In Love With My Fierce Farming Wife!
Chapter 1038 - 1037: Employing a Stratagem

Chapter 1038: Chapter 1037: Employing a Stratagem

Qin Yi’s feelings towards Qin Feimo had always been complicated.

Back in the day, he had watched Qin Feimo grow up and had served diligently at his side. But in the end, he was stabbed in the back by Qin Feimo!

That stab not only extinguished Qin Yi’s fervent passion for Qin Feimo but also ignited Qin Yi’s desire for power!

One could say that without that betrayal by Qin Feimo back then, Qin Yi would not have undergone the transformation in his thinking, and the Qin Yi of today would not exist!

It was Qin Feimo who ruined him, but also Qin Feimo who made him.

Feimo provided him with the excuse to hold the world in his grasp, and the resolve to ascend to the highest throne.

"Yes!"

The leader of the Imperial Guard, waiting outside the hall, quickly stepped forward and captured the Virtuous King, promptly taking him to the Imperial Dungeon.

Qin Feimo did not resist, but let the Imperial Guard take him away instead.

Not until Qin Feimo’s figure had completely vanished did Qin Yi put away the rage on his face and sat down expressionlessly.

"Is His Majesty’s action intended to draw out the snake from its hole?"

Ye Han, who had been silent all along, finally spoke.

"Indeed."

Qin Yi nodded, "But I’m afraid this snake is hiding too deeply, unwilling to show itself."

Qin Yi knew all too well whether Qin Feimo harbored rebellious intentions or not, but that did not stop those around him from thinking otherwise. The frequently outstretched hands were something Qin Yi could not tolerate, especially since the former Imperial Consort Hua, Feimo’s mother, continually incited them, exceeding Qin Yi’s limits!

He furrowed his brows, inquiring of Ye Han.

"Have you cleared up the matter regarding the late Emperor’s death? Did Imperial Consort Hua truly make a move back then?"

Ye Han shook his head, "It’s difficult to verify. After all, it has been too long, and it happened in the dead of night at Qinling, where there were few people serving the Emperor... However, recently I did find the whereabouts of the coachman who escorted Imperial Consort Hua to Qinling back then. But there has been a complication en route."

Back then, Ye Han and Qin Yi were escorting the Emperor to safety in the Qinling area when the Emperor’s illness became severe. Qin Yi left to look for Su Pan’er, who was trapped in the villa. By the time he returned, the Emperor had already passed away.

The Emperor’s death changed the course of history that year.

The Emperor, knowing he had little time left, had already been removing obstacles for Qin Yi, trying to have him recognized and unburdened for the succession to the throne.

But that death ultimately favored Qin Zitong and even more so, facilitated Qin Feimo’s ascension to the throne.

Every time Qin Yi thought of this, he couldn’t help but smash his fist on the dragon desk.

If he carefully considered the possibility that the late Emperor was indeed killed by Qin Feimo and the former Imperial Consort Hua, and if the Emperor’s spirit was watching from heaven, he would likely be so angry that he would rise from the grave and point at Qin Yi’s nose and curse him.

With such thoughts in mind, how could Qin Yi remain seated?

"Oh, what kind of complications could have befallen the coachman?"

Qin Yi raised an eyebrow.

Ye Han bowed slightly, "Someone is obstructing the coachman’s arrival. Our men were originally acting in secrecy; yet, to be cautious, we deliberately set a smoke screen and split into three groups to enter the capital. Unexpectedly, we received news that two of the groups have been entirely annihilated. Your Majesty must be aware of the capabilities of my death-defying soldiers; even so, they were unable to send back a single word. You can imagine how formidable the people targeting our men must be!"

This made Qin Yi look at Ye Han with surprise.

"King Ye, based on your speculation, do you think the final group of men will arrive safely in the capital? Should we send more people to meet them?"

"There’s no need for that at the moment."

Ye Han gave a bitter smile, "The problem now is that your humble official has also lost contact with this group. Even their current numbers and whereabouts are unclear."

"It seems that someone doesn’t want us to uncover the truth behind the late Emperor’s death!"

Qin Yi stood up, clasping his hands behind his back, and paced around the hall in circles before suddenly stopping and turning to look at Ye Han, "Since we don’t know the real situation, it’s likely that our hidden enemies are also in the dark. Why don’t we set up a decoy... If this group manages to enter the capital..."

A flash of light darted across his eyes.

It instantly invigorated Ye Han, "His Majesty’s plan is excellent; I’ll get people arranged for it right away!"

If this group enters the capital, the enemies lurking in the shadows will become restless!

Ye Han hurried off to make arrangements.

However, he had another opinion regarding the handling of Qin Feimo: "Your Majesty, regardless of who the person behind the scenes is, the Virtuous King, being pushed to the forefront, is in the greatest danger. If the adversary seeks a scapegoat, there could be no better candidate than the Virtuous King. The Imperial Dungeon, seemingly secure, is actually the most convenient place to strike. Your Majesty, your thoughts..."

"Hmm, this is precisely what I am concerned about."

Qin Yi nodded and immediately ordered, "The safety of the Virtuous King is temporarily in your hands. Make sure the enemy’s plan does not succeed."

"Your humble official understands."

One

The news that the Virtuous King had been negligent, leading to the fall of two towns outside the Tong Pass to Western Xia and was ordered by His Majesty to be imprisoned in the Imperial Dungeon to await further investigation swiftly spread throughout Shengjing.

The streets and alleys buzzed with this topic, and everyone expressed their concern for the Virtuous King’s fate.

Regarding the Virtuous King, why he had issued a Decree of Guilt to abdicate in favor of the wise, there were various legends among the commoners. But the one that convinced the public the most was the tale of "two kings battling, a fierce rivalry over a favored lady."

Folklore had it that the Virtuous King and the current His Majesty had fought over the Empress, and in the end, attempted to assassinate His Majesty. The attempt failed as His Majesty was protected by the Divine Dragon, not only was the assassination unsuccessful, but His Majesty also seized the Virtuous King’s fortune, making it impossible for him to secure the throne, leading to his abdication.

Compared to Qin Feimo, the commoners actually preferred Qin Yi to solidify his position as Emperor.

To the commoners, who exactly sat on the throne did not matter much.

Their demands were not great; as long as the ruler could provide stability, reduce Tribute Taxes, lessen corvee labor service, and allow the commoners to live and work in peace and contentment, it would be both a blessing for the commoners and for Great Zhou.

The resolve Qin Yi showed was something Qin Feimo could not match!

Upon ascending the throne, he first boldly reduced the number of corvee labor services levied, then vigorously developed agriculture, issuing many regulations. He also cracked down hard on a large number of corrupt officials, confiscating their ill-gotten wealth to replenish the national treasury. Additionally, he generously rewarded individuals with meritorious service, solidifying his status in the hearts of the commoners day by day.

Now, he had won the wholehearted support of the commoners.

Currently, with the news of the Virtuous King being captured, there were those among the commoners who clapped their hands in approval, while others felt injustice on the Virtuous King’s behalf.

As the waters of Shengjing continued to muddy, another piece of news emerged!

There were hidden details regarding the death of the late Emperor, and those privy to them had already arrived in Shengjing. Right now, they were temporarily residing in the postal relay building, waiting to enter the palace the next day to present the details of that year to His Majesty.

With the release of this news, the entire nation was in an uproar!