Transmigrated into a Grandpa, Embracing the Laid-Back Life

Chapter 427: The Hall of Golden Chimes

Late at night, within the imperial palace, the Imperial Study.

Candlelight blazed brightly, and the scent of sandalwood drifted softly in the air.

The Son of Heaven of Great Xing, clad in his bright yellow dragon robe, finished reading the official document delivered overnight by the Cloud Hidden Sect's External Affairs Office, along with the attached copy of the secret letter concerning the "Ten Thousand Soul Banner" and the "Corpse Puppets."

After reading the secret letter, the Emperor suddenly asked, "Tell me, after this Xu Qing topples the Yongchang Marquis, will he become a second Yongchang Marquis?"

The eunuch was taken aback and replied cautiously, "This... this lowly servant dares not speculate."

The Emperor smiled, a smile laced with profound meaning.

"It doesn't matter if he does. Topple one, and I'll use the next. This imperial court never lacks for people who want to climb the ladder."

He set down the secret letter, his gaze profound.

On his face, usually marked with authority and exhaustion, a slow, meaningful smile began to form.

He carefully tucked the secret letter—one capable of overturning the entire court—into his sleeve."Go. 'Accidentally' leak this information to the Second Steward of the Yongchang Marquis Manor. Say that... someone has secretly reported to Xu Qing a letter documenting the Yongchang Marquis's correspondence with the Northern Barbarians."

The eunuch understood immediately. "Your Majesty intends to force the Yongchang Marquis to make the first move?"

The Emperor picked up his teacup. "I also want to see exactly how many cards he has left to play."

He walked to the window, gazing out at the deep, dark night, and murmured to himself in a voice only he could hear:

"Xu Qing, Xu Qing... I have delivered this blade you've dreamed of into your hands. Do not, under any circumstances, disappoint me."

...

sky had not yet lightened, and the capital still slumbered. Yet outside the Meridian Gate of the imperial palace, torches blazed and figures crowded in the

the officials' wide ceremonial robes and brushing across faces that were either grim or bewildered. This morning's court session carried

ranks below the marble steps according to their

Chen Yuan, clad in a first-rank unicorn-embroidered court robe and a three-beamed court crown, stood like

closed, his expression as calm as still water. On his weathered face, there

were clenched so

night, he had received

were simple, just a few short sentences, but they struck him

of Revenue whom he regarded as an insignificant ant—had somehow obtained a letter documenting his secret dealings with the Northern

how much the other party had uncovered. But that didn't matter. What mattered was that the other party's intention was as clear as

fine move, Xu Qing! A fine, venomous serpent who had bided his time for

see it through to the end! Since there's no escape, then let this Marquis

initiative than to be passively

Chen Yuan's

who normally had close dealings with the Yongchang Marquis Manor and whose duties included impeachment and investigation, took his cue and drew

"Dong—dong—dong—"

palace came three

morning court session had

"The Emperor has arrived!"

eunuch's sharp, drawn-out announcement, the Son of Heaven of Great Xing, in his bright yellow dragon robe, walked with steady steps into the Hall of Golden Chimes, flanked by rows of palace

Emperor! Long live the Emperor!

salutations shook the

voice betrayed neither joy nor anger. His gaze swept slowly across the officials below, as sharp and cold as twin blades

could hear a pin drop. Everyone held their breath, waiting to see who would present the

in the Yongchang Marquis's faction, that Censor from the Gate took a slight breath and began