Chapter 146 Undercurrent
Chapter 146 Undercurrent
As night fell and the moon hid behind the clouds, the whole world seemed to be shrouded in a thin black veil.
Fang Mingli quietly left the mansion with several trusted confidants. Their figures moved like ghosts in the night, their steps light yet firm.
Their destination was the hiding place of Qu Dacheng and Jiang Xiaoyong.
"Remember, make sure to eliminate them completely, leaving no trace," Fang Mingli instructed in a low voice, his tone icy.
The confidants nodded, a ruthless glint in their eyes. They understood the importance of this operation and that there could be no mistakes whatsoever.
As night fell, their figures gradually disappeared around the street corner, leaving behind a silence and an unknown killing intent.
The farm where Qu Dacheng and Jiang Xiaoyong were hiding was located in a remote area on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by dense woods, and rarely visited by anyone.
The two thought they had escaped a disaster and decided to lay low for the time being.
The farm was dimly lit, and the two were already asleep, completely unaware that danger was quietly approaching.
In the darkness of night, several dark figures quietly approached the farm.
Fang Mingli and his group moved swiftly, approaching their target as silently as cats.
They were dressed in black, wielded sharp blades, and had a murderous aura in their eyes.
"Move!" Fang Mingli ordered in a low voice, and his trusted men rushed towards the farm like arrows released from a bow.
A flash of light, and blood stained the earth.
Qu Dacheng and Jiang Xiaoyong were awakened from their sleep, but it was too late to resist. They could only let out a few weak screams before closing their eyes forever.
Fang Mingli stood at a distance, coldly watching all of this.
There was no pity in his eyes, only coldness and determination.
The night wind swept by, carrying away the scent of blood, but leaving behind an endless chill.
A moment later, he turned and left, his figure disappearing into the night as if he had never been there.
At the same time, Chu Lan stood by the window, gazing at the distant starry sky, his mind filled with countless thoughts.
Liu Shan's arrival gave her hope, but the undercurrents in the court still worried her.
She knew all too well that although she was the empress, the real challenges had only just begun.
"Your Majesty," Liu Shan's voice came from behind, "it's late, you should rest."
Chu Lan turned around, a hint of weariness flashing in her eyes: "Liu Shan, do you think this world can truly be at peace?"
Liu Shan looked at her with a firm gaze: "As long as Your Majesty is here, the world will eventually be at peace."
Chu Lan smiled slightly, her eyes full of trust: "With you here, I have nothing to fear."
The night was deep, and the palace lanterns swayed in the wind, illuminating the two resolute figures.
The undercurrents within the court will eventually subside thanks to their efforts.
However, the story does not end there.
Fang Mingli returned to his residence, but his heart was filled with unease.
He knew that although the operation was successful, the hidden crisis was only just beginning to emerge.
The deaths of Qu Dacheng and Jiang Xiaoyong will inevitably trigger a series of chain reactions.
He must find a solution as soon as possible, otherwise the Fang family will be doomed.
Fang Mingzhe waited anxiously in his study for Fang Mingli's return.
The moment Fang Mingli stepped into the study, Fang Mingzhe couldn't wait to ask, "How did things go?"
Fang Mingli said in a deep voice, "Brother, the matter has been resolved. Qu Dacheng and Jiang Xiaoyong have been executed, and our people have been safely evacuated."
Fang Mingzhe nodded slightly, feeling somewhat relieved: "Well done. However, we must not let our guard down. We must find Liu Shan's weakness as soon as possible, otherwise he will become our biggest threat."
Fang Mingli nodded and said, "Brother is right. I have already arranged for people to closely monitor Liu Shan's every move, and at the same time, I will try to sow discord between him and Chu Lan."
A hint of approval flashed in Fang Mingzhe's eyes: "Very good. I trust you to handle things. However, we can't rely entirely on these methods. Investigating the Prince Kang's past enemies might help us find new allies."
Fang Mingli pondered for a moment and said, "Brother, I heard that Liu Shan has a grudge against the Song family. Perhaps we can start from this angle."
Fang Mingzhe frowned slightly: "The Song family? The four Song brothers? Their official positions are not high, so it seems unlikely that they can play a significant role."
Fang Mingli nodded and said, "Brother is right. But it is precisely because the four Song brothers do not hold high official positions that we can control them and use them to deal with Liu Shan."
A sly glint flashed in Fang Mingzhe's eyes: "This plan is brilliant. Arrange for people to carry it out as soon as possible. Also, we need to strengthen our defenses, just in case."
Fang Mingli accepted the order and left.
Fang Mingzhe felt a sense of unease.
He knew that the struggle had just begun.
Chu Lan was not entirely unaware of this while in the palace.
She knew that various factions in the court were secretly vying for power, and she had to remain vigilant in order to secure her throne.
She had heard about Fang Mingli's actions, but did not act rashly.
She knew that the most important thing now was to consolidate her position and wait for the right opportunity to launch a counterattack.
Liu Shan's position in the Imperial Guard gradually became secure, and he was well aware of the great responsibility he bore.
He must protect Chu Lan's safety while also dealing with challenges from all sides. He had anticipated being suppressed by various forces, but he was fearless.
He knew that as long as he remained loyal to Chu Lan, there was nothing to fear.
However, things took an unexpected turn.
A few days later, Song Bowen, who had already been dismissed from his post, appeared and used his own tragic experience to fabricate rumors and smear Liu Shan, which aroused the anger and dissatisfaction of a considerable number of officials.
Liu Shan noticed the unusual behavior of these officials and felt a sense of unease.
He knew he had to find a solution as soon as possible, or he would be in trouble.
He arrived at Chu Lan's palace and said sincerely, "Your Majesty, I have something to report to you."
Chu Lan frowned slightly: "Liu Shan, just say what you want to say."
Liu Shan said in a deep voice: "I have heard that some people in the court are spreading rumors that I framed Song Bowen in order to become the Assistant Prefect of Cangzhou and removed him from his position... I hereby assure Your Majesty that the facts of Song Bowen's crimes are irrefutable, and my dismissal and investigation of Song Bowen is absolutely without any impropriety."
A complex look flashed in Chu Lan's eyes: "Liu Shan, I believe in you. But you must also understand that the situation in the court is complicated, and we must deal with it carefully."
Liu Shan nodded and said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. I have ascertained that Song Bowen has Fang Mingli's support behind him, and he intends to use this to sow discord. I suggest that we take immediate measures to clarify the facts and stabilize the situation."
Chu Lan pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "This matter should not be rushed. At least before the coronation ceremony, we cannot act rashly. You should investigate secretly and collect evidence first, and then completely eliminate the hidden dangers after the coronation ceremony."
Liu Shan accepted the order, knowing that before the coronation ceremony, any slight movement could add variables and bring unnecessary trouble to Chu Lan.
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