ge, "I will not tolerate it. Court is adjourned!"

With that, the emperor turned and swept away, ignoring the ministers' varied expressions.

The eunuch's shrill "Court adjourned—" echoed through the hall.

The officials prostrated themselves and shouted "Long live the emperor!" in unison, then slowly rose, each lost in their own thoughts.

The Chen faction looked crestfallen, hastily helping the almost-collapsed Chen Ke to his feet.

The censors of the Censorate exchanged knowing glances, smug satisfaction written all over their faces.

Though they'd been fined, seeing the emperor order a full investigation into the matter, they felt the fight was worth it, the fine well spent.

Heads held high with a feeling of vindication, they crowded around Cheng Ge.

Cheng Ge stood up, carefully brushed the barely visible dust off his official robe, and meticulously put away the brand-new hu tablet.

As his colleagues crowded around him, he merely nodded slightly, straightened his back, and strode out of the hall.

Everyone looked at his upright back, as if they glimpsed a holy light, lost in a momentary daze.

---

After the court session, Cheng Ge did not go directly home but instead wandered the streets like a street bum.

Listen, hand in hand we go, give your whole life to me~

Don't look back on yesterday, till we're gray tomorrow, today you will marry me~

Humming the song, Cheng Ge stopped in front of a time-honored jewelry store with a grand storefront.

He looked up at the large characters "Cui Zhen Ge," hands behind his back, and then swaggered through the door.

The sharp-eyed shop assistant, seeing him dressed in the robe of an imperial censor with an extraordinary demeanor, immediately greeted him warmly.

My lord, what would you like to see? We have everything from jewelry and headpieces to jade pendants and rings—all with the finest materials and craftsmanship!

Cheng Ge's gaze swept over the glittering ornaments in the shop, his chin slightly raised.

Hmm, let me see... I'd like to personally pick a fine jade hairpin for my fiancée.

Upon hearing this, the assistant's smile broadened, and he quickly flattered, "Oh! My lord is truly thoughtful. Your future lady is so blessed to have such a considerate husband!

Please follow me, the jade hairpins are over here. Surely one will catch your eye and be worthy of your noble lady."

The assistant led him to a counter on the side and carefully took out several jade hairpins from a brocade box lined with black velvet.

My lord, look, all these are newly arrived high-quality Khotan jade, with a waxy luster and exquisite carving.

This one has an auspicious cloud motif for good luck; this one is plum blossoms in snow, elegant; and this one symbolizes happiness and longevity...