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墨書 Inktalez
As Xuande Emperor slowly regained consciousness, it had already been a full hour. During this time, the officials worked together to drive away the crows, clean up the bloodstained clothing, comfort the citizens, and properly handle the deceased.
His eyes stared blankly at the ceiling. How many people had died?
In the room were only Qi Xiaomian, Cai Zhuo, and the Left Chancellor.
Cai Zhuo replied, "Your Majesty, do not worry about these matters; your health is of utmost importance. The court has handled everything well, and compensation for the casualties is being provided at the highest standard."
The Chancellor stepped forward to announce that Zheng Moru was a spy and connected this incident to today's events, claiming it was the work of spies from various countries attempting to undermine our dynasty from within. This narrative shifted the public's anger away, and arrangements were made in the city to promote the Emperor's great achievements. With this dual approach, it was hoped that public discontent would not arise from this incident.
Xuande Emperor grew impatient. "I ask you again, how many people have died? Why are you telling me all this?"
Cai Zhuo hesitated. "Your Majesty, please do not blame yourself. In fact, it is not too bad—only about a hundred..."
"How many exactly!"
Shi Yun spoke up with a steady voice. "Your Majesty, in total, eighty people."
Eighty. Xuande Emperor closed his eyes and remained silent for a moment, forcing back tears. "Azhua, if I had listened to your advice and suspended that damned banquet earlier, would these eighty people still be alive?"
"Your Majesty," Cai Zhuo comforted him, "there is nothing wrong with enjoying festivities with the people. Even if you had stopped the banquet at that moment, given the speed of the crows' attack, the citizens would not have left the palace in time to avoid it."
"This matter can only be blamed on those behind it," he continued. "They used innocent citizens as bait; their methods are despicable."
At this moment, Shi Yun spoke again. "Your Majesty, you are an emperor. In international relations, casualties are inevitable. You may feel guilt, but there is little time for sorrow; there are more important matters that require your attention."
Xuande Emperor asked, "Have we identified those behind this? Was it truly the work of other nations?"
Shi Yun replied, "Not necessarily; it could also be domestic!"
The quickest and most effective way to divert internal conflicts is to unite everyone against a common external enemy.
Shi Yun took out a pre-drafted edict and read it aloud while discussing it with Xuande Emperor. The gist was to reflect on their own actions, mourn for the deceased, incite anti-foreign sentiment among the populace, and encourage citizens to monitor each other to root out hidden spies in the city. Those who were confirmed would receive generous rewards.
Once this edict was issued, public enthusiasm would be stirred up. They would become so busy that they would have little energy left to dwell on the crows' attack.
Rumors in the city would significantly decrease as well; after some time had passed, major issues would become minor ones.
Mingze chimed in as well. "In such matters, there might even be unexpected benefits! Your Majesty, let’s leave the task of uniting citizens to capture foreign spies to the Military Affairs Office."
Xuande Emperor waved his hand dismissively. "You all discuss the details among yourselves; I am feeling somewhat fatigued and wish for some quiet."
Except for Cai Zhuo, everyone else had to step out. However, just as they left the grand hall, they felt a wave of dizziness wash over them. The Chancellor, being older and having not slept for several nights, stumbled backward, hitting his head and instinctively leaning to the side to support himself with his hands.
Mingze exclaimed, "Did you all feel that? What just happened?"
Shi Yun glared at him and whispered, "Keep it down."
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