Chapter 474: Killing without Morality
"That's impossible," the virtuous prince thought, finding it absurd. "The Vice Ministers of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Personnel hold important positions at court. How could the emperor arrest them all in one day? Wouldn't that cause unrest at court and send all civil and military officials into a state of panic?"
The Minister of Personnel was slightly stunned, as if he did not expect the wise king to react like this.
"Besides, even if the emperor wanted to punish them, he wouldn't hand this case over to Prince Guangling... No... That's not right..." The virtuous prince seemed to remember something, and his face suddenly changed. "The emperor and I have been tricked by Prince Guangling!"
The Minister of Personnel looked at the savage face of the virtuous prince, which was filled with hatred, and asked, "Your Highness, do you know what is going on?"
The virtuous prince gnashed his teeth and said, "Prince Guangling has won over many ministers in Northern Qi and enjoys a high reputation among the people. Father is worried that he might covet the throne, and because he has the support of the Great Zhou, Father dares not attack him openly. He can only take advantage of him to quell the riots in Yongqing County and break his legs. If the mission fails, he will be killed."
"Prince Guangling clearly knew that it was my father who had sent someone to assassinate him, but he feigned ignorance and pleaded with my father to order an investigation into the murderer. He then exposed my collusion with Feng Zhihuan, the seizure of civilian land, and the crimes of corruption and bribery."
"In order to protect my reputation, the emperor had no choice but to order him to thoroughly investigate my case. He said that my case involved an official appointed by the imperial court, and what would happen if he was prevented from handling the case? The emperor gave him a token and said that anyone who interfered with his investigation would be beheaded in public."
"Everything Prince Guangling did before was for this token. He really has good intentions and means."
The virtuous king realized Zhao Yi's motives and wanted to kill him.
The Minister of Personnel was secretly shocked. Zhao Yi was indeed extremely intelligent and had the Emperor of Northern Qi in his hands.
What Zhao Yi did today was indeed in accordance with the emperor's orders.
However, the current situation is not what the Emperor of Northern Qi wants to see.
The Emperor of Northern Qi had no way to deal with Zhao Yi.
The Emperor of Northern Qi could only protect one of the wise king and the court official.
There is no doubt that the Emperor of Northern Qi will choose a wise king.
Those officials who were imprisoned will probably be held accountable.
Inexplicably, the Minister of Personnel felt that Zhao Yi was playing a big game, and what he was doing now was just the beginning?
Realizing this, the Minister of Personnel grew wary of Zhao Yi. "Your Highness, what are you going to do?" He paused, then probed, "Prince Guangling's goal is to cut off your left and right arms. If he succeeds today, it will likely affect your reputation among the officials and shake their resolve to support you."
The virtuous king disagreed: "The support of the court officials is indeed important, but compared with the attitude of my father, it is nothing."
The Minister of Personnel's eyes darkened.
As soon as the words came out of his mouth, the wise king realized that it was inappropriate.
After all, the Minister of Personnel is also a minister who supports him.
"Of course I want to save them, but I'm also a criminal, confined to the palace by my father. If I leave the palace without permission, wouldn't that give Prince Guangling another handle? Not only would I be unable to save them, but I'd also be in danger myself. If I fall, Prince Guangling will ascend to the throne, and he'll definitely take revenge on you."
The virtuous king added, his face filled with resignation, "It's not that I don't want to save them, but I have to consider the overall situation and protect you."
The Minister of Personnel understood the wise king's intention. He wanted to protect himself.
"This time, in my confrontation with Prince Guangling, I was one step behind," the wise king said with a sinister look. "Prince Guangling's popularity has overshadowed mine. We might as well use this incident to solidify his reputation as a cruel, merciless, and murderous person."
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