Chapter 476: The Safest Way
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The emperor also considered another possibility: The anonymous letter’s author remained concealed due to a lack of confidence in the emperor. This fueled his determination to eliminate the influence of the Public House and assert his true authority.
He vowed to become an emperor who couldn’t be manipulated by anyone.
Silently, the emperor embarked on a quest to identify the anonymous letter’s author. Su Bin quickly caught wind of this but desperately wanted to keep his involvement hidden.
Together with Qin Zhenzhen, they assessed the situation within the royal court and realized that the emperor’s position was precarious. His limited wisdom, the General Manor’s impatience with advice, and the Third Prince’s lack of influence all played into the hands of the Public House. They wondered if the General Manor had more hidden agendas.
Considering the Public House’s power, the Empress Dowager’s obstinacy, and the unpredictable Crown Prince, a hasty attempt by the emperor to dismantle the Public House might lead to a devastating defeat.
Su Bin toyed with the idea of confessing as the anonymous letter’s author, hoping to gain favor with the emperor and become a trusted advisor. This strategy seemed advantageous for undermining the Crown Prince’s position. However, he understood the risks of this course of action. Associating with a ruler as unpredictable and easily swayed as the emperor, especially with the Public House’s watchful eye, would mean exposing his own secrets.
No one could offer assurance that the emperor wouldn’t become paranoid and misconstrue Su Bin’s motives, potentially leading to a fatal outcome.
Due to this uncertainty, Su Bin resolved not to confess to writing the anonymous letter.
Su Bin consulted with Qin Zhenzhen, saying, “My dear, I’ve revealed everything to you. Do you think it’s safe for us to remain in the capital?”
Qin Zhenzhen gazed at Su Bin and responded, “Are you concerned that the emperor might eventually discover your involvement in the anonymous letter?”
Su Bin nodded gravely. “I forged the handwriting. He won’t discern it from the script, but I fear he might unearth a clue from the content.”
“The letter I composed was elaborate, as convincing the emperor was no easy task. It was inevitable that it contained traces.’
“The emperor has already initiated a search based on the letter’s content. He may believe the author to be an older, more experienced minister. He’s now scrutinizing the memorials presented by such ministers.”
“If he fails to find any leads, he’ll eventually turn his attention to us, the younger officials.”
“He might even compare the results of the recent capital examination and deduce my involvement.”
Qin Zhenzhen wore a worried expression. “Are you suggesting that our safest course of action is to leave the capital?”
Su Bin’s analysis indicated that as long as the emperor continued to be under the Public House and Empress Dowager’s influence, he might be safe. However, if he decided to assert his power, he could be short-lived.
Based on the information Su Bin had gathered, the emperor seemed unwilling to tolerate the Public House any longer. If provoked, he might take action against them. The General Manor was a crucial supporter in this endeavor.
In essence, the likelihood of the emperor having a short reign was high.
Qin Zhenzhen inwardly sighed, realizing that the emperor’s short-lived nature had a rationale. Even if she altered the course of events, it might not change the outcome of the emperor’s short reign.
In the event of the emperor’s early demise, the Crown Prince would ascend the throne prematurely. As the emperor’s first target, Su Bin, and subsequently herself, would face dire consequences.
Hence, if they intended to leave the capital, it would be wisest to choose a location far removed from the emperor’s influence..
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