Song Chongjin sent Qin Bohan off and then returned to give orders to ensure that everyone, from top to bottom, must remain vigilant and not slack off during this period.

The officials below might not understand completely, but they were accustomed to following Song Chongjin’s orders without question.

Even those who didn’t get along knew that with Song Chongjin’s current achievements, a promotion was imminent. No one was foolish enough to make him an enemy now, so not only in Chicheng County but also in Yunzhong County and the nearby border garrison, everyone was reminded to stay alert and avoid any mistakes.

After handling public affairs, he returned home and told Wang Yongzhu about the rebellion.

Although Song Hong had handed over all his Hidden Guards to the Emperor, Song Chongjin had left people in the Capital City earlier, plus the news from Gu Changqing’s side, and not to mention that Lady Gao had recovered in the past two years and occasionally passed on messages.

Adding up the clues, Song Chongjin almost completely understood the situation in the Capital City. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Regarding what all in the Capital City knew, the downfall of the Crown Prince’s and Second Prince’s factions, he not only knew about it.

He also knew some information others weren’t aware of, such as the Emperor, while handling these rebellious factions, had also dealt with several shops and some seemingly insignificant but still somewhat important minor officials.

Others didn’t know, thinking these people were likely involved in the rebellion or implicated, hence their downfall.

Only Song Chongjin vaguely guessed that some of these people might be spies from the grasslands on Qi Le’s side.

The Emperor pretended to be bewildered by the Soul Capturing Technique, likely to lure out these hidden spies.

In retrospect, the Emperor’s strategic mind was indeed extraordinary. He first pretended to be controlled by Qi Le’s men, feigning confusion, deceiving Qi Le’s side and misleading the officials below, as well as two ambitious Princes.

The two Princes, whether due to their inexperience or the Emperor’s excellent acting, thought an opportunity arose and hastily stepped forward.

But it allowed the Emperor to catch them all in one fell swoop, clearing Qi Le’s spies and disposing of the two rebellious sons.

Too ruthless!

Wang Yongzhu particularly paid attention to news from the Empress’ side, especially after hearing about the events of the rebellion day, she became silent for a long time.

She understood the Empress’ character; the incident during childbirth had already disappointed the Empress with the Emperor. Now, using the Ninth Prince’s birthday banquet as bait to lure out spies from the grasslands and the rebellious intent of the two Princes.

Perhaps to the Emperor and civil and military ministers, the Emperor was seen as having strategy and skill.

But in the Empress’ heart, she probably felt an increasing awe and fear towards the Emperor, with an indescribable resentment.

Not to mention, for a mother, using her own child to achieve her goals, possibly threatening her child’s safety, is absolutely intolerable.

Now, the Empress’ silence isn’t due to a lack of resentment but due to disparate status, even as Empress and Prince, they merely exist under the Emperor’s rule.

The so-called thunderstorms and favors are all the Emperor’s grace, not only can’t be resented, but must be thanked.

The Emperor probably doesn’t notice these things, and if he has any conscience, he might dotingly favor the Empress and the Ninth Prince afterward, thinking he has done right by them.

Thinking about this, Wang Yongzhu felt it’s quite frustrating!

But Wang Yongzhu could only sigh; being part of the royal family, the Empress probably had psychological preparation for this long ago—wanting that position, how can everything go her way?

The two expressed their emotions and were rather grateful they stayed far from this vortex of power and weren’t drawn into it.

It’s just unclear how Qi Le feels now, knowing all his long-planted undercover agents in the Capital City have been uprooted.

As for Prince Bayar, still held in custody, recent messages from the border say there’s quite a commotion in the grasslands. Scouts learned a Noble Patron is missing, and now the entire grasslands are searching for this Noble Patron.

Even in Chicheng County and nearby Yunzhong County, those well-hidden undercover agents are eager to move, but many were uprooted by Song Chongjin and Gu Zikai, alert as always.

Gu Zikai’s side also received news; the Second Prince’s defeat along with the Crown Prince led to their confinement.

Master Yi, due to limited information channels, didn’t know the Second Prince had already failed, but after Gu Zikai’s last warning, he remained modest and behaved.

Gu Zikai, after consideration, chose to inform Master Yi, as despite his personal interests, he was dutiful and without fault in County Yamen’s daily affairs.

After all, this matter can be concealed for a while but not forever, and in a few days, everyone will likely know. If not told, Master Yi might resent knowing too late.

Therefore, he invited Master Yi to the study to explain in a few words.

Though experienced, Master Yi was dazed for a long time before reacting, and upon confirmation, he was overwhelmed and fainted.

Gu Zikai hurriedly called for a doctor, a chaotic situation ensued, finally reviving Master Yi.

However, the doctor warned that Master Yi, given his age, should relax his mind to avoid life-threatening stress attacks.

The words were true, but upon awakening, Master Yi was overcome with tears, holding many words yet unsaid, constrained by visitors present.

After dismissing the attendants, he nervously bowed to Gu Zikai, wishing to return to the Capital City to see if there was a chance to save his married daughter and granddaughter.

His plea seemed to request Gu Zikai to write a letter to Gu Changqing for assistance.

But he knew well the severity; anyone implicated in such a crime faced annihilation. Even close kin wouldn’t stand up now.

Moreover, his previous intent is likely known by the Gu Family, having schemed poorly and no face left to ask.

Before he spoke, Gu Zikai interjected, "Uncle Yi, please remain calm. Though the Second Prince failed, His Majesty still remembers father-son affection, merely confining the Second Prince and his family without threatening their lives."

"Your brother, distant as he is, may be somewhat affected, but should remain unharmed. Uncle Yi, if truly burdened, first recover your health, then personally return to the Capital City, perhaps a turning point may occur. Otherwise, worrying yourself sick won’t do!"

These words temporarily silenced Master Yi, realizing he must remain alive for any potential help from the Gu Family.

Thus, he calmed his anxious heart, focused on health, and only asked Gu Zikai to inquire about his daughter’s family in the Capital City.

Gu Zikai noticed Master Yi hadn’t mentioned his son who is posted elsewhere, shaking his head internally.

His words were primarily to reassure Master Yi, knowing this rebellion tendency implicates vast circles. Master Yi’s son, although merely the Uncle of the Second Prince’s Concubine, could easily be implicated.

As for Master Yi’s married daughter, imagination suffices; the Second Prince’s Concubine’s family, even Master Yi was persuaded to connect with Wang Yongzhu—they likely had deep involvement with the Second Prince’s faction.

Fortunately, being stripped of official status and demoted to common folk, surviving might be considered lucky.

But being imprisoned by the Court of Judicial Review is unavoidable without imperial decree for release.

Though Master Yi had been a Master all his life, could he not understand?

He cared too deeply, mainly worried about his daughter, leaving other concerns aside.

Old Granny Zhang, worried for Gu Zikai alone in Yunzhong County, was preoccupied with the wild boars in the mountains, so she brought Wang Yongzhu to visit together.

Coincidentally, Master Yi, having barely recovered, was able to rise and immediately inquired about his married daughter’s family status from Gu Zikai.

During these days, Wang Yongzhu gradually told Old Granny Zhang about the Capital City rebellion.

Old Granny Zhang merely cared if the Gu Family and Du Family were safe and was satisfied beyond that.

Despite not fully comprehending, she knew the waters ran deep, better not meddle, hence she refrained from speaking about the matter during the journey.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing Master Yi’s words at her nephew, Gu Zikai’s place, she became enraged and rolled up her sleeves, heading inside with determination.