The Imperial Guards looked at each other, unsure of how to respond.
On the contrary, the common people who had come to see the spectacle after hearing the news started discussing it again. Xue Shen's previously released storybook, "The Return of the Soul," had been very popular among the people of the capital.
Every common person who enjoys reading picture books and listening to operas knows this story.
Later, as more people came to watch the play, some older folks said in private that the story in the play was true, and that it was about the King of Qin and the former emperor being harmed by the current emperor.
However, they might only discuss it privately and not necessarily believe it to be true.
First, a palace maid banged on the Dengwen Drum, shouting that she had poisoned the late Empress. Then, the Prince of Qin led a group of men to force their way into the palace gates, demanding an explanation from the Emperor.
All these events, when put together, seem exactly like the nephew in a picture book who is brought back to life to seek revenge.
Immediately, the surrounding people began to discuss the matter, and some of the bolder ones joined in, saying, "Yes, the King of Qin is right. Since the late Empress was a child of another man, why does Your Majesty investigate the truth?"
Once someone started, more and more people joined in.
The Imperial Guards looked at the indignant crowd around them and wanted to stop them, but because no one was willing to take responsibility, they were all hesitant and dared not act on their own.
Just as the situation reached a stalemate, the tightly closed palace gates suddenly swung open, and Qi Zhong, pale-faced, stepped out, speaking in a shrill voice: "His Majesty has been unwell these past few days and was unaware of the late Empress's injustice. Now that he has learned of it, His Majesty is furious and has ordered the Dali Temple to thoroughly investigate the matter. If it is indeed true that someone plotted to murder the late Empress, the truth will be uncovered, and an explanation will be given to Prince Qin and the late Empress."
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