Chapter 598: How to Deal With the Aftermath
The civil and military officials promptly submitted their reports, offering various perspectives on the unfolding crisis.
Some advised caution to the new emperor, suggesting that hastily accusing the Third Prince of assassination and pursuing him relentlessly might lead to discontent from the General Manor. Such actions could potentially trigger resistance from the powerful institution.
Others argued that punishing the General Manor would be detrimental to the situation. Without their defense at the northern border, barbarian incursions were inevitable, leading to widespread devastation.
While other generals could potentially guard the northern border, their lack of familiarity with the terrain and the valiant barbarians made them less effective.
Conversely, some officials chose to flatter the new emperor and advocated for the pursuit of the Third Prince, advocating for a comprehensive solution by eliminating what they perceived as the root of the problem—the General Manor.
The situation incited the old duke’s near anger-induced demise.
It became apparent that the decision to falsely accuse the Third Prince of attempting to assassinate the new king was privately made by the new emperor himself. The rationale behind this decision was the belief that the Third Prince, accompanied by only two guards, presented a convenient opportunity for elimination.
However, the new emperor failed to anticipate the Third Prince’s ability to mobilize the Imperial Mausoleum’s guards against him. Furthermore, these guards deliberately allowed the Third Prince to escape.
As news of the incident spread, despite the king’s official statement that the Third Prince was targeted for attempting regicide, most people saw it as a flimsy excuse. Many officials, both civil and military, deemed the new emperor’s actions as ill-considered, and sentiments echoed within the Public House mirrored these sentiments.
While a king’s malleability could make him easier to control, such blatant stupidity raised concerns even among those seeking influence.
The old duke, accompanied by the Empress Dowager, entered the palace to confront the new emperor, delivering a stern reprimand.