The investigation into the emperor's assassination was entrusted to Prince Yu.
Lin Muheng knew that the emperor was testing him.
Let's see if he truly wants to protect the emperor.
Emperor Rongsheng now cherishes his life the most.
Perhaps it's because as people get older, they want to live longer.
Since his assassination attempt, Emperor Rongsheng has never left the palace.
In the past, Emperor Rongsheng would personally witness the prosperity of the capital every now and then.
Now, he stays cooped up in the palace every day and no longer goes out to join in the fun.
The number of palace guards has more than doubled.
Although it was discovered that the assassin from the previous incident was a spy from an enemy country, Emperor Rongsheng still had some doubts.
After all, Emperor Rongsheng didn't think any enemy state would dare to rush to the capital to assassinate the emperor.
But that's what the memorial presented to the emperor said.
Emperor Rongsheng suspected that his son was conspiring with an enemy state to usurp the throne.
In his eyes, all of his sons were suspects.
The emperor himself knows best that the imperial family is the most ruthless place.
Emperors of every dynasty had blood on their hands, and Emperor Rongsheng was no exception.
Without his ruthlessness, he would have followed the late emperor to his death much earlier, just like his own brother.
Emperor Rongsheng read the memorials concerning the assassination countless times, hoping to find some clues in them.
But it turns out it was all done by spies from the enemy country.
The rest did not point to anyone.
Emperor Rongsheng threw the memorial on the ground, but his doubts remained.
He decided to summon several princes to see if he could glean any clues from their words and actions.
A few days later, the princes arrived before the emperor one after another.
Emperor Rongsheng observed them coldly, trying to find a flaw.
However, each prince acted loyal and submissive, making it difficult for him to judge.
Just then, the Third Prince, Lin Mukun, stepped forward.
“Father, I believe the story of the enemy spies is fabricated; they don’t have the guts to do it.”
These words struck a chord with the emperor.
Emperor Rongsheng looked up at Lin Mukun.
This son is usually very quiet.
Now, he's the only one who's pleasing to the ear.
"Oh, third brother, tell me why you think the enemy country wouldn't dare to be so audacious." Emperor Rongsheng's tone softened considerably.
Lin Mukun was overjoyed.
When has the Emperor ever spoken to him so kindly?
"Father! Your subject believes that the assassin's knowledge of your whereabouts must be due to an inside accomplice."
The emperor looked at Lin Mukun with satisfaction.
Wang Defu glanced at the Third Prince; he really wasn't worried about things getting any worse.
Even a eunuch could see through the Third Prince's intentions.
The third prince wanted to stir up trouble in the court.
As long as the emperor is suspicious of everyone, the third prince will have an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
If Wang Defu understood this principle, how could the Emperor not know it?
But the emperor just liked hearing that; that was exactly the situation he wanted.
The emperor disliked the ministers and princes working together in the court.
The matter of the enemy spies has already been settled.
But all those people are dead.
Their identities have been confirmed, but to accurately track the Emperor's whereabouts, we still need to find out who's behind him.
The Emperor now suspects every one of his sons, and their families also have motives.
The Third Prince entered his line of sight at just the right moment.
"In my opinion, there must be someone in this palace colluding with foreign enemies. Your Majesty should thoroughly investigate and find this person to ensure the stability of our dynasty," Lin Mukun said righteously.
Emperor Rongsheng nodded slightly in agreement, "What the third prince says is quite right. Then, in your opinion, how should this matter be thoroughly investigated?"
"Your Majesty, I believe we should start by investigating the attendants around you. In addition, we should also carefully investigate the important officials of the court and their families," Lin Mukun suggested.
Emperor Rongsheng pondered for a moment, "Hmm, very good. Then you shall be in charge of this matter, and I will give you sufficient authority. But remember, do not wrong an innocent person."
"Your subject obeys! I will certainly live up to your expectations, Father!" Lin Mukun kowtowed to express his gratitude, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes.
His father hadn't given him anything to do for a long time.
His sons were all capable, and their families were all powerful.
Power is blinding, and Emperor Rongsheng had no doubts whatsoever.
Given the chance, his sons would overthrow him as emperor.
The Third Prince's timely appearance pleased the Emperor.
After the Crown Prince's death, his position became vacant.
The princes were all eyeing the crown prince position with covetous intent, but Emperor Rongsheng was well aware of their ambitions.
Currently, both Prince Jin and Prince Yu are highly favored.
Previously, Lin Muheng was alone, without the support of the powerful General's Mansion. Emperor Rongsheng felt that it was alright to give him an important position.
Now, Lin Muheng is showing signs of surpassing the Prince of Jin.
Emperor Rongsheng was anxious.
He will not allow any single entity to dominate.
Now, under the emperor's suppression, the Zheng family dares not cause trouble at this time.
However, Emperor Rongsheng discovered that, without realizing it, he was no longer so wary of the General's Mansion.
Thinking of this, Emperor Rongsheng had another headache.
Jiang Zhongyong's two sons both obtained positions in the imperial court through his promotion.
This means that the power behind Prince Yu was personally supported by him.
Emperor Rongsheng thought to himself that perhaps it was Jiang Zhongyong's loyalty that made him lower his guard against the General's Mansion.
Thinking of the moment when Jiang He risked his life to save him, Emperor Rongsheng felt a wave of tenderness in his heart.
Emperor Rongsheng had no doubt that Jiang He's actions were an act.
Jiang He may be a little clever, but Emperor Rongsheng had no doubt about his loyalty.
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