Several people followed the emperor’s gaze toward Shangguan Ye.
Shangguan Ye raised an eyebrow, set down his teacup, and spoke leisurely, “What’s there to discuss? With the evidence solid and the list complete, what are we hesitating for? Arrest them first. If one doesn’t talk, another will. With hundreds of people, someone will crack.”
Hou Qianxing frowned slightly but still nodded in agreement. Although he disliked using torture to extract confessions, against enemy spies, it was likely the most effective method.
“However…” Hou Qianxing hesitated before asking, “If this implicates officials within the court…” He cast a glance at Murong Qiufeng, who sat beside Shangguan Ye, his brow furrowed with worry.
The implication was clear: if someone had managed to infiltrate so many spies undetected, the Prime Minister, head of the civil officials, was the prime suspect.
The emperor understood and sighed. “The law applies equally to the emperor and the commoner. This time, we must get to the bottom of this, no matter what. No one is to be spared. Once we’ve extracted the truth from those two hundred captives, they will all be executed. Their heads will be sent to the neighboring nations as a warning: Yan State is not to be trifled with.”
Murong Qiufeng’s lips tightened, his expression grim. Whether or not his family was involved, his elder brother Murong Hao was undoubtedly implicated. The emperor’s determination to make an example of the guilty left little hope for his brother.
Shangguan Ye placed a reassuring hand over Murong Qiufeng’s clenched fist, tapping it gently. “We’ll find a way,” he signaled silently.
Murong Qiufeng turned to him, eyes filled with helplessness and sorrow. He gave a stiff shake of his head, unwilling to let Shangguan Ye risk his own reputation for the sake of his family.
Seeing Murong Qiufeng’s forced smile, Shangguan Ye’s brows furrowed. He considered abandoning everything to take him away on a carefree journey.
The emperor and Hou Qianxing exchanged glances, the previously tense atmosphere turning slightly awkward.
“Ahem.” The emperor coughed to break the tension. “Very well. Hou Qianxing, you will handle this matter. Take this Golden Dragon Sword as a symbol of my authority. If anyone dares resist, kill them. If anyone pleads for mercy, arrest them as well.”
Eunuch Yu immediately handed the sword to Hou Qianxing, who accepted it solemnly. “Your Majesty, I accept the command.”
The emperor then turned to Shangguan Ye and Murong Qiufeng. “My royal brother, Qiufeng, I’ll need your help in capturing Zhao Xiru. I’m worried more officials may be compromised.”
“Understood,” Murong Qiufeng replied.
Shangguan Ye yawned lazily, hooked an arm around Murong Qiufeng, and dragged him toward the door. “That’s enough for today. Let’s adjourn.” He half-pushed, half-pulled Murong Qiufeng out of the hall.
Flustered by Shangguan Ye’s casual behavior, Murong Qiufeng quickly bowed. “We take our leave.”
The emperor watched them go with a twitching expression, a mixture of exasperation and resignation. His temples throbbed.
Hou Qianxing, equally speechless, quickly saluted and left to carry out the order.
That night, Hou Qianxing moved swiftly. The entire capital was in chaos. Homes were raided, officials arrested, and anguished cries filled the streets. Nearly a hundred officials were imprisoned that night alone. Notices were dispatched to arrest others serving in distant provinces. The empire was bracing for a sweeping purge.
The once-respected Du Gu family was in turmoil after several younger members were implicated. Du Gu Xian, the family patriarch, was so enraged he coughed blood and demanded to execute the traitors himself.
Meanwhile, the An family found itself unexpectedly fortunate. Initially suspected of treason, they were now revealed to have been victims of an imposter posing as Concubine An. The emperor, feeling guilty, sent rare medicines and instructed Concubine An to rest before returning to the palace. Their reputation was restored, and they regained imperial favor.
However, the Murong family was in dire straits.
Prime Minister Murong Xing, though recovering from his injuries, remained frail. He was unaware of the full situation until servants’ whispers confirmed his worst fears: his eldest son Murong Hao was involved in the conspiracy.
The old prime minister visibly aged within days, his hair turning gray.
Murong Qiufeng hesitated outside his parents’ room, heart heavy with guilt. Shangguan Ye placed a comforting hand on his back.
“Ah, Qiufeng, you’re here! And Prince Shangguan, as well! Please, sit down. Have you eaten?” Lady Murong greeted them with a weary smile.
“We’ve eaten, Mother. Don’t worry about us,” Murong Qiufeng responded quickly.
Shangguan Ye stepped forward. “Mother-in-law, you should rest. Take care of your health.”
His words startled everyone. “Mother-in-law” was a term he was not obligated to use, given his royal status. By saying it so naturally, he was publicly declaring his commitment to the Murong family.
Murong Qiufeng blushed but felt warmth spread through his chest.
The family fell silent, the weight of their predicament hanging over them as the storm of political upheaval raged outside.
