51. Shocking the Original Author!
“Regardless…”
Shangguan Lingyue picked up the sword dropped by the puppet and pressed it against Shangguan Yaochang’s neck.
“You colluded with the demonic sects, plotted treason, attempted to assassinate His Majesty, and you’re suspected of being involved in Ziyuan’s disappearance along with Qingyun. Do you admit to these crimes?”
“Admit?” Shangguan Yaochang sneered. “I merely repeated what *he* did all those years ago.”
“Lingyue, he’s just a narrow-minded man. Do you think he’ll tolerate you? In the end, your fate won’t be much better than General Yan’s.”
Shangguan Lingyue froze, her hand trembling, and the sword nicked Shangguan Yaochang’s neck.
“What do you mean?”
“What do I mean?” Shangguan Yaochang retorted. “How did General Yan and his wife die? Don’t you know—”
“Shing!”
He couldn’t finish his sentence.
His head had been severed.
“What!?”
Shangguan Lingyue looked up, stunned, at the person holding the sword.
Shangguan Long.
“Even if he’s guilty, he shouldn’t be executed like this.” Shangguan Lingyue said, “A general has a general’s—”
“Lingyue,” Shangguan Long said coldly, “his crimes warrant death. I can execute him as I see fit. Why argue with me over this?”
“Then what about General Yan!?” Shangguan Lingyue demanded. “He was killed by the demonic sects, along with his wife! Why did he imply that you—”
Shangguan Long looked heartbroken. “You would rather believe a traitor than the imperial guards’ investigation?”
Shangguan Lingyue stood up, meeting his gaze. “Changning never lies. I only trust my own judgment.”
“Then what do you want?”
“I want to re-investigate General Yan’s death, to honor my friend’s memory.”
“Absurd!” Shangguan Long said coldly. “What can you possibly find after so many years?”
“Are you afraid?” Shangguan Lingyue smiled. “If you’re innocent, why didn’t you let him finish? Why did you kill him so hastily?”
“Shangguan Lingyue!” Shangguan Long glared at her. “Who do you think you are, speaking to me like this!?”
“I’m your sister, the one who fought for you and the empire, just like Brother Yan.” Shangguan Lingyue said, “If you’re innocent, why not let me investigate?”
“Could the rumors be true? Were you jealous of the Yan family’s influence in the army, so…”
Shangguan Long’s sword was now pressed against her neck, as if ready to strike.
Just like with Shangguan Yaochang.
“Investigate if you want,”
He said, “but I’ve received intel that the Baiyao Dynasty and the Xifeng Kingdom are planning to invade. Before you investigate that matter, only you can handle the border situation.”
Shangguan Lingyue pushed the sword away and said calmly, “As you command.”
This conversation might have played right into Shangguan Yaochang’s hands.
If there was any remaining familial affection between them, now Shangguan Lingyue only felt suspicion, disappointment, and the formality of a subject towards her ruler.
And she wasn’t the only one.
Two women, hidden by Invisibility Talismans, had witnessed the entire scene.
Yan Chuyue and Gong Yiling.
This exchange was truly shocking.
Even though Yan Chuyue was now a transmigrator, in Gong Yiling’s memory, this protagonist valued loyalty and affection above all.
Especially family.
In the novel, she spent considerable effort tracking down her father’s killer, a notorious villain, and eliminated him without hesitation.
And regarding General Yan’s death, the novel didn’t elaborate, only mentioning suspicions of other demonic sects being involved, as it seemed impossible for that single villain to kill the powerful general and escape unscathed.
But all those suspicions vanished with the villain’s death—it made sense. If Emperor Shangguan Long was the killer, he was practically a cripple at the time.
There was no glory in defeating a cripple.
But now it was different.
Gong Yiling turned to the invisible Yan Chuyue and whispered, “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine.”
The author was calm.
Calm my ass!
Fortunately, Gong Yiling had given her an Invisibility Talisman, allowing her to make exaggerated expressions without being seen.
What a joke! Shangguan Long ordered her father’s, I mean, General Yan’s, death?
When writing about General Yan’s death, she had thought of her own father, who was very kind to her when she was young.
So she just… created a scapegoat and some plot hooks for future use.
That was it!
That useless Emperor Shangguan Long wasn’t supposed to have such a significant role.
Usurping the throne, killing a loyal general…
There were indeed some who suspected him, but he simply presented himself as a bedridden, helpless ruler.
And then no one suspected him of being the mastermind.
But today, she, the author, was utterly shocked by this plot twist.
And the most ridiculous thing was, it actually made sense. The useless Emperor was now a formidable mid-boss.
It was like… here’s the pen, you write the story.
The original author was busy making Zhongli race horses in Teyvat. (A reference to the game Genshin Impact)
“If he’s still alive,” Gong Yiling said casually, “should we just… kill him now?”
“There’s no need.” Yan Chuyue replied, “Shangguan Lingyue is ten times stronger than him, and she can also be a stepping stone for your disciple. If he does anything else, or if his past deeds are exposed, Ziyuan will deal with him herself.”
“You don’t want to kill him?”
Gong Yiling asked seriously, their usual playful banter gone.
“Those who commit injustice will face their own consequences.” Yan Chuyue wasn’t interested in revenge.
However, if Shangguan Lingyue or Shangguan Ziyuan decided to act against him, she would help.
“But your father died at his hands. I thought you would be more… enraged.” Gong Yiling muttered, then suddenly realized something.
“Wait, how do you know Shangguan Ziyuan is still alive?”
