After being exiled with her husband and children, she returned with great power to rule the world

Chapter 399 Rumors

In the bustling streets of Kyoto, a silent storm is brewing.

A mysterious rumor, like a poisonous snake hiding in the dark, quietly stalks the streets.

When Crown Prince Zhao Hao heard about this, the rumor had spread like wildfire in Kyoto, and every corner was filled with people's whispers.

"Your Highness, this incident is so serious and is obviously aimed at Prince Chu and Miss Murong."

Advisor Xu Yuan frowned, his eyes filled with worry. "Our people followed the rumors and uncovered several spies from the Min'an Kingdom. I'm afraid there's a conspiracy behind this."

"Let's not talk about whether the Qilin Jade Jue story is true or not." Another staff member, Lin Yu, said in a low and urgent voice, "Just talking about Miss Murong's identity, she is actually an orphan of the Protector General's Mansion more than 20 years ago. If this matter is confirmed, Miss Murong will definitely be sentenced to death. Prince Chu, who has always protected her, will probably be implicated and doomed."

"Time flies. Over twenty years have passed. Many past events have long been like a fog, difficult to verify." Xu Yuan shook his head and sighed, his face full of worry. "I'm afraid the other party has irrefutable evidence in their hands. Since they dare to reveal this matter, they will definitely not let Prince Chu and Miss Murong go easily. I'm afraid their methods will only become more ruthless."

"Your Highness, we must quickly come up with a comprehensive plan to quell this disturbance." Zhao Wei stepped forward, his expression solemn. "If word of this reaches the Emperor, it will be a catastrophe, and the situation will be difficult to handle."

Zhao Hao sat behind his desk, his expression calm on the surface, but his heart was already in turmoil.

He could never have imagined that behind Murong Linger's seemingly simple life experience, there was such a shocking secret. She was actually the orphan of the once powerful National Defense General's Mansion!

In the past, the Protector General's Mansion was so glorious and prosperous. The old Protector General and the late emperor were sworn brothers, and their deep friendship became a legend at the time and was talked about by the people with great relish.

The late emperor had great trust in the old general who protected the country, and even gave him the military command of all the major camps.

Later, the old Protector General passed the tiger talisman, which symbolized supreme military power, to the current Protector General.

However, fate is fickle. The general who protects the country died in a brutal war on the battlefield, and the crucial military token also disappeared without a trace, as if buried in the dust of history.

Now, the orphan of the General Protector's Mansion suddenly appeared. Does this mean that the long-lost military token has also been found?

Thinking of this, Zhao Hao's gaze became deep and sharp, as if he wanted to penetrate the thick fog and find the truth.

The military token is not only a symbol of power, but also a double-edged sword. It represents supreme power but also hides endless crises and troubles.

Zhao Hao knew very well that he had to suppress this matter immediately, otherwise Chu Lingfeng and Murong Ling'er would fall into an abyss from which there was no escape.

"You guys can leave first! I have my own plans for this matter." Zhao Hao looked calm and spoke in a firm tone. He waved his hand to signal his staff to leave.

After his staff filed out and the door slowly closed, Zhao Hao immediately gave orders to his personal guard, Zhao Wei: "Immediately spread the news of Concubine Rong's background. It must spread throughout the capital as quickly as possible. The matter of Qilin Yujue and Miss Murong must be suppressed. There cannot be the slightest mistake."

"Yes, Your Highness, I will do it right away."

Zhao Wei took the order and left. He knew in his heart that although it was not the best time to release this news, Concubine Rong's life experience was definitely a blockbuster bomb, enough to cause a huge storm in Kyoto and instantly drown out the previous rumors. After all, this was more shocking and impactful news than the old events of more than 20 years ago.

Overnight, the situation in Kyoto changed suddenly.

The city of Kyoto, which was once bustling and full of the atmosphere of life, seemed to be shrouded in a strange silence.

Those who knew about this new rumor were like being cast under a silencing spell. They were cautious and dared not speak loudly for fear of bringing about fatal disaster.

The next morning at court, the court, which used to be as noisy as a vegetable market, was unusually quiet, so quiet that it was a little eerie.

Emperor Zhao sat high on the dragon throne, looking at the silent courtiers below. He narrowed his eyes slightly, and a hint of imperceptible doubt flashed in his eyes.

He slowly scanned the crowd, and the ministers caught in his gaze lowered their heads in panic like frightened rabbits, not daring to look him in the eye, for fear of being called upon and asked to answer those elusive questions.

If it were just one or two people, it wouldn't be surprising, but several people in succession were so terrified. If Emperor Zhao still couldn't notice anything unusual, he would be unworthy of the throne.

However, Emperor Zhao was extremely shrewd. He did not lose his temper on the spot, but pretended not to notice the subtle movements and thoughts among the crowd. As usual, he calmly glanced at Eunuch Zhao beside him.

Eunuch Zhao understood what he meant and immediately stepped forward, straightening his neck. He shouted with full energy, "My lords, if you have something to say, please rise and report. If not, please leave the court."

"Your Majesty, I have nothing to report..." The Minister of Rites spoke first, his voice trembling slightly.

"I have nothing to report." The Minister of Revenue said immediately, lowering his head even more.

"I have nothing to report..." As if they had discussed it beforehand, the ministers fell silent one after another, neither arguing nor expressing their opinions. The silence was so unsettling.

Emperor Zhao watched this scene, and the look in his eyes gradually became deep, making it hard to tell what he was thinking.

Eunuch Zhao stood aside. For some reason, his heart suddenly tightened and an ominous premonition came to his mind.

These ministers, who usually argued fiercely over trivial matters, were suddenly so quiet today. He intuitively felt that something big had happened, something he was completely unaware of and was enough to make the emperor furious.

As soon as the morning court ended, Emperor Zhao immediately ordered Eunuch Zhao to send someone outside the palace to inquire about the news.

Eunuch Zhao did not dare to delay for even a moment and personally selected his most trusted subordinate to leave the palace immediately and get to the bottom of the matter.

At the same time, in the mansion of Duke Rong, Master Rong was so frightened after hearing the rumor about Concubine Rong's life experience last night that his face turned pale and he fell ill. He didn't even dare to attend the morning court.

At this moment, he was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, pacing back and forth in the room, muttering to himself: "What should I do? What should I do?"

He knew very well that if this rumor was confirmed, the Rongguo Mansion would face a devastating disaster, and all the prosperity and wealth it had enjoyed for many years would probably be wiped out.

Thinking of this, his legs went limp and he slumped in the chair, his eyes filled with despair and fear.