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墨書 Inktalez
Going out was akin to courting death. Outside the palace, a warm breeze blew gently, yet Cai Zhuo felt an underlying chill deep within, his back increasingly hunched. Gentle approached, walking with confidence, his expression barely concealing his smugness.
The two formed a stark contrast.
As Gentle spotted him from afar and drew closer, his demeanor softened slightly. With a teasing tone, he remarked, "Cai, why does your face look like you've been abandoned?"
"Congratulations, Wen. You've finally gotten what you wished for; you're one step closer to replacing me."
Gentle continued, "After spending some time in the Office of Censors, my ambitions have changed. This palace feels like a cage that devours people. Now that I have the chance to escape, I hardly think about returning."
"How long has it been since you’ve seen the world outside the palace? Your life could be so much more colorful than just serving others."
"Thanks to Wen's kind words, I might just get that chance. Whether I can return is still uncertain."
Having served closely for several months, Gentle had come to understand the temperament of the Xuande Emperor. He leaned in and quietly asked Cai Zhuo, "When I entered the palace, I didn’t see any Dragon Guards around. Is your Xuande Emperor planning something underhanded again? Does he intend to send the Dragon Guards to assassinate someone since he knows he can't stop a reversal of fortune?"
Cai Zhuo did not deny it, and Gentle realized he had guessed correctly. "Don't worry, my lord won't kill you; most of your subordinates will survive as well."
"You've been by the Xuande Emperor's side for many years; you surely wouldn't want to see him die before you. Since you can't prevent it, it would be better to leave early."
Cai Zhuo felt a deep attachment to the place where he had lived for decades and wanted to take in a few more sights. However, the Xuande Emperor urged him on, noticing Cai Zhuo's thoughts and showing no concern as he said, "If this fails, even if you manage to escape back here, you won't be able to stay in the palace."
After delivering this warning, he added, "I await your triumphant return. Wealth, beauty, power—our lives together are still ahead of us."
As Cai Zhuo left, Gentle accompanied him partway. Upon returning to report to the Xuande Emperor, he confirmed several times, "Did you notice any resentment from him towards me?"
"Cai is the most loyal; how could he harbor resentment against you?"
"That’s true," the Xuande Emperor mused. "It was my fault for granting him too much power; power can blind one’s judgment." His gaze shifted back to Gentle. "I've given you quite a bit of authority as well."
Gentle quickly knelt and replied, "This little power of mine can be taken back at any time by Your Majesty."
The Xuande Emperor indeed considered retracting some authority but decided to postpone that discussion for later.
He then recalled troubling matters from the morning court session: What would the ministers' reactions be after his departure?
Sang Qingxiao had presented evidence for a case review. According to court laws and procedures, relevant departments had already accepted it under the leadership of Two Lords. Everyone was currently reviewing the materials; there was too much information and corroboration would take time. It was conservatively estimated that at least half a month would be needed for preliminary results.
"Hmph! They are working diligently while I'm still alive! The Great Jing Dynasty is still standing! Yet they are already scheming to curry favor with a new master!"
Mingze betrayed him for his Remnant daughter; he could understand that. But Shi Yun? He had promoted her step by step—why was she also working for the traitors?
"Shi Yun? She is valued by her superiors," Gentle interjected naturally. "The Sang family has caused too much commotion; everyone in town is watching. Master Xiang's involvement in this matter was carefully considered."
"Hmph! Let’s hope so. Among these officials, one by one—once Sang Jue is dead, I'll replace them all! The Great Jing has plenty of talent!"
The Xuande Emperor, angered by the betrayal of his ministers, devised an evil plan. "Gentle, go and do something for me."
"Your Majesty, please give your orders."
"Burn down the Western Warm Pavilion!"
The Western Warm Pavilion was a place within the palace where ministers stayed to handle affairs. During the investigation of the Sang Family, it was here that the ministers reviewed case files.
Gentle was somewhat puzzled by the Xuande Emperor's intentions but still replied, "I will take care of it at once. However, I ask Your Majesty to issue an edict allowing the ministers to return home for half a day’s rest."
The Xuande Emperor interrupted him, "No, let them stay in the Western Warm Pavilion. What I mean is to burn it down in the dead of night!"
Gentle frowned. "But what about the ministers?"
The Xuande Emperor was unconcerned. "Those with ulterior motives are of no importance. Once the Great Fire turns them to ashes, we can shift the blame onto the Sang Family!"
"Gentle reminded him, "Your Majesty, there is insufficient motive for arson."
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