The Fallen Nation System, Turning the Tide - Chapter 58: Innocence

Chapter 58: Innocence

“Who exactly is plotting a rebellion?”

“What? Leaving already?” Xu Ying looked up in surprise from the piles of memorials.

The princes exchanged awkward glances, subtly tugging at Qing Wang’s sleeve. Since he had managed to get that rascal Xu Lian into the capital, he clearly had broader connections and better rapport with the Emperor.

Unable to withstand the pressure, Qing Wang took half a step forward and demurred, “The Great Ancestor decreed that we should not linger in the capital. We ought to return to our fiefs promptly to guard the territories for His Majesty.”

Xu Ying replied, “Since you’re already here, why not stay longer? When I lived deep within the palace, I rarely had chances to speak with my uncles. This is a perfect opportunity for us to bond and strengthen our ties.”

The princes wore troubled expressions. Despite repeated refusals, they ultimately couldn’t resist Xu Ying’s enthusiasm and reluctantly agreed, returning to their restricted quarters with heavy sighs.

“Don’t fret, gentlemen. Regarding accommodations, the Emperor lives no differently than us. This likely isn’t intentional on His Majesty’s part. Let’s stay peacefully for a few days to celebrate the Emperor’s birthday before returning to our fiefs.” Noting their low spirits, Hengjiang Prince stepped forward to console them.

When he first entered these quarters, he had thought it was Xu Ying’s intentional intimidation. But several days ago, when he visited Azure Wave Study, he was truly astonishedthe study was even more dilapidated than their current lodgings, with one window broken beyond repair.

It was then that Hengjiang Prince began to regard Xu Ying seriously, recalling rumors of her heavenly mandate to ascend the throne.

He had previously assumed these were tales spread by Xu Ying’s own agents. But after stepping into her study, he started to believe she might genuinely possess the Mandate of Heaven.

“Let’s hope so.” Qing Wang’s spirit had been worn down. He sighed helplessly at the sky and, out of sheer boredom, approached the guards to ask, “I’d like to take a walk outside. If I seek the Emperor’s permission, would it be granted?”

Qing Wang had asked casually, but to his surprise, the guard promptly replied, “By His Majesty’s order, Your Highness may go out accompanied by two guards for your safety.”

Expecting refusal, Qing Wang had been despondent. But the next moment, he jerked his head up, gripping the guard’s armor with shining eyes.

“What did you say? I can go out!” Qing Wang exclaimed in delight, unable to contain his rising voice.

Upon receiving confirmation, the others also jolted with excitement, jumping high and clasping each other’s hands regardless of familiarity, tears welling in their eyes.

With few palace attendants in the courtyard, the princes couldn’t wait for service. They laughed heartily three times, skipping and running about. Had Xu Ying been present, she would have marveled at their imitation of the Monkey King, their joyful whoops filling the air.

Qing Wang rushed to the well, lowered the bucket, and hauled up rope. The full bucket swayed with his movements, splashing out a few drops.

They washed their faces, straightened their robes, and combed their sparse beards. Radiant with excitement, the princes strode out with renewed vigor, chests puffed out.

As Qing Wang stepped onto Duckweed Street, the air felt fresher, carrying a faint, soothing floral scent. He deliberately headed toward the market, stealing glances at the guards behind him. Seeing no intention to stop him, he marched straight into a quiet teahouse, planning to have some tea before exploring further.

No sooner had he sat down than he overheard hushed conversation from the table behind him: “Have you heard? Qing Wang is plotting a rebellion!”

Qing Wang’s eyes widened, his neck stiffening like old wood as he sat frozen in place.

Who could be so viciously scheming, spreading such slander about him outside!

Qing Wang trembled with rage all over. Though it was warm spring, he felt as if he hadn’t yet emerged from the harsh winter, his body frozen stiff.

Suddenly it occurred to himwas this rumor the reason he had been placed under house arrest earlier?

Qing Wang desperately tried to recall his words and actions over the past few days, wondering if he had said anything in front of Xu Ying that could have been misunderstood.

But no matter how hard he tried to remember, his mind went blank, filled only with the four words: “Qing Wang is plotting rebellion.” And here he was, still wandering around under the shadow of suspicion for treason.

“It’s not Qing Wang, you heard wrong. I heard it was Hengjiang Prince,” someone at the back table spoke up, trying to calm Qing Wang’s nerves.

Steadying himself, Qing Wang turned his thoughts to his interactions with Hengjiang Prince. If Hengjiang Prince were indeed plotting rebellion, he would definitely need to find a way to clear his own name.

“I heard it was Prince Guangwu…”

“Who exactly is plotting rebellion?”

“You all don’t knowI have a cousin serving in the imperial guards. I heard that a few days ago, His Majesty wrote a secret decree, summoning certain princes and dukes to Youzhou. No matter who is rebelling, if nothing goes wrong, the rebel should be among those princes listed in the secret decree!”

Qing Wang’s hand trembled as he held his teacup, his face ashen. He didn’t even drink his tea, fleeing the teahouse as if he’d seen a ghost and hurrying back home.

The others were in a similar state as Qing Wang. Upon hearing those rumors on the road, their hearts tightened instantly, and they began speculating about who the rebel might be.

If Xu Ying couldn’t find out the truth, would she rather kill the wrong people than let anyone go, executing all of them together?

While the princes were filled with anxiety and fear, Xu Ying in the Azure Wave Study had finally managed to keep everyone there. Seizing the opportunity, she quickly reflected and guessed that since everyone was present, they might find it difficult to make a move, wanting to avoid the charge of regicide.

Xu Ying adjusted her plan, summoning them one by one and thoughtfully dismissing all attendants for private conversations.

First was Qing Wang. A palace attendant found him, bowing respectfully. “Your Highness Qing Wang, Her Majesty requests your presence.”

All eyes gathered on Qing Wang. The atmosphere in the room grew heavy. Qing Wang felt as if his heart had been violently struck, his face pale as a wrongfully killed ghost.

Noticing Qing Wang’s unusual pallor, the palace attendant couldn’t help but ask, “Your Highness, are you feeling unwell?”

Qing Wang seemed to have lost his wits, numbly waving his hand, his voice weak. “I’m fine… let’s go see Her Majesty…”

The palace attendant grew wary, stealing glances at Qing Wang from the corner of her eye. If he were to collapse on the way, she would have to run and fetch the imperial physician.

The Azure Wave Study was empty and quiet. The moment Qing Wang stepped over the threshold, the door behind him creaked shut. He turned back in panic, his heart pounding wildly. His steps unconsciously drifted outward, but the footsteps outside grew fainter. Then a woman’s voice came from behind him: “Qing Wang?”

Sweat beaded on Qing Wang’s forehead. Trembling, he shuffled his feet around and turned forward, floating to an appropriate spot before stopping, his head nearly buried in his chest.

“Your Majesty, as everyone knows, I have never involved myself in political affairs in Qingzhou. For many years, I haven’t even considered touching the iron mines. I have always remained dutiful and loyal, with absolutely no rebellious intentions. I beg Your Majesty to see this clearly!” Qing Wang gritted his teeth, knelt down, and cried out loudly.

This display startled Xu Ying. She had intended to give them an opportunity to kill her, but who would have thought Qing Wang would enter trembling and confessing his crimes? Xu Ying was utterly confusedQing Wang’s words sounded too much like a self-incrimination.

Xu Ying couldn’t help but laugh. “What nonsense are you talking about? Of course I believe you. Please, rise quickly.”

Qing Wang cautiously peeked his head in. Seeing Xu Ying’s amiable smile without a trace of anger, he grew even more nervous. The late emperor had also been unpredictablesmiling on the surface while secretly plotting how to kill someone.

“Don’t be nervous. I called you here just to chat casually.” Xu Ying personally stepped down to help Qing Wang up.

Qing Wang glanced around the empty room, a chill running down his spine. If it was just a casual chat, why had all the palace attendants been dismissed, leaving only the two of them?

Xu Ying then brought up Qing Wang’s son, Xu Lian. Qing Wang’s heart tightened, and he couldn’t help but think, “Is she threatening me with Lian’s life?”

After talking for a long while, with Qing Wang merely agreeing to everything, Xu Ying grew tired and thirsty. She waved her hand, dismissing Qing Wang, who visibly relaxed and fled as if escaping death.

Xu Ying silently touched her face. “Have I gotten tanner? Why did he look like he’d seen a ghost in broad daylight…”

After gulping down a bowl of water, Xu Ying prepared for the next round and summoned Hengjiang Prince.

Qing Wang rushed back as if fleeing for his life. Before he could even catch his breath, everyone crowded around and asked curiously, “Why did Her Majesty summon you?”

“…Her Majestythe rumors aren’t baseless. She’s investigating the rebellion!” Qing Wang swallowed hard and spoke quickly, holding his breath.

Everyone was shocked. They exchanged glances, waving their hands to indicate it wasn’t them. Shortly after, Hengjiang Prince was summoned away.

Hengjiang Prince was gloomy, wondering along the way who could be plotting rebellion. If the emperor summoned him, could it be that someone was framing him?

When he stood before Xu Ying, the solitary interrogation setup frightened him. He immediately began, “Your Majesty, as everyone knows”

“Stop,” Xu Ying interrupted, unsure where they had all learned this scripted speech pattern. “I called you here to discuss Xu Chong.”

Hengjiang Prince’s pupils dilated sharply, as if even more terrified.

“I think Xu Chong has great talent and should be nurtured further,” Xu Ying continued.

Hengjiang Prince sighed in relief, suddenly feeling that investigating the rebellion might not be so bad after all. He immediately said, “Your Majesty, regarding the rebellion, I have suspicions!”

“Eh?”

Xu Ying was taken aback.

After sending Hengjiang Prince away, Xu Ying met with the remaining individuals one by one. To her surprise, they all brought up the rebellion, mentioning a series of names she hadn’t expected, each account sounding plausible.

Xu Ying was puzzled. “Who exactly is rebelling?”

The situation was strangeeveryone claimed there was a rebellion, yet each proclaimed their innocence, leaving the actual rebel unidentified.

Nevertheless, this pleased Xu Ying. It meant there was a hidden enemy with some skill, making her eventual death seem increasingly likely.

A sense of anticipation rose in Xu Ying’s heart.

Construction continued without pause. The hall for court assemblies was prioritized and now had a solid foundation and framework, making it functional despite unfinished interior decorations.

To enable officials to resume work as soon as possible, Zhang Yu proposed using the hall while renovations continued. The officials unanimously agreed and petitioned to relocate court sessions there.

This was mainly because the Spring Examination required the use of the Examination Shed, forcing officials who had been temporarily working there to vacate and take leave. After the hassle, everyone found it highly inconvenient and longed for dedicated office spaces.

After discussions, the Hall of Political Affairs was relocated, and the partially renovated hall was officially named the “Hall of Governance.”

Xu Ying had no particular requirements for her residencethe Azure Wave Study was sufficient for her needs. Since officials had high demand for office spaces, the side halls of the deliberation hall were all designated as daily working areas. If these proved insufficient, additional construction would follow later.

Even so, Xu Ying noticed that every official’s face was beaming with smiles, and their work efficiency had improved significantly. Tasks that previously took a month to complete were now finished in just a few days.

After the relocation to the new palace, the vacated areas were conveniently allocated to the Female Medical Academy. With Xu Ying’s living quarters separated from the political deliberation area, the court gradually developed a distinction between inner and outer spheres. Matters of the inner court were all entrusted to Xu Lang for handling.

Author’s Note:

Action Director: Sun Wukong

Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or provided nutrient solutions between 2023-05-16 22:31:04 and 2023-05-17 21:51:51~

Special thanks to: 42785397 (30 bottles), Meng Yuxi, and You and Your Mom Compete in Swimming Skills (10 bottles each), Labrador Rabbit (8 bottles), A Yu (6 bottles), Warm Water Boils Frogs (3 bottles), Samoyed (1 bottle).

Thank you all very much for your supportI will continue to work hard!