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The moment the shopkeeper saw Prime Minister Yu, he instantly knew it concerned his master's affairs and immediately led them to the innermost private room.

Once the shopkeeper left and ensuring their surroundings were secluded, Ying Zhao turned to Prime Minister Yu and asked, "Uncle Yu, did you attend my wedding ceremony?"

Prime Minister Yu nodded in response. The marriage of Ying Zhao and Duanmu Yi had indeed made waves throughout the capital. He had also attended, bearing a generous gift.

"Uncle Yu, did you notice that Bai Wenxuan, the so-called top scholar of the capital, was also present at the banquet? He even toasted me."

Noticing the puzzled expression on Prime Minister Yu's face, Ying Zhao continued, "There are rumors around the capital involving me and him. Have you heard of them, Uncle Yu?"

Hearing this, Prime Minister Yu flashed a smile. Even though these were merely gossips among the elite, he had indeed heard his children mention them during dinner.

Rumors always persisted in the capital, suggesting that Ying Jingning's true affection lay with Bai Wenxuan, the top scholar, and that he wasn't fond of the mute prince. The only reason he married Duanmu Yi was due to the irrefutable imperial decree.

Thinking of how his friend's son had to endure an unwanted marriage, a pang of guilt arose in Prime Minister Yu's heart. He sighed, patting Ying Zhao's shoulder, saying:

"Jingning, I'm truly powerless in this matter. I couldn't even help you with your marriage."

Upon hearing this, Ying Zhao quickly shook his head, "I came to you today not about my marriage, but to tell you that Bai Wenxuan is not as simple as he seems."

On hearing this, Prime Minister Yu furrowed his brows, questioning, "Jingning, what do you mean by that? Are you suggesting that the rumors about you admiring the top scholar were spread intentionally by you?"

Ying Zhao nodded and leaned closer, whispering into Prime Minister Yu's ear about his suspicion that Bai Wenxuan was a spy from the Red Moon Kingdom. He detailed the previous battle, how Red Moon knew their moves in advance.

He then revealed how, after being critically injured, the army doctors intentionally neglected his treatment, even drugging him, causing irreparable damage to his vitality, making him unfit for battle.

Ying Zhao concealed nothing from Prime Minister Yu, knowing that if there was anyone in the court he could truly trust, it was the man before him.

Though Prime Minister Yu was known to be diplomatic and tactful, he genuinely cared for the Canglan Kingdom, tirelessly serving its citizens. He was undoubtedly a righteous official.

As Prime Minister Yu listened, his face reflected profound shock. While he knew of the challenging battle and Ying Jingning's grave injuries,

He could never have anticipated these concealed details. That the loss was due to a mole who stole their strategy, causing massive casualties for Canglan.

After Ying Jingning, relying on his sheer will, finally defeated the Red Moon forces, he was further sabotaged by those sent by the emperor, weakening him to the point of being unable to exert physical strength.

Realizing the gravity, Prime Minister Yu abruptly stood up, exclaiming to Ying Zhao in a mix of fury and concern:

"The Emperor is incompetent and unjust! Oh, how he has failed his people! The Ying family has been loyal for generations. Your father died in battle, and at such a young age, you risked your life on the battlefield for the nation. After all you've sacrificed, defeating the enemy, how could the Emperor treat you so? It's truly disheartening."

When Ying Zhao saw the Prime Minister so agitated on his behalf, he realized the genuine concern behind it. He quickly reached out to hold the Prime Minister's arm, trying to reassure him.

"Uncle Yu, what's done is done, and I ask that you not be too upset. Over the years, our Ying family has been under your care. When I was away at war, you looked after my grandmother and younger brother. Even though I'm now unable to fight, I can finally stay in the capital and be with them."

As he spoke, Ying Zhao showed a hint of a bitter smile, only making the Prime Minister feel more sympathy for him. However, Ying Zhao's expression turned worried again as he continued.

"Yet, the Emperor has been wary of our Ying family for a long time and has stripped us of our military power. With my inability to fight and spies still in the capital, I fear that the Red Moon will not give up so easily and will attack Canglan again. The people will suffer once more from the ravages of war."

While speaking, Ying Zhao quietly poured a cup of tea for the Prime Minister and continued.

"Although I've been away from the capital for much of the time, I'm still aware of its affairs. It's not just Bai Wenxuan causing all this chaos. Even if he managed to steal battle plans from me, how could he smuggle them out of the capital and into the hands of our enemies? We must investigate this thoroughly!"

The Prime Minister, with his years of experience in court politics, caught the hidden implications in Ying Zhao's words. His eyes flashed as he said seriously, "Ying Zhao, you seem to be hinting at something deeper."

Hearing this, Ying Zhao smiled and nodded, "Indeed, Uncle Yu, you see right through me."

He then leaned in closer to whisper into the Prime Minister's ear.

"Speaking treasonously, the Emperor's incompetency is evident. Over the years, thanks to the Crown Prince assisting with governance, the court has seen some clarity. However, the Emperor's attitude towards the Crown Prince has been increasingly hostile. He's shown intentions of dethroning him. If the heir to the throne changes, the common people will undoubtedly suffer."

Chapter 42: The Mute Prince vs. the Rakshasa General (7,8)

"Therefore, to cleanse the court and rid it of corrupt officials, to ensure peace for the people of Canglan, I must implore you, Prime Minister." With that, Ying Zhao bowed deeply to the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister quickly lifted him up, exclaiming, "It seems you're trying to force me to pick a side, young man!"

Ying Zhao shook his head in response, "It's not about sides, but I believe that the righteous should rule this world."

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