The Emperor unexpectedly attended the morning court, causing a stir throughout the imperial hall. He hadn't attended for over a month, and his appearance now was a complete surprise to everyone.
Clad in a bright imperial yellow robe adorned with a coiled dragon, and wearing a golden crown, the Emperor exuded an aura of profound stability and dominance. A casual sweep of his gaze, as clear and deep as a tranquil abyss, cast a chilling aura over the hall.
The officials knelt respectfully in the hall, proclaiming, "Your subjects greet Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live for ten thousand, ten thousand years."
"All ministers, rise," the Emperor commanded.
Murong Liuzun waved his hand, and the assembled ministers offered their thanks and rose, lining up on either side. A quick glance revealed the absence of many.
A heavy weight settled in Murong Liuzun's heart, and a more sinister expression crossed his handsome features.
He knew that the Grand General An Dingfeng had been severely injured by the Prince of Nan'an that day and was recuperating at his residence. The Left Prime Minister, Mu Hen, was currently on his way back to Lin'an City.
Two ministers in court had previously spoken out against Shangguan Hao and were killed. Yet, at a glance, it seemed two or three more were missing. What was going on?
Emperor Xian raised his narrow eyebrows, and his voice, laced with killing intent, resounded.
"Where are the Minister of War, Lord Lin, and the Vice Minister of War, Li Qinghan?"
He had been waiting for their report on the search of the capital. Unexpectedly, these two were absent from the morning court. What could have happened?
Murong Liuzun knew these two would not dare to be absent from court. Could it be…
As this thought flashed through his mind, a breathless eunuch rushed in from outside the Guangming Hall, falling to his knees with a thud.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, the household of the Minister of War, Lord Lin, and the household of the Vice Minister of War, Lord Li, have sent messengers. They report that last night, Lord Lin and Lord Li were both murdered in their residences."
"What?"
Murong Liuzun leaped to his feet, his hands clenched. His eyes gleamed with bloodlust as he paced the Golden Phoenix Hall.
He had only ordered Lord Lin and Vice Minister Li to search for him last night, and today they were dead.
What did this mean? It meant someone was openly provoking him, unwilling to face him directly, but lurking in the shadows, watching his every move and killing at his slightest action.
Below the hall, the ministers exchanged glances, then dared not even breathe. Their usually upright faces looked grim.
A while ago, two ministers had spoken out and were killed. Today, two more ministers had died. Could this be the Emperor's doing?
The entire Golden Phoenix Hall felt like a purgatory, everyone trembling with fear. The Emperor appeared to be in an extreme rage. They had no idea what would happen next. The foremost official, Grand Scholar Han, leading a group of senior officials, knelt down in trepidation: "Your Majesty."
This Vice Minister of War, Lord Li, was also the father-in-law of the Prince of Nan'an. It was unexpected that the Emperor would also deal such a fatal blow.
The only thing that perplexed everyone was the Prince of Nan'an. The Prince of Nan'an had actually come to the morning court today. Hadn't the Emperor ordered his arrest a while ago?
And hadn't the Empress been thrown into prison? It was said that the Empress had also returned to the palace.
What on earth was going on?
Murong Liuzun knew the ministers' confusion. He waved his hand and spoke in a deep, seductive, and chilling voice, "All rise."
Everyone in the hall stood up and moved to the sides. The Emperor today seemed different from before; he did not punish people arbitrarily.
Moreover, they heard that he was very angry about the deaths of Lord Lin and Vice Minister Li. Did this mean the two lords were not killed by the Emperor's men? What was going on? They stole glances at each other, guessing cautiously.
The Emperor's imposing and bloodthirsty voice sounded again: "Eunuch, issue a decree to the world."
Yao An immediately led two eunuchs, flicked his whisk, and stepped forward, bowing respectfully and saying, "Your Majesty."
"Decree to the world: Shangguan Hao, former Crown Prince of Wanhe Kingdom, has plotted against His Majesty, sown chaos in court, and cruelly murdered court officials. He is now hiding in Lin'an City. Those who provide clues will be rewarded with ten thousand taels of gold."
"Yes."
Yao An immediately relayed the command to announce the decree and dispatch people to post the imperial edict.
In the Golden Phoenix Hall, the ministers exchanged glances and only then did they fully comprehend.
Could it be that the Emperor attending court recently was not the true Emperor, but Shangguan Hao, the former Crown Prince of Wanhe Kingdom? Everyone suddenly understood, and a heavy stone was lifted from their hearts.
Although the Emperor possessed unparalleled power, he was never a bloodthirsty person. It turned out that the killer was a traitorous rebel. With this realization, the ministers finally felt at ease and knelt again: "Your Majesty."
"All rise."
"Thank Your Majesty," the crowd rose. Now they were united against a common enemy. Shangguan Hao was still hiding in Lin'an City.
That bloodthirsty and cruel fellow would likely commit more world-shattering acts. It was probably these acts that led to the deaths of Lord Lin and Vice Minister Li last night.
This detestable man was truly wicked.
"Prince of Nan'an, you will temporarily act as Minister of War. Immediately dispatch men to monitor all movements within Lin'an City."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Murong Liuzhao acknowledged the order calmly, his heart filled with anxiety no less than the Emperor's. If Shangguan Hao was not apprehended, more people would be harmed.
He was in the dark, while they were in the light. Even with all their troops, it would be difficult to capture him for some time.
"Court is dismissed," Murong Liuzun declared with a wave of his hand. The immediate priority was to apprehend Shangguan Hao.
After this ordeal, the court and the nation had suffered heavy losses, not only in manpower and troops but also in financial resources. However, only after capturing that man could they rest assured and proceed with reorganizing everything else.
Upon the posting of the imperial edict, the entire Lin'an City, and indeed the entire realm, learned of the cause and effect of the events.
It turned out that the recent bloodthirsty and cruel Emperor was actually Shangguan Hao, a traitor from Wanhe Kingdom, who had infiltrated the palace to harm the Emperor, impersonate him, and kill so many people.
Shangguan Hao, originally a fellow disciple of the Emperor under the tutelage of the Crimson Sunset Elder of Mount Tian Shan, was a man of perverse thoughts, insidious and venomous.
With unanimous condemnation, Shangguan Hao became the greatest sinner of the Shengyue Dynasty, the epitome of the world's most wicked and evil fiend…
Within the Phoenix Palace.
Qingyao awoke, tidied herself, and had breakfast with Xiao Yu'er.
The palace was quiet now, but it exuded an suffocating sense of unease.
Qingyao still felt a slight pity for those in the Cold Palace.
Apart from Ximen Xinyue and Sima Lanmei, the others were not entirely at fault. Suffering such treatment must be incredibly painful.
Sunlight streamed in from the palace doors, gently illuminating her. Qingyao frowned thoughtfully. Xiao Yu'er lay beside her leg and spoke softly, "Mother, what are you thinking about?"
"Is that corpse poison truly incurable?"