It was so sudden that Toghto and the others could hardly believe their ears.
Whatever else he was, Qiu Luan was a first-rank official of the Ming court, the Pacify-the-Rong Grand General personally appointed by Emperor Jiajing, and the highest-ranking official in the entire Defeat-the-Barbarians Guard. How could they move against him just like that?
Even Chen Gui had no such authority!
Under Great Ming law, he could only submit an impeachment memorial, not remove him from office or detain him.
"It was the Embroidered Uniform Guard."
The Mongol warrior said, "Shi Dao and Hou Rong went to ask Chen Gui for renowned physicians from the Capital City. For some reason, an argument broke out inside. Afterward, Han Xinting suddenly rushed out of the courtyard and led men to search Hou Rong's quarters. They found the Golden Arrow and White Banner and the Alliance Blood Oath..."
"..."
Silence filled the room.
Toghto closed his eyes, then slammed the table in fury. "Useless fool! He even let them find something like that! If he doesn't deserve to die, who does?"
"It isn't entirely his fault..."
The Poison King sighed. "The Embroidered Uniform Guard are experts at searching homes, especially someone as experienced as Han Xinting. No matter how well he hid it, he couldn't have kept it from him. Ultimately, the Ming court had grown suspicious. Still, they were decisive enough. Now all our arrangements have gone down the drain..."
Toghto's brow furrowed deeply.
The other members of the Thirteen Wings looked grim too.
Previously, Qiu Luan had kept wavering, unwilling to give up his wealth, rank, fame, and privileges. He had only offered bribes, refusing to submit. But as the Thirteen Guardians uncovered more and more, he could no longer sit still and finally relented.
This time, his ploy of