In the court, Minister Qi and Grand Tutor Deng's factions directly argued with each other.
Chu Heng remained indifferent to everything; even when called upon, he didn't get involved at all.
Both sides saw that Chu Heng wasn't helping either of them. Although they were resentful, they understood that neutrality was better than favoritism.
Grand Tutor Deng played the victim by lamenting Consort Jieyu's miscarriage and the loss of the princely fetus.
Minister Qi rebutted, insisting that this matter had nothing to do with Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi.
The dispute was unresolvable.
Eventually, after the morning court session, there was no definitive outcome from the debate; the unexpected task of welcoming King of Huainan and the Beirong Prince mysteriously fell to Prince Rong, Li Chongjin.
After the morning audience.
Chu Heng, as usual, prepared to leave the palace.
Suddenly, Minister Qi called out to him from behind: "Lord Chu, shall we walk together?"
