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墨書 Inktalez
Su Qianxue's fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest of the dragon throne. She knew very well that Zheng Changsheng could not possibly conspire alone, and even without Lin Qingyue's backing, there must be others supporting him.
Silence enveloped the room, but the sound of her tapping felt like it was striking at Lin Qingyue's very heart.
"Your Majesty, please see clearly!" Lin Qingyue's voice rang out, sincere and resonant. Other ministers began to echo her sentiments.
For years, the Great Zhou had been locked in a stalemate with the Xiongnu, and they must have resorted to many despicable means to conquer us. Your Majesty must thoroughly investigate this matter to prevent any other traitors from lurking within the military camps.
On the surface, this suggestion seemed to call for Su Qianxue to investigate for internal conspirators, but in reality, it was aimed at alleviating Lin Qingyue's awkward predicament.
However, Su Qianxue was well aware that dragging this out was not a solution. With a sigh, she addressed everyone: "Since you all recognize the severity of our external threats, no one can afford to be careless. In recent years, our Great Zhou may have been weak in provisions, but we are not lacking in military strength!"
The implication was clear: if provisions were secured, the Xiongnu would be of little concern. "However," she continued, "if anyone dares to collude with external enemies again, the consequences will be dire."
The ministers swallowed hard; if the issue of provisions were resolved, who would dare provoke Your Majesty's wrath?
Seeing them bow their heads in submission brought a hint of amusement to Su Qianxue's expression. To completely resolve the internal strife would require careful planning.
Feigning a look of helplessness, she furrowed her brow and said, "Lin Ai Qing, I know you fight for our nation and would never commit treason. However, since Zheng Changsheng is indeed one of your Lin Family Army members, any thorough investigation must begin with your ranks. Do you have any objections?"
What objections could she possibly have? Not only Lin Qingyue but even those standing by her side dared not utter a word.
After all, treason was a grave matter. If you are innocent, you should have nothing to fear from an investigation. But if you have something to hide, then it would be impossible to walk out of the Golden Throne Hall unscathed.
Lin Qingyue felt her anger rising; it was clear that the other party did not trust her. She was unwilling to accept this: "I and the Lin Family Army are willing to allow Your Majesty to conduct a thorough investigation." After all, the Xiongnu would soon make some small moves, and she would be sent to the battlefield again. It was merely a matter of a few days of investigation, which would have no impact on her at all!
As she suppressed her inner fury, she heard Su Qianxue say, "I have heard that the Lin Family Army only listens to Lin Ai Qing. If I send someone to investigate, wouldn’t that mean they are completely disregarding my orders?"
At those words, Lin Qingyue nearly lost her composure. What did this mean? On one hand, it implied that the generals were loyal; on the other hand, it was a blatant disregard for her authority as emperor.
Lin Qingyue clenched her fists. "What does Your Majesty mean? The Lin Family Army has been trained by me personally and has fought alongside me on the battlefield for many years. They will certainly listen to Ben Jiangjun. You are the emperor, and I am but a subject; since they obey me, they will undoubtedly obey Da Zhou and Your Majesty."
Her words sounded dignified, but everyone knew the reality behind them. Noticing her slight tension, Su Qianxue smiled and said, "Then I can rest assured."
Lin Qingyue let out a sigh of relief. It seemed that the other party only wanted her assurance and did not expect such high vigilance from Su Qianxue. Regardless, after court adjourned, she needed to find Langya Wang Heir to discuss countermeasures. She could not allow Jiang Han to gain more power.
Unbeknownst to her, all of Lin Qingyue's subtle movements were observed by Su Qianxue. Just when Lin Qingyue and the other officials thought court was about to adjourn, Su Qianxue suddenly called out, "Luo Yuhua, Luo Ai Qing!"
Luo Yuhua immediately stepped forward from the side. "I am here!"
Although Su Qianxue was addressing Luo Yuhua, her gaze remained fixed on Lin Qingyue. "This investigation into Zheng Changsheng's treason is entirely your responsibility. Since I am not personally intervening, I wonder if the Lin Family Army will heed Luo Ai Qing's arrangements?"
Luo Yuhua's mouth twitched slightly. It was clear they did not intend to follow her orders!
It was already a relief that she wasn't being fooled, but she estimated that once she started investigating, she would have to run to the palace multiple times. She hadn't considered why His Majesty would choose her to take on this hot potato.
As the Minister of Justice, although she handled numerous cases, dealing with traitors was the most challenging matter to investigate. Luo Yuhua glanced at Lin Qingyue and said, "I accept the order, but I will need General Lin's support!"
Su Qianxue's voice came from above Lin Qingyue, "So, does General Lin agree?"
Lin Qingyue forced a smile, "Let Minister Luo and His Majesty handle the investigation and assignments."
After receiving her response, Su Qianxue finally revealed a genuinely satisfied smile. At last, she could gain some ground against these individuals.
"If Lin Ai Qing agrees, then please have Lin Ai Qing temporarily relinquish her Military Authority. Once Luo Ai Qing completes the investigation, I will return the Military Authority to Lin Ai Qing," came a voice that brooked no argument.
The court fell silent; one could hear a pin drop. Was a traitor really going to strip Lin Qingyue of her Military Authority? The key issue was that no one dared to step forward to speak on Lin Qingyue's behalf! Under the pretext of investigating the traitors, who would dare say a word against it?
Lin Qingyue found herself at a loss for words! Relinquishing her Military Authority meant she would be rendered powerless. Although it was said that it would be returned once the investigation was clear, finding an excuse not to return it would be just as easy!
After some contemplation, Lin Qingyue finally spoke up, "I fear I cannot relinquish my Military Authority."
Su Qianxue raised an eyebrow, "General Lin holds Military Authority; the status of the Lin family rises with it. Now that your deputy has become a traitor of the Great Zhou, how does General Lin plan to give the court an explanation?!"
These words left Lin Qingyue speechless.
Luo Yuhua pinched the bridge of his nose; he feared he would have to stand against Lin Qingyue in the future. After all, Tian Su Qianxue's attitude was quite evident. Whether it was about the traitors or the Imperial Merchant matter, she simply wanted to seize power from Lin Qingyue!
However, previously His Majesty had never intended to act against the Lin family; why had things suddenly turned against them?
Could it be that this Imperial Merchant has some connection with His Majesty?
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