NOVPUBChapter 985: Chapter 984: Sealing the Duke of Zhen’s Residence_1
Chapter 985 -984: Sealing the Duke of Zhen’s Residence_1
“Issue my decree: Duke of Zhen has privately colluded with foreign enemies and must be punished accordingly.”
Enraged, the Empress’s face turned pale white: “Immediately announce it to the world, seal off the Duke of Zhen’s mansion, reclaim the Lin Clan’s military power, and capture all members of the Lin Clan for trial.”
“Your humble servant obeys!”
Lu Gui raised his eyebrows triumphantly, bowed to accept the order, and as he turned to leave, he cast a sideways glance at Xu Ruyun kneeling on the ground, a murderous look flashing in his eyes.
“Your Majesty.”
Xu Ruyun felt anxious and wanted to persuade the Empress again.
“Leave.”
The Empress wouldn’t allow any further discussion and scolded sharply.
“Your humble servant obeys.”
Feeling helpless, Xu Ruyun reluctantly left the hall.
“Commander Xu, rumors are spreading everywhere in Capital City, slandering the Crown Princess.”
Lu Gui, waiting outside the hall, mocked: “The Imperial Court turns a blind eye, not investigating those who spread rumors, and instead of relieving Your Majesty of her worries, you protect the traitors who collude with enemies. Are you neglecting your duties?”
Xu Ruyun replied with a cold laugh: “Who the real traitor is, you know very well.”
“Hmph.”
With a fierce look in his eyes, Lu Gui threatened: “Commander Xu, don’t forget your duty. The Imperial Court is a direct institution of the Empress, with the primary responsibility of protecting her and the Crown Princess’s safety. I advise you to think carefully and not act recklessly, lest you put yourself in an irredeemable situation.”
“I’ll return those words to you.”
Xu Ruyun glared at him, coldly retorting: “Traitors will not have a good ending.”
“Hmph, we’ll see.”
Lu Gui’s face twisted with anger, he flicked his sleeve and left resentfully.
The Empress is weak, and evil prevails. Fengqi is in grave danger!
Xu Ruyun felt desolate in her heart, stood outside the hall for a long time, then suddenly, her eyes flashed with a determined look, she flipped onto the roof, and disappeared with several leaps.
*
“Look, the Imperial Guards are posting a notice.”
“What happened? Let’s go have a look.”
“Duke of Zhen colluded with the enemy and betrayed the country, and now he has escaped secretly out of fear!”
“No way, I don’t believe it.”
“Neither do I.”
“Let’s go to the Duke of Zhen’s mansion.”
“Wait for me, I’m going too.”
The imperial announcement was posted under the city wall, causing an uproar among the people of the Capital City. Many wanted to uncover the truth, gathering from all around towards the Duke of Zhen’s mansion.
The gates of the Duke of Zhen’s mansion were tightly closed, with a prominent seal that was a shocking sight.
“The Duke of Zhen’s mansion is sealed?”
“The Lin Clan is gone?”
“What’s going on? Could what’s written on the imperial announcement be true?”
“Did Duke of Zhen really collude with the enemy and betray the country, then escape out of fear?”
More and more people gathered at the entrance of the Duke of Zhen’s mansion. Witnessing the closed doors and empty buildings, the disbelief started to waver.
“Framed and set up!”
Suddenly, a strong and powerful voice came from the crowd: “The Duke of Zhen’s mansion has been loyal for generations, they are the patron saints of Fengqi, how could they betray their country?”
“That’s right!”
Someone immediately echoed: “Princess Duanhui is not worthy to be the Crown Princess, she brought divine punishment upon herself and lost the Imperial Succession Jade Seal. This is definitely a setup to smear the Duke of Zhen’s mansion!”
“If the Duke of Zhen did not betray the country, why did they leave Capital City?”
An elderly man with white hair questioned agonizingly.
“The Empress is incompetent, suspicious of the Lin Clan’s army, and persecuting the loyal. If they didn’t leave early, should they have stayed and awaited death?”
There were many aggrieved people, who immediately retorted.
“The Empress is suspicious of the Lin Clan’s army? Why?”
The old man asked incredulously.
“The Lin Clan’s army is brave and skilled in battle, making great contributions and alarming the ruler.”
A person who knew the inside story angrily scolded: “The Empress is afraid that the Lin Clan’s army will threaten her position.”
