"Master," Qi Yong said cautiously, "the rebels have been captured. I'm keeping watch over things here. Would you like to rest in the carriage for a while?"
"No need," Ji Xuan said, radiating an imposing chill. "Take stock of the casualties and give them all a proper burial."
“Your Majesty,” Wang Qi knelt down immediately, “This old minister is guilty, please punish me.”
Upon hearing this, Ji Xuan did not react.
Upon seeing this, Wang Qi's heart clenched suddenly, and he was completely at a loss.
He knew that this accident was entirely due to his carelessness and acting on his own initiative, but he still held onto a sliver of hope.
Although he had made a considerable mistake, he was old and had reached the age of retirement. Moreover, he had made great contributions to the Great Zhou Dynasty. Besides, this time it was only a close call that led to a major disaster. Although the losses were significant, he had ultimately achieved victory.
In conclusion, Wang Qi does not believe that he will really suffer this time.
But now, Ji Xuan's reaction made him very uneasy, and his heart was terribly cold. No matter how much glory or merit he had in the past, it could not warm him up even a little.
After a long silence, Wang Qi repeated, "This old minister deserves to die a thousand deaths. Please punish me, Your Majesty."
In his voice, besides helplessness, there was also a hint of sorrow.
Upon hearing Wang Qi's words, Ji Xuan glanced at him indifferently and said, "Get up."
"This old minister dares not."
"I tell you to get up!"
Ji Xuan's face remained calm and her voice was neither hurried nor slow, making it impossible to discern her true thoughts.
Seeing this, Wang Qi dared not object anymore, stood up tremblingly, and stood nervously to one side.
Jiang Nuan stood to the side, watching the scene quietly, not daring to say a word.
She sensed the anger and resentment beneath Ji Xuan's calm demeanor, like a lion that had just lost its territory, brewing a thirst for revenge.
That's true. For such a proud person to suddenly encounter such a major setback is probably a first for him since birth.
However, Jiang Nuan did not think he was entirely innocent.
In truth, he had been planning too much.
He tried to seize the opportunity to consolidate military power but was instead met with a backlash; he took too big a step and ended up getting involved in some trouble.
The powerful families are tough enough to deal with, let alone something as sensitive as military power.
However, today's events seem more complicated than they appear. The loss of military power alone shouldn't warrant an assassination attempt on the emperor.
The person most affected by this incident is Commander Qin Chun; it has little to do with the lower-ranking soldiers. Such a radical approach is inappropriate.
Moreover, these people clearly intended to assassinate the emperor. Although it is unknown whether it was done on a whim or premeditated, the act itself speaks volumes.
The consequences of regicide are too severe. It is not worth risking one's life for a powerful family that is unrelated to oneself. More importantly, it is not in the interests of the powerful families at all.
They could use various subtle tactics to coerce the emperor into achieving his goals, but they could never actually take action unless they truly intended to rebel.
“Your Majesty,” Qi Yong said in a low voice, “the current matters can be dealt with later; the food on the mountain is more important.”
Qi Yong was not trying to help Wang Qi out of a predicament.
In fact, he hated Wang Qi more than anyone else.
With so many people rushing in to assassinate him, if it weren't for the constant guards and the defensive formations, the traitors might have actually succeeded.
Our master has lived a difficult life since childhood, enduring countless pains to improve his health, and yet, after only a few days, he has already become an eyesore to some people.
Furthermore, Wang Qi's unauthorized actions, arrogance, and carelessness gave the traitors an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
Qi Yong was a vengeful person, and even if Ji Xuan hadn't gotten into trouble, he would have already harbored deep hatred for Wang Qi.
Understanding the priorities and fearing that Wang Qi and Qin Chun might be forced onto the same path, he chose to temporarily back down.
“It’s too late,” Ji Xuan said, her face grim. “We’ve wasted so much time here, there’s no way they didn’t hear the commotion and have probably already escaped.”
As for the grain, Ji Xuan felt that even if they could keep some, there wouldn't be much.
Upon hearing this, Qi Yong's expression changed drastically. "This servant is foolish and did not think of this."
He said that those three thousand people were like dead, and no one came to check on them despite the commotion.
“It’s not your fault,” Ji Xuan waved her hand. “Let Xiao Yuanzi take some people to take a look. Let’s go back to the capital and see what’s going on in the city.”
Ji Xuan was very worried.
The signal was supposed to be released at midnight as agreed, but it was unexpectedly delayed until now. I don't know how things are going.
Although powerful families possess military strength, it is limited. Unless they prepare in advance, they cannot escape the encirclement and capture of the personal guards.
Thinking about it this way, Ji Xuan felt much more at ease.
"Yes, ma'am!"
After answering, Qi Yong turned around to make the arrangements.
“Your Majesty,” Wang Qi said with a bitter expression, “this old minister will protect you as you enter the capital.”
Upon hearing this, Ji Xuan did not speak, but simply nodded slightly.
Although he was extremely angry that Wang Qi had taken it upon himself to make things this way, this was not the time to dwell on it; matters in the capital were more important.
Given the current situation, failing to severely damage the powerful families will only make people more resentful!
After a long pause, he added, "Bring Qin Chun with you on the journey, keep a close eye on him, and make sure nothing happens to him."
Ji Xuan was puzzled by Qin Chun's behavior.
First, he was unaware of the plot to seize military power. Second, not everyone has the courage to assassinate the emperor; only sufficient incentives would motivate someone to do so.
However, if he were to pass away, the entire Great Zhou Dynasty would be thrown into turmoil, and Qin Chun would be condemned by everyone.
No matter how you look at it, Qin Chun shouldn't have done such a stupid thing!
“Qi Yong,” Ji Xuan frowned, “have someone investigate Qin Chun again to see if there’s anything unusual about him lately.”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Nuan suggested, "We can start with Madam Qin. If Qin Chun acts strangely, his wife will definitely notice something."
“That’s right,” Qi Yong slapped his forehead, “I actually forgot to start with his bedmate.”
The main reason is that he was a eunuch, and he rarely cared about things that sorely offended him.
"Have the secret guards investigate as quickly as possible," Ji Xuan said, his face grim. "I want to know who is plotting to kill me."
He could barely accept being assassinated by the former crown prince's men, since the former crown prince did have the authority to do so, and it was, in a sense, a private matter for the Ji family.
If others dare to casually reach out and touch him, where does that leave the emperor's dignity?
Such traitors must not be allowed to live.
"Yes, ma'am!"
Inside the city, Liu An took control of all the families involved, and the confiscation of their property was underway.
Although he didn't receive a signal and was afraid of missing the opportunity, Liu An gritted his teeth and took action.
Meanwhile, people were sent to wait for news at the city gate.
When the group returned to the capital in a grand procession, it was already 7:45 AM.
As soon as they entered the city, they were led to Liu An.
"Your Majesty, this old minister has been fortunate to fulfill your imperial command."
Liu An's words finally eased Ji Xuan's mood a little: "I am very grateful for the hard work of Minister Liu all night."
As he spoke, he narrowed his eyes, his tone turning cold, "Were there any fish that slipped through the net?"
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