Liu An paced back and forth in his study, pondering how to deal with Lu Yan.
He knew Lu Yan's talent and that he was deeply loved by the people.
If we act rashly, it may provoke public outrage and result in more harm than good.
"Zhao De, go spread the word that Lu Yan wiped out Black Wind Stronghold, recruited bandits, expanded his army, and is plotting a rebellion!"
Liu An said in a sinister tone.
"I will ruin his reputation and ensure he can never rise again!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao De was startled and quickly said:
"Your Excellency, isn't this... isn't this too risky? Without solid evidence, I'm afraid it will be difficult..."
"Evidence? Hmph!" Liu An sneered.
“Evidence can be fabricated! Go and arrange for a few reliable people to disguise themselves as bandits,”
"This accuses Lu Yan of colluding with bandits and plotting a rebellion!"
"Remember, it must be done flawlessly, leaving no loopholes!"
Zhao De was extremely efficient.
Within a few days, several "bandits" fell into the hands of the government.
These "mountain bandits" were originally just some local thugs and ruffians.
Under the dual onslaught of Liu An's silver and the cruel official's whip.
He quickly confessed to his collusion with Lu Yan.
In his testimony, Lu Yan was portrayed as a treacherous and cunning man.
They secretly colluded with Black Wind Stronghold, plotting a rebellion to overthrow the imperial court and establish themselves as king.
That wasn't enough; Liu An also secretly bribed several officials who were in charge of remonstrating with the emperor.
Let them publicly impeach Lu Yan in the imperial court.
These officials were known for their integrity and outspokenness.
Now they have jointly submitted a letter denouncing Lu Yan's various "crimes".
The entire capital city was in an uproar.
"Have you heard? Lu Yan of Shannan Prefecture is plotting a rebellion!"
"That's right! I heard he's already colluded with the bandits of Black Wind Stronghold!"
"Alas, the human heart is truly unpredictable!"
"This Lord Lu seems quite kind, but I never expected him to be such a traitor!"
Rumors spread rapidly like a plague.
Lu Yan's charge of "treason" is almost confirmed, causing a public uproar.
At this time.
The upper room of the inn was filled with a faint scent of ambergris.
Chen Qingwan leaned against the soft couch, holding a book written by Lu Yan in her hand, reading it with great interest.
The book was highly praised in Shannan Prefecture, which she had initially scoffed at.
I think this lecherous man's mind is full of lewd and immoral thoughts.
But once I opened the first page, I couldn't put it down.
The book was richly illustrated, and some passages made her blush and her heart race.
She's been in a good mood lately, enjoying Lu Yan's strange and wonderful things.
Soaps, perfumes, and glass mirrors sold out in the capital, bringing in a fortune for the national treasury every day.
She even planned to kidnap Lu Yan and bring him back to the capital once she had saved enough money.
He would do things for him, and every day he would come up with new and interesting gadgets for him.
Suddenly, a bodyguard came to report.
"Your Majesty, an urgent report from the capital!"
Chen Qingwan was startled and dropped the book to the ground.
She quickly picked it up and hid it behind her back, feigning composure as she asked:
"What's the matter that you're in such a panic?"
The guard presented a letter with both hands, his tone urgent:
"Lu Yan, the prefect of Shannan Prefecture, has annihilated Black Wind Stronghold, incorporated mountain bandits into his army, and is plotting a rebellion!"
"rebellion?!"
Chen Qingwan raised her eyebrows, snatched the letter, and scanned it quickly.
She suddenly stood up and paced back and forth in the room, her heart churning with turmoil.
On the one hand, she was unwilling to believe that Lu Yan would rebel.
During her incognito visit to Shannan Prefecture, she witnessed firsthand Lu Yan's governing abilities.
I also felt his dedication to the people.
Although that guy was glib and smooth-talking, he was a pragmatist at heart.
He was single-mindedly focused on improving the lives of ordinary people.
On the other hand, as an empress, she bore the responsibility for the safety of the nation.
We have to consider the worst-case scenario.
If Lu Yan really rebels, the consequences will be unimaginable.
I recall what Lu Yan once said:
"All I want is for the people to live and work in peace and contentment, and for the country to prosper and flourish."
Is all of this a lie?
Chen Qingwan felt as if an invisible hand was gripping her heart tightly, making it difficult for her to breathe.
"Damn you, Lu Yan! If you dare to lie to me, I'll tear you to pieces!"
She cursed him inwardly.
But then she thought about it again and realized something was wrong.
He spoke eloquently about reform strategies in front of her, willing to offend powerful figures for the sake of the people's well-being.
Could he really be a traitorous rebel?
If Lu Yan really wanted to rebel, he could simply declare himself king.
Why go through all that trouble, signing a business agreement with yourself to make money for yourself?
Could it be that someone deliberately framed him?
The image of Prime Minister Liu An's cunning and treacherous face flashed through Chen Qingwan's mind.
This guy always believed that women should not be emperors and was dissatisfied with his own status.
He's always going against me; maybe he's the one pulling the strings behind the scenes!
"I do not believe he would rebel!"
Chen Qingwan stood up abruptly, her tone firm.
The bodyguard knelt on one knee, bowed his head, and said:
"Your Majesty, but now we have both witnesses and physical evidence..."
"Witnesses and physical evidence?" Chen Qingwan sneered.
"Those so-called evidences are nothing but baseless rumors!"
"I want to see who is stirring up trouble behind the scenes and trying to frame Lu Yan!"
Meanwhile, inside the Prime Minister's residence.
Liu An sat upright, toying with a pair of jade balls in his hands, a meaningful smile on his face.
"His Majesty has not yet issued an edict, it seems he still has reservations about Lu Yan."
He took a sip of tea, his tone laced with sarcasm.
"A woman's kindness will never lead to great things."
For several days, rumors about Lu Yan's rebellion have intensified, but the Empress has yet to make a move.
This further solidified Liu An's resolve:
A woman who becomes empress is ultimately weak and incompetent.
"My lord, our scouts report that His Majesty is currently in Shannan Prefecture."
The clerk, Zhao De, bowed and reported cautiously.
The jade ball in Liu An's hand fell to the ground with a "crack" and shattered into pieces.
"What? She actually went to Shannan Prefecture again!"
He suddenly stood up and paced back and forth, feeling anxious and uneasy.
The Empress's move undoubtedly disrupted his entire plan.
He originally intended to take this opportunity to completely bring down Lu Yan.
Unexpectedly, the Empress is currently in Shannan Prefecture.
Has she already realized something?
"No, we can't let her come back alive!"
A fierce glint flashed in Liu An's eyes, and his tone was cold.
"Send someone to Shannan Prefecture immediately, without fail..."
He made a throat-slitting gesture.
"...Framing Lu Yan!"
Zhao De was startled, but dared not say anything, and quickly agreed and withdrew.
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