Chapter 87: Chapter 87: The Attitude of the Imperial Court (Second Update)
「Capital City.」
「Imperial Palace!」
The news from the Imperial Court was, as always, accurate and error-free, and this time was no exception. While the Jianghu people were still uncertain about the authenticity of the list, the Imperial Court had already confirmed its genuineness. The Emperor had immediately ordered the treasury to be opened, and the White Dragon Halberd hidden within was retrieved. It was for this reason that Grand General Qian Baichuan was recalled.
The matter of the Nine Dragons Secret Treasure was of great importance. The Imperial Court also had its own decisions to make; it absolutely could not allow the Nine Dragon Key to be completely held by Jianghu people. However, with the appearance of the White Dragon Halberd, the whole Temple Hall was in an uproar. After all, everyone was curious about the Nine Dragons Secret Treasure. This secret was known to no one except His Majesty. But to obtain the Nine Dragons Secret Treasure, one needed more than just the Nine Dragon Key; the Emperor’s nod was required too. Otherwise, once the Imperial Army marched out, who could withstand them? In the face of the Imperial Army, Jianghu people were as fragile as thin paper!
「Inside the Imperial Study.」
The aging Emperor sat behind the dragon-carved desk, on which lay the list of the Nine Dragon Key. Besides the Emperor, there were two other people in the Imperial Study: Commander Sun Buwei of the Brocade Guard and Chief Imperial Steward Cao Zhisheng. Cao Zhisheng was one of the Top Ten Martial Arts Masters and one of the eunuchs most trusted by His Majesty. As for Sun Buwei... there was indeed one of the Top Ten Martial Arts Masters within the Brocade Guard, but it was a pity—it wasn’t him, Sun Buwei.
"What do you think of this list?" Emperor Luo inquired calmly.
Sun Buwei and Cao Zhisheng exchanged a glance, a hint of apprehension in their eyes. They were apprehensive about the danger brought by the entire list. Even a fool could see that someone was stirring trouble from behind. And according to the results of their investigation, those stirring trouble were people they could not afford to provoke.
"Your Majesty, the Brocade Guard has found out where the list originated from," Sun Buwei tactfully sidestepped Emperor Luo’s question.
Emperor Luo raised his eyebrows slightly, smiling. "Oh? Do tell. I’m curious to know who’s muddying the waters!"
"The list was leaked from within the Nine Heavens Alliance in Celestial Origin Mansion, but..." Sun Buwei paused for a moment, then continued, "However, according to the information we’ve gathered, Alliance Leader Cui Shengshu of the Nine Heavens Alliance did not seem to be aware of it beforehand. The list was leaked only after he met a certain individual."
This also informed the Emperor that while the list was spread from the Nine Heavens Alliance, it had been gathered by someone else!
To the side, Cao Zhisheng slightly lowered his head, his gaze becoming much calmer, as if this matter had nothing to do with him at all.
"Met with whom? Who?" Emperor Luo’s aged face displayed an even broader smile, as if he already knew about it and even knew who the person behind it was.
"It’s... it’s His Highness, the Seventh Prince!" Commander Sun Buwei knelt down hurriedly, explaining, "I dare not speak carelessly. However, according to our investigation, before this incident took place, the Seventh Prince indeed met with Cui Shengshu. He even stayed within the Nine Heavens Alliance for three days!"
Hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Cao Zhisheng’s calm demeanor. It was as if this news about the Seventh Prince couldn’t help but astonish him. Regarding matters of the Seventh Prince, ever since the incident from a year ago, everyone in the Palace kept silent about it. The palace maids and eunuchs who had discussed it privately also mysteriously disappeared the next day, causing the others to dare not speak of it. Even in private, no one would dare say it. The scandal of a prince and an imperial consort sharing a bed is not something that just anyone would dare to mention.
Emperor Luo was silent for half a moment, yet the smile on his face showed no sign of fading.
"Rise."
Several breaths later, Emperor Luo spoke. "So the Seventh Prince is interested in the Nine Dragons Secret Treasure. Since his power has recovered, he now has the qualifications to vie for it."
As soon as these words were spoken, both Sun Buwei and Cao Zhisheng felt their hearts drop. What did that mean? Did it tell them that the Seventh Prince once again possessed the qualifications to compete for the throne? If word of this spread, the entire Imperial Palace would become restless.
The Great Qian Dynasty revered martial prowess. This was known to all. Although the position of Crown Prince had been set, the rapid improvement of the Seventh Prince’s power led many to speculate that he, too, might have a chance to inherit the role. In the end, the position of Crown Prince is just that—a position. As long as His Majesty is alive, anyone could become the Crown Prince. After the affair between the Seventh Prince and Consort Shen came to light, many began to distance themselves from the Seventh Prince. Everyone understands the principle that when a tree falls, the monkeys scatter. But now... Was His Majesty’s remark about the Seventh Prince having regained his qualifications an indication of his favor toward him?
"Have Ninth carry the White Dragon Halberd on an errand," Emperor Luo said with a light laugh. "They all want to know about the Nine Dragons Secret Treasure, don’t they? Then I shall give them the opportunity! Inform them that the Imperial Court will not intervene in this matter. However, we will also join in with the White Dragon Halberd and the Silver Dragon Spear. Whoever wants to fight for it may go ahead and do so."
"Your servant obeys the command!" Sun Buwei stood and responded, then quickly withdrew.
「Outside, the sunlight was blinding.」
But at this moment, Sun Buwei was covered in cold sweat. The contention for the Nine Dragons Secret Treasure would inevitably be a bloody and brutal struggle. Was His Majesty intending to have his own sons kill each other? Even a tiger would not eat its offspring! Unfortunately, these matters had ultimately nothing to do with him. As a subject, one only needed to handle the affairs assigned by His Majesty. Everything else was of no concern to them.
「Within the Imperial Study.」
Only Cao Zhisheng and Emperor Luo remained. After Sun Buwei had left, Emperor Luo slowly began to speak. "Consort Shen should be nearing Fengxiang Prefecture by now, right?"
"Yes!" Cao Zhisheng’s tone was somewhat cold and sharp.
"Send a team out. Keep an eye on the Shen Family’s people," Emperor Luo said calmly. "Regarding the Seventh Prince and Consort Shen, the Shen Family need not be involved. If they stir trouble, then let the Shen Family disappear."
"Yes!" Cao Zhisheng replied once more, but did not leave. It seemed he knew that the Emperor before him still had instructions to give.
After a moment, Emperor Luo sighed and asked with a smile, "The Seventh Prince has truly surprised me. What do you think, Cao? I remember you helped him quite a bit in secret. Even after he was imprisoned, it was you taking care of things behind the scenes."
Cao Zhisheng bowed his head, saying nothing. Sometimes, staying silent is far better than speaking.
Emperor Luo looked at him, a mocking glint in his eyes. "I remember when you first entered the palace. It was because of the Seventh Prince’s mother. The kindness of a single meal led you to undergo castration and enter the palace. You then rose step by step to your current position, becoming one of the Top Ten Martial Arts Masters."
Emperor Luo stared at Cao Zhisheng with a smile. "The Seventh Prince’s mother passed away early. Since then, it has been you who helped him in secret. You’ve certainly had your hands full cleaning up his messes."
Cao Zhisheng remained silent, as if he hadn’t heard a word of what the Emperor just said.
Seeing this, Emperor Luo lost interest, waving his hand dismissively. "You’re dismissed. The Brocade Guard is restless. You keep an eye on them too."
Cao Zhisheng nodded slightly. "By your command!"