Chapter 969: Chapter 969

"Perhaps His Majesty privately gave him some imperial edict or order. That would facilitate his actions; only then would Mr. Yuan step back."

Within the Imperial Court, plans on how to clean up the court factions had long been discussed, with the greatest challenge being Yuann Li.

Li Yanfu was beheaded recently, excluding the elderly and barely supportive Grandmaster Dong.

Yuann Li is the sole remaining leader of the civil officials from the late Emperor’s reign. Although he doesn’t have Li Yanfu’s deep roots, countless interests are tied to him.

You could say that pulling one hair affects the whole body.

Even the King Yan of the Imperial Court dare not easily confront Yuann Li, fearing that the wrong measure might cause the court to capsize.

Ma Yan nodded in agreement; this is the most logical speculation, especially since this new Master was appointed by the court.

He then instructed Zhou Cang, "Investigate further and report back. I want to see what else he’ll do."

Zhang Han asked, "Lord, aren’t you going to look personally?"

Ma Yan shook his head, in a profound tone:

"His Majesty assigned the task of cleaning up the Qingliu Party to him instead of me, intending for me to keep my distance. Whatever he needs, it’s up to him, and you can assist him, but I will not get involved."

Haitang, curious, pulled Zhou Cang as she walked out:

"Since the Lord doesn’t want to appear, I will. Let’s go watch the spectacle."

A group once again gathered in the "meeting room."

"Sir, Peng Wenliang has already entered the Imperial Prison, and arrangements have been made for interrogation. What next?" Qian Kerou excitedly asked.

Zheng Laojiu analyzed:

"Although we’ve taken action, this move is like a thunderclap, announcing the official start of the Qingliu Party’s clean-up. As soon as the news spreads, the entire Capital’s official circles will be shaken.

No, I’d say right now, the officials from the Imperial Court of Supervision might already jointly be accusing us."

Zhao Douan didn’t respond immediately. He stood by the main seat and spread out a list of suspected traitors from previous investigations within the government office on the table.

Then, picking up a brush, he dipped it in the ink prepared by his secretary, and scribbled down a bunch of names on the latter half of the list.

"Scribble." After writing, Zhao Douan casually tossed the brush aside, held up the paper to dry it in the wind, and brightly handed it to a few people:

"Each of you take people and capture everyone on this list."

The few individuals were stunned.

Qian Kerou hesitantly asked, "Sir, are those additional names also traitors?"

Zhao Douan replied, "Probably not, but we can’t be sure. We must examine them."

The group was even more puzzled: "Sir, did you receive news recently? Is that why you added those names?"

Zhao Douan, facing their blank expressions, laughed:

"Nope. I just randomly wrote some names. Hmm, I remember they once cursed at me long ago."

Sir, aren’t you holding on to grudges a little too much?

How long ago did this happen?

Is it necessary? Just cursing once, and they’re treated like traitors?

Accustomed to defying rules and laws, the Jinyi of the Imperial Court thought their lord was slightly exceeding legal boundaries.

Zhao Douan chuckled and said:

"Don’t ask, just do as instructed. If anyone tries to stop you, forcefully take them. But since Yuann Li couldn’t stop my message from spreading, it’s expected that no one will block you."

Killing a chicken to scare the monkey? No... he directly kills the monkey to scare the chicken.

The four looked at each other, stopped asking further, immediately took the list and, filled with killing intent, rushed out. Soon, the sound of horses galloping echoed from afar.

Zhao Douan, wanting to rest a bit, saw Haitang and Zhou Cang enter. The latter promptly introduced both parties.

"I’ve heard of your great name, Mr. Hai, a woman who doesn’t let men overshadow her." Zhao Douan warmly nodded at Haitang.

Haitang’s face was stern and she replied reservedly, "Indeed," before saying:

"We just saw Lihua Hall move out again; what are they..."

Zhao Douan replied with an "oh,": "Just capturing a hundred people or so. If Mr. Hai is interested, you may join."

Haitang: "...Thank you, but I’ll take my leave!"

Watching the two slip away, Zhao Douan grinned. He dragged a chair under the big pear tree, sat down under the shade, eating pears, thinking:

The news from Yongjia must have spread by now.

Next, the second step of the scheme should unfold.

... ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝕟𝕖𝕥

Due to its prosperity, besides the two official "Prefectures" on paper, the villages and towns established by various clans over centuries in Huai River formed a spectacular scene when connected.

The entire Huai River knows that the best residences aren’t within the Prefectures, but in the gardens of great clans.

At this moment, in a garden that covers a vast area, with pavilions, fake rocks, flowing water, and flowers rivalling the Royal Garden.

Mu Prince Xu Jingtang stood in the Martial Arts Arena, clad in armor, wielding twin sabers, dancing vigorously.

As the twin sabers slashed out, a whirlwind plowed along the surface of the blue-brick ground, Xu Jingtang slowly sheathed the sabers as a group of family retainers surrounding him cheered in unison.

"Long live the Prince!"

"The Prince reigns supreme over the three armies!"

In the army, always clad in armor and portraying the image of a military general, Xu Jingtang smiled slightly, casually threw the sabers, which were immediately caught by soldiers and taken for cleaning.

Several scantily clad maids approached, carrying towels, basins of water, and plates of fruit to serve.

"Stop flattering this Prince. Although this Prince has practiced martial arts since childhood, alas, my talent in martial arts isn’t great. In a few years, I fear I won’t be able to wield these twin sabers."

Xu Jingtang sighed, allowing the maids to squat down and remove his light armor with their delicate fingers.

"Father is joking. You’re in the prime of life; not only wielding sabers but conquering the world is within reach," a young man in his twenties, yet somewhat mature, dressed as a military general, spoke with a smile.