He had originally intended to merely incapacitate Sima Qingyun and Wen Zong, not kill them. Now, however, it seemed they had to be eliminated.
To collude with people from Shenlong Palace? Did they intend to overthrow the imperial court? His Majesty would absolutely not permit such a thing.
Shangguan Yao thought grimly. No one knew the terror in his heart, for a shocking lie compelled him to act this way.
These elder ministers were all loyal to the late emperor and held the Crown Prince in great reverence. Before, with Yun Mo obstructing them, they wouldn't have paid him, the current emperor, any mind.
But now, with him in power, many things would gradually surface. These people might discover the truth, and then he would be utterly damned. Thus, he could not tolerate any accidents.
Inside the upper chamber, a chilling cold permeated the air.
Mingri and Mingyue dared not utter a word, bowing their heads in obedience.
Just then, Tingzi's voice sounded from outside the door, "Your Majesty, the Prince is here."
Shangguan Yao turned and sat on the dragon throne, casting a cold glance at Mingri. He waved his hand, and the two retreated soundlessly. Shangguan Yao then spoke towards the door.
"Let him in."
"Yes," Tingzi replied and soon relayed the message, "Your Highness, Your Majesty is waiting for you in the study."
Tingzi pushed open the door to the Imperial Study. Shangguan Lin's tall figure walked in. Tingzi then gently closed the door.
Clad in a black robe, Shangguan Lin exuded a cold aura, as chilling as ice. He looked up at the Emperor on the elevated seat and spoke word by word.
"Imperial Brother, yesterday evening, the Prime Minister and Grand Scholar Wen, among others, encountered assassins. How does Imperial Brother view this matter?"
A cloud of doubt hung in Shangguan Lin's eyes. He vaguely suspected that this incident might be related to his Imperial Brother, as such coincidences were rare.
After being protested by many ministers during the day, such an event occurred at night. Therefore, he had to question the Emperor about what exactly had happened.
Shangguan Yao's pupils darkened. He glared coldly at Shangguan Lin. Ever since this Prince returned from Fengya Pass, he had become wary of him in many respects. Therefore, he had not allowed this Prince to interfere in this incident, nor had he informed him of his actions.
Furthermore, with his intellect, could he contend with Shangguan Yao? Shangguan Yao's expression suddenly turned unsightly.
"Shangguan Lin, you suspect Imperial Brother? Does Imperial Brother truly possess such foolishness that after being suppressed by several ministers during the day, he would then send people to attack these officials at night? Does the dignified Emperor of a nation commit such utterly absurd acts?"
He had indeed planned this surprise attack. It was precisely because those ministers had suppressed him during the day.
At night, an assassination occurred. Although people had their suspicions, they dared not confirm them, for the Emperor was not a fool. How could he possibly do such a thing? He was using this very fact to make his move.
As expected, Shangguan Lin was stunned and froze. The previous coldness subsided considerably, and the furrow in his brows relaxed. Realizing he had misjudged his Imperial Brother, he quickly knelt respectfully.
"This subject deserves death. I beg Imperial Brother to punish me."
"Enough. You are young and impetuous. Think more carefully before acting in the future. I am still the Emperor of Dong Qin. If your questioning today were to spread, it would be extremely detrimental to the current situation. Discord within the royal family is a grave taboo."
"Yes, this subject will remember Imperial Brother's lesson."
"Rise," Shangguan Yao appeared extremely weary, his brows slightly furrowed. An unresolvable gloom lay upon his handsome features. Shangguan Lin rose and stood to the side, speaking calmly, "How does Imperial Brother perceive who is responsible for this matter?"
"Such a massive operation is likely not the work of ordinary individuals, but a powerful organization."
Shangguan Yao mused thoughtfully. Below him, Shangguan Lin's pupils immediately glinted with killing intent, and a cold resolve hardened his voice.
"Could it be the work of Shenlong Palace? What do they intend to do? They have always lived in peace with the imperial court. I never expected them to dare execute court ministers. This is utterly detestable! This subject will find these people as soon as possible. If I find them, not a single one will be spared. They will be executed without mercy!"
Shangguan Yao's pupils flashed, and he nodded with satisfaction, believing that this matter would soon be spread by this royal brother.
"This subject shall take his leave. I have already ordered the Ministry of War to search the capital and investigate thoroughly. Additionally, you should pay close attention to any suspicious individuals in the capital."
"Yes, this subject takes his leave."
Shangguan Lin accepted the order and retreated. His mind was a whirl of thoughts, and finally, he thought of Leng Yue, who had appeared out of nowhere.
Could Leng Yue be from Shenlong Palace? If so, he would definitely expose him. If he truly was some protector or adherent of Shenlong Palace, he would never let him off.
However, how should he approach him now? Shangguan Lin walked along, deep in thought, not even hearing the eunuch's words in front of the Imperial Study. Behind him, Muli and Qiao Chu exchanged confused glances.
What was wrong with the Prince?
"Return to the manor."
The moment Shangguan Lin left, the Empress Dowager arrived with a retinue of eunuchs and palace maids. Regarding the injuries of the court ministers the previous night, she harbored deep suspicions. This matter seemed inextricably linked to the Emperor.
But how had the Emperor achieved this? He hadn't requisitioned troops from the Ministry of War, and she had personally ordered an investigation into his guards. Not a single one of those people had gone out last night. So, who else had helped him?
She thought that if this matter were indeed the Emperor's doing, his heart was more venomous than that of tigers and wolves. Knowing that one was his uncle and the other his biological father, he had disregarded these relatives for the throne. Then, what was the meaning of her actions back then?
A heavy breath lodged in the Empress Dowager's chest. She had already forgotten her previous vow not to participate in any of the Emperor's decisions to avoid harming their mother-son relationship. But could she simply stand by and watch her son murder his uncle and father?
Outside the study door, Tingzi spotted the Empress Dowager approaching from a distance and loudly announced, "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager arrives!"
The Empress Dowager understood Tingzi's intentions immediately. She cast a cold glare at the servant, but said nothing, directly ascending the stone steps and entering the Imperial Study.
Inside the Imperial Study, the Emperor had already heard Tingzi's announcement from outside. Thus, he stood up to welcome the Empress Dowager, assisting her to a soft couch to sit down.
"Why has Mother come?"
Shangguan Yao's handsome features were etched with concern, his pupils as deep as a mountain valley's abyss, revealing not the slightest hint of his true thoughts.
The Empress Dowager had intended to discern some information through his gaze. Upon seeing him now, she couldn't help but feel alarmed. Since when had Yao'er become so profound and scheming? Even his gaze was inscrutable. But...
"Yao'er, tell me, was what happened last night truly your doing?"
The Empress Dowager did not beat around the bush and questioned him directly.
Upon receiving the news of the Minister of War's injury early this morning, her heart had sunk to the bottom. She then heard of the injuries sustained by Qing Tian and others, and her heart was already burning with anxiety, unable to remain seated.
The Emperor had already moved against the Yun family. If he were to now target these people, wasn't he digging up Dong Qin's foundation? She knew why he was doing this, but was it out of fear?
However, such a sweeping action was too risky. He should have dealt with them separately.