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墨書 Inktalez
The Xuande Emperor chuckled ominously, recalling how he had always believed that such a person must die. Yet, who would have thought that fate would allow him to turn the tables so suddenly?
Sang Qingxiao sighed in agreement, "Indeed, it is fate. The Sang Family will eventually return; no one can stop that."
The Xuande Emperor cast a meaningful glance at Sang Qingxiao before bursting into laughter, his movements so exaggerated that his hairpin fell out, leaving his hair disheveled. In a fit of madness, he attempted to leave the gathering.
Sang Qingxiao hurried after him, "Your Majesty, where are you going?"
The Emperor halted but did not turn around. "I am not foolish! The Sang Family has not yet returned, and the court and the common people already belong to you. Do as you wish; there is no need to consult me. Out of sight, out of mind—I’ll let you discuss it amongst yourselves."
After all, with even the Blank Imperial Edict in hand, my dragon seal for issuing decrees must be of little value to you now. Is this what it means to be forced into becoming a hands-off ruler?
However, the Xuande Emperor's words held some truth; whether he was there or not made little difference.
Sang Qingxiao ceased to obstruct him and called out, "I bid farewell to Your Majesty."
It was a move designed to infuriate him without consequence.
Fuming with anger, the Xuande Emperor returned to his palace. As soon as the door closed behind him, he smashed everything in sight to the ground. The ambition of the Sang Family was indeed considerable; they even dared to claim they were not traitors! What was the difference between this and a coup?
Having rallied so many people, their plotting must have taken quite some time. It was no surprise that the Office of Censors and the Minister of Justice were under external control. But what about the Dragon Guard? Their oversight powers surpassed those of the Office of Censors—why had they not detected any signs of treachery?
Cai Zhuo! I trusted you enough to place you in charge of the Dragon Guard! Is this how you serve me?
Cai Zhuo knelt down. "Your Majesty, I am guilty."
You are guilty indeed—guilty beyond measure. I should have you torn apart for this. Yet ironically, if I kill you, there will be no one left in this court whom I can trust.
"I feel ashamed for betraying Your Majesty's trust."
Cai Zhuo, let us not dwell on past matters. I only ask you this: can I continue to trust you?
Cai Zhuo was momentarily stunned; he could not bring himself to voice any pledges of loyalty and instead replied cautiously, "What does Your Majesty require of me?"
The Xuande Emperor did not notice the oddity in his words. "I am giving you an opportunity for redemption. How about that?"
"As Your Majesty commands."
"Previously, I instructed you to share some authority over the Dragon Guard with Gentle. Do you harbor any resentment about that?"
"I bear no resentment."
Once calm returned to the Xuande Emperor's demeanor, his gaze softened slightly, tinged with a hint of regret. "I was confused in recent days. Although Gentle meets my expectations in many ways, our time together has been brief; I still need to assess his character."
At this critical moment, I finally realized that the only one I could truly trust was you. Therefore, I have decided to let you continue to be in charge of the Dragon Guard, and I have a task for you.
I have been forced by a woman, which is indeed a great humiliation. The Sang Family is a hidden threat to Great Jing; if they return, they will surely contend for power with the Qin Clan. To be honest, given the current situation, I lack even the confidence to fight back.
After much thought, I must ask you to take a risk on my behalf; perhaps there will be a glimmer of hope. As for the Sang Family's attempt to overturn their case, they must have made ample preparations. Opposing them would be meaningless, so let them stir up trouble.
Cai Zhuo, I give you a secret order: lead the Dragon Guard out of the city immediately and head to the exile location at Vulture Ridge. Before the matter of their case is settled, eliminate Sang Bai Jue.
Indeed! Cai Zhuo had already guessed Xuande Emperor's intentions and continued to listen to his persuasion. That Sang Bai Jue is just a scholar; he should be easy to kill.
Easy to kill?! Someone who can still maneuver within the Court while trapped in prison is hardly an easy target! Sang Bai Jue is weak and reportedly struggles to breathe; he doesn't have much time left.
Use your wits to draw away his guards. When there are gaps in his protection, strike with lethal force; it shouldn't be too difficult.
Not too difficult?! Most of the citizens in Jingjing City are under his control, and he has certainly gathered many skilled individuals around him. The Dragon Guard's chances of success are uncertain.
You must keep this matter confidential; if they truly capture you...
Cai Zhuo quickly replied, "I understand. I am furious at their humiliation of Your Majesty. What one person does will not implicate Your Majesty."
Hahaha! Xuande Emperor patted Cai Zhuo's shoulder. Indeed, you are the most loyal one. With this order, you shall set off immediately.
Cai Zhuo, suffering from an old ailment, couldn't help but cough uncontrollably for a while. Xuande Emperor heard him and stepped back several paces, fearing he might catch something unpleasant, then waved his hand again to urge Cai Zhuo to get on with his task.
"Your Majesty, may I ask how many should remain with the Dragon Guard?"
Xuande Emperor waved his hand dismissively and said there was no need for any; take them all. If the task isn't completed well, don't come back.
"Your safety..."
"With Gentle guarding you, rest assured."
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