"Guessing boldly, I fear they still desire these two individuals to kneel at the Empress’s knees and recognize her as their foster mother."

"What wishful thinking!" Yang Yi blurted out, "Who knows where those people came from, or if they are even part of the Yang Family? How can he bring them into the palace? And just because he wants a foster mother, can he have one? This Yi Family truly dares to entertain such thoughts!"

With the last words, he slapped the image on the table.

This is truly unfathomable. Someone who has fallen to the rank of a Sixth Rank official in the Ministry of Imperial Stables, still entangled with the Eastern Palace and not fully rehabilitated, dares to harbor such plans!

Is this what’s called a servant bullying their master?

Though the Emperor is frail, he is still seated well on the dragon throne. His eyes are sharp and his hearing keen, reviewing court memorials with perfect clarity. Yet, he digs pitfalls for Yang Yi with great ease. Where does Yi Yun get such confidence, thinking he can do as he pleases?

He couldn’t help but say, "Outside people all say that in recent years, although the border was unstable, there was unity between the sovereign and ministers at the court, with clear and transparent policies. Is that truly the case, or is it just unfounded praise by those who don’t know the truth?"

Chen Song said, "Regarding that point, I don’t think it’s false."

"If it’s not false, then why would one family dare to operate so boldly?"

"Master," Chen Song raised his head, "Even the most disciplined person might be tempted when they see silver taels lost by the roadside. Imperial power presents an even greater allure than silver taels found on the road.

"Men die for wealth, birds perish for food. Now that there’s such an apparent gap in the imperial succession, some will inevitably try their luck.

"Perhaps the Yi Family is just the one sticking their neck out, while many others with hidden ambitions are waiting and watching. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"For those with ambition, no opportunity is wasted. Once there’s a chance, they won’t let it slip by.

"Moreover, their plan can hardly be called a conspiracy; it has already become an open scheme. They will send people into the palace under the guise of assisting the Emperor. Should it be confirmed that these two individuals bear the surname Yang, then indeed, the Yi Family can claim they are easing the Emperor’s burdens.

"Because the Emperor can deny them, yet he has no grounds to punish them.

"Someone must sit on the throne, after all!"

Yang Yi pursed his lips without a word. He turned to gaze at the solemn dusk outside the railing, after a moment saying, "So they are certain that only this path remains open within the palace."

"Indeed, aside from this, there is no other path that is proper and right."

Yang Yi spoke deeply, "Is this another trap set by that old man? Is he trying to push me into the palace with another lousy idea?"

"No." Chen Song shook his head decisively, "This time, it’s truly not. Because in the process of my investigation, I discovered that guards from Qianqing Palace are discreetly patrolling various parts of the capital. Aside from that, it also seems that General Pei and General Liang have been searching for clues recently."

Yang Yi glanced at him, "Are you sure?"

"I can be certain."

Chen Song nodded heavily. "I have already recognized the guards from Qianqing Palace."

Yang Yi furrowed his brows, "If it’s not a ploy of his, then allowing such a family to exist in court is not a wise policy either."

He picked up his tea, took two sips, and stared at the reflection in the tea water, lost in thought for a mere moment before suddenly saying, "Are the people from Qianqing Palace watching the Yi Family?"

"They are observing the Yi Family’s perimeter. However, no one else knows."

Yang Yi gazed intently, "Since they’re already watching him, why let him act freely?" He fixed his eyes on Chen Song’s face, "What kind of person was Yi Pingyang in those days?"

"He was very militant. Or should I say, fond of grand achievements."

"What became of Guo Su?"

"It is said that before the Emperor ascended the throne, Guo Su was very dissatisfied with his Second Rank general position, feeling that he should also be listed as a Great General, and had quite some complaints about the Emperor.

"At that time, the Emperor tolerated him, but as Guo Su continued to be discontent, the Emperor sent him to Guangxi to fortify the borders. He has never returned since."

"Then what was the relationship between Yi Pingyang and Guo Su at that time?"

"They were very close. The two always called each other brothers. Moreover, even though their residences were thousands of miles apart, they seemed to maintain correspondence."

Hearing this, Yang Yi brushed his sleeve and his gaze deepened, "Go and investigate immediately, when I sent that letter to the old man from the northwest back then, who was it that received it? And those people who were selected to replace me, whose people were they?"