The capture of Nangong Yi was enough to cause a huge uproar. If his father, Nangong Chen, were also implicated, the situation would likely become even worse!
"Your Majesty, what exactly has happened?" Eunuch Li asked anxiously.
The young man on the dragon throne handed the urgent report to Eunuch Li, his expression solemn. "Take a look."
Eunuch Li quickly read it, his face instantly changing drastically, and he exclaimed, "What? Nangong Yi colluded with the enemy and attempted to harm the royal family?"
After reading the contents of the urgent report, Eunuch Li's body trembled slightly. He truly couldn't believe it.
Nangong Yi had dared to be so audacious, even colluding with people from the Northern Wilderness to attempt to overthrow the Great Xia Dynasty!
"Your Majesty, what do you think should be done?" Eunuch Li looked up and asked.
"What else can be done? Naturally, he will be executed without mercy!" The young man on the dragon throne sneered. "This Nangong Yi has a wolf's ambition and must not be spared!"
"But Nangong Yi is the son of a marquis. If his entire clan is exterminated, there might be criticism," Eunuch Li hesitated.
"My decision is made. This matter will be handled by the Ministry of Rites. Thoroughly investigate the Nangong family within three days and ensure evidence is found. Then, all those connected to the Nangong family will be executed, not a single one left!" The young man's icy voice carried a chilling killing intent.
"Your Majesty is wise," Eunuch Li bowed in agreement. He secretly thought, 'Stupid. Since you, Nangong Yi, dared to rebel, don't blame me for being ruthless.'
"You may withdraw," the man on the dragon throne waved his hand. Eunuch Li bowed and turned to leave.
At this time, Chu Chen was recuperating at home. Due to his serious injuries, he was bedridden for two full days before recovering. During this period, Lu Xuan also visited him a few times.
"Knock, knock, knock!" A knock sounded at the door.
"Please come in," Chu Chen called out.
The door opened, and a handsome young girl in purple brocade robes walked in. This girl was none other than Zi Xuan.
"Why are you here?" Chu Chen asked, standing up from his bed, looking at Zi Xuan with some surprise. He hadn't seen her since they parted last time.
Zi Xuan glanced at Chu Chen and said faintly, "I want to talk to you."
"Talk about what?" Chu Chen asked. It seemed they had nothing to talk about.
Zi Xuan was silent for a long time, bit her lip, and said, "I heard the Nangong family rebelled. How are you?"
Hearing this, Chu Chen was stunned. He hadn't expected Zi Xuan to care about him. He shook his head, "It's nothing, I'm fine now."
Zi Xuan nodded slightly, a complex expression flashing across her pretty face. She bit her teeth lightly and asked, "Do you hate the Nangong family? After all, Nangong Yi is your cousin."
Upon hearing this, Chu Chen was instantly stunned. He hadn't expected Zi Xuan to ask such a question. He shook his head, "I no longer have the Nangong family. My surname is Lu, and I have no relation to them."
"Then what about me? Do you hate me?" Zi Xuan asked again.
Chu Chen was taken aback, then smiled, "Of course I don't hate you. You saved my life."
"Really?" Zi Xuan asked uncertainly.
"Really," Chu Chen nodded. He had no reason to lie to Zi Xuan. Although he disliked Nangong Yi, there was no need to take it out on him.
"Thank you," Zi Xuan said gratefully.
"Alright, you should leave quickly, to avoid any further complications," Chu Chen waved his hand. He felt that Zi Xuan was acting strangely. She had come to his room so abruptly and asked a bunch of strange questions.
Zi Xuan didn't say much and turned to leave.
"Wait a moment," Chu Chen called out to Zi Xuan.
"Is there anything else?" Zi Xuan stopped and asked curiously.
"That matter..." Chu Chen opened his mouth but didn't know how to say it.
"Which matter?"
"It's... it's... forget it, it's nothing." Chu Chen shook his head and smiled bitterly. "You should go back first."
Zi Xuan nodded slightly and then left with graceful steps.
Watching Zi Xuan's disappearing back, Chu Chen's brows furrowed tightly. He muttered to himself, "Did I guess wrong?" Chu Chen shook his head, unwilling to think further. The news of Nangong Yi's rebellion spread like wings through the streets and alleys. The common people were in an uproar, and panic spread.
"The Nangong family actually rebelled! How outrageous!"
"Alas, who made them so powerful in court? If not for Your Majesty's benevolence, the Great Xia would have been renamed Nangong long ago."
"What a pity. Your Majesty and Prime Minister Zhuge are loyal to His Majesty, yet the Nangong family repaid kindness with enmity. They are worse than beasts!"
All sorts of curses arose one after another, and they grew more intense. The officials were in a panic. If the matter was not handled properly, it could shake the morale of the army. Therefore, everyone was racing against time to collect evidence of their crimes.
In the imperial study, the young man on the dragon throne had a gloomy look between his brows, clearly in a very bad mood. The entire imperial study was filled with a oppressive atmosphere, making the air feel thin.
"Your Majesty, this minister is guilty," Eunuch Li said, bowing his head with a look of shame.
The young man on the dragon throne raised his eyes and glanced at Eunuch Li, his voice low. "This has nothing to do with you."
"Your Majesty..." Eunuch Li was about to say something when he suddenly felt a powerful pressure erupt from the young man on the dragon throne. His face changed drastically, and he quickly knelt on the ground, cold sweat beading on his forehead.
"You may withdraw. There's no need to mention this matter again," the young man said with a look of exhaustion. He knew what Eunuch Li wanted to say but didn't want to hear it.
"Yes." Eunuch Li respectfully withdrew, leaving only the weary-looking young man.
West of the imperial city, there were several peaks. The highest peak stood a magnificent palace. Inside the palace sat more than ten elders, all of whom were important officials of the court. At this moment, their faces were filled with sorrow and worry.
In the center of the hall, Nangong Yi sat on the ground with his hair disheveled, his body covered in blood, looking extremely miserable, as if he had just escaped from death.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, this minister is incompetent. I beg Your Majesty to punish me!" An old minister knelt down with a thud, saying mournfully.
The others also knelt down in unison, pleading, "We implore Your Majesty to spare Nangong Yi."
The young man clenched his fists, staring angrily at the old minister. He roared, "Nangong Yi rebelled, and you are still pleading for him!"
The old minister was terrified and quickly explained, "Reporting to Your Majesty, although Nangong Yi's actions are illegal, his crime does not warrant death. Moreover, he has already been punished. Why doesn't Your Majesty show leniency!"
The young man took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions. "Considering it's your first offense, I can spare Nangong Yi's dog life, but while he may escape death, he will not escape punishment!"
"Your Majesty is wise. This minister thanks Your Majesty for your magnanimity on behalf of Nangong Yi!" The old minister said with relief. He had originally thought he would have to resign today, but he didn't expect such a big turn of events.