Pei Xuanyun instantly recalled the bloody storm that swept through the court when His Majesty had just ascended the throne.

Yes... Over the years, His Majesty has seemed mild-mannered and implemented new policies in a gradual manner. It turns out that it was not because he was incapable, but because he was indulging him!

She had already sharpened the sharpest blade, which was hidden in its sheath.

We are just waiting for the most opportune moment, and then we will eradicate this deeply rooted and malignant tumor of the aristocratic family with overwhelming force!

He said that this time, the imperial examination forced women from powerful families to participate, which seemed too "mild" compared to His Majesty's previous methods. It turned out that the real killer move was hidden here.

However, this is not the end.

Lingduo did not stop there, because His Majesty had just given him two top-secret assignments.

He took a deep breath, lowering his voice even further, yet it resounded like a thunderclap in everyone's ears:

"The second thing is that the former crown prince might... still be alive."

boom!

These words are truly astonishing!

Just as everyone was recovering from the machinations of the powerful families, the news once again left them reeling, their faces drained of color, leaving only utter shock and horror.

How...how is this possible?!

The tragic incident at the late emperor's palace left corpses strewn everywhere; the former crown prince had long since...

Lingduo didn't hide anything.

He quickly and clearly recounted the events, starting with the "Tongtianma" case, then the suspicious points discovered by reviewing the dusty daily records, and finally the scattered but clearly targeted clues found through all the hidden channels.

Finally, add:

"However, all of this is still just speculation based on clues, and there is no solid evidence to support it."

While everyone was still reeling from the shock that the former crown prince might not be dead, one person began to tremble uncontrollably, even more violently than when he had been forced by Qin Zhaoyue.

The next moment, Yin Zhe suddenly stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and his voice trembled uncontrollably:

"His Majesty!"

The trembling was not due to anger, but rather stemmed from an unspeakable fear deep within.

The former crown prince... that was her brother, and also the creator of that bloody nightmare back then!

Just as everyone was puzzled as to why Yin Zhe reacted so strongly, Qin Minghuang, lying on the soft couch, struggled and spoke again with all her might, her voice weak but clear:

"Hidden hibernation... no need to kneel."

"I... appoint you as the Deputy Commander of the Xuanji Guard, to assist... Zhaoyue."

She no longer used Xiao Liu's words, but said them herself, with an unquestionable determination.

"His Majesty!"

Yin Zhe suddenly looked up, his eyes flashing intensely, filled with disbelief and complex emotions.

But that's not all.

Qin Minghuang's gaze swept laboriously over each of her children.

First came Xiao Qi, Xiao Ba, and Xiao Jiu, then Xiao Liu, who was healing her wounds, and finally the Third Princess, Fourth Princess, and Fifth Prince kneeling before the bed.

His gaze swept around before finally settling on Yin Zhe, his voice as soft as a sigh:

"I've never seen the three younger ones before."

You guys... you should have met before.

I just don't know... if I still remember.

She paused, as if gathering her last strength, and unveiled the long-buried secret:

“Yin Zhe… is my thirteenth imperial sister, Qin Mingyue, and also your… thirteenth aunt.”

What? !

In an instant, the air in the entire imperial study seemed to freeze completely.

Everyone's pupils suddenly contracted to their maximum size as they stared in disbelief at the Xuanji Guard Commander, who was always veiled and hidden in the darkness.

...

It was the time of White Dew, and a chill was penetrating to the bone.

All palace gates and passageways were under martial law, and the armored guards stood solemnly with their hands on their swords.

Sunlight shone on the armor, reflecting a chilling gleam, and a silent tension and oppression filled the air.

After finishing a few trivial matters, Liu Suxin, the head of the Imperial Ceremonial Bureau, felt an inexplicable unease growing stronger.

The palace is suddenly on such high alert; something earth-shattering must have happened.

Logically, Lord Shangyi should have already come to deliver a message, strictly ordering everyone in the bureau to be cautious in their words and deeds, to behave themselves, and not to cause any trouble at this critical juncture.

However, she waited and waited, but there was no sign of Shangyi Yu Jingheng, nor even a maid to deliver a message.

This is very unusual.

Yu Shangyi has always been very particular about rules and regulations and acts with utmost care; she would never be so negligent.

Liu Suxin frowned, a vague and inexplicable worry gripping her.

She put down the scroll in her hand, walked out the door with slightly hurried steps, and went straight to the courtyard where Yu Shangyi lived.

It was a well-organized courtyard, quiet but somewhat cold.

The courtyard gate was ajar, and it was so quiet that not a sound could be heard.

Liu Suxin's doubts grew even stronger. She entered the courtyard and came to the door of the house. She called out softly, "Shangyi," but there was no response.

After hesitating for a moment, he reached out and gently pushed the door open, which creaked open a crack.

An ominous premonition instantly welled up in my heart.

Liu Suxin took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and the scene that met her eyes made her tremble with fear—

Yu Jingheng... was hanging from the roof beam.

"Shangyi!"

Liu Suxin gasped in shock, her heart nearly leaping out of her chest.

Despite his immense fear, he staggered forward.

While trying to support that cold body, she screamed outside.

"Help! Help!"

Several palace maids who were not far away rushed in upon hearing the noise. They were all terrified when they saw what was happening and screamed repeatedly.

Under Liu Suxin's trembling command, the group hurriedly untied Yu Jingheng from the beam and laid her flat on the ground.

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