kvmb Chapter 364 Each with their own schemes
Chapter 364 Each with their own schemes
The King of Qi had spies working for the Lin family for many years, but they had never found any evidence of the Lin family's crimes, not even the slightest clue.
Now that the Lin family is in dire straits, the Prince of Qi's men found out as soon as they investigated... It's as if someone deliberately guided him to investigate.
In particular, she thought of a newly opened tea shop in the capital that sold tea at a lower price than the Lin family's, and she pressured the Lin family to deliver the tea to their old customers ahead of time.
The Empress became even more convinced that the Lin family had been framed, and that she would use Prince Qi as a swift and decisive tool to eliminate the Lin family.
The person behind it all knew the Lin family's history inside and out, and had a firm grasp on the Lin family's psychology.
Firstly, it ensured that the Lin family would lend all their money out at exorbitant interest rates and would not be able to return a large sum of money to their long-time customers.
Secondly, if the Lin family returns the money to their regular customers, they will lose this customer base. In order to retain customers, they have no choice but to take the risk and offer the tea to their regular customers.
People always harbor a glimmer of hope until the knife falls from their heads.
The Lin family is a case in point; they have indeed fallen into the trap.
The person behind it then leaked the clues to King Qi, and King Qi's men followed the clues to uncover the Lin family's crimes.
Given the irreconcilable conflict between King Qi and King Xian, the moment they obtained the evidence, they would be eager to expose the Lin family.
The person behind it achieved their goal without firing a single shot, and even shifted Consort Shu's hatred onto Prince Qi.
The Empress lowered her eyes to look at the petals floating in the teacup, and gently pursed her lips.
The power struggle between the two kings of Northern Qi took a dramatic turn after Zhao Yi arrived.
"The Lin family has been too flamboyant, offending many people who are waiting for an opportunity to bring them down." The Empress put down her teacup and pointed out, "The Lin family only started selling smuggled tea this year. These old customers have been buying tea from the Lin family's shop for many years. Why are they only causing trouble this year?"
King Qi subconsciously said, "Because of the trade between the several countries, a wealthy merchant has opened a new tea shop in the capital."
"Merchants are profit-driven. If they deliberately lowered the price of tea in order to gain a share of the Lin family's customers, that would be understandable."
The Empress, as an outsider, saw things very clearly: "But the Lin family's tea is sold out. Their tea is priced the same as the Lin family's, and customers still buy tea from them. Why would they lower their prices to the lowest possible level?"
At this point, she countered with a question: "Does an ordinary wealthy businessman have the audacity to openly provoke the Lin family?"
King Qi was startled and immediately understood the meaning behind the Queen's words.
This is someone deliberately targeting the Lin family.
King Qi suddenly realized: "Mother, then...then I..."
When the Empress saw him turn around, she said, "If you encounter anything in the future, come to the palace first and discuss it with me."
King Qi was both shocked and furious to realize that he had been used. But then he thought that if there hadn't been someone setting a trap behind the scenes, he wouldn't have been able to bring down the Lin family so easily.
Ultimately, he benefited.
"Your Majesty, I was afraid of disturbing you during your recovery, so I didn't bother you with trivial matters. Fortunately, you reminded me that someone else was behind the Lin family's affairs, and I realized how careless I had been. I will never act on my own again next time, and I will always consult with you before taking any action."
King Qi obediently admitted his mistake, and seeing that the Queen had no intention of blaming him, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Then he brought up another matter: "Lin Yi is dead, and the position of Junior Chamberlain is vacant. Mother, I want to place one of my own people in that position."
The Empress glanced at the Prince of Qi, seeing that he was determined to get the position, and did not try to persuade him further.
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Prince Xian’s Mansion.
When Prince Qi exposed the Lin family, Prince Xian learned of it immediately. However, he was powerless to stop it and could only hope that his father, the Emperor, would show leniency to the Lin family again in order to maintain the balance of power.
Unexpectedly, the emperor did not show leniency but instead confiscated the Lin family's property and imprisoned all of their relatives in the imperial prison for execution.
A wave of fear washed over the Prince. He wanted to plead for the Lin family, but he worried that his father would be angry with him. Given how much his mother valued the Lin family, she would definitely not stand idly by and would plead with his father.
The wise king sent his trusted confidants to gather information, pacing back and forth in his study, looking very anxious.
It wasn't until nightfall that his trusted aide hurriedly returned to report.
"Your Highness, Her Majesty knelt before the Imperial Study to wait for His Majesty to come out. Her Majesty is a person of the highest nobility, how could she have suffered such hardship? After His Majesty came out, she could not bear it and fainted in the snow. Fortunately, His Majesty softened his heart and specially sent someone to invite the imperial physician to treat Her Majesty."
The wise prince inquired, "Has Father Emperor agreed to give the Lin family a lenient punishment?"
The confidant shook his head: "His Majesty has no choice but to deal with the Lin family for the sake of the Empress and you, otherwise what the Lin family did would implicate you."
Upon hearing this, the wise prince knew that his father had not abandoned him, and he breathed a slight sigh of relief.
At the same time, he knew in his heart that the Lin family was doomed.
Having come to this point, he had no choice but to cut off his arm to save his life.
The wise prince clenched his fists, hating the king of Qi in his heart. If it weren't for the king of Qi exposing the Lin family, the Lin family wouldn't have been beheaded.
With my uncle dead, the position of Junior Chamberlain is now vacant, and I'm afraid it's been coveted by the King of Qi.
The wise king sneered; he would not let the King of Qi succeed.
This location should belong to the Prince Xian's residence.
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The Prince of Guangling's Mansion.
Upon hearing the news that the Lin family had been convicted, Shen Qingtan burned the letter beside her in the stove.
With the Lin family removed, their former official positions will be vacated.
I'm afraid the King of Qi and the Wise King will fight to the death.
Especially the position of Junior Chamberlain.