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墨書 Inktalez
"Why are you all staring at me? They have come to us directly. With the first strike of the Mingyuan Drum, who in Jingjing City is unaware of the enmity between the royal family and the Sang Family?"
The Xuande Emperor pondered why the royal family faced so many misfortunes. It must be the Sang Family pulling strings behind the scenes. His ancestors had indeed been right; the Sang Family was like an unkillable pest.
Driven to this point, the Xuande Emperor's words grew increasingly harsh, curses spilling from his lips as he vented for quite some time, only to realize that no one responded.
Suddenly, he became aware of something and ceased his tirade. His gaze swept across the hall, lingering on each Minister for a moment. Many wore expressions of guilt.
A sense of foreboding crept in, accompanied by fear and helplessness.
"You!" The Xuande Emperor instinctively changed his tone. "My loyal subjects, do you have any thoughts on today's matter?"
Seeing no one speak up, he began to call on individuals.
"Deputy Minister Cao Kuo," he said, recalling that Cao had previously clashed with the Sang Family and had publicly berated them.
It must be said that the Xuande Emperor had hit the nail on the head; since the Sang Family had not managed to win over anyone else, they had only him.
Cao Kuo broke out in a cold sweat upon hearing his name, feeling a twinge of resentment toward the Xuande Emperor. Hadn't the guards reported? The Sang Family had protection from their Great Ancestor. Even if only a few remained after being slaughtered, their foundation was still unfathomably deep. He had heard whispers of their clandestine activities; it was an inevitable trend.
Fortunately, he had only exchanged words with the Sang Family and had never taken action against them during their extermination. Given the unpredictable situation in court, the Cao family decided it was best to remain neutral for now.
Looking at today's grand assembly, weren't those who voiced opposition now trembling in silence?
The Xuande Emperor's frail body suddenly pointed him out; did he intend to drag the Cao family down with him? How malicious!
"Your Majesty," Cao Kuo stammered as he knelt, "my position is too lowly to speak on matters concerning the Sang Family, Great Ancestor, royal family, or Prince Chen. My mind is in disarray."
He crawled on the ground, mumbling incoherently, putting on an act of timidity.
"Pathetic! What about Xun Zhi?"
Xun Zhi, Anle Marquis, had indeed given a slight push against the Sang Family recently. However, just days ago, livestock and vermin had been found dead in his household. Then came a shocking discovery: a message bearing the Sang Family's emblem—'Be obedient and you will not be punished.'
Xun Zhi was half-convinced but felt compelled to comply. "Your Majesty, I am old and have not attended court for a long time. I only showed my face at this grand assembly. Encountering such a significant event has left me feeling inadequate."
Another who feared the power of the Sang Family.
The Xuande Emperor continued scanning the hall; everyone avoided his gaze. Spotting an empty seat where the Right Chancellor should be seated made him scoff. "His daughter is a Remnant; what kind of man could he possibly be?"
His gaze grew increasingly venomous. "Shi Yun! What do you have to say?"
"Your Majesty," Shi Yun replied cautiously, "the guards' report is not yet complete. I would like to hear more."
"Shi Yun, you dare to disregard me!"
The minister replied, "I just feel that the Sang Family might still have a backup plan."
The Xuande Emperor laughed in anger. "Very well! Let's hear more."
The guard continued, "Miss Sang quietly told me that the Sang Family still possesses the Great Ancestor's Blank Imperial Edict. In fact, she could directly write her grievances on the Blank Imperial Edict, but she chose to strike the Mingyuan Drum as a formality to show her respect for you."
"Respect? Making it known throughout the city is her way of showing respect!"
The guard braced himself and continued, "Miss Sang also said she was feeling a bit tired standing outside. If you still refuse to acknowledge her, she intends to bring the Great Ancestor's decree into the palace. She wonders if your health has improved enough to withstand such a kneeling."
"The Sang Family's Remnant, how bold! Is she openly threatening me? How could the Great Ancestor be so foolish?"
Shi Yun quickly reminded him, "Your Majesty! Be cautious with your words!"
How could one insult the Great Ancestor as foolish? The court attendant was taking notes.
In any case, she definitely does not have the Blank Imperial Edict; the Great Ancestor never granted anything to the Sang Family!
This point was certain for the Xuande Emperor; the Great Ancestor had clearly stated in letters left for posterity.
When Sang Qingxiao saw the Blank Imperial Edict, she questioned it. Sang Bai Jue provided an absurd answer: Qin Zhang would naturally not give it; it was our family's Great Ancestor who casually took it—more than one copy at that.
Great Ancestor Sang Xu gave outsiders the impression of being carefree and lacking decorum, but I saw in his chaotic scribbles and disorganized notes a meticulous elder.
As they aged, their differences became more pronounced. Great Ancestor Sang Xu exercised daily; even in his seventies or eighties, he could still spar with his Warriors, while Qin Zhang was burdened by heavy power, his thoughts dulled and eyes dimmed, yet he remained unwilling to relinquish authority.
The Blank Imperial Edict was from that period when the Great Ancestor often lamented the excessive power of the Sang Family. However, the royal family was too enthusiastic to refuse him. Feeling uneasy, he sought more guarantees for himself.
Although there are no records of this in the palace archives, I will ensure it is documented.
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