An Bai was slightly stunned when he heard Yan Luo’s words. He raised his eyes to glance at her, then turned his gaze slightly to look behind him.
Minister Lin trembled. He had originally thought that Yan Luo was still young and would have some reservations about handling matters like this, especially since he was an old minister. Surely she would understand what was going on and wouldn’t embarrass him in court.
Yet unexpectedly, he was called out by name. When he looked up, he saw Yan Luo’s half-smiling eyes. She looked as though she had no idea what was going on, her lips slightly curved in an innocent smile.
“What is it, Minister Lin?” she asked sweetly.
Cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead. Without even thinking, he stepped out of line.
“Your Majesty, Grand Chancellor… this old minister has indeed confirmed that the disaster relief supplies have been sent to the affected regions…”
“But the reports I received indicate that the quality of the supplies that arrived was highly inconsistent, and clearly not from the original batch distributed by the imperial court,” An Bai replied, withdrawing his gaze and bowing respectfully. He followed the lead Yan Luo had given him and directly cornered Minister Lin, leaving Minister Lin speechless.
Yan Luo widened her eyes slightly and looked at the official below, who was drenched in sweat.
“Minister Lin, what’s going on?”
“Well, Your Majesty, it’s like this. Because of the severe drought, the carts and horses delivering the supplies were exhausted, and they haven’t yet…”
“Absurd!” Yan Luo suddenly slammed her hand on the armrest and barked sharply, cutting him off. “How many days has it been? What did I say back then? I ordered immediate, uninterrupted delivery to the disaster areas. Are you treating my words like a joke, Minister Lin?”
“I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare! Your Majesty, how would this old minister dare!” Minister Lin immediately fell to his knees, panicked and trembling.
“I know Minister Lin is devoted to the nation. Then let the law deal with whoever is responsible for the delay in delivery.” Yan Luo looked down at Minister Lin, who flinched visibly. She had learned from Little Pink that the person responsible for the relief supplies this time was his son. She then turned to Jun Yulin, curved her lips, and added a hint of girlish charm to her voice.
“Royal Uncle, what do you think?”
Jun Yulin’s lips pressed into a thin line as he raised his head to look at Yan Luo—only to meet those beautiful eyes. Her lips held the faintest smile, soft and sweet like a young maiden’s.
He had grown used to seeing her deliberately rigid and formal expression, so to see her smiling like this momentarily stunned him. A complex glint flickered in his eyes.
Two seconds later, he finally spoke. His mind was already racing, naturally recalling the issues Yan Luo had just considered.
He gave her a probing glance before replying, “Your Majesty’s actions are most appropriate.”
“Then I’ll leave it to you, Royal Uncle.” As soon as Jun Yulin finished speaking, Yan Luo wasted no time in tossing the troublesome matter into his hands.
Jun Yulin : “…”
It was the first time he had ever been left speechless by something Yan Luo said. His deep, dark eyes couldn’t help but glance at her again.
In return, he received an innocent and trusting gaze from the young girl.
In the end, he had no choice but to agree.
After the morning court session ended, Yan Luo yawned as she headed to the study. Following behind her were Jun Yulin and An Bai. Both said they had matters to discuss with her, so they had dragged her over immediately after court ended.
Still drowsy, Yan Luo half-closed her eyes and listened to them speak. Although they said they wanted to consult her, in truth, Jun Yulin could make most of the decisions on his own.
Watching this scene with her head propped in one hand, Yan Luo thought to herself: no wonder there were rumors among the common people that the emperor had long been rendered powerless, and the regent now held full control over the court.