CHAPTER 2013: CHAPTER 2015

After exchanging a few idle words with Yang Chuxia, Mu Shaoling and Ye Zi’an went together to the study.

Once inside, Mu Shaoling asked, "Do you also suspect that the two arrows were released by someone under Prince Zhuang’s orders?"

"Why? Did Cousin send you?"

"Yes and no." Mu Shaoling took something out and placed it on the table, "This is what Prince Zhuang found out."

It was an arrowhead, and the tip had barbs on it.

"Why are you showing me this?"

"Haven’t you been in the Ministry of War long enough to know these things?" Mu Shaoling glared at him, "See the barbs on the front? That’s not ordinary iron, but Xuan iron!"

After glancing at Ye Zi’an, he continued, "This kind of weapon is made with expensive materials, and can’t be used extensively. They’re usually kept in the armory, and only the Emperor can call for them!"

Seeing Ye Zi’an didn’t react, he added, "Prince Zhuang hasn’t ascended the throne, so he doesn’t have the power to call for them."

So, only the old Emperor could call for them.

After Prince Zhuang replaced Prince Le, there was almost no surveillance from the old Emperor, so it wasn’t surprising that he could call for weapons.

That’s what Mu Shaoling thought, but he kept his opinion to himself.

"As long as it’s not Cousin!" Ye Zi’an said lightly, "If it were him, it would truly be troubling."

"As long as you know." Mu Shaoling advised, "Since you know it’s not him, you should quickly rush to court. The number of people he can use is small. The old Emperor has already pulled quite a few people over; we can’t let him return to the throne, right?"

"If that happens, not only will we not have any merit in helping the dragon, but we might also be accused of treason. And you know he’s not a kind person."

"Did I ever say I was backing out?" Ye Zi’an smiled, "Isn’t he overthinking this? The Grand Emperor doesn’t have military power, so he’s not a threat. What’s the rush to resolve it a few days later? Besides, if it were you and your son went missing, would you still be in the mood to deal with other matters?"

"If it were really as you said, that would be good."

Mu Shaoling sighed, "Isn’t he afraid you’ll suspect him? Subjects fear becoming isolated officials, and rulers fear becoming isolated rulers. When a king has no one who sincerely does things for him or listens to him, that’s dangerous, everyone knows this. Although he wants to depose Prince Le, he wouldn’t go so far as to do such things."

"Alright, you’re really like a helpful sister-in-law."

"What did you say?"

"Oh, nothing." Ye Zi’an thought to himself, this idiot doesn’t understand the meaning of a helpful sister-in-law.

"I just remembered it seems like there’s something I haven’t done." Mu Shaoling squinted, looking very displeased.

An alert thought suddenly struck Ye Zi’an’s mind, and he thought of Mingsha.

Before Mu Shaoling could react, he opened the door and slipped out.

"What the hell!"

Mu Shaoling was speechless; he hadn’t done anything yet, and Ye Zi’an slipped away too fast.

He still wanted to talk to him about Prince Le’s matters, but oh well.

Fortunately, he had completed one of his purposes for coming today and could go report back to Prince Zhuang now.

After Mu Shaoling left, Ye Zi’an picked up the arrowhead and looked at it again for a long time, believing only half of what Mu Shaoling had said.

But as for rushing to court, what’s the urgency; it wouldn’t be too late to go once Prince Zhuang attends.

~~

The court was in chaos, so chaotic that it made people want to swing swords in frustration. This was Ye Zi’an’s first reaction when he attended court two days later.

"When is your Ministry of Rites going to pick a date? Luckily, it’s cold weather now; if it were summer, the bodies would have already started to smell."