Indeed, that was exactly what the young Emperor was thinking.
When the old Inspector stepped forward, it wasn't just his words that conveyed his profound grief; his facial expression mirrored the same sentiment. The Empress Dowager found this hard to watch and said, "Inspector Lv, don't be hasty. Say whatever is on your mind. Look at you, a veteran official who has served three reigns. What matter can't be handled slowly? Why such urgency?"
As soon as the Empress Dowager finished speaking, Inspector Lv dropped to his knees with a THUD and exclaimed, "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager! This old minister has committed a capital offense!"
The Empress Dowager then rubbed her temples.
The young Emperor then said, "Inspector Lv seems to have had too much to drink today. Are any of his family members here with him? Why haven't they helped him away to sober up?"
Hearing the Emperor's words, Inspector Lv's family members came forward, trembling with fear, and hurriedly apologized.
