Chapter 402 - Chapter 402: Emperor’s Mind
Chapter 402: Emperor’s Mind
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
From the looks of it, even if King You was killed by someone and even if his injustice was cleared and his reputation was damaged, no one in the world would think that he was good anymore.
King You was already dead. Even if his name was tarnished, could he still climb out of his grave to refute?
Old Madam Yu frowned. She did not like these dirty methods of the court officials. “However, if Young Master Yin succeeds in quelling the chaos, the emperor’s reputation will be greatly boosted, and it will be even more logical for King You’s injustice to be reversed. Young Master Yin is so smart. He must have seen through human nature and understand this very well. That’s why he asked to quell the chaos.”
Previously, Old Madam Yu had felt that this Young Master Yin was a hidden dragon. Now, it seemed that she had underestimated him.
Zhou Linghuai lowered his head and drank his tea, his long eyes inevitably filled with mockery.
From the moment Ye Hanyuan knocked on the drum, he had already guessed that it wouldn’t be so easy to clear his father’s name. Not to mention that this matter was very important to the court officials and they wouldn’t just sit back and watch. Even the dog emperor himself had many scruples. How could he ignore his reputation and dignity for a dead brother?
Therefore, in his initial plan, there was no so-called “reparation” at all.
After Ye Hanyuan entered the capital, he beat the drum and exposed the Marquis of Changxing’s crime to the world. In addition, there was evidence that he had brought into the capital. The Marquis of Changxing could not deny it even if he wanted to. When Ye Hanyuan entered the hall, he would directly a.s.sa.s.sinate the dog emperor.
At that time, Li Qiguang from Shandong would use the excuse of him being an incompetent ruler and harming loyal and good people to raise the rebellion flag. He would spread the idea that the dog emperor would harm loyal and good people and be a disgrace to the world. Naturally, his father’s grievance would be understood.
It was just that simple. It hit the nail on the head.
Even so, he did not regret changing his original plan.
There were some things that could be achieved by beating around the bush.
However, since he had decided to protect some people, he had to protect them completely without any hesitation.
Yu Zongshen changed the topic. “King You’s case has caused the emperor to lose his trust in the court officials. Now that King You’s rebellion is imminent, the emperor is facing a huge problem. That is, once King You’s rebellion is successful, should Young Master Yin inherit King You’s throne and follow King You’s last wish to control 300,000 troops in Youzhou to manage the war in Youzhou? The emperor wants to use Young Master Yin, but Young Master Yin is weak, crippled, and sick. He’s really worried, so he simply asked him to go to Shandong to calm the chaos and test Young Master Yin’s ability.”
Old Madam Yu was also sick of it. “Even if Young Master Yin is defeated in the rebellion, a weak young man with a crippled leg is not enough to damage the dignity of the Great Zhou. Firstly, the emperor has fulfilled Young Master Yin’s benevolence, righteousness, loyalty, and filial piety. He can also gain a good reputation. Secondly, he has used Young Master Yin to probe the military situation in Shandong. Then, he will be more confident in sending more experienced generals to suppress the rebellion.”
This was the mind of an emperor. Behind the seemingly ridiculous scene, there was always a terrifying scheme.
It was obvious that the emperor had sent the palace guards to protect Young Master Yin because he valued his relationship with this nephew. However, the so-called familial bloodline was always mixed with all kinds of schemes. It was even more terrifying.
Yu Zongshen nodded slightly. “Heir Yin has done his best. He wants to use the effort to calm the chaos to gain the emperor’s trust and regain control of the 300,000 troops in Youzhou.”
Although the emperor’s schemes were deep, they were not as deep as Yin Huaixi’s.
Therefore, all of this was planned by Yin Huaixi.
Ever since Ye Hanyuan struck the drum, the situation in the royal court had been under Yin Huaixi’s control.
Naturally, Old Madam Yu had also thought of this. “In history, there are many young people who have achieved great ambitions. Only Yin Huaixi is as ambitious as him.” She turned to look at Zhou Linghuai. Zhou Linghuai and Yin Huaixi were childhood friends. “What do you think Yin Huaixi’s chances of winning are?”
Now, because of King You’s case, people’s anger rose everywhere. Li Qiguang naturally used the excuse of seeking an explanation for the people to start a rebellion.
Everyone in the court knew clearly. Once the Imperial Court was defeated and Li Qiguang became famous, there would be an endless stream of anti-Zhou forces joining Li Qiguang. The “resentment of the people” everywhere would also intensify. At that time, the world would definitely be in chaos.
It was precisely because they understood this that no one in the court dared to help quell the rebellion.
If he did not have the confidence to win, he would only lose the heads of his family.
“100%!” Zhou Linghuai put down his teacup and said casually.
Not only Old Madam Yu, but even Yu Zongshen was shocked. He asked, “The situation in Shandong is complicated and has always been a thorn in the side of the Imperial Court. Now that Li Qiguang has joined forces with the clans, it’s obvious how prestigious he is.”
Zhou Linghuai said calmly, “In at most three months, Yin Huaixi will definitely win and return to the court.”
Old Madam Yu and Yu Zongshen were speechless.
Not only was he 100% confident, but he only needed three months to calm the rebellion in Shandong. Did they underestimate Yin Huaixi, or did Zhou Linghuai think too highly of him?
These words seemed to be without reason, but when they thought about it carefully, it was extremely terrifying.
Zhou Linghuai stopped there. “Prince Yin’s goal is very clear. First, he will naturally help King You resolve his grievances. Second, he will gain the emperor’s trust and control the military power in Youzhou. Both of these are related to the suppression of the rebellion in Shandong.”
As soon as these words were spoken, Old Madam Yu and Yu Zongshen couldn’t help but look shocked.
One had lived for most of his life and was wise. The other was a second-in-command of the cabinet and held great power. Neither of them was simple. How could they not understand this?
Zhou Linghuai was clearly reminding her.
From the moment Ye Hanyuan struck the drum, the overall situation in the royal court had already been under Yin Huaixi’s calculations. Even the overall situation in Shandong was under Yin Huaixi’s control.
From the looks of it, Yin Huaixi wasn’t just terrifying.
After all, she had seen the world. Old Madam Yu quickly calmed down and asked, “Can Yin Huaixi regain control of Youzhou?”
Yin Huaixi was indeed scheming, but the Youzhou area was complicated. It was the hinterland at the edge of the Central Plains and was less than 2,000 kilometers away from the capital. It would take at most three to five days for elite troops to reach it. It could coordinate with the capital and intimidate the va.s.sal lords on the inside and resist external enemies on the outside. It was the strongest defense line of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Could the emperor really be at ease to hand Youzhou over to a weak, crippled, and sick youth to guard?
Even though Yin Huaixi had quelled the rebellion in Shandong and proved his ability, there were still many variables in this matter.
After all, one’s heart was unpredictable.
He couldn’t get past all the civil and military officials in the court.
Zhou Linghuai chuckled. “Mr. Xian Yun brought Yin Huaixi into the palace.”
Old Madam Yu gasped, and her pupils constricted and did not move. “I see. Shandong will contribute to calming the chaos. Coupled with the recommendation of a person of virtue, it’s guaranteed that nothing will go wrong. This Young Master Yin is really…” She paused for a moment before sighing.. “He’s flawless!”