Yin Zhao took a deep breath: "Then, sir, when do you think is the best time to make a move?"
"When Li Jingang's army attacked Longmen Pass, Zhao Muyun went to Hedong, and the people of Xijing were in a state of panic."
A cold glint flashed in Qu Zhuang's eyes. "At that time, Yinji will definitely go to Longmen Pass to supervise the battle, leaving Xijing City vulnerable."
"Your Majesty can use the pretext of 'comforting the army' to leave the palace, contact the ministers, take control of the palace in one fell swoop, issue an edict, announce Zhao Muyun's crime of starting a war without authorization and holding the emperor hostage, and strip him of his military power."
"If Yinji leads his army back to reinforce..."
“He won’t be coming back.” Qu Zhuang’s smile grew even colder. “I have already arranged for people to create trouble at Longmen Pass. At that time, Lin Feng will definitely ask Yinji to take charge. As long as Yinji leaves Xijing, no one in the city will be able to stop Your Majesty.”
Yin Zhao's heart raced: "Then...then Zhao Muyun, upon hearing the news, led his army back..."
"So you have to be quick."
Qu Zhuang said in a low voice, "After His Majesty takes control of Xijing, he immediately negotiates with Li Jingang, offering him the land of Hedong in exchange for his support in restoring His Majesty to the throne."
"At that time, Zhao Muyun will be like a rootless duckweed, forced to either surrender or go into exile."
Yin Zhao paced back and forth in the study, his heart filled with intense struggle.
He knew he was taking a huge risk.
Failure would mean utter ruin.
But if he succeeds, he will be able to truly rule the world, instead of being a puppet.
"Your Majesty, this is an opportunity not to be missed," Qu Zhuang urged softly. "Zhao Muyun may seem kind and generous, but he is actually ruthless. He is using Your Majesty now because Your Majesty is still useful. Once he unifies the world, Your Majesty... I'm afraid your life will be in danger."
These words struck at Yin Zhao's deepest fear.
He recalled the soldiers who seemed respectful but were actually monitoring him on the way back to Xijing by Zhao Muyun; he recalled the days when he was constantly controlled in the palace; he recalled the deep bond between Zhao Muyun and Yinji, while he, the emperor, was merely a figurehead.
"Let's do it!" Yin Zhao gritted his teeth. "Sir, go ahead and do it. I will fully support you."
Qu Zhuang bowed deeply: "Your Majesty, I will certainly not fail in your trust."
Leaving the imperial study, Qu Zhuang walked along the palace wall passageway, a mocking smile playing on his lips.
Yin Zhao thought he was a loyal minister, but he didn't know that he was never truly loyal to this puppet emperor.
The true owner of Quzhuang is Zhao Muyun.
All of this was a scheme orchestrated by Zhao Muyun.
Six months ago, Zhao Muyun secretly summoned Qu Zhuang, the man recommended by Wang Tiezhu, and gave him a special mission.
He feigned allegiance to Yin Zhao, secretly helping him develop his power, and then, at the crucial moment, lured out the hidden rebels in the court to wipe them out in one fell swoop.
At the time, Qu Zhuang was puzzled: "Grand Commander, why not just eliminate these hidden dangers directly?"
Zhao Muyun's answer remains fresh in his memory: "Hidden dangers are like weeds; you cut one crop, and a new one will grow back."
"It's better to let them grow, see clearly which are weeds and which are seedlings, and then... pull them up by the roots."
Qu Zhuang finally understood.
Yinzhao's plan to seize power, the collusion of those dissatisfied in the court, and even Li Jingang's pincer attack—all of this was within Zhao Muyun's calculations.
"Great Commander, Great Commander, your scheme is truly intricate," Qu Zhuang thought to himself.
He looked up at the sky, where dark clouds were rolling in from the northwest.
The storm is really coming.
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