Chapter 640: Chapter 639: Appointment as Inspection Envoy
"That is only natural!" Lin Xiaosu said, "To unravel this method is quite simple, just reverse the process!"
"Reverse the process?" His Majesty muttered, not knowing if he failed to understand this modern term or was pondering the methods.
"The cause and effect mistake leads to a situation where one declines as the other rises. The prominence of the binding person is the reason why Your Majesty... the Imperial Seal does not yield kinship. Your Majesty might as well temporarily reduce his power and see if the kinship to the Imperial Seal returns."
Kinship to the Imperial Seal!
The four words seemed inexplicable.
However, within His Majesty’s heart, it was as if the waves of a ten-tier storm surged.
The four words Lin Xiaosu had spoken—perhaps others did not understand immediately, but he did!
It referred to the control power of the Imperial Seal!
Ever since the Crown Prince entered the Eastern Palace, the Imperial Seal had become problematic. He could not control it or tap into its immense power.
This is the greatest fear of an Emperor.
Should anyone discover that he cannot command the Imperial Seal, the state would be in jeopardy.
Hence, he seldom appeared at court, leaving the Crown Prince to oversee the administration.
This was an act of desperation, for compared to the Great Wilderness Empire, the Crown Prince’s monopoly was a minor concern.
The Crown Prince’s formidable authority in court at least ensured that this expansive territory had a ruler by the surname of Hong.
Without the Crown Prince, the entire Dynasty might easily be ruined.
Now, viewing the matter from another perspective, he suddenly felt a sense of deep irony.
What if this situation was originally orchestrated by the Crown Prince?
The current trajectory aligns entirely with the Crown Prince’s intentions.
Given his current physical state, he wouldn’t last many years. When he perishes, the Crown Prince will seamlessly ascend, and this rebellion will be recorded in history as a stealthy plot unnoticed by all.
No one will accuse the Crown Prince of treason but will only praise him for taking charge in crisis and turning the tide.
No one will recognize this crisis as a deliberately crafted "crisis!"
"Sir suggests temporarily reducing his power?" His Majesty asked.
"As sovereign of a nation, Your Majesty must act with a sense of propriety. Even a temporary reduction is likely something difficult for Your Majesty to resolve." Lin Xiaosu said, "I have a plan that may ease Your Majesty’s concerns."
"Please speak, Minister!"
With these four words, addressing had changed.
Previously a more formal address of ’Sir,’ now it is merely ’Minister’ with just one word!
Lin Xiaosu bowed and said, "I wish to request a position from Your Majesty!"
"Which position?"
"Inspection Envoy!"
An Inspection Envoy, a specially appointed royal investigator, typically held by the Imperial Censor.
"Where do you intend to inspect, Minister?"
"Heart Pavilion!"
"Why?"
"Last night’s ’prisoner exchange’ at the Heavenly Prison, ostensibly a matter of court justice, is actually an attempt to frame the prince. It must not be easily overlooked. Your Majesty has grounds to conduct a thorough investigation and see which hidden hands are at play behind it."
His Majesty sat on the dragon throne, unmoving for a long time.
His body, in the dark, had an imperceptible quiver.
Throughout, Lin Xiaosu never mentioned the two words ’Crown Prince,’ yet the implication was crystal clear to everyone.
He was specifically targeting the Crown Prince.
He sought appointment as Inspection Envoy to investigate last night’s prisoner exchange case in the Heavenly Prison, seemingly already set on proving that the Crown Prince was behind the switch.
If, half an hour ago, someone suggested thoroughly investigating the prisoner exchange case, His Majesty would immediately dismiss it.
He knew perfectly well that the Crown Prince was ultimately behind this prisoner exchange.
The Crown Prince wanted to eliminate dissent within court—everyone knew this intention.
Knowing it was the Crown Prince, what’s the use of investigating?
Such an investigation would only mar the dignity of the Imperial Family!
But now, his attitude had completely transformed.
Because on this side of the balance was no longer some abstract dignity of the Imperial Family, but his survival!
His life!
His Imperial Authority!
What is there to hesitate over?
He must test by removing the Crown Prince to see if the so-called "kinship to the Imperial Seal" could be restored.
The words "kinship to the Imperial Seal" also added weight to Lin Xiaosu’s presence.
If Lin Xiaosu didn’t genuinely understand the cause and effect mistake, how could he possibly know that I couldn’t control the Imperial Seal?
My inability to control the Imperial Seal is a secret known to none but me under heaven.
He wouldn’t dare divulge it, not even when facing anyone.
Lin Xiaosu’s knowledge implied the truth of his words was eight or nine times real.
In that case, authorize him, let him unearth the Crown Prince’s evidence of wrongdoing, and temporarily, legally seize the Crown Prince...
Why say temporarily?
Because the final resolution will depend on the resulting outcome.
If deposing the Crown Prince restores command of the Imperial Seal, it shall be a permanent deposition.
If deposing the Crown Prince shows no improvement in his "condition," there’ll be no rush to eliminate the Xihe Li Family entirely!
As for the Crown Prince’s title, it’s just a title. Even after deposition, it’s not an irretrievable designation...
This too, is called advancing or retreating strategically!
In a fleeting moment, countless thoughts in His Majesty’s mind drifted repeatedly.
He slowly raised his head: "Where is the Imperial Decree?"
The sound wave emerged, poised to reverberate off the closed gates.
Huo Gang, standing beside His Majesty, suddenly stretched out his right hand!
Silently, the heavy bronze gate was forcibly opened even from a hundred meters away.
The sound wave carried outward.
"Present!" An official with white hair rushed in, kneeling.
"Issue the decree!" His Majesty ordered, "Appoint Cheng Nian of the Xihe Li Family as the Fifth Rank Inspection Envoy. Investigate on behalf of the heavens. All levels of government, all factions must cooperate. Any breach of the inspection order shall be deemed opposition to the court."
"By Your Majesty’s command!" The Imperial Decree holder received the order.
Outside the gate, two yellow-robed attendants approached shoulder to shoulder.
The one on the left bore a golden tray, atop which lay an official seal and an official order. The one on the right held a wooden tray, replete with official attire, boots, and hat.
Lin Xiaosu looked at these things, and his heart skipped slightly.
Entering the Ancient Wilderness, the first stage goal was successfully achieved.
He obtained an official rank.
Although it’s just a fifth rank honorary title, the starting point is definitely not low.
In feudal society, even if one is a top scholar, the starting stage is likely capped at fifth rank.
This is the treatment of a top scholar!
More crucially, his journey has just begun, and there’s reason to believe that soon, his official rank will soar straight up.
Next to him, the Seventh Prince’s face changed unpredictably.
Tonight, he witnessed the greatest miracle in official history, a man from Jianghu rising from a commoner to a fifth rank official.
Even more bizarre is that this official position is what he himself requested!
The strangest of all is that no one found his request for an official rank shameless; everyone even had a feeling that his loyalty to the Emperor was comparable to the sun and moon.
Because he wanted this official rank, he was taking on a huge risk, but whatever gains were made, they were all for the Emperor!
This is the person he brought!
From this moment, this Seventh Prince seemed to have formed a bond with this legendary Inspection Envoy.
If the operation goes smoothly, his gains will be exceedingly abundant; if it fails, and expectations are not met, this Prince might end up following in his elder brother’s footsteps and be exiled far away.
Your Majesty’s voice became softer, "Li Aiqing!"
The form of address changed again.
First, it was ’mister,’ then ’minister,’ now it’s ’trusted minister.’
Aiqing, a term for trusted ministers.
"I am here!"
"When can the inspection of the Heart Pavilion yield results?"
"Replying to Your Majesty!" Lin Xiaosu said, "This matter is of great importance and cannot be delayed. I will act now; at the earliest within one hour, at the latest by today’s sunset, Your Majesty will see the result!"
One hour!
Latest by sunset!
The people in the hall were simultaneously shocked.
This is the boldness of the new Inspection Envoy.
This is his swift and decisive action.
Upon entering the palace late at night, he was a commoner.
In less than half an hour, he was awarded the fifth rank cap.
Acting immediately, aiming directly at the Heart Pavilion.
Boasting of results within an hour possibly.
The greatest event of this generation in the Dahuang Country unfolded just like this.
Starting from late night, perhaps ending at late night, clean and unencumbered.
Indeed, everyone was clearly aware that this matter truly cannot be delayed.
The decree conferring the official rank cannot be hidden from people.
Once court assembles tomorrow morning, everyone will know.
As soon as Lin Xiaosu’s intentions are exposed, this court infiltrated like a sieve will swiftly transmit the news to the Heart Pavilion, where they have many advisors and countless methods—what problem can’t they solve? Even if they can’t erase evidence, eliminating the problem proposer wouldn’t take more than an instant!
Therefore, catch them off guard!
Let them wake up to find it already dawn!
"Good! Li Aiqing’s style of action, I like it!" Your Majesty stood up tall, "Huo Gang!"
"I am here!" Huo Gang promptly moved his feet, stepped before Your Majesty, and bowed.
"You lead the Forbidden Army personally and follow Mr. Li’s arrangements!"
"By order!"
Fifteen minutes later...
Ten Magic Artifact Flying Boats soared into the sky!
On each boat, three hundred fully armed Forbidden Army warriors!
On the largest central boat, the Great Commander of the Forbidden Zone, Huo Gang, held the Great Flag, flanked by two young men.
Wearing a light yellow royal robe was the Seventh Prince, King Dingbei, Hong Yun.
Dressed in a blue fifth rank court attire was Lin Xiaosu.
With new court robes, new official boots, a new image, Lin Xiaosu’s face did not show the triumphant expression of a newly appointed official, but rather was calm like a spring breeze.
This calm yet wise expression made both Hong Yun and Huo Gang look at him in a whole new light.
This person is truly extraordinary.
Speaking eloquently before Your Majesty, deploying overall strategies skillfully, obtaining an official rank without expressing happiness or sorrow, such a person only revealed his talents today.
Three thousand Forbidden Army broke through the air, streaked across the sky, startling some in the city who sat up and looked at the army leaving the city with surprise.
However, more people still remained in slumber at this moment.
On West Mountain, Tunyun Temple lay in quiet slumber.
Mid-mountain, the Heart Pavilion quietly slept.
Aside from a few caves, faint lights leaked out...
Suddenly, clouds billowed and flew in the sky.
The night sky was directly torn apart.
With a light booming sound, ten Flying Cars descended from the void, sealing off the surroundings of the Heart Pavilion.
Huo Gang flicked the Great Flag in his hand, the Imperial Golden Light covered the Heart Pavilion.
With a swish, seven silhouettes rose into the sky from above the Heart Pavilion, precisely seven of the top elders of the Pavilion.
All pavilions of the Heart Pavilion simultaneously lit up brightly, and caves below also brightened up.
This part of the world instantly became clear.
Huo Gang shouted loudly, "By Your Majesty’s decree, inspecting the Heart Pavilion, everyone in the Pavilion must come out to accept inspection, and no unauthorized movements—otherwise, execution without pardon!"
As the voice fell, golden waves rolled in the air.
Like a mad tide of the Ninth Heaven, pressing down, the seven top elders who had just taken to the sky were directly pressed down to the square by this overwhelming force.
Everyone’s faces changed unanimously.
These seven were all Enlightenment God Level experts, yet Huo Gang, with merely a shout, pressed them all down.
This is his Demon God Domain!
This is the strength of the Great Commander by Your Majesty’s side.
Not just comparable to Holding the Way, but even giants of Holding the Way must not act presumptuously before him!