The Forbidden Revenge
Chapter 8: Half the Ministers Die

Lu Yuan stared fixedly at Gong Zichen. He thought, it would not be a big deal if he asked, perhaps Gong Zichen had the answer he wanted.

His gaze swept around, then returned to Gong Zichen. Gong Zichen waited for him with interest.

“Tell me the situation after Emperor Yangle died.”

“Why is Third Miss so interested? Can't you ask the Prime Minister directly?”

Of course Lu Yuan did not answer him. Instead, his gaze grew sharper and intimidating. Gong Zichen was unaffected, his heart was only slightly pinched.

This woman, who was labeled as weak and useless, actually had a sharper gaze than an eagle. Her beautiful eyes were shining.

“But, Miss, this information is not free,” he added.

Lu Yuan knew very well. Mysterious people like Gong Zichen who are sometimes serious and sometimes annoying are unlikely to give everything for free.

Otherwise, it was possible that he could obtain the title of the Yongping Marquis and save the Gong Family from falling.

“What do you want?”

“Wedding. Marry me,” Gong Zichen answered him quickly.

“After wedding, I can give you any.”

“No. I just want a wedding.”

“Why are you so insistent on marrying me?”

“Because I like you.”

Lu Yuan grieved. “Konyol. Can't ask for another?”

“No. Other than marriage, there are no matching conditions.”

Lu Yuan thought for a moment. Right now, no one can be trusted. The Prime Minister's residence is so ugly and rotten.

Zhao Yun hated Zhao Yue so much, he would not tell about the court situation. Gong Zichen was also unbelievable, but other than him, there was no one else Lu Yuan could think of.

“Good. I will consider it,” Lu Yuan said after thinking.

The smile on Gong Zichen's face expanded.

“Agreement. Yunfei, you are his witness. If Third Miss breaks the promise, then Marquis Yongping will come to the Prime Minister's residence and hold him accountable.”

Mo Yunfei simply nodded helplessly. All his life, he had only known that Marquis Yongping could change his attitude quickly in front of Third Miss.

Sometimes like a fool and a pervert, then turn serious in a few seconds. He admitted, his employer was really great.

“So, can you tell me now?”

Gong Zichen took a sip of his tea first. As the conversation began to get serious, then his attitude turned serious. As he had expected, Lu Yuan would definitely come looking for him.

That first meeting, it felt like it had triggered an impression that made the two feel like they would continue to meet.

“After the fire, in addition to Emperor Yangle and Eunuch Li Jing, almost half of the palace ministers died.”

Like lightning, Gong Zichen's words struck Lu Yuan's eardrum. Almost half of the palace ministers died. Other than her and Li Jing, it turned out that there was still half the minister dead.

That would obviously shake the foundations of the country. But, why did the chaos not seem to be that severe?

“Those dead half, who are they?”

Gong Zichen then handed a note to Lu Yuan. It contains a list of the names of ministers who died in the fire. Lu Yuan's heart felt burning flames of anger and his eyes became hot.

These names are the names of the clean and honest ministers who are loyal to him. I didn't expect them to die with him!

“While these ones, are those who survived the disaster.”

Gong Zichen handed me another note to look at. The names on the second note, were clearly the names of corrupt ministers whose crimes had been proven and Lu Yuan remembered them vividly. After that, he realized that the incident of his murder was really planned carefully.

Lu Zheng, his good brother seemed to have been very skilled. He holds the key to the weakness of corrupt ministers. If he makes use of it, then the corrupt minister will help him to save himself.

Meanwhile, those who are honest and clean, will not be invited to cooperate. If left alive, then the true events that happened in the court hall back then would definitely be scattered and their plans would fail miserably.

Because at that time, few people and important ministers knew her identity as a woman. As Lu Yuan died on his throne with a female identity, only those in the hall knew. Although the servants and bodyguards knew, they could still be silenced.

Besides, he silenced many people. His sister is really wise!

“I heard the Crown Prince was there too. Is he safe?” ask Lu Yuan.

“Of course. He got burns, but not seriously because the palace guards immediately saved him.”

When that bunch of trash tried to save himself, did anyone care about his dead body? In the blaze and the gunpowder blast from that exploding mechanism, Lu Yuan's bloodied real body was bound to burn.

The heat from the fire accompanied by the pain from the sword stab, as well as anger and hatred, it felt like it was radiating back in his heart. That heat and pain, was like burning his heart at this moment.

“Is the Emperor's body... also destroyed?” lu Yuan's voice was rather heavy.

Imagining his own body being charred, he slightly did not accept. Gong Zichen pondered for a moment. It seemed, he was also a bit reluctant to say it.

“The Emperor's body. Although it did not turn to ashes, it was still recognizable. Eunuch Li Jing protected her and prevented her body from burning worse.”

Lu Yuan immediately threw his face to the side, avoiding Gong Zichen's gaze and preventing his tears from falling. Ever since his father changed his identity to male, Lu Yuan had been unyielding in tears.

But at this moment, he had almost lost control of himself. Li Jing was even still protecting her even though she was already dead.

Had Lu Yuan not let Li Jing accompany him to court that day, the eunuch would have survived. Li Jing long ago protected him.

Knowing he died with her and was still protecting her, the hatred in Lu Yuan's heart grew even more intense and his determination of revenge grew more unanimous.

Lu Yuan reorganized his heart and mind. Crying was useless, it would not bring back the lives of half the innocent ministers that Lu Zheng had not saved.

Instead, he had to remain steadfast as the anger and hatred of the dead now flowed in his blood.

Gong Zichen had never heard of the rumors that the Third Miss of the Prime Minister's family had such a close relationship with Emperor Yangle. Practically speaking, they did have the same bloodline of the Shu Family on the mother's side.

Since he was weak and unloved, he shouldn't have gotten too close to Emperor Yangle. Why does he look so sad?

“I did not know that the relationship of Third Miss with the late Emperor Yangle was so close,”, said Gong Zichen.

Speaking of closeness, Lu Yuan wanted to shout loudly that closeness was closer like a heartbeat, but that was impossible.

There is no point in talking about closeness. Lu Yuan was always careful, even after this, he still did not trust Gong Zichen.

“Mendiang Emperor Yangle is my cousin and pillar of the country. His death, of course made everyone feel sad,” Lu Yuan gave an excuse.

Gong Zichen then said, “I think, some people are grateful for the death of Emperor Yangle.”

Lu Yuan suddenly stared intently at Gong Zichen. Could it be that Gong Zichen suspected something? Could he have suspected that the fire deaths were not a coincidence?

“Master Marquis has a sharp tongue. If not used carefully, it can break the pulse and cut your own neck.”

Gong Zichen responded lightly. He blew out the fine smoke from his teacup, then drank it elegantly slowly.

“Not just me. Heh, half the minister is dead, it feels unreasonable.”

Lu Yuan felt that it was enough for information this time around. At least, he already knew who the rumor spreader was and knew the situation after his death a month ago.

As for the others, he would plan it out slowly and take care of it slowly. Right now, he should immediately go away from this indistinct person.

“I really appreciate Mr. Marquis' willingness over the situation. It's noon. Sir, please continue your activities.”

“No thank you?”

“This is a deal, not a favor, Mr.”

Then, Lu Yuan moved out of the restaurant. Gong Zichen followed him with a gaze from behind. His smile was again.

Mo Yunfei had forgotten how many times Marquis Yongping smiled today. It felt, the figure in front of him was not Marquis Yongping, but a demon that liked to lure people with his human form.

“Wife, don't forget your promise! We will definitely meet again soon!”

As Gong Zichen shouted, Lu Yuan had already walked out of the restaurant. Enraged by the call, Lu Yuan took off the bridle of a Gong Zichen steed in front of the restaurant. He patted the horse, and at once the horse ran away in surprise.

Fortunately, not many people passed by and the city was not too crowded. Everyone who saw his horse run away immediately got out and cursed.

“Heh, my wife is really grumpy.”