"Besides, we can investigate in secret and see whether someone deliberately framed you. Only by finding the real culprit can we clear your name."
Wang Qinian nodded helplessly. "That's the only way. Send people to investigate at once. Make sure you find out exactly who's plotting against me behind the scenes!"
By then, Lin Taichu had already anticipated Prince An and Wang Qinian's reactions. Standing by the window, he watched the Guards coming and going through the palace, a faint smile curling at his lips. He knew his plan was already taking effect.
Next, all he had to do was maintain this state of inconclusive investigation and make both Prince An and Wang Qinian lower their guard.
At the same time, he needed to secretly gather further evidence of their crimes: Prince An's monopoly over the medicinal herbs trade, his oppression of the people, and even his attempt to murder Lin Taichu and His Majesty's envoy; Wang Qinian's plot to murder the Empress Dowager, his faction-building for personal gain, and his corruption and bribery.
Once he gathered enough evidence, he could present it all to Your Majesty at the right moment.
When that time came, no matter how much Prince An and Wang Qinian tried to defend themselves, it would be useless. Both men would be utterly disgraced and receive the punishment they deserved.
However, Lin Taichu also knew this would not be easy. Prince An and Wang Qinian were both cunning old foxes. To collect evidence of their crimes, he would have to be extremely careful and avoid alerting them.
Moreover, Prince An had informants everywhere in the palace. Every move Lin Taichu made could be under surveillance.
Thus, Lin Taichu deliberately slowed the pace of the investigation. Each day, he merely went through the motions of questioning Granny