The Sage was unconscious, and the Imperial Hospital could not say when he would wake. Although the Seventh Prince had not yet been named Crown Prince, everyone tacitly accepted his position, making it natural for him to oversee state affairs.
The Central Secretariat convened an emergency meeting that night. Yao Zhinian’s morale was high, insisting that the evidence of Wang Ningqing and his son colluding with the enemy was conclusive, which had infuriated the Sage to the point of spitting blood and falling into a coma.
The charges of treason and attempting to murder the Sage weighed heavily on Wang Ningqing.
The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice presented confession after confession. Initially, Minister Qin and Minister Lu vouched for the Wang family's innocence, but even Prime Minister Mo avoided their sharp edge. With the Sage in a coma, the Wang family was beyond saving.
The Seventh Prince, having been raised by the Sage, was deeply aware of the Sage's determination to eradicate powerful clans.
Although he was not close to the Yao family, he now used their influence to eliminate the Wang family.
The Wang family was the foremost of the Five Great Clans. By suppressing them, the other four would surely be intimidated. Even if the other four clans retaliated, the Yao family would bear the brunt of it.
Understanding the implications, the Seventh Prince handed over the matter of the Wang family to the Central Secretariat for full disposal.
Seeing the Seventh Prince’s tacit approval, Yao Zhinian’s confidence soared. With the support of Imperial Concubine Yao, he acted without restraint, employing thunderous tactics.
Imperial Concubine Yao, who had harbored resentment for so many years, finally had an outlet. With the Sage in an unknown state of recovery, the dragon throne would eventually belong to her son. If not now, when would she exact her revenge?
...
Although Xie Jiayan had earned the Sage's favor, his official rank was not high enough to participate in the Central Secretariat's deliberations. At best, he could only learn the news earlier than others.
"Prime Minister Mo, Wang Ningqing and his son are indeed unforgivable. The Sage, in his benevolence, did not pursue their crimes, and Wang Ningqing, knowing his guilt towards the people of the world, took poison to end his life. Confiscating the Wang family's assets and reducing them to commoners is understandable. However, the execution of the entire Liancheng Wang clan, over a hundred lives, requires careful consideration. If the other four clans are wary, they will undoubtedly obstruct the establishment of local academies a hundredfold."
"Next year is the imperial examination. If there are no scholars participating, how can the court select worthy officials? The lives of the Wang clan are a small matter, but it impacts the promotion of the imperial examinations. I implore Prime Minister Mo to reconsider."
Prime Minister Mo stroked his beard and remained silent for a moment before saying, "I understand what you are saying, but Yao Zhinian is adamant that treason warrants the confiscation of property and the extermination of the clan. You have seen the Seventh Prince's attitude; he has stated that the matter is to be handled by the Central Secretariat, but in reality, it means Yao Zhinian is in charge."
"You understand the situation here without me explaining it. Physician Liu, who is treating the Sage, said that this time the Sage... Minister Lu initially vouched for the Wang family, but why is his stance so weak today? The Wang family is beyond saving, so why would he drag the Lu family down with them? Minister Qin has the same concerns. The Sage might spare the Wang clan members out of consideration for their past contributions, but times have changed. I advise you, do not get involved in this matter. Yao Zhinian is determined to annihilate the Liancheng Wang clan this time."
"Yet, there are hundreds of lives at stake. It is easy to exterminate the Wang clan, but difficult to silence public opinion. Wang Ningqing’s resentment stems from the Liancheng fire years ago. Responding to violence with violence, and using killing to stop killing, will only further irreconcilably widen the rift between the court and the noble clans. If..."
"Jiayan, what if the Seventh Prince knows this but still proceeds?" Prime Minister Mo said meaningfully.
Xie Jiayan froze. Prime Minister Mo turned and left. Xie Jiayan looked towards the majestic Taiji Hall in the distance. Did Xiao Che truly intend to use a borrowed knife to kill? Must one become ruthless to ascend that position?
His long-planned efforts were ultimately in vain. Xie Jiayan suddenly thought of something, his face turning even paler. His already gaunt body seemed drained of its essence, making him appear on the verge of collapse.