45. The Origin of the Suggestion
Rewinding to Gong Yiling’s first visit to the palace, when she diagnosed Emperor Shangguan Long’s poisoning:
“This poison… are you certain it’s unique to the demonic sects?” Shangguan Long didn’t want to suspect those he was reluctant to suspect.
Although the young eunuch was dead, and no clues could be found from him, and Head Eunuch Gao’s story about the Baiyao Dynasty spices was a lie…
If this poison truly came from the Myriad Demons Palace, then only a few could have access to it.
Either this was a plot set up by the Young Palace Master during his visit to Yanlie City, but Shangguan Long couldn’t believe he would act alone.
It was simple. What would the Myriad Demons Palace gain from his death?
The one who would benefit directly was his own son, who had been consolidating power and acting increasingly arrogant.
So, the first person Shangguan Long suspected was his own son.
“Other demonic sects and the Four Kingdoms might also be able to obtain this poison, but Your Majesty, compared to your death, wouldn’t Shangguan Lingyue be a greater threat to them?”
Gong Yiling’s words were blunt.
Simply put—did you think your life was more valuable than the general’s? They wouldn’t waste so much effort just to kill you.
But the Emperor understood.
He took her words to heart, slamming his hand on the table. “That rebellious son!”
“And Ziyuan’s disappearance must also be his doing! By eliminating me and Ziyuan, does he think he can secure the throne?”
“I have no evidence to prove whether the First Prince is the mastermind, and I wouldn’t presume to influence Your Majesty’s judgment.”
Gong Yiling took a sip of tea. “However, I do have a way to make the fox reveal its tail.”
“What do you mean…?”
“The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. Whether it’s the First Prince or someone else, or perhaps both, Your Majesty can set a trap to expose them.”
Gong Yiling put down her teacup, a thoughtful expression in her eyes.
—She had a cheat, after all.
Of course, this cheat wasn’t the useless system. She still didn’t understand its purpose, whether it was to give her strange items or just to annoy her to death.
Her cheat was her omniscience.
She knew who the traitor within the Shangguan family was, the locations of the demonic sects’ hideouts in Yanlie City, the identities of the twin spies, the Myriad Demons Palace’s plans, and Shangguan Yaochang and Shangguan Qingyun’s schemes.
This was the advantage of being the “protagonist.” She knew about the upcoming bloodshed in this city and how to prevent it, how to lay her traps, and how to turn the tables on them.
And her knowledge was something Shangguan Yaochang couldn’t defend against.
Later—
“Your Majesty actually agreed to this plan.” The Grand Elder said, concerned, “But Immortal Master, isn’t this too dangerous? The Myriad Demons Palace is not to be trifled with. Isn’t this leading the wolf into the house?”
“If it doesn’t lure the wolf in, what’s the point?” Gong Yiling said confidently. “The demonic sects have been lurking in the shadows for too long. If you don’t force them out, the empire will crumble from within. Grand Elder, do you intend to be a sinner alongside His Majesty?”
Yan Chuyue and Gong Yiling’s final treatment for the Grand Elder was on the day before the competition.
While Yan Chuyue treated him, Gong Yiling found Emperor Shangguan Long in the back garden and asked directly, “Your Majesty, are you thinking about Shangguan Ziyuan?”
Shangguan Long paused, then chuckled. “Can you even see through my thoughts, Immortal Master?”
“A father’s gaze is unique. I recognize it.” Gong Yiling said, “Do you still believe she’s safe?”
“Her life token is still intact. Although she might be suffering somewhere, at least she’s still alive.”
He then looked at Gong Yiling thoughtfully.
Muttering,
“If Qingyun is the mastermind, he will lose the throne.”
“Then, to whom shall I entrust the command of the Southern Eleven States?”
Miss Gong understood his meaning.
The only expert near the forest at the time was Gong Yiling. If Shangguan Ziyuan was rescued, then the one who saved her…
It was practically spelled out for her.
“I believe General Yan’s daughter would be a good choice.” Gong Yiling, undeterred, brought up a sensitive topic. “That girl isn’t having a good time at the Yan Estate. Doesn’t Your Majesty care?”
Shangguan Long was speechless.
If it weren’t for Gong Yiling being their savior, and possibly his daughter’s savior, plus her mysterious background with the Great One Engineering Sect, his attitude wouldn’t be so polite.
“Old Yan was indeed my most trusted advisor, but I can only grant Chuyue the title of princess, allowing her to leave the Yan Estate. I can’t entrust her with military command.”
“Is that so?” Gong Yiling said pointedly, “It seems Your Majesty is concerned not about Chuyue’s competence, but about the Yan family’s influence.”
This struck a nerve.
The Heartflame Empire valued martial prowess, evident from their admiration for Shangguan Lingyue.
Although the Shangguan family held absolute power now, in the past, especially when General Yan was still alive, Shangguan Lingyue’s influence wasn’t as great.
Every soldier in the empire, even if they didn’t know the Shangguan family, knew of General Yan’s reputation. Even Shangguan Lingyue could be said to have lived under his shadow.
Shangguan Lingyue, a martial arts fanatic, didn’t care, but others did.
Did Shangguan Long truly want the Yan family’s influence to surpass the Shangguan family’s?
Only he knew the answer.
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