Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C329. Unexpected Developments.

Chapter 329: Unexpected Developments

Within the lavish confines of Haixin Palace, the Emperor, in unusually high spirits, commanded his attendants to prepare an elaborate feast.

That insolent brat. He had returned to the capital without even the courtesy of reporting to him first. The gall of it! The Emperor had been forced to send someone to drag him here. Still, his irritation was tempered by a grudging satisfaction—at least the boy was back, a fresh pair of eyes to shoulder the tiresome grind of reports.

"Your Majesty," a eunuch interrupted softly, bowing low. "The leader of the Seven Stars Bureau seeks an audience."

The Emperor’s smile froze mid-curve, replaced by a sharp, assessing stare as his gaze lifted. It wasn’t the Shizi Prince he’d been expecting, nor any familiar face from his usual cadre of visitors. No, standing at the edge of the hall was the enigmatic figurehead of the Seven Stars Bureau himself.

The man cut a striking figure, even in disarray. His mask hid his identity, but there was no disguising the air of menace he carried. Dust streaked his black robes, the fabric marred with stains that hinted at long travel—or something darker. He stood unnervingly upright, every inch of him a honed blade waiting to strike.

The Emperor’s chest tightened, his earlier levity dissipating like smoke in the wind. This wasn’t a casual visit. The leader wouldn’t have shown up, grim-faced and battered, unless the heavens had decided to drop another calamity into his lap.

Closing his eyes, the Emperor let out a breath, a bitter laugh barely escaping his lips. He knew his nephew too well. The boy only appeared in such a state when chaos followed close at his heels. The last time had been when he’d staggered in, reeling from some cursed poison.

So this time...

Feeling increasingly weak, the Emperor waved his hand. "Everyone, leave."

The palace maids and attendants swiftly exited like flowing water. Lai Fu personally stood guard outside the hall, his eyes betraying a hint of worry.

Gu Yanxi entered the hall with a wooden tray, kneeling on one knee. His voice was deep and resolute. "I, as the representative of the Seven Stars Bureau reporting Second Prince, Gu Cheng'an."

"What evidence do you have against him?"

"I accuse him based on evidence of embezzlement, treason, collusion with enemies, and harming loyal subjects."

The Emperor felt his vision darken, and his head spun slightly. However, he forced himself to appear composed, though his breathing had turned heavy. "Explain in detail."

"Of course." Gu Yanxi handed over two scrolls with both hands. "Please review these."

The first one was Wu Yong's Memorial, which the Emperor quickly skimmed through. Then he picked up the second scroll, which turned out to be from Hua Yizheng.

He didn't open it, instead looking down at Yanxi kneeling in front of him. "You hastily left before to go to Yingshan Pass. Why?"

"Yes, I received information that there were suspicious activities at Yingshan Pass. Initially, I thought the problem was outside the pass. However, after an investigation, it was revealed that the issue stemmed from within our own ranks. On the night of July 19, the enemy launched a massive nighttime attack as a diversion. General Wu and I went to the frontlines, only to realize that the true target was the Hua family."

"Why?"

"The Wu family excels in military matters but is plagued by internal chaos. Hua Yizheng helped Wu Yong ferret out many traitors. I suspect they were afraid of more damaging information coming to light, so the Hua family had to disappear."