Chapter 187
"No, Miss. I will follow you wherever you wish to go,"
Lu Jiu replied imdiately, without needing much thought. He had long intended this. Seeing the confusion in her eyes, he continued, "I once vowed to you that I would stay by your side wherever you go."
Mu Yingying certainly rembered the promise he had made. She had never doubted his loyalty. However, if this vow had beco a chain binding him, she felt uneasy. She didn’t want him to feel obligated to stay by her side just because of a promise.
"In truth...when this is all over, you don’t have to bind yourself to because of that vow. At that ti, I asked you to make that promise because of the circumstances. But it’s not the sa now."
Mu Yingying explained calmly, believing that Lu Jiu felt compelled to follow her out of duty. But upon hearing his response, her heart ward for a mont.
"I’m not staying because of duty. It’s my true desire, Miss."
Lu Jiu gazed steadily at her. His eyes held no hint of jest, only sincerity. They looked at each other for a long ti before Mu Yingying’s cheeks flushed for reasons she didn’t understand, and she felt a strange sensation in her heart.
"Mmm," Mu Yingying responded briefly before averting her gaze. She continued to eat her snacks in an unusually awkward manner, pondering the peculiar feelings that had arisen.
What was happening to her...?
...
..
.
Ti passed quickly. Amidst the chaos in the royal court, Mu Yingying continued her daily routine, making no move, rely awaiting occasional news from her agents.
Before long, the Daliang royal court descended into greater turmoil. The Crown Prince was audaciously assassinated, leaving him severely injured. This threw the royal court into unprecedented disarray, as it ant a potential shift in the succession of the throne.
Upon receiving the report, the Emperor was furious. Though the power struggles had always been intense, they had remained within bounds he could tolerate. But now, the rivalry had escalated to life-threatening levels!
The Emperor, having experienced similar events in the past, could clearly see the current situation. He had once fought his siblings for power and now found the experience vastly different when faced with it himself.
If this power struggle continued to escalate, not only would the princes’ lives be at risk, but even his own life and throne could be threatened by the greed for power...
"Send soone to investigate who dared to commit such a vile act!"
The Emperor turned to his shadow guard and issued the command. No matter which prince was behind this, he would not let it go unpunished. This was to serve as a warning to show that while he, the Emperor, was still alive, anyone plotting such actions should heed his authority.
The Throne Room
Within the grand throne room of the palace, the atmosphere was tense and oppressive. After the Minister of Justice presented the investigation report on the assassination attempt on the Crown Prince to the Emperor, the courtiers remained silent, awaiting the forthcoming events.
As the Emperor read the investigation report, the details pointed in a predictable direction. Despite his expectations, he couldn’t help but feel disappointed, as all evidence and testimonies implicated the Fifth Prince’s people.
"Good. Very good indeed."
The more he read, the more the Emperor’s expression darkened. Finally, unable to contain his anger, he threw the report to the ground and glared at the Fifth Prince, who stood unfazed. His face was filled with rage.
"You, Fifth Prince, how dare you commit such a heinous act under my rule!"
The Emperor furiously scolded the Fifth Prince, his roar echoed through the throne room, instilling fear and shock among the courtiers. Even the Fifth Prince showed a hint of alarm on his face.
"Father, you misunderstand. I would never dare!"
The Fifth Prince quickly denied the accusation, his expression innocent and sincere, casting doubt among so courtiers about the true nature of the incident. Was it really the Fifth Prince, or was it a setup?
"All evidence points to you, yet you still dare to deny it!?"
The Emperor demanded, pointing angrily at the scattered report. With so much evidence, denial seed futile.
"Father, I beg for a re-investigation. I swear I am innocent and did not harm my brother as accused. Soone must have frad during the previous investigation for these results to erge,"
The Fifth Prince glanced at the report briefly and pleaded with determination, his eyes showing unwavering resolve, not at all like soone who was afraid of guilt, causing concern among the Crown Prince’s faction.
Initially, they had ticulously planned to fra the Fifth Prince for the Crown Prince’s assassination. A re-investigation might turn the case on its head, ruining their chance to eliminate the Fifth Prince!
"Your Majesty, please reconsider. The Fifth Prince is guilty, as the evidence shows. If he is released, he might fabricate more false evidence,"
A high-ranking official from the Crown Prince’s faction quickly objected, fearing their plan might be foiled. Other courtiers from the Crown Prince’s side joined in, pleading the Emperor in unison.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider."
"Your Majesty, this matter concerns the royal family, and the Fifth Prince is the younger brother of the Crown Prince. Soone might be intentionally stirring up trouble. Please reconsider and allow for a new investigation of the case!"
An official from the Fifth Prince’s faction imdiately objected, trying to persuade the Emperor and appeal to the dignity of the royal family, knowing well how much the Emperor valued this. Following this, all the officials from the Fifth Prince’s side knelt down, pleading with the Emperor to permit a re-investigation, mirroring the actions of the Crown Prince’s faction just monts before.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider allowing a re-investigation."
With the court divided, the Emperor ultimately ordered a new investigation, this ti every step was under his direct supervision to prevent any interference. Soon after the second investigation concluded, it was revealed that the audacious assassination attempt on the Crown Prince was orchestrated by a treacherous official aiming to create discord within the royal family and between the two princes.
The Emperor ordered that official be punished by executing nine generations of his family to ensure no one would dare to commit such acts again. Although soone had been punished, everyone in the royal court knew deep down that this matter was surely connected to the Fifth Prince...
After the investigation concluded, even though the Fifth Prince had managed to present evidence to defend himself, the Emperor still stripped him of so of his powers as a warning. The Emperor was aware of the truth, but he turned a blind eye for the sake of the royal family’s reputation. To openly accuse the Fifth Prince of wrongdoing was not an option.
In the end, the Emperor could only reclaim so of the Fifth Prince’s power to show the courtiers that he was not entirely biased towards him. This action was ant to demonstrate that he was fair with all his sons.
The Emperor’s actions reassured the officials supporting the Crown Prince, showing them that the Emperor was not completely blind to the situation. Although they were frustrated that their enemy had escaped unscathed, they took solace in the fact that the Fifth Prince had been significantly stripped of power.
On the other hand, the officials supporting the Fifth Prince grew anxious. Their faction had never held more power than the opposing side, and now, with their power further diminished, they were unsure how to proceed. They resolved that next ti, they must eliminate the Crown Prince!
As the power struggle within the Daliang royal court intensified, none of them were aware of a group quietly moving around them. The once silent rebel group began to stir again.
They infiltrated the capital in large numbers without raising any suspicions, as everyone’s focus was entirely on the royal court’s conflicts. These rebels bribed courtiers in the court and so soldiers to use them as pawns in their plan.
All steps were carried out silently, like an underwater current building in strength. By the ti the royal court realized what was happening, it would be too late to reverse it...
Mu Yingying’s Residence
Inside Mu Yingying’s residence, two figures were engaged in conversation. After reading the report she had received, Mu Yingying’s eyes glead with deep contemplation. The situation in the Daliang royal court was worsening, becoming increasingly rotten.
If they didn’t act now, such a perfect opportunity might never co again!
"The ti is right. Now is the best ti to act."
"When should we begin, Miss?" Lu Jiu asked calmly. He thought similarly, believing that the current weakened state of the royal court was the best ti to strike.
"In two days...we will proceed,"
Mu Yingying said with sparkling eyes. It was ti to end this once and for all so she could be assured that no enemy would ever threaten her family again.
Hearing this, Lu Jiu frowned slightly. He thought for a mont before offering his suggestion.
"Would it be better to act in five days?"
"Why do you think five days would be better?" Mu Yingying asked why it had to be five days later. Lu Jiu always had a good reason and had never contradicted her without cause.
"Earlier, I received a report that in five days, there will be an important religious ceremony at the imperial temple. Many people from the city will flock to the event. The patrolling guards will be spread thin as so will be assigned to maintain order at the imperial temple, causing them to not be able to keep an eye on everything," Lu Jiu explained patiently. He continued,
"With the guards divided to the imperial temple, the number of those patrolling the capital will be reduced. I believe this presents an opportunity to minimize potential losses and make it easier for us to take control of the capital."
"That’s right. I completely forgot about that!"
Mu Yingying exclaid, shaking her head at herself. How could she forget such a significant detail? Maybe. she had been so focused on the royal court’s affairs that she overlooked many things. She looked at Lu Jiu and couldn’t help but smile.
"As always, you think everything through, Lu Jiu. Without you, I would be in trouble."
She praised him sincerely. Lu Jiu was always ticulous, considering things she might overlook. Otherwise, she might have made a grave mistake. The upcoming important event at the imperial temple ant the soldiers were rigorously training during this ti. Attacking before the ceremony would give the enemy ti to prepare, potentially ruining years of planning.
This battle, she wanted to win with the least amount of loss possible!
The rebel group was loyal individuals who should no longer have to suffer losses. In the future, she would need to think more carefully and see the bigger picture to avoid any more mistakes. Luckily, Lu Jiu was there to remind her, but what if he wasn’t around in the future...?
At this thought, Mu Yingying’s heart sank montarily, and her beautiful face paled slightly. Lu Jiu, noticing all the change, quickly approached her with concern.
"Miss, is sothing wrong?"
"N...no, I just thought of my mother," Mu Yingying replied, using her late mother as an excuse. She looked into his eyes steadily until he was reassured and returned to his seat.
Mu Yingying quickly dismissed her confusing thoughts from her mind and refocused on the matter at hand. With the date set for their action, she spoke in a cold tone.
"Then, let the rebel group strikes in five days, during the morning when the officials are attending the court assembly. We will close the gates and trap them!"
"Our forces infiltrated in the capital are all ready. There should be no issues,"
Lu Jiu referred to the rebels who had infiltrated the capital without arousing the suspicion of the officials overseeing the city. It was uncertain whether it was due to the rebels’ skill or the officials’ negligence.
"Good."
Mu Yingying nodded with satisfaction. Although she had been anxious when she was about to make a move, seeing the skills of the rebels and Commander Ye, she had to admit that they had a strong resolution. Their determination to reclaim justice was sothing she deeply respected.
As for who would be the next emperor of Daliang, she didn’t care. Her goal was solely to eliminate the enemies who were threats to her family!
"Finally, I can put an end to this,"
Mu Yingying sighed, hoping for a swift conclusion so she could finally live her own life.
Once Mu Yingying gave the order, the rebel group began to mobilize with full force. They were excited and had awaited this mont for a long ti. At last, they could seek justice for the late Second Prince and the loyal officials who had been massacred in the previous reign.
The families of the loyal officials had been wiped out because of the greed of those who sought what wasn’t theirs. They would take the blood of the vile tyrant to avenge those lives lost!
Five days later.
Early in the morning, the people of Daliang flocked to the imperial temple for an important ceremony. The streets of the capital were unusually empty, with only rchants opening their shops as usual. Most street food vendors had moved to sell their goods near the temple.
The capital was eerily quiet and deserted.
The officials, however, proceeded with their duties as usual. They did not take ti off to join the ceremony, as there were many petitions to present to the Emperor. Officials loyal to the Emperor and the two princes had petitions to deliver. None suspected that chaos would soon erupt in the throne room.
In the midst of the quiet capital, a group of people moved stealthily, unnoticed by anyone. They dispersed to various strategic points in the capital, leaving no trace.
When it was ti for the court assembly, the rebel group erged within the capital and ambushed the unsuspecting guards. rchants witnessing the unusual events were filled with fear. They hurriedly closed their shops and doors, retreating into silence, pretending to be oblivious to what was happening.
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