Chapter 320 The Prelude to Su Rao’s Descent into Darkness (VIII)

Chapter 320 The Prelude to Su Rao's Descent into Darkness (VIII)

The sky had been overcast for the entire day, and it was only after darkness completely took over the world that the rain, which had already condensed within the clouds, was allowed to fall.

The rain in early August was no longer torrential but fell gently. Despite the gloomy sky, the rain was mild. It wouldn't even make a clanging sound if it hit the glazed tiles.

The imperial study was brightly lit once more for the night.

"Your Majesty, as the ruler of a nation, every decision you make affects the future of Yun Lang..."

On this rainy autumn night, the Old Yun Prince came to see Emperor Yu.

"Your Majesty is the ruler of Yun Lang and claims to prioritize the safety of Yun Lang's people. However, based on my observations, your actions do not seem to benefit the people. General Su is about to retire, so why did the Sixth Prince and that young man from the Yao family show up..."

The Old Yun Prince's question implied that he could see through the ploy that Emperor Yu and Prime Minister Yao had orchestrated. Everything before this was likely just a delaying tactic, waiting for the appearance of the Sixth Prince.

Did you never intend to leave a way out for the Su family from the beginning? Has everything been meticulously planned to accuse the Su family of harboring rebels and treason, and to eliminate them legally?

"Your Majesty, it's fine if those two assassins weren't caught, just don't exhaust him..."

Emperor Yu spoke, avoiding the Old Yun Prince's question about the night the Su family was imprisoned and instead inquiring about Yun Ji's health.

Yun Ji caught a cold after capturing the two assassins who attempted to kill Emperor Yu, and because his health was frail, the Old Yun Prince's consort informed the imperial palace. The Old Yun Prince hurried back and couldn't question Emperor Yu's actions on the night the Su family was arrested. Now that Yun Ji's health had recovered, he came to the palace again to inquire about the incident involving the Su family.

"When Yun Ji returned, I noticed his complexion was poor, pale and weak. I didn't want to involve him initially..."

Emperor Yu didn't respond directly but instead dodged the question, causing the Old Yun Prince's brows to furrow and his heart to sink.

"Yu..."

He only called Emperor Yu by his childhood name.

"Royal Uncle, whether the Su family is rebellious isn't something you're unaware of. It's not the most important thing whether the Su family knew of Ronghua's identity as the princess of the former dynasty. Given General Su's character, if he could have been manipulated, he wouldn't have been the one trusted by the late emperor..."

"Royal Uncle..."

Emperor Yu finally lowered his voice, and his imperial eyes darkened, revealing the heart of an emperor.

"Does Yun Lang necessarily need the Su family? If Su Hong is gone, is there no other general in Yun Lang capable of defending the country? Must it always be the Su family?"

These words revealed Emperor Yu's dissatisfaction, stemming from the fact that Yun Lang couldn't do without General Su.

"I am not an inexperienced youth who needs the threat of others to maintain Yun Lang's stability. Yun Lang doesn't need someone who can rally the feudal lords to command the world."

This statement made Emperor Yu's apprehension towards General Su even more apparent, to the point that he had to be eliminated.

"Royal Uncle, during the early court session today, all the military officials pleaded for the Su family. What kind of prestige is that? The Su family is nearly all-powerful. If we continue to let them grow, it will be too late when their intentions change. I will not allow such disorder to arise.

Prince Yun Ji is the light of Yun Lang, and it's time for him to fully emerge before the world. Prince Yun Ji will replace the Su family as the new protector of Yun Lang."

After these words, Emperor Yu got up and left the imperial study, looking out at the drizzling night sky.

The fine rain brushed against his face, and the cool wind made the ground outside the palace hall glisten with a layer of rainwater, like a clear mirror reflecting any dark side.

"Royal Uncle, as the ruler of Yun Lang, I will not act without considering Yun Lang's stability and peace. It's getting late, please return. Once you return, tell Yun Ji to come to the palace tomorrow if he is well.

As for those two assassins, I'm fine. They've already escaped, so there's no need to pursue them. They are mere foot soldiers, not worth worrying about. They are not significant enough to affect Yun Ji's health or to cause any concern."

The meaning behind these words seemed to carry a deep and cryptic implication.

It appeared that he was fully aware of the matters troubling Yun Ji.

Stepping down the palace steps, Emperor Yu left.

He did not have Chief Administrator Yun hold the umbrella for him but instead carried a bright yellow silk umbrella himself and walked away.

The dragon boots stepped on the water mirror on the ground, shattering it and muddying the pure rainwater.

It became muddy.

Chief Administrator Yun did not follow Emperor Yu but was ordered by him to escort Old Prince Yun back to Yun Mansion.

Old Prince Yun no longer participated in court sessions or political matters, so there was no need to inquire about court affairs, as they were all left to the monarch's decisions.

……

On a dark rainy night, with drizzling rain and gentle evening breezes, within the study of the Duke of Zhao's mansion, Imperial Noble Consort Shu, who should have been in the palace, was present.

"Father, did the Su family really harbor remnants of the former dynasty? Is it true that the daughter of the Su family is the daughter of the Great Qin Crown Prince? Is the marriage between Ling'er and Su Si just a ploy used by the Emperor to deceive the Su family, using Ling'er as a pawn..."

Due to the sudden rebellion of the Su family, the marriage between Yun Luoling and Su Si was annulled by imperial decree from Emperor Yu. Naturally, Yun Luoling could not remain idle upon learning this.

Given Yun Luoling's nature, the Duke of Zhao well knew she would not remain silent. So, before she could make any moves, he instructed Imperial Noble Consort Shu to confine her to the bedchamber to prevent her from causing trouble and implicating the Zhao family.

And tonight, Emperor Yu suddenly ordered the Duke of Zhao to assist the Crown Prince in capturing Su Rao. The Duke of Zhao knew that Emperor Yu was using the Zhao family as pawns, so he had Imperial Noble Consort Shu come to the Duke of Zhao's mansion under the cover of night.

He had something to say.

"An emperor’s heart is inherently ruthless."

The Duke of Zhao stroked his goatee and looked at Imperial Noble Consort Shu. Though his expression remained calm as always, he displayed a rare lack of his usual severity. Instead, a fatherly warmth emerged.

Since his grandson was still alive, the Duke of Zhao’s long-standing resentment towards Imperial Noble Consort Shu gradually faded.

"You have been by the Emperor's side for many years; you should understand his character better than your father. At present, since you have no sons and only Ling'er, it is not necessarily a bad thing.

At least for now, the Emperor is no longer as wary of our Zhao family as he was when the Fourth Prince was around. During this time, our Zhao family can reappear in the court and regain our former glory."

When it came to the honor and disgrace of his family, the Duke of Zhao’s ambition for power and prestige became apparent.

"Over the years, the Emperor has continued to favor you. At this point, you must be even more cautious and manage everything meticulously to guard your position of honor.

As for Ling'er, keep a close eye on her. Don't let her cause any trouble for your father at this critical moment and cause more trouble.

Once everything is resolved, I will find her a suitable husband. As for that fourth son of the Su family, forget about him. With the Su family's treason, the Zhao family should distance themselves from them as much as possible..."

Clang...

A faint sound, almost inaudible, came from above the study.

Neither the Duke of Zhao nor Imperial Noble Consort Shu noticed, but their conversation had been overheard by someone hidden within the darkness.

A figure in a black cloak blended seamlessly into the dark night, further concealed by the drifting rain.

The silver-black mask glistened from the rain, while beneath it, a pair of narrow phoenix eyes glinted with a cold, murderous intent, chilling the rainy night.

Han Mochen emerged on such a rainy night and overheard their conversation.

The Duke of Zhao, who viewed the honor and disgrace of his family as his obsession, was the type of person who could help him achieve his goals and fulfill his longstanding plans.