Chapter 1619 - 1621: Return to Funan or Go to the Capital City?
But who would have known that even the Capital City had learned of it, and adopted the method of avoiding the limelight to solve this issue directly.
As a result, their plans were rendered mostly ineffective.
"What exactly is the Emperor thinking? He knows this matter has nothing to do with you." Mu Shaoling was puzzled after reading the letter, "Leaving Shandong like this, doesn’t it make people think you’re the one responsible for this issue, and that you were relieved of your duties by the Emperor because of it?"
"You’re mistaken; it doesn’t just make people think—I did do this, and the orders given by Xiaxia are equivalent to those given by me. Besides, didn’t the Emperor already find an excuse for my departure from Shandong? A serious illness needing rest, and he especially allowed me to return home and recuperate for a year. Oh, how wonderful, even most people would envy that."
"It’s also good for Cousin to step back first. Both my father and my elder cousin were aware of this incident and agreed; otherwise, they wouldn’t have refrained from opposing it in court."
Luo Linhao said, "Father’s intention is that Cousin isn’t actually retiring; he’s just transitioning to work in the shadows, so that people won’t keep their eyes on him every day. This way, Cousin can seize this opportunity to do other things."
"I think it’s quite good too." Ye Zi’an smiled, "Without an official position, I’ll have much more time and ability to do many things, and my interest in the much-criticized Prince Le is growing."
At that time, he could explore the other party’s background; he couldn’t always be led by the nose. That feeling was somewhat suffocating, and he didn’t like it.
"And Cousin, Brother Shaoling, haven’t you noticed something strange?"
"What?" Ye Zi’an asked.
Mu Shaoling also looked at him curiously?
"The Emperor’s judgment on the Eldest Imperial Prince, Prince Ning. Essentially, as soon as Prince Le left the Imperial Study, the judgment was made without any investigation or summons. I reckon even Prince Ning is still confused about how he was deposed. It doesn’t make sense that just based on a few things Prince Le said, Prince Ning would be deposed, especially since I had sent him a letter beforehand. Logically speaking, after seeing that letter, he shouldn’t have no doubts about Prince Le. How could he possibly fully trust Prince Le in this circumstance? Not doubting at all the authenticity of Prince Le’s words? Moreover, the evidence against Prince Ning hasn’t been disclosed; it was only mentioned briefly in court."
"We can’t fathom the Emperor’s thoughts, so let’s not try." Mu Shaoling waved his hand, "Let’s just wait for the imperial decree tomorrow and prepare to return to the Capital. By the way, what do you plan to do? Go back to Funan or head to the Capital City?"
Mu Shaoling asked Ye Zi’an, but Ye Zi’an seemed not to hear, lost in his own thoughts, feeling that the Emperor was clearing obstacles for the next Emperor.
"Hey, I’m talking to you; why are you in a daze?" Mu Shaoling raised his voice when he saw Ye Zi’an not responding.
"Oh, nothing." Ye Zi’an snapped out of it, then said, "Of course, I’m going to the Capital; Linhao is getting married."
"Exactly, Brother Shaoling, what are you thinking?" Luo Linhao responded.
"Get lost, you’re the silly one."
Mu Shaoling rolled his eyes, wondering what he was boasting about when the wedding date hadn’t even been set.
The Emperor’s decree arrived the next day, a day later than Old Mu’s letter. Having been informed of this matter the previous day, Yang Chuxia had no particular thoughts at the moment.
The person sent was a minor official from the Ministry of Personnel, who felt quite sympathetic towards Ye Zi’an, believing him to be rather unfortunate.