When the news reached the capital, it caused an uproar.
After searching for more than ten days without finding a trace, everyone understood that the chances were extremely slim.
After discussing it, Huo Ping and Fei Feng decided that one of them would escort the unconscious emperor back to the capital, while the other would stay behind with his men to continue the search. Otherwise, the longer they delayed, the more unforeseen the unforeseen events might occur.
More than ten days after His Majesty suspended court, people in the capital were already feeling uneasy. After learning that Wen Hemian had fallen off a cliff and his fate was unknown, people reacted differently, and undercurrents were surging in private.
Ye Zhaoxuan was so startled that he dropped his teacup, his face blank with disbelief: "How is this possible?!"
At that time, Lu Zishen was on leave at home, doing accounts with Liu Qiongyue. Upon hearing the news, the two of them froze while fiddling with the abacus, and their expressions changed simultaneously.
"No, no way?" Liu Qiongyue murmured, her fingers unconsciously touching her lower abdomen, where a slight curve had appeared. "Lord Wen, she..."
"Ah Yue, don't get agitated." As he said this, Lu Zishen's hand supporting her trembled as he tried to keep his voice steady. "As long as we haven't found them, there's still a glimmer of hope. I... I'll go ask my colleagues again..."
The same situation was observed in the homes of Wen Hemian's close colleagues and subordinates; everyone's faces were blank, and they simply couldn't believe it was true.
Over the years, through countless assassination attempts, Lord Wen has always managed to escape unscathed with His Majesty. This time, on his journey to Jianghuai, even the epidemic has subsided. How could he possibly perish on the way back?
But whether you believe it or not, that's the truth.
The assassins included rebels, and their numbers were numerous. While defending against the enemy, Lord Wen accidentally lost his footing and fell to the bottom of the cliff. His fate remains unknown to this day.
A small number of people are still cheering, but due to the overall situation, they dare not say anything openly and can only celebrate in secret.
In the Prince of Huailing's mansion, Qingyun was crying so hard she could barely breathe.
She had been by Wen Hemian's side since she was a child. Although they were called mistress and servant, they were practically sisters. She couldn't accept this fact!
She couldn't understand it. Just a short while ago, the young master had bid her farewell with a smile, so how could they now be separated by death?
"Good child, don't cry."
When Uncle Lu heard the news, he was also stunned for a moment. Compared to Qingyun, he was older and wiser. He sensed something unusual in the news, and even though he lost his composure, he kept his mind steady.
“The young master is blessed with good fortune; we must take good care of the household for her.”
Qingyun sobbed, "Steward Lu, will the young master really come back?"
Uncle Lu: "Things haven't been peaceful in the capital lately. Otherwise, why do you think the young master would go looking for Young Master Murong? If you're tired of crying, go back and rest. Don't overthink it."
Subconsciously, Qingyun was more inclined to believe that Wen Hemian was alright. Uncle Lu's reassurance greatly eased her worries, so she nodded and said, "Okay."
...
Xie Lang woke up.
My head feels like it's being pricked with needles, throbbing and throbbing with pain.
He had endured so much hardship, and was utterly exhausted. It was no surprise that he collapsed.
When I woke up, I vaguely heard the Imperial Hospital physician speaking to the foreign officials.
"His Majesty has been caught in the heavy rain and the cold has seeped into his body. He may develop a fever in the next few days. I would be grateful if you could keep an eye on him. Also... the matter of Lord Wen has had a great impact on His Majesty. Please keep an eye on him as well."
The Imperial Physician was one of the people who faced the assassination attempt that day. He still remembers Wen Hemian taking an arrow for him. He witnessed His Majesty's bloodthirsty nature and still trembles with fear when he thinks about it.
He dared not estimate how deep the bond between the teacher and student was, but it was certainly deeper than most people imagined. Such a blow could cause great distress.
"Yes! I understand."
Lai Xi sighed repeatedly, so worried that he didn't know what to do.
He knew more about the inside story. If they were really teacher and student, that would be fine. But His Majesty had feelings for Lord Wen that went beyond teacher and student. He lost him before he could get what he wanted. How could he ever get over this?
Xie Lang listened inside the tent, his mind slightly dazed.
The Imperial Physician was transferred from Wen Hemian and was also the first imperial physician to treat him.
The only difference is that this time, that person won't gently rub his head with a smile.
"Lai Xi".
He called out, and Lai Xi quickly lifted the curtain and poked his head out: "Your Majesty, please give your orders."
Xie Lang sat up, wearing only his undergarments. He had been working tirelessly for many days without sleep, and his face had become thinner, making him look gaunt. His dark eyes were devoid of light and somewhat gloomy.
"Go and call Huo Ping over."
Lai Xi trembled with fear and quickly went downstairs to call for help.
Huo Ping had anticipated this, and during his short rest, he had instructed his men to investigate. Now, upon receiving the summons, he took the list and rushed to the palace without stopping.
Xie Lang slept for a day and a night. When he woke up, he hadn't eaten or drunk anything. He started looking at the files again. Lai Xi was so anxious that blisters almost formed on the corners of her mouth. When she saw Huo Ping, she gently shook her head, indicating that the situation was still not good.
Huo Ping presented the list to Xie Lang.
Actually, they're all pretty much the same.
Wen Hemian had a relatively good reputation in the court. Among the civil officials, it was mostly the censors who were causing trouble, and some were remnants of the Ning Party who were buried deep inside. As for the military officers, they had never participated much in the struggle, and it was mostly the old faction and aristocratic families.
As early as the time of the late emperor, when the eunuch faction came to power, their power was greatly weakened. Later, they secretly supported Ning Hechu to come to power, and in recent years they have been able to survive in the shadows.
After Xie Lang took power, his first act was to target them, which had already accumulated a lot of dissatisfaction. Wen Hemian just happened to be there at this time and became the target of their venting.
The enrollment of female students in the government infringed upon many interests, and coupled with the impeachment by the censor, it almost became a trend in the court. As a result, some people secretly colluded with the remnants of the rebel army, intending to kill Wen Heming and also to give Xie Lang a warning, to tell the emperor that they were not easy to bully.
In short, a wide range of people are involved.
"It was I who gave them the wrong impression, making them think that I was truly a gentle and refined gentleman."
Xie Lang chuckled softly, mocking their naivety and arrogance: "With the Grand Tutor gone, I have no interest in being a cowardly wise ruler!"
Huo Ping's eyelids twitched.
The next moment, the king said coldly, "Bring out the accumulated evidence and imprison them all in the imperial prison, to be executed."
When Wen Hemian was around, Xie Lang tried his best to restrain his temper, walking slowly and gradually. Now, however, he no longer needs to be so cautious.
Damn it, this group of people made a big move.
Upon hearing those last two words, Huo Ping silently lit a row of candles for them in his heart, while also feeling a surge of anger.
How arrogant! Now his arrogance has landed him in his own doom.
With the emperor's personal order, Huo Ping led his men to the door that very night and arrested all those people one by one.
The once quiet imperial prison was suddenly overflowing with people. The arrested were both shocked and furious, but no one listened to their cursing. Huo Ping wished he could split himself into eight pieces to use, and he was so busy that his head was throbbing.
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