I Am Truly Not a Treacherous Minister Your Majesty

Chapter 33: The Endgame

Qin Ji never expected that the emperor would pass the buck so blatantly.

Of course, Qin Ji didn’t think that the emperor’s assassination attempt could clear his own suspicion. After all, Xia Yuxiao would not easily trust him. In her eyes, this assassination might have been orchestrated by someone else, but the previous assassination was likely planned by Qin Ji himself.

Facing such an emperor, Qin Ji had nothing to say. Of course, he didn’t think Xia Yuxiao was being harsh.

An emperor is like this; many people covet this position. As a concubine-born princess, Xia Yuxiao received less support. If it weren’t for some ministers led by Duke An, she wouldn’t have been able to compete with the princes who were naturally favored by the late emperor.

Therefore, she would not easily trust others. Even her own followers were connected by a tight chain of interests. From Qin Ji’s father to Qin Ji’s regency, Xia Yuxiao’s ascension was gradually paved.

Although he didn’t know why his father pushed her to the throne, even though there were more competitive candidates, Qin Ji was convinced of one thing: Xia Yuxiao was indeed a rare excellent emperor. He would help if he could.

What? You ask why she is an excellent emperor?

You can tell from the major things she announced she would do when she ascended the throne. Although her personality had become overly sensitive due to long-term struggles, she genuinely wanted to improve the Xia Kingdom.

So, facing the buck passed by the emperor, Qin Ji had to accept it and was willing to help her with some tasks. If he did well, he would gain favor. If not…

If not, she wouldn’t dare to do anything to him.

Yes, that’s the logic. With soldiers in hand, he had a strong backbone.

“I will do my utmost to handle this matter properly.”

Qin Ji said respectfully.

Coincidentally, he also believed that this assassin had some connection with the group of death warriors who had previously attempted to assassinate him. Moreover, the assassin was so familiar with the inner workings of the palace, clearly not an ordinary bandit. From the tight encirclement and infiltration methods, it was evident that an ordinary family could not afford such an assassin.

It was likely that the assassin was a member of the royal family or a central minister. Or perhaps… both.

Qin Ji was not worried about the central ministers. Although they held significant power, it was only relative to local officials. Compared to himself and the emperor, they were still far behind. Currently, the military power of the Xia Kingdom was not in their hands. Instead, the princes were more likely suspects.

“Ling Yan, thank you this time.”

He turned around and said sincerely.

From the beginning, he had a hunch that Ling Yan would definitely come. Although he had no reliable evidence to prove it, he just had that feeling.

“You’re welcome, it’s my duty.” Ling Yan restrained her mischievous nature in front of the emperor.

“Miss Ling Yan is truly loyal,” the head of the Dragon Guard gave Qin Ji a strange look, “To be honest, Qin Gong, Miss Ling Yan broke in from the main gate with weapons, and the imperial guards couldn’t stop her. If we hadn’t intervened to understand the situation, I would have thought she was here to publicly assassinate the emperor.”

Ah, this…

Well, it was indeed her style.

Qin Ji did not question how Ling Yan knew he was in trouble from such a distance. To him, it was enough that his personal guard was loyal to him. As for how she confirmed his safety and location, whether through eavesdropping or curses, he didn’t want to ask and didn’t plan to.

Everyone has their little secrets, and Qin Ji was no exception. So he wouldn’t demand that Ling Yan be completely honest with him. She came from a demonic sect and knew many unconventional methods. As long as she didn’t use them for evil, the methods themselves were not a problem.

“Qin Gong, you have rendered a great service in saving the emperor. I will reward you another day,” Xia Yuxiao finally breathed a sigh of relief.

No matter what, Qin Ji had saved her. Although Xia Yuxiao couldn’t rule out the possibility that Qin Ji had staged the whole thing, it was a fact that he had protected her from danger in front of the Dragon Guards and other witnesses. Therefore, she had to reward him.

But… what else could she reward him with? He had already received almost everything he deserved.

Thinking of this, Xia Yuxiao felt a headache coming on.

“I dare not ask for any reward. I will do my best to investigate this matter. It will not be too late for Your Majesty to reward me after the truth is revealed.”

This meant that he was still under suspicion, so it was better not to give any false rewards now. Once he proved his innocence, she could reward him then.

“Very well.” Xia Yuxiao nodded, “Oh, by the way, the tea you asked for earlier, along with this fire-reducing tea, I will have someone send them to your residence. But remember, this is a reward from me—only for you.”

Ah, understood.

Only I can drink it, and I shouldn’t let others taste the imperial tribute.

Unexpectedly, she cared about such things.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace.”

With that, the matters that Qin Ji needed to handle were over. The Dragon Guards would take over the aftermath in the imperial garden. They were not new to such situations and quickly began to search every corner of the garden, capturing or even killing any remaining enemies.

“Qin Ji.”

Seeing everyone busy, Xia Yuxiao whispered.

“I am here.”

“You… I don’t know if you will brush me off,” Xia Yuxiao shook her head helplessly, then suddenly continued in a very low tone, “Qin Ji, am I really so unfit to be a ruler?”

Qin Ji was stunned.

He didn’t know if the emperor was sincere or testing him. The place where she had grabbed him still ached. However, seeing her dejected look, he hesitated, wondering whether to be rational or to speak his true thoughts.

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“Your Majesty, I can only say that no matter what you do, it is impossible to satisfy everyone.”

He pondered for a moment, then continued:

“In that case, instead of caring about those who oppose you, Your Majesty, why not see how the common people of this world view you? In the grand hall, Your Majesty cannot hear the voices of the elderly and children.”

Imperial Edict

Imperial Day: Da Lizi, previously did not update, which displeased me. Therefore, I ordered the Dragon Guard to raid his house and commanded him to update for three more days as a warning to others. All ministers must supervise, and updates will start at the third quarter of noon today.