The struggle for the throne among nine princes—I really don't want to be the crown prince.

Chapter 411 Killing Someone by Destroying Their Spirit: The Emperor's Thoughts

In the era of imperial power, almost all schemes involving ghosts and gods were unsolvable.

For example, the wise Emperor Taizong of Tang, upon hearing a sorcerer say that his empire would be usurped by a woman, directly killed a general nicknamed San Niang.

There was no explanation, no accusation; they simply found a reason to kill him.

Because there's often no room for explanation when it comes to these kinds of things.

The reason Shen Ye immediately labeled Yang Fenggu with a series of accusations was that he wanted to resolve the matter quickly and decisively.

He knew very well that at this time, only by making everything a fait accompli and then explaining the dangers of supernatural beliefs could he possibly persuade Emperor Qianxi.

People like Yang Fenggu, regardless of whether it can be found out who he is colluding with, cannot be allowed to live.

Only by suppressing the matter with strong measures can he deal with it gradually.

Although Yang Fenggu shouted loudly, Shen Ye ignored him.

He quietly watched the assembled officials holding court, saying nothing, just observing.

However, his gaze put a lot of pressure on people.

Both Tong Guowei and Zhang Ying kept their heads down, not daring to meet his gaze.

They were all afraid that if they looked at the Crown Prince, he would think that they were the ones who instigated this.

Half a minute passed before Shen Ye said, "My lords, everyone is already very busy, and I don't want to add any more tasks for you."

"But today, I'm going to give you all a task."

"Regarding the persecution of witchcraft, let's write an article to see how to deal with this kind of supernatural belief."

"You are all masters of literature, and I believe that you will all be able to submit your work tomorrow."

"Those who can't submit their documents are probably people with a guilty conscience."

Shen Ye had a smile on his face when he said his last words.

However, his smile gave people a chilling feeling.

As Zhou Bao's slightly hoarse voice announced the end of the court session, the officials departed.

Minister of Rites Zhang Yushu said to Tong Guowei and Zhang Ying, "Grand Secretaries, the Crown Prince has ordered the arrest of the entire Imperial Observatory."

"How will the Imperial Astronomical Bureau carry out its work after this?"

"Furthermore, how will people across the land discuss this matter?"

"As the two heads of all officials, you should at least offer some advice!"

Hearing Zhang Yushu's words, Zhang Ying's lips twitched slightly, but she didn't say anything.

Tong Guowei glanced coldly at Zhang Yushu, then said sternly, "Zhang Yushu, you are the Minister of Rites!"

"The Imperial Observatory is also subordinate to your Ministry of Rites!"

"Since you have objections, why don't you raise them with the Crown Prince!"

"Didn't the Crown Prince just say that anyone with objections can write them in the article?"

"Go back and write it, what are you rambling on about here!"

Zhang Yushu blushed immediately after being reprimanded by Tong Guowei.

He wanted to say something in his defense, but for a moment he didn't know what to say.

Zhang Ying also looked down on Zhang Yushu's behavior. Usually, he liked to help others out of trouble, but at this moment, he found Zhang Yushu's behavior unpleasant.

As Zhang Yushu left dejectedly, Tong Guowei said to Zhang Ying, "Grand Secretary Zhang, you can't be polite to this kind of person."

"The more polite you are to him, the less cautious he becomes, and he takes advantage of your kindness and starts to think he's someone important."

"what!"

Hearing Tong Guowei's unrestrained words, Zhang Ying felt helpless.

Tong Guowei was the Grand Secretary and the maternal uncle of Emperor Qianxi, so he naturally said that Zhang Yushu was nothing special.

Zhang Yushu couldn't do anything about him either.

But Zhang Ying was different. He and Zhang Yushu were both Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) in the same year. If he reprimanded his fellow Jinshi, he would be criticized for being arrogant in office.

"Prime Minister Tong's teachings are correct; I will certainly keep them in mind in the future."

Tong Guowei said calmly, "Prime Minister Zhang, do you think the earthquake in Mount Tai was an act of divine wrath?"

“Prime Minister Tong, I really can’t explain this.” Zhang Ying waved his hand and said, “Confucius did not speak of strange phenomena, physical prowess, ghosts and spirits. I have no knowledge of these things.”

Tong Guowei chuckled and said, "Prime Minister Zhang, when it's time to study it, we should also do some research."

As they talked, the two returned to the South Study, clasped their hands in greeting, and then went back to their respective duty rooms.

The news of the imperial audience spread rapidly to various government offices throughout the capital.

Such matters have always been a key topic of discussion in various government departments.

But this time, faced with this matter, many people simply kept silent, and some even secretly looked towards the Imperial Observatory.

The Imperial Observatory really pulled off a major operation this time.

The crown prince directly linked the earthquake at Mount Tai to the fate of the nation.

They directly accused the Director of the Imperial Observatory of spreading heresy and falsely accused Yang Fenggu of plotting a rebellion.

Although many people know that Yang Fenggu is unlikely to rebel, few are willing to get involved in his affairs.

While the Infantry Commander's Office was still arresting people, the Imperial Observatory's claim that the Crown Prince had offended Heaven began to spread rapidly throughout the capital.

Shen Ye returned to his palace, his expression already calm.

He turned to Zhou Bao, who was following behind him, and said, "Get ready, we're going to the Hot Spring Palace." "Yes, sir!" Zhou Bao had been standing next to Shen Ye during the court session, and he was now filled with lingering fear.

If the Crown Prince hadn't dealt with the Director of the Imperial Observatory so decisively, and hadn't claimed that the Imperial Observatory could change the world with the help of ghosts and gods, then the Crown Prince's situation would have been even more passive.

In this situation, although the Crown Prince forcibly suppressed the ministers who participated in the court hearing, his communication with Emperor Qianxi was still essential.

He now desperately hopes that the Crown Prince can gain the support of Emperor Qianxi.

If the Crown Prince did not receive the support of Emperor Qianxi at this time, it would almost certainly mean that his position was unstable.

If the crown prince encounters such a situation, it means that it is only a matter of time before he is deposed.

Just as Shen Ye was preparing to find Emperor Qianxi, news arrived at the emperor's doorstep via express courier.

Emperor Qianxi lived a very comfortable life in the hot spring palace.

He didn't need to attend court early in the morning or listen to government affairs in the cold wind. He could simply review the memorials and enjoy the life of the deep winter.

The son's role as regent is quite good; everything is still under his control as emperor.

Just as he was feeling incredibly relaxed, news arrived that the emperor was going to hold court.

Looking at the records in the memorial, Emperor Qianxi's face turned extremely gloomy.

Yang Fenggu!
The Imperial Observatory Director, whom he considered a loyal subject, actually uttered such words at the emperor's behest.

This made him feel like he had been fooled.

Who dares to be so audacious!
However, while feeling fooled, he also felt a sense of lingering fear.

If the person behind Yang Fenggu could make Yang Fenggu disobey his orders, what if such a thing happened to him?
The consequences...

Emperor Qianxi was eager to know who had caused Yang Fenggu to disobey his orders.

As for the way the Crown Prince was handled, Emperor Qianxi actually appreciated it.

Without getting entangled with Yang Fenggu, they swiftly and decisively labeled him as someone with ulterior motives who wanted to overthrow the court.

By doing this, we at least gain the upper hand!

He read through everyone's words in the memorial twice before turning to Liang Jiugong and saying, "It seems someone is trying to stir up trouble!"

He paused for a moment and then said, "Summon Zhao Chang!"

Liang Jiugong agreed and was just about to leave when Emperor Qianxi suddenly said, "Liang Jiugong, do you think Yang Fenggu might actually be telling the truth?"

Liang Jiugong was stunned when he heard this.

He was aware of the discussions between Shen Ye and Emperor Qianxi, and also knew that Emperor Qianxi had specifically sent someone to make arrangements for Yang Fenggu.

Yang Fenggu's betrayal was clearly motivated by ulterior motives.

But why is Emperor Qianxi saying this now?

Could it be...

A feeling of fear instantly rose in Liang Jiugong's heart.

He looked at Emperor Qianxi, pondered for a moment, and said, "Your Majesty, whether it is the truth or not, we will know after interrogation."

Upon hearing this, a hint of contemplation flashed in Emperor Qianxi's eyes. He waved his hand at Liang Jiugong, signaling him to leave.

A layer of cold sweat broke out on Liang Jiugong's back.

Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger; he felt that if he had answered incorrectly just now, he might face a lot of trouble in the future.

Given the emperor's intelligence, how could he possibly believe Yang Fenggu was telling the truth? Unless he wanted to use Yang Fenggu, or wanted to...

With a series of thoughts flashing through his mind, Liang Jiugong quickly left the Sizhi Study.

Emperor Qianxi picked up the memorials from today's court assembly again, his expression shifting constantly as he read the words the Crown Prince had spoken.

If the Crown Prince hadn't said these things, could he have been allowed to cultivate his mind and pray for blessings for a period of time?

During this period, if the crown prince cultivates his character, he will not threaten his power.

But now that the Crown Prince has said that the Imperial Observatory can use ghosts and gods to change the weather, if I choose to believe Yang Fenggu again, wouldn't that mean...?

A series of thoughts flashed rapidly through Emperor Qianxi's mind.

While Emperor Qianxi remained silent, Zhao Chang, who was not tall, respectfully bowed and said, "This servant greets Your Majesty."

Emperor Qianxi waved his hand and said, "Zhao Chang, have someone investigate what exactly is going on with Yang Fenggu."

"Why didn't he do as I instructed?"

Zhao Chang respectfully replied, "This servant will take care of it immediately."

Emperor Qianxi looked at Zhao Chang and said coldly, "I have said before that the Imperial Observatory cannot make mistakes."

"But this time, the Imperial Observatory has made such a huge mess."

"Is the problem with Yang Fenggu, or with those of you in charge of supervision?"

Beads of sweat appeared on Zhao Chang's forehead.

Emperor Qianxi always placed great importance on the Imperial Astronomical Bureau.

In response to the earthquake at Mount Tai, His Majesty had clearly issued an order to the Imperial Observatory, but Yang Fenggu disobeyed it and, during a court hearing, said that the Crown Prince was to blame.

This is a complete disregard for His Majesty's decree.

He immediately kowtowed deeply and said, "Your Majesty, this was my oversight. I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly."

Just as Emperor Qianxi was about to speak, a man rushed in and said, "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! Yang Fenggu has committed suicide in the imperial prison."

　The second update for today is here! Please support me, everyone, and vote!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)