Chapter 263: Chapter 261: The Triumphant Fourth Prince (Extra 3)
The events of today were far from secret.
Therefore, as soon as Lin Yi was wounded, the news swiftly spread throughout the official circles of Capital City.
Almost all officials, large and small, received this information, and also knew that Lin Yi had been ambushed.
They began to discuss fervently within their own circles.
Speculations abounded about who was responsible, who had attacked the Emperor’s trusted aide.
Especially within the residence of the Sixth Prince, he was the first to hear the news, even before anyone else.
“Hmph, this Lin Yi certainly has a strong life force.
To think that even under such circumstances, he could not be eliminated.
It seems I have underestimated you.
And these mysterious figures, their combat strength is truly formidable.
Indeed, the Emperor still has a mysterious force in his hands that I was unaware of.”
As he spoke, his palm clenched tightly, and with a snap, the writing brush in his hand was broken in two.
The expression in his eyes was full of barely concealed fury.
It wasn’t just within the residence of the Sixth Prince; similar discussions were taking place at the Fourth Prince’s residence.
Listening to the servants’ reports, the Sixth Prince’s lips curled in a faint smile:
“No need to bother with this matter, just let things take their course.
Meanwhile, secretly inform Qian Shun to prepare to take over the Imperial Camp.”
Upon hearing the Sixth Prince’s orders, the servant bowed deeply and withdrew.
Compared to the Fourth Prince’s very discontented expression, the Sixth Prince’s face was much more relaxed, and even carried a veiled hint of joy.
This look should not have appeared on his face.
After all, it was clear to anyone with discernment that this incident could hardly be divorced from his involvement, probably even from the Imperial Camp’s involvement.
Especially after the servant had left, the Sixth Prince leisurely began humming a tune.
This showed that the Sixth Prince’s mood was indeed very good.
Meanwhile, within the Imperial Camp, upon receiving the news, Guard General Zhao Heng’s eyebrows were deeply furrowed.
He also had a feeling that there was something peculiar about this incident.
But he couldn’t immediately pinpoint what was wrong.
However, soon enough, as a Holy Decree arrived, he instantly understood what was amiss.
“By the Emperor’s verbal command, today Lin Yi of Nanshan Thousand Households was mysteriously attacked.
Imperial Camp Guard General Zhao Heng is a prime suspect.
He is to be taken to the Heavenly Prison for investigation.”
Following the issuance of this decree, Zhao Heng’s face turned ashen gray, and he seemed to guess who was behind this, who had orchestrated this incident.
He did not believe that this was a trap set by the Emperor and Lin Yi to take him down; after all, his interaction with Lin Yi today revealed that Lin Yi was not such a person.
In his view, the one truly out to get rid of him was no other than his current master.
Perhaps those who had launched the attack on Lin Yi were men dispatched by the Sixth Prince.
The purpose would be to frame him and take the opportunity to remove him.
Indeed, this Holy Decree was issued by the young Emperor.
The three of them discussed it and came up with no conclusion, nor could they guess who was behind it.
That totem also caused Lin Yi great trouble, as he simply had no idea who bore such a totem on their body.
Or rather, what it signified, whether it was associated with any power.
But one point was undeniable: Lin Yi had been attacked after leaving the Imperial Camp.
Thus, the Imperial Camp was the most likely suspect.
And as the commanding officer of the Imperial Camp, it was imperative to take Zhao Heng down.
There were two purposes for doing so: one was to put an end to this matter.
The second was for the small Emperor to save face, as the one attacked was the Emperor’s favorite, his current favorite, Lin Yi.
Someone daring to target Lin Yi was slapping the young Emperor in the face.
Under such circumstances, the Emperor had to strike with thunderous measures to deter the petty thieves.
And thus, regardless of the reasons, Zhao Heng must be caught.
This was the direct reason behind issuing the Holy Decree to arrest Guard General Zhao Heng.
Although Zhao Heng felt injustice, at this moment no one would listen to him explain.
This included his master who was behind him, who must be secretly rejoicing right now and certainly would not come forward to speak for him.
The upheaval within the Imperial Camp was also instantly known throughout the officials’ circles of Capital City.
While these officials appeared to be inactive on normal days, they were extremely alert to such gossip.
Upon learning of Zhao Heng’s arrest, the Fourth Prince burst into laughter within his residence:
“Hahaha. Good, very good!
This time, with Zhao Heng caught, my little brother has lost a major general.
And this has directly spurred a conflict between him and the Emperor.
I want to see how long he can continue to repress himself.
Having lost a major general, can he really remain silent and swallow his pride?
Little Six, oh Little Six, if you truly can swallow your pride, then Fourth Brother is truly disappointed in you.
And you have let down all the effort I’ve put into this…”
That’s right, this matter had nothing to do with Zhao Heng; it was all personally orchestrated by the Fourth Prince.
“Haha, this time Fourth Prince has finally turned the tables.”
For a long time, the Fourth Prince had been oppressed, watching his influence waning, and the Sixth Prince not only offered no help but also stood aloof.
This made the Fourth Prince clench his teeth in hatred.
And thus, he started to scheme to drag Sixth Prince down as well, to stand with him on the same front.
But despite his multiple attempts at expressing this, the other party continued to ignore him.
However, this naturally did not stump the Fourth Prince:
“Since you don’t wish to join the battle, then I will just drag you into the fray.
Hehe, now it’s good, I’ve not only dragged you into the water but also cut off your left and right arms, I’d like to see how you can still be so arrogant!
Don’t forget, I still have this last trump card, but you do not.
Hehe, don’t say your Fourth Brother didn’t give you a chance.
Now you only have to come begging to me.
If you are wise, join me against the Emperor, and we will both have a way to survive in the future!”
Simultaneously, within the residencies of all civil and military officials, everyone was discussing this matter.
No one anticipated that the Emperor would actually take direct action against the Sixth Prince, and with such a heavy blow at that!
While they thought the Sixth Prince’s arm would be broken, little did they know that the Sixth Prince was secretly excited.