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The atmosphere in the morning court was as oppressive as ever. The Emperor sat on the Dragon Throne, his gaze sweeping over the civil and military officials. When his eyes landed on General Ling Ancheng, they lingered for a moment, causing Ling Ancheng to break into a cold sweat.
The Emperor must already know about the Eldest Princess; what would his attitude be at this moment? The Emperor subtly shifted his gaze away and spoke, "Today in court, I have something very important to discuss."
Suddenly, a high-pitched and urgent voice interrupted the Emperor. A soldier hurriedly entered the hall and reported, "Your Majesty, an urgent message from Eight Hundred Li has arrived. Over eighty thousand troops have gathered at Northwest Mirror Lake Mountain, preparing to rebel. Please make a decision, Your Majesty."
The air in the court froze, and the faces of the civil and military officials changed. The Emperor's expression darkened as he commanded, "Bring it forth."
After reading the urgent message, he was instantly enraged and declared, "This is utterly audacious! I will not let this go unpunished! Who among you will go to the Northwest to quell the rebellion?"
Ling Ancheng appeared deep in thought, his expression grave. He pondered: With eighty thousand soldiers rebelling, how come I received no news at all?
Several officials aligned with the princes began to argue among themselves, vying to recommend their own candidates. The Fifth Prince weighed the Ling Family's military power in his mind but noted that they had not been deployed for quite some time.
If he could lead troops to suppress the rebellion now, his status would change dramatically both in the court and in the hearts of the Western Chu subjects.
At this critical moment for succession, if the Ling Family could successfully eliminate the rebels, it would bring them immense benefits.
Thus, the Fifth Prince stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "General Ling is the foremost general of Western Chu. I propose that General Ling lead the troops to quell the rebellion."
The ministers aligned with Consort Duan nodded in agreement.
Suddenly, Prime Minister Lu stood up and respectfully suggested, "I believe that Princess Consort should also lead troops to suppress the rebellion. The Eldest Princess is skilled in martial arts and possesses unparalleled strategy. If she can accumulate military achievements through this campaign, it will further enhance the royal family's prestige and showcase Your Majesty's renown. It would also serve as an excellent experience for the Eldest Princess."
As soon as the words were spoken, the officials aligned with the Third Prince also expressed their agreement: "Prime Minister Lu's proposal is quite good."
Sitting on the Dragon Throne, Your Majesty listened calmly to the ministers exchanging opinions below, fully aware that Prime Minister Lu could not genuinely be so kind as to help Yun Qingyu.
This proposal was, in essence, a way to sow discord between the Ling Family and the Eldest Princess. More importantly, with Yun Qingyu leading troops outside, it provided a better opportunity for him to send someone to assassinate her, as he was constantly thinking of removing this thorn from his side.
As long as Yun Qingyu lived, the Lu Family and the Third Prince would never have a chance to rise again. The ministers were embroiled in heated debate.
Finally, the Emperor spoke: "General Lin, are you willing to go to the Northwest to quell the rebellion?"
Ling Ancheng was so moved that he shed tears. He bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, I am willing."
Feeling somewhat reassured, he thought to himself: It seems the Emperor does not harbor suspicions against the Ling Family regarding the Eldest Princess. Regardless, it is a heaven-sent opportunity for the Ling Family to achieve military merit.
The Emperor solemnly declared, "In that case, you shall mobilize your troops at dawn tomorrow and head for Northwest Mirror Lake Mountain. I give you three months to capture all the Rebels. Dismissed."
What they did not know was that this so-called urgent mission and rebellion were all part of a scheme.
The general, who had been full of vigor during morning court, received orders to quell the rebellion, but shortly after leaving court, news spread that he had fallen gravely ill.
When this news reached the palace, the Emperor feigned anger and ordered the Chief Eunuch to summon several Imperial Physicians to visit Ling Manor. Yun Xuanyi accompanied him as part of the Imperial Guard for protection.
At this moment, the Ling Family was in a state of panic, like ants on a hot pan. Ling Jing's father, Ling Anjie, anxiously said, "Brother, wasn't everything fine when we entered the palace this morning? How could he suddenly fall ill?"
A loud shout came from outside, "The Emperor has arrived!"
Ling Anjie led the entire Lin family, young and old, out to kneel in welcome of the imperial presence. The Emperor, with an air of authority, swept his gaze over the crowd before making his way directly to the bed.
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