Hearing Zheng Xuan's name, Ju Zong was overjoyed. If this Leader of the Literary World among the Confucian scholars of their age stepped forward, even the Son of Heaven would have to show him some respect!
Dong Zhong smiled as well and said, "Then it's settled. Let us each make our preparations."
"Everyone, this concerns whether we can continue to hold our ground in the Imperial Court. We absolutely cannot treat it lightly."
"You should all understand what is at stake."
This was their only chance to enter the ring against the Son of Heaven. If they missed it, regaining the initiative later would be harder than climbing to heaven.
Everyone nodded gravely, even Dou Fu, who was at odds with Cui Yan.
The feud between their two clans was ultimately their own affair. He could distinguish what mattered more.
After a little more discussion, they left the secret chamber one after another and departed by carriage through the Cui Residence's back gate.
But in the deep darkness of the night, several pairs of eyes watched them before silently following, like birds skimming past.
Chapter 498: Send Zhou Yu Across the Sea to the Philippines! Find Sweet Potatoes!
Weiyang Palace, Wen Room.
"You mean... they're plotting something?"
Liu Xie closed the progress report on the construction of ocean-going treasure ships submitted by the Foundry Bureau and turned his gaze toward Jia Xu.
Jia Xu replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, Cui Yan secretly gathered the clan heads of the Great Aristocratic Families at his residence last night. Such conduct is truly suspicious."
"I believe they may have been secretly discussing something treasonous."
Liu Xie raised an eyebrow and pressed, "Then did you find out exactly what they discussed?"
Jia Xu shook his head. "They met in a secret chamber, with guards both