Chapter 1118 - 1123: Secret Plot (4)
Chen Shangxi said, "Replying to the Empress Dowager, the Emperor did not summon the Imperial Physician. According to this servant’s guess, the Emperor is likely disturbed because today, the Governor of Qingzhou sent an urgent report stating that on Cangmeng Mountain in Yuanning County, Qingzhou, a monster’s skull was exposed by the rain. This skull, as large as a cart with two horns on top and a sharp horn on the nose tip, was thought by many to be a dragon’s skull."
"A dragon’s skull?"
Empress Dowager Mo was startled. "How can there be a dragon’s skull in broad daylight? What did the court ministers say?"
Chen Shangxi said, "This servant heard that the ministers all believed that since a dragon’s bone has appeared on Cangmeng Mountain, there must be dragon veins, and to prevent any risks, they have all petitioned His Majesty to have all the people within a hundred li exterminated to prevent future disasters!"
On hearing this, Empress Dowager Mo nodded and praised, "The ministers spoke well; for the eternal stability of Great Jin and to shield the people from the upheavals of a change of dynasty, it is only these people who must be wronged, ah, right, did the Emperor issue a decree?"
Chen Shangxi sighed heavily, his face tightened, "No, despite the ministers’ persistent admonitions, His Majesty stubbornly refuses—he only wants to transport that skull to the Capital, to examine it closely before deciding!"
"The Emperor is confused—"
Empress Dowager Mo dragged out her words, slapping the desk in frustration, "With evidence, there must be demons; such a significant matter, how could he hesitate? When did he become so merciful as a woman? If we wait until that skull is brought to the Capital, I fear the surrounding people would have already fled. Where would we catch them then? Really, ah!"
Princess Tuotuo interjected, "Empress Dowager, don’t worry. Although the Emperor refuses to order killings, it surely wouldn’t be difficult for him to issue a decree confining the people within a hundred li from leaving. Anyone violating this, let them be executed immediately. Once the skull is brought to the Capital and everyone inspects it clearly, if it truly is a dragon’s head, it’s still not too late to exterminate those people!"
On hearing this, Empress Dowager Mo paused for a while, then suddenly cracked a smile and said, "Tuotuo is indeed worthy of being a princess; her considerations are truly comprehensive."
"Thank You, Empress Dowager, for the compliment!"