"For now, the situation remains unclear. All we can do is wait."
Yang Qing told Jiang Zhizhou, "By provoking Duan Hongzhuo, Duan Ziqian temporarily averted the danger of Northern Liang's frontier army invading Western Chu's Yan Pass again. But he also placed himself in grave peril."
"Given Duan Hongzhuo's temperament, being summoned back by one golden decree after another while he was sweeping triumphantly across the frontier must have left him seething."
"What's more, Duan Ziqian dared reject his grand plan to march south before all the civil and military officials. In my view, he must be entertaining quite a few ideas by now."
Jiang Zhizhou said, "Surely he isn't thinking of deposing the emperor?"
The moment those words left his mouth, Jiang Zhizhou was startled by his own realization.
Duan Hongzhuo had served as regent for years, and most of the court's civil and military officials belonged to his faction.
If he truly harbored such intentions, his chances of success were very high.
With his current capabilities, Duan Ziqian could not possibly contend with him.
"In that case, I must go to the palace and explain what is at stake to His Majesty, so he can take precautions."
As he spoke, Jiang Zhizhou rose to leave, only for Yang Qing to stop him.
"What would you accomplish by going?" Yang Qing looked up at Jiang Zhizhou.
"I would warn His Majesty to beware of the hidden hand working against him, of course."
Yet Yang Qing shook his head. "If His Majesty asks how you learned all this, how will you answer?"
Since he intended to warn the emperor, he would naturally have to explain every connection involved and make Duan Ziqian understand the present situation.
But if he did so, there was no telling how Duan Ziqian would respond.