Chapter 86: The Source of Terror (3)
The world is in dire straits. The plague that has reappeared cannot be controlled. Wars between countries have also been ignited. Most of the world has been completely paralyzed. The countries that have survived and have not been affected are confused, suspicious, and fearful of each other. They are nervous when they think that they will also fall into disaster on an unknown day. Moreover, the Zhou Kingdom, which has always seemed to be peaceful, has also fallen into a certain degree of panic. The inexplicable death of Master Jiang and the bizarre death of Queen Xia Ningshuang, as well as the death of two people with special identities, have plunged the Zhou Kingdom into an unprecedented panic...
"Master Jiang was assassinated and his body was abandoned in the study, and the queen was poisoned. The two murders happened at roughly the same time. Don't tell me that this was just a coincidence. If that old fox doesn't tell me, the queen's death will soon reach the ears of King Xia. You know, the alliance of Xia is necessary now. I want to know how you plan to cover it up."
In the imperial study, many important officials gathered in order to solve the current extremely incredible matter. Of course, both of them were among the most prominent figures in the country. Although they seemed unrelated on the surface, they died strangely close to each other. If they were really unrelated, things would not be so coincidental, so the atmosphere was so serious, heavy, fearful, and trembling, making people dare not speak. Zhou Cheng could not get over the deaths of Master Jiang and Xia Ningshuang. On the one hand, he felt that the death of Master Jiang was unlikely under the siege of heavy troops. On the other hand, his guilt for Xia Ningshuang's death made him unable to accept the reality.
"Come on, why don't you say anything? Aren't you usually very talkative? Why is it that no one is talking when it's time to say something?"
What the ministers are facing now is no longer the calm and composed Prime Minister Zhou of the past, but a ferocious tiger that has broken free from its shackles. If they are not careful, they will be bitten and devoured. Zhou Cheng has changed so much not only because of the two murders, but has been like this since he returned from Weicheng. People have felt this deeply, so everyone has been very cautious since then, even more so now.
The imperial study was shrouded in clouds and fire. None of the ministers dared to speak, not even to breathe loudly. Time seemed to be forbidden, making people feel that time was so unbearable. Just when people were facing the end of their lives, a voice saved them...
"Your Majesty, the Prime Minister, General Shan, and Lord Xue request an audience."
Hearing the eunuch's shouts outside the door, everyone felt as if they saw hope for survival and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief in their hearts.
“…Xuan!”
Sure enough, after learning who the visitor was, Zhou Cheng's expression changed slightly, but that didn't mean he could eliminate the anger in his heart. Zhang Ren, Shan Zhen and Xue Han came in, and the important officials made way for them...
"Your Highness!"
"No need to be polite."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
After a brief formality, Zhou Cheng stared at the three people who came. In the eyes of others, it was like a tiger staring at its prey. The cold light flashing in Zhou Cheng's eyes made everyone present shudder. They thought they saw hope, but they felt uneasy again in their hearts...
"Except for these three, all of you, step down."
"yes!!"
After hearing these words that seemed like a life-saving straw, all the ministers did not stay for a moment, and some even left in a hurry. As a result, in a short while, only four people were left in the imperial study...
"I know that Your Majesty is in a bad mood right now, but all the ministers have done their best. I hope Your Majesty can understand."
When Zhang Ren spoke, Zhou Cheng fell silent. His expression, which was icy cold just now, relaxed a little, like a student who was dissatisfied after hearing the teacher's teaching. Shan Zhen and Xue Han did not say anything, because Zhang Ren was the only one in the country, or even in the world, who could make Zhou Cheng listen with such an attitude and tone!
"The investigation is over, Xue Han, leave it to the emperor."
"yes."
Even Xue Han respected Zhang Ren from the bottom of his heart. He followed his words, took out a folded paper book from his sleeve and handed it to Zhou Cheng who stretched out his hand. After taking the investigation report from Xue Han, Zhou Cheng took his time to open it and read it...
"From the outside, there is indeed no connection. It seems that these are two completely unrelated cases. One was killed by assassination, and the other was poisoned. But after some inspection and investigation, first of all, it was Grand Tutor Jiang. Not to mention that the Grand Tutor's Mansion itself was well guarded, and Shan Zhen also sent elite imperial guards to monitor secretly, but the other party was able to do it without anyone noticing. From this point of view, the strength of the assassin is beyond doubt. The reason may be related to the previous assassinations of ministers from many countries."
"...Not necessarily. Grand Tutor Jiang's achievements so far should be far less than yours, Prime Minister. In addition, I no longer value him in recent years. There is no reason for him to be killed for this, right? Moreover, all those who were killed before had their entire families wiped out. From this point of view, I do not agree with this reason."
After browsing the report in his hand, Zhou Cheng listened to the report . Ever since the assassination of more than one minister happened, Zhang Ren has become the object of Zhou Cheng's secret and strict protection. Of course, Zhang Ren didn't know about this, and he had never considered Grand Tutor Jiang. However, there is one thing he should not deny, that is, Grand Tutor Jiang does have certain abilities in politics, and this is unquestionable even if he hates him.
"But the Prime Minister's speculation may be correct."
Xue Han on the side suddenly intervened in the conversation, and Zhou Cheng immediately cast a gaze towards him.
