"oh?"
Everyone looked at Qiu Beiming, clearly doubting his words.
Seeing that everyone was looking over, Qiu Beiming didn't say anything, but looked at Sima Lie.
Sima Lie frowned and said, "Sir, please feel free to speak your mind."
"Although Zhang Tang is cunning, he doesn't have the ability to play such a big game!"
“Zhang Tang was under Gao Meng’s close surveillance the whole time. How could he have had the time to mobilize such a large number of elite troops under Gao Meng’s nose?”
Sima Lie frowned and pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Please continue, sir."
After a moment of silence, Qiu Beiming said, "Zhang Tang doesn't have time. After ruling him out, only someone who knows Zhang Tang's marching route could possibly arrange all of this in advance."
"kindness?"
Everyone nodded slightly, agreeing wholeheartedly.
After all, not many people knew Zhang Tang's marching route this time; ordinary people had no right to know it.
Only after Zhang Tang was removed, and only a few of Sima Lie's close confidants, did they learn of this matter.
But that's precisely why it's even more wrong.
Ma Shangtao wiped the cold sweat from his nose and said unhappily, "Sir, you don't suspect us, do you? We are absolutely loyal to the Prime Minister..."
Sima Lie was also somewhat displeased. Although Ma Shangtao was a bit stupid, he was already doomed on this ship!
He doesn't have the guts to betray me!
But at this moment he still wanted to hear Qiu Beiming's insights, so he waved his hand and said, "Alright, Lao Ma, don't speak yet, let the master continue."
Ma Shangtao's lips twitched, and he could only shut his mouth in embarrassment.
"Lord Ma, you flatter me. I certainly do not doubt you."
Qiu Beiming smiled and glanced at Sima Lie, then his expression suddenly turned serious. He said solemnly, "There is another person who also knows Zhang Tang's marching route. Don't forget him, Prime Minister."
"who?"
Sima Lie exclaimed in surprise, his mind racing.
"It's that tyrannical emperor Qin Yu!"
Hiss—the moment these words were spoken, the room fell silent, and everyone gasped in shock.
After a long pause, Ma Shangtao suddenly sneered, "Qin Yu? That incompetent ruler? Does that incompetent ruler have such abilities? How could that be?"
Even Sima Lie found it unbelievable, after all, Qin Yu was indeed a good-for-nothing who only cared about eating, drinking and having fun.
How can someone possess such skill and courage?
"However, setting aside all those who are doubtful, the one that remains at the end, however absurd, is most likely to be the truth."
Qiu Beiming sighed and said softly.
Sima Lie's brows furrowed even more. At first, he did not believe it, but after Qiu Beiming's words, his suspicious nature began to take hold.
If what Qiu Beiming said is true, Qin Yu not only planned the whole situation, but also had a group of elite soldiers under his command!
Thinking of this, Sima Lie's face instantly turned cold. He looked at the old steward and gritted his teeth, saying, "Send word to Yuzhu to test that tyrant."
"Yes, ma'am." The old steward bowed and accepted the order, then quickly left to find Yuzhu.
Sima Lie let out a long breath, his mind still unsettled.
He narrowed his eyes and sneered, "If this matter is truly related to that tyrannical emperor, then don't blame me for being ruthless!"
"The Prime Minister is wise."
Although Ma Shangtao thought this was utter nonsense, since Sima Lie had spoken, he dared not disobey and immediately flattered him.
Sima Lie waved his hand, then turned his gaze to Ma Shangtao, his face unusually cold as he said, "Ma Shangtao, let me remind you of one more thing."
Ma Shangtao's expression hardened, and he said with trepidation, "Please give your orders, Prime Minister."
"Find Zhang Tang's whereabouts well. Remember, I want to see him alive or dead!"
"yes……"
Ma Shangtao responded and left the room.
After Ma Shangtao left, Sima Lie rubbed his temples and muttered to himself, "I hope it's all just wishful thinking."
...
Meanwhile, in the Imperial Study.
After finishing everything, Qin Yu swaggered back triumphantly.
Yuzhu served him from the side, her eyes constantly flickering with hesitation as she searched for an opportunity.
Seeing that she hadn't had a chance to test the waters, she decided to come directly.
So, while pouring tea for Qin Yu, Yu Zhu sighed casually, "Your Majesty, alas, what a pity. Lord Zhang Tang was so loyal, but he was killed by bandits. His fate is still unknown. Your Majesty must send people to search for and rescue him immediately."
Qin Yu paused for a moment, then gave Yu Zhu a meaningful look.
After so many days of investigation, I know this girl inside and out very well, and I can see through the thoughts in this enchanting beauty's heart at a glance.
It's likely that the old fox Sima Lie became suspicious and sent her to test him.
Knowing it was a test, Qin Yu would naturally put on a good show.
He snorted coldly, his big face fierce, and cursed, "Hmph, so loyal? I think he's just a piece of trash!"
Yu Zhu feigned surprise: "Your Majesty! It's widely rumored that the Duke of Zhuguo is a loyal minister, so why do you despise him so much..."
Qin Yu glared at Yu Zhu and cursed, "What kind of loyal minister is he! I never thought much of him in the first place, and now he's an imperial envoy and he's even lost my money!"
"I don't care whether he lives or dies, but I've lost all my money. He'd better be dead. If he's not, I'll personally cut him into a thousand pieces to vent my hatred!"
Qin Yu cursed fiercely, as if he hated Zhang Tang to the core.
Yu Zhu secretly made a note of it, intending to report it to the Prime Minister in detail later. But just as she was about to test him a few more times, how could Qin Yu possibly give her that chance?
His face instantly hardened into a wicked expression. He reached out and pulled Yu Zhu's soft, delicate body into his arms. His eyes burned with desire as he chuckled wickedly, "Beauty! A moment of passion is worth a thousand pieces of gold! Why care about that damned old man? The most important thing now is to have some fun with me!"
As he spoke, his eyes burned with lust, and he stared lewdly at Yuzhu's fair and tender face.
Yu Zhu's face turned pale. She was doomed; this tyrant was going to lay a hand on her again.
I still remember the last time, it took her many days to recover, and she still walked with a limp.
This bastard not only doesn't treat himself like a human being, but he also doesn't treat her like one!
"Your Majesty, this servant..."
"Beauty! Stop dawdling, I can't wait any longer! Are you planning to undress yourself, or should I help you?" Qin Yu asked impatiently with a lewd expression.
Yu Zhu was so frightened that her pretty face turned pale and her delicate body trembled as she said, "This servant can do it by herself."
If this tyrant were to come, who knows what other heinous acts he might commit?
But just then, a sweet voice rang out from outside the door.
"Your Majesty! I've missed you so much..."
Upon hearing this voice, Yuzhu suddenly looked up and saw Sima Jing standing outside the door, walking gracefully into the room.
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