Yao Zhinian finished speaking, and everyone fell silent. The words "The Wang family has committed countless crimes" were fitting for anyone to say, but not for a member of the Yao family.
Moreover, the Wang family was the maternal clan of the Sage. Some words, even if they festered in one's heart, should not be spoken in the Sage's presence.
Consort Yao had waited for over ten years and was on the verge of success, yet she had become impatient.
If the Yao family wished to become the empress's clan, they should at least put on a show of solidarity, even if it was out of self-preservation, and remain silent at this moment.
Yao Zhinian was still far from being able to contend with Gu Bohao.
Gu Bohao had only mentioned that the clothes worn by the assassins were made of Ge silk from Liancheng, without mentioning the Wang family at all.
"This matter has not yet been thoroughly investigated, and it may not necessarily be the work of the Wang family," the Sage said, flicking his wide sleeve. His tone betrayed no hint of emotion.
"The Sage speaks wisely," Prime Minister Mo agreed.
The Sage could indeed not tolerate the Wang family, but he also could not tolerate others interfering.
The Sage had not announced the death of Empress Wang to the world for a long time, which did not necessarily mean he did not care.
Perhaps…
Gu Bohao raised an eyebrow. Since he had planted this seed, Yao Zhinian naturally could not remain seated. There were things he could not say explicitly, but also could not refrain from saying.
The imperial court had a fixed quota of weapons for each army annually. If the Hanzhong army were to rebel, they would lack sufficient weapons and horses, thus needing to recruit soldiers and buy horses, which would inevitably implicate the Zheng family.
The Zheng family was his maternal clan, and he could not stand by and do nothing, but he also could not allow the Gu family to be drawn into it.
The five great clans prospered and declined together. If the Wang family could not clear their name, other families would also find it difficult to escape suspicion. However, if the Wang family could be protected, the Zheng family would also be protected.
Therefore, he had to speak, but he could not reveal everything.
"Sage…"
As Yao Zhinian was about to speak further, the Sage raised his hand to stop him. "Bohao, you will personally investigate the matter of the assassins. I will have the entire Dali Temple cooperate with you."
Gu Bohao was slightly stunned, then quickly acknowledged.
He had expected the Sage to hand over the follow-up matters to the Qianniu Guard, but he had not anticipated being tasked with the investigation himself. The Sage's intentions were becoming increasingly difficult to fathom.
Song Wei secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Anything involving the Wang family was difficult to handle.
Just like the death of Empress Wang last time, he still couldn't figure out the Sage's true intentions.
In the end, the Sage only kept Xie Jiayan. Prime Minister Mo and others were indifferent, but Yao Zhinian was not as composed. After the minor court session dispersed, he did not leave the palace but went to the consort's palace.
Zhang Ying, seeing that the Sage had kept Xie Jiayan, had already instructed the palace attendants to prepare a chessboard.
"I saw that you seemed to have something to say just now. With no one else present, you need not fear anyone," the Sage said, playing black pieces today and letting Xie Jiayan go first.
Zhang Ying, standing not far behind, kept his eyes on his nose and his nose on his heart, even slowing his breathing, for fear of disturbing the two.
"Sage, I believe those assassins may not have been the work of the Wang family," Xie Jiayan said unhurriedly.
The Sage placed a piece and let out a meaningful "Oh," signaling Xie Jiayan to continue.
"That Ge silk is only found in the Liancheng region. How could the Wang family not know? Such a glaring oversight seems intentional," Xie Jiayan calmly stated his thoughts.
After hearing this, the Sage's expression was quite placid. "Your analysis is not without reason, but…"
The Sage smiled, then continued, "Perhaps the Wang family thinks the same way, using such an obvious flaw to frame others."
If anyone else had heard the Sage say this, they would have immediately knelt and begged for forgiveness. However, Xie Jiayan remained focused on the pieces on the chessboard, not looking at the Sage's face. "Indeed. The case will eventually be solved. I am concerned that someone might use this incident to stir up trouble and commit treason."
He was not making excuses for the Wang family, but rather, under the dual pressures of internal strife and external threats, the imperial court and the five great clans needed to temporarily make peace.
If chaos were to erupt again, and the Central Plains were plunged into war, the aristocratic families would seize the opportunity to establish their own emperor.
Then, emperors would change frequently, while the aristocratic families would remain steadfast. The common people could not endure such a devastating war.