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墨書 Inktalez
The Xuande Emperor, skeptical of the situation, insisted on checking the records himself. He had the documents brought into the main hall and, feeling uneasy about others handling them, began to flip through the pages one by one.
Sang Jue had deliberately placed the information regarding the Empty Imperial Edict in a conspicuous spot. It didn't take long for the Xuande Emperor to notice it; rubbing his tired eyes, he glanced at it several times before fixating on that page in silence.
Sang Qingxiao stepped into the grand hall, wondering when the efficiency of decision-making among Great Jing officials had become so sluggish. "Rebels! Who allowed you to enter?"
The Xuande Emperor threw the book in his hands, but sadly, it only landed at the foot of the dragon throne.
"Great Ancestor Your Majesty escorted me in. I know you doubt that the Sang Family possesses such a thing, so I personally brought it here for the Court Officials to verify," Sang Qingxiao declared confidently.
With numerous items from the Great Ancestor hanging at her waist, no one dared to stop her. As she walked further inside, officials knelt in submission. The Xuande Emperor, witnessing this scene, shouted in frustration but felt powerless.
He stepped down from the throne to confront Sang Qingxiao directly. The young woman maintained a bright smile as she presented the Empty Imperial Edict before him. Losing some composure, he snatched it away and began tearing it apart. However, his frail strength was insufficient to rip it properly; in a fit of rage, he threw it to the ground and stomped on it twice.
His gaze remained fixed on Sang Qingxiao, with an expression that seemed to challenge her: "I refuse to acknowledge this—what will you do about it?"
Sighing inwardly, he recalled how the Founding Emperor had indeed given considerable respect to the Sang Family to prevent future generations from disrespecting them. The Empty Imperial Edict had been granted with significant weight.
If the Xuande Emperor and the Sang Family had intended to usurp power previously, wouldn't drafting an imperial edict be easier than outright rebellion?
The previous emperors of Great Jing had often proclaimed their esteem for the Sang Family. The Great Ancestor once stated that his throne was shared with them and even suggested alternating reigns between the Qin Family and the Sang Family—a proposal firmly rejected by their ancestor, Sang Xu.
Despite having numerous opportunities to seize power without bloodshed, the Sang Family remained loyal ministers. Although they lived extravagantly and attracted envy, they earned their power through merit.
Qin Mu Hui argued that what the Qin Family contributed to Great Jing could not compare to the sacrifices made by the Sang Family. Yes, they may have suffered some reputational losses publicly, but privately they reaped far greater benefits.
"How dare you call my name so casually! You insolent fool! Guards! Seize this traitor and execute him immediately!" commanded the Xuande Emperor.
"I am protected by my Qin Family Ancestor! Who dares lay a hand on me?" Qin Mu Hui retorted defiantly.
Indeed, no one dared approach him; even the Dragon Guard hesitated to act rashly. The Dragon Guard had ties with the Sang Family—the first batch was trained by them for the Qin Family. Thus, there were reservations in their teachings.
For instance, controlling secret medicines used by the Dragon Guard was a sensitive topic. After her conversation with Sang Jue, Sang Qingxiao realized just how formidable the Sang Family's foundation was. This newfound confidence allowed her to speak freely when addressing the Xuande Emperor without feeling pressured.
Seeing that the Xuande Emperor was reaching his breaking point, Sang Qingxiao softened her tone slightly. "The matter of revisiting your stance is something your Qin Family owes to us. Regardless of how things unfold, you should see that there's no need for stubbornness."
"The execution of the Sang Family was carried out by Chongjing Emperor; it has nothing to do with you. You should go along with this matter—it would clear up grievances against us while preserving your family's reputation with past emperors."
Sang Qingxiao stepped closer and whispered softly, "It would not be in vain for them to suppress their jealousy and murderous intent towards our family while playing their parts until death."
Your ancestors were accustomed to bowing low and playing small. Since the fate of the Sang Family has been sealed, why not learn from your ancestors? Swallow your grievances, smile on the surface, and continue the tale of a harmonious ruler and minister?
But at that time, who would be the ruler and who would be the minister is another matter entirely.
The Xuande Emperor felt a deep sense of humiliation rising within him. He looked around with pleading eyes, but no one came to his aid. Even Cai Zhuo, who had once been his most trusted confidant, knelt with his head bowed, refusing to meet his gaze.
Indeed, the Sang Family had plotted for a long time, and their plans were now in place. He was isolated and helpless, in a state of despair with no one to follow him. If he did not bow his head now, what else could he do? Yet, he felt so unwilling.
With a sigh, it seemed as if half of his spirit had leaked away. He asked, "Is it just that the Sang Family wants to come back? Do you truly wish to become like the former Jing Wang? Are you really willing to continue the tale of a harmonious ruler and minister with the Qin Family?"
Sang Qingxiao shrugged at him. "I'm only seventeen, just a child. I’m not qualified to answer such lofty questions. Why not wait for Sang Jue to come and discuss it with you in person?"
So the Sang Family has Sang Jue as the head of the family?
Yes.
The Xuande Emperor chuckled bitterly. "I always thought that someone like him must die! But who would have thought that fate would turn things around for him in an instant!"
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