PDLP Chapter 101 "Purge the Emperor's Lair"
Chapter 101 "Purge the Emperor's Lair"
There wasn't time to think it through, after all, there were so many people in front of me.
Yun Yuke composed herself and looked at the crowd gathered around her.
Although there was no fire, the masked men still frightened the shopkeepers living nearby.
The person in charge on duty nearby also heard the commotion and rushed over.
When the staff on duty saw the people lying on the ground, they were initially surprised, but only for a moment before they immediately put on their usual businesslike expressions.
They were saying things like, "We're sorry, we didn't manage things properly. Don't worry, we'll handle this carefully." The person in charge sent a few people to drag the people lying on the ground away.
Yun Yuke naturally wouldn't be too assertive on someone else's turf. Since the other party already had a pretext for dealing with it, she wouldn't be too forceful either.
Perhaps these people on the ground are also servants of the Marquis's mansion.
The little late-night incident passed just like that.
Looking at the expressions of the managers, Yun Yuke saw a hint of annoyance in her eyes.
Judging from this, no matter who's behind these masked men, they definitely won't dare to do anything more.
After everyone dispersed, Yun Yuke told Yun Qingjin about the unusual situation she had just sensed.
"Qingqing, tonight should be fine. I'll take you to Aunt Hua's place to stay..."
"No problem, I'm just worried they'll realize they've changed rooms, so I'll go over there to protect Auntie and Sister Zhou'er."
"Alright, then Mother, go ahead and take a look. It's late at night, and suddenly a fast horse is coming. I'm worried something might be wrong."
After confirming that no one was watching them, the mother and daughter went out.
The mother and daughter went to the original house first and settled in. Then Yun Yuke flew out and quickly climbed over to the Ankang Marquis's residence.
The target was found very quickly.
After all, the Ankang Marquis's residence was mostly dark, with only a few places lit up.
Sensing the situation again, Yun Yuke leaped onto the roof and saw Marquis Ankang meeting with someone who looked like a postman.
"My lord, our information is indeed accurate. About a month ago, several members of the Senate were imprisoned, and their families, whether large or small, either had their property confiscated or were arrested as a whole. This provides evidence to support our earlier predictions."
Yun Yuke was a little puzzled. What was going on? The Senate? Uro's side?
Perhaps because I arrived too late, I missed the initial message. I had no choice but to observe for a while and piece together the result from the context of their conversation.
Fortunately, Marquis Ankang was a cautious man. He questioned people for a long time and repeatedly confirmed the details of the intelligence.
This made Yun Yuke aware of the situation.
As expected, something happened in the Senate of Uro. The Prime Minister of Uro arrested all the other ministers in the Senate, and even confiscated the property of some of them.
Of course, the most crucial thing is...
"The young emperor of Uro has indeed not attended court for some time, and the prime minister is in charge of all domestic affairs in Uro. There seems to be some dissent about this within Uro, but the first few senators who raised objections have been detained."
"That Dragon Prime Minister of Uro... doesn't he have any reason for arresting people?"
"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Long's reason is that the young emperor has been misled by treacherous officials and has made many wrong arrangements. He is doing this now in order to purge the court of corrupt officials."
The messenger repeatedly emphasized this situation.
"I understand. You must be tired from your journey delivering this message. Go and rest."
The messenger quickly withdrew.
Only Marquis Ankang and his closest confidant remained. This person seemed unfamiliar; judging from his attire, he appeared to be a strategist or advisor.
The person who delivered the letter remained silent throughout.
Only a few lights were on in the hall, and due to the angle of view, Yun Yuke couldn't see anyone from the rooftop.
"Situ, what do you think?"
Marquis Ankang, Deng Jixiang, inquired about the strategist-like figure beside him.
The person didn't speak immediately, but remained silent for a while before finally speaking.
"My lord, we may need to start making preparations in advance. I estimate that things are about to change within Uro."
Yun Yuke froze on the spot when she heard the other person speak.
"Why do I say that? The reason is simple. This Prime Minister Long has never been a content person. He cannot remain subservient to others for long. Now that he can directly target other prime ministers in the Senate, it is naturally for his own future and to seize power. Moreover, the young emperor is already weak and vulnerable. Originally, the eunuchs in the court could probably help the young emperor, but with the intensity of this purge, my lord, do you think Prime Minister Long won't turn his blade on the palace eunuchs?"
Marquis Ankang, Deng Jixiang, shook his head. "Prime Minister Long's position as prime minister was originally due to his status as the young emperor's maternal grandfather. Although he himself is quite capable, if the Senate were still in power, it would naturally be able to contend with Prime Minister Long. Given the current situation... it is estimated that Prime Minister Long will dominate the future."
“Your Excellency is wise. That is indeed the reason.” The man bowed to his master.
"It's a pity... We've only just made contact with Prime Minister Long, so he probably won't speak up for us." Deng Jixiang sighed helplessly.
"That's a matter for later, my lord. I think we at Changhong should probably prepare for war." The man didn't immediately agree with the lord's words.
"What do you mean by this?"
“This is my thinking. Prime Minister Long’s mere imprisonment of the Senate cannot last long; someone will always find an excuse. As long as the young emperor doesn’t die, he will always have a chance to rise again. Prime Minister Long needs greater achievements to solidify his position. My lord, what greater achievements could there be to ensure Prime Minister Long’s peace of mind?”
Deng Jixiang thought for a moment, "Attack my Changhong and take back those cities mentioned in the agreement from back then?"
"Your Excellency is wise."
"If there's going to be war... I'm not afraid. I already told my aunt, the Empress Dowager, that His Majesty is on guard against a Uro counterattack... and he's prepared. I myself am also..."
"My lord, please wait. This matter doesn't require the help of your men."
"Well, if a war really breaks out... His Majesty will always send his trusted confidants to quell the rebellion. I'm just an ordinary marquis; how could I possibly have the ability to lead troops into battle?" The words of the Marquis of Ankang carried a hint of sarcasm.
"My lord, didn't you tacitly allow the Emperor's informants to gather information in Uro? I suppose news of the internal strife in Uro will soon reach the Emperor. General Chai of the Cangnan army also has scouts investigating in Uro; he'll receive the news too, won't he?"
"Yes, it happened a month ago. It's probably already reached the Emperor's ears." Deng Jixiang smiled contemptuously. "It doesn't matter. If not, I'll add fuel to the fire in front of our female scholar tomorrow."
"Your Excellency is wise. Although it may be a little late for us to make preparations now for this internal strife in Uro, we can still make arrangements in advance."
After that, the two mainly discussed more detailed matters, such as how to profit from the war, how to buy and sell food and supplies, and how to stir up public opinion.
Yun Yuke listened to most of what they said. Only after the two had finished their discussion and left did Yun Yuke return to her residence.
Back at her residence, Yun Yuke couldn't fall asleep, so she simply sat down to meditate, focusing her mind and calming her breath, like an old monk entering deep meditation.
After all, what he just said had really shocked him.
It wasn't just because they overheard two people plotting to manipulate a war between two countries.
More importantly, the person Deng Jixiang referred to as "Situ" should be an old acquaintance, judging from the voice.
Lord Gouchen, it's been a long time.