"You were framed."

Murong Yue changed to a more comfortable position; she was very familiar with this trick.

She often pretended to be dead when luring prey.

She strikes when her prey gets close, and her aim is always perfect.

So, "Go, and prepare the prey."

ah?

What's the meaning?

Everyone's minds couldn't keep up with His Majesty's train of thought, so they all turned to the Grand Preceptor.

After a moment's thought, Li Xuanji understood what Murong Yue meant.

"Your Majesty, do you mean that Lord Qi should pretend to fall into this trap, arrest Lord Zhang Yuqing, and then wait for the person behind it all to reveal themselves?"

A trap, a pretense, and jumping out.

Yes, the key information matches up.

Murong Yue nodded and said decisively, "Yes."

Therefore, the second matter at the morning court session was the arrest and imprisonment of Minister Zhang Yuqing.

Qi Yuan's decisive and efficient manner made one wonder if he had been planning to arrest Zhang Yuqing for some time.

Furthermore, Qi Yuan solemnly told the officials, "Please keep the truth about Lord Zhang's imprisonment a secret. Otherwise, if it disrupts His Majesty's plans, don't blame me for accidentally harming you."

Upon hearing this, everyone quickly agreed.

What do you mean by "collateral damage"? It means that if anyone leaks the truth and Qi Yuan finds out, they'll be considered an accomplice to the bad guy.

He really is a deep and cunning man.

Murong Yue nodded with a smile. This Qi Yuan is really amazing!

Just as she felt it was time to leave the court, Xu Qing, looking weathered and worn, returned.

Upon hearing the announcement, Murong Yue pondered for a while before finally remembering who this Xu Qing was.

Damn it.

Too many people isn't a good thing either, because you can't even remember who's who.