No problem, let's say that the evidence against the Sang Family is incomplete. Fearing that the Court might discover this and prevent them from reopening the case, they set a Great Fire to destroy the evidence from the Chongjing Emperor's era regarding the Sang Family, along with any evidence for their appeal, creating a situation where there are no witnesses left to testify.
With so many court officials dead, there is no one to handle matters in the Court, and the reopening of the case will inevitably be delayed. The newly appointed officials need time to adjust, and this delay could stretch on for several years.
During this time, we can use this fire to sow discord between the Sang Family and others, further solidifying their reputation as treasonous rebels. The return of the Sang Family will then be indefinitely postponed.
As for Sang Bai Jue, wasn’t he already worn down in exile? We just need to ensure he dies, and the rest of the Sang Family will pose no threat.
What a wicked plan! The Xuande Emperor, in pursuit of his own power and position, disregards the lives of others. With so many court officials dead, the Court's operations will come to a standstill, which will also affect the entire Great Jing's order. With internal strife, external threats will only worsen. Even if the Xuande Emperor manages to guard against the Sang Family, he cannot defend against the covetous eyes of neighboring nations.
Watching coldly as the Xuande Emperor revels in his malicious scheme, Gentle not only fails to stop him but also skillfully flatters him while agreeing on a timeline for action. Once he falls into a joyful slumber, Gentle’s message finds its way into Shi Yun's hands.
Seeing Shi Yun panting with rage, Ze curiously peeks over and turns pale. Is His Majesty out of his mind? Has he considered the consequences of his actions?!
Shi Yun scoffs, suggesting that perhaps he knows he won’t live long and wants to cause a ruckus before his demise. Burning us alive would serve as his burial companion!
And Gentle? How could he not intervene at such a critical moment? He allows His Majesty to act recklessly!
Shi Yun sneers; Gentle is clever. This situation could be exploited to benefit the Sang Family. By delivering this news, he’s doing us a favor—what a win-win situation!
In Jingjing City’s northern territory, where rain is scarce and clear skies prevail in July nights, caution is advised against fire hazards.
At the Western Warm Pavilion of the palace, a Great Fire suddenly erupted. The Xuande Emperor rushed over upon hearing the news but secretly tried to prevent courtiers from extinguishing it. Watching as the palace was gradually engulfed by flames, he was suddenly overcome with sorrow, his cries echoing around him—so genuine that it affected those nearby.
That night, cries from within the palace reached outside its walls. The smoke was overwhelming and suffocating; covering his mouth and nose with a handkerchief, the Xuande Emperor refused to leave despite others' pleas until Gentle slowly extinguished the flames. As he surveyed the remnants of what was once a grand palace, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
He wanted to see how many had perished inside. According to their plan, Gentle would be among the first to enter the fire scene and plant evidence that would tarnish the Sang Family’s name.
Following through with their plan, Gentle soon emerged from the chaos without waiting for anyone to speak first.
The Xuande Emperor couldn’t contain himself any longer. “Gentle,” he said eagerly, “it must be horrific inside! I truly cannot bear it nor dare to go in myself. Just hours ago they were still alive; now there are only charred corpses left.”
Who could be so heartless? “Gentle,” he pressed on, “are there any clues in there?”
Your Majesty, in the midst of the fire, the Xuande Emperor was eager to see the Sang Family suffer. He was dissatisfied with Gentle's hesitance and spoke again, "If we are to discuss who harbors the deepest hatred for Great Jing, I believe it must be none other than the Sang Family. Just as they began to rise, all evidence, including that of my court officials, was reduced to ashes by this Great Fire."
Could it be that there were issues with the evidence? The Xuande Emperor deliberately elongated his words, leaving room for speculation.
Seeing that Gentle, who was usually so articulate, had not responded, the Xuande Emperor kicked him lightly and urged him with a glance to present the evidence that implicated the Sang Family.
Only then did Gentle step forward and whisper to the Xuande Emperor, "Your Majesty, there has been a change. There is no one inside."
No one?!
The Xuande Emperor was taken aback by this news and shouted in fury, directing his anger at Gentle. "How can there be no one! Gentle, you must be mistaken. Didn't we agree on all the details? Before the fire broke out, there were guards outside the hall confirming their presence!"
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