In the Jinluan Hall, the atmosphere was equally somber, and the presence of Emperor Chu on the dragon throne was so imposing that no official dared to breathe loudly.
As they glanced at the places that should have been occupied but were now empty, they felt a mix of regret and relief, thankful that their children were safe, otherwise, they would be the ones requesting leave.
Emperor Chu erupted in anger, unleashing a torrent of abuse on the Capital Governor, pointing fingers at several officials, demanding that they find the children and uproot the culprits’ den, giving them only three days.
If there were no results in three days, all would be demoted and dismissed.
"Court is adjourned." After venting his anger, Emperor Chu left with a flick of his sleeve.
Who wouldn’t be angry as an emperor encountering such an upsetting event at the start of the year?
Song Zhiyuan licked his lips, heading towards the Imperial Study, pondering if this was truly ordinary human trafficking. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs novᴇlfire.net
"Your Majesty. Prime Minister Song requests an audience," Eunuch Zhou cautiously announced.
Song Zhiyuan walked in and was about to bow but was stopped by Emperor Chu raising his hand.
"Enough with the formalities, what do you make of this matter?"
Song Zhiyuan stood straight and said, "Among the missing children are the Director of Ministry of War’s child, the Vice Minister of Rites Master Zeng’s elderly child, the Guanglu Temple Assistant Master Long’s child, a City Gate Officer’s child, and General Rao’s grandson."
Emperor Chu’s eyes narrowed, his gaze sharp and cold.
"Are you saying this is a purposeful abduction?"
Song Zhiyuan nodded, "Though a few children of wealthy families are mixed in, I believe that’s merely a cover."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Chu leaned back, his right hand stroking the large ring on his left hand, "So this means it was planned long ago, those remnants have emerged? Are they testing my limits, or declaring war on me?"
Though the last two sentences were spoken with an ostensibly calm tone, Eunuch Zhou felt the temperature in the entire Imperial Study drop significantly, as though it turned into an icehouse.
The Emperor was truly furious!
Song Zhiyuan, however, was unfazed, merely presenting his suspicion objectively.
"Minister Chen and others have not received any ransom notes, if money isn’t the motive, then they seek something else. Those from the Ministry of War, Ministry of Rites, City Gate Officers, managing sacrifices at the Honglu Temple..."
Song Zhiyuan paused, exchanging a glance with Emperor Chu.
Emperor Chu sat up straight, exuding a cold and intimidating aura that was terrifying.
Could their aim be the Imperial Mausoleum rites?
Song Zhiyuan rubbed his fingers, silent for a while, then said, "If the target is the Imperial Mausoleum, then this deployment is too early."
Emperor Chu remarked, "The Director of the Imperial Observatory has calculated that this year’s auspicious date for the rites is March twelfth."
Song Zhiyuan stopped; if so, then it wasn’t early, and the deployment wouldn’t be that easy.
"Perhaps we’re overthinking?"
"Do you really think it’s an overreaction?" Emperor Chu retorted with a cold laugh, "This could be them revealing themselves, I’ve waited too long for this, much like a rat in a stinking ditch unable to hold back anymore?"
"Summon the Director of the Imperial Observatory, Commander of the Nine Gates, Prime Minister Fan, Minister of War, Duke of England..." Emperor Chu looked at Eunuch Zhou.
The latter bowed and left.
Song Zhiyuan said, "Your Majesty, the key still lies with Minister Chen and several families."
If their focus is solely on deployment, then by manipulating these people, it would be like seizing their throats.
Every family’s child is their lifeblood.
"I know." Emperor Chu stood up, turned his back, and looked at the map of the Great Qing hanging on the wall, exuding an imposing aura, and stated softly, "No one can stir trouble in the lands of the Chu family."
Because he would not allow it!