I Can Control My Ancestors

Chapter 554 - 60: The Struggle to Depose the Empress

——The princess suddenly died within the depths of the palace.

Regardless of the dynasty, such an event is destined to stir a storm, especially since the child had always been healthy.

This sudden death would become the fuse igniting the court’s upheaval.

The entire Imperial Palace was almost immediately sealed off by Li Zhi’s orders.

He initially intended to summon all the ministers at once.

But amid his thoughts, Li Zhi calmed down, arranged everything, and immediately returned to Taiji Hall, then ordered:

"Summon the Grand Tutor at once!"

.....

Gu Jing received the news from the harem first.

Although he could not uncover all the details, he had a general understanding—Empress Wang had visited the princess before His Majesty went to Li Zheng Hall.

This detail gave Gu Jing a vague instant awareness.

It’s just that the outcome... was quite unimaginable for ordinary people.

But Gu Jing was different.

As someone well-versed in political strategies, he understood human nature, never presupposed goodwill, and instead habitually explored evil motives through entanglements of interests.

Now it was no different...

Recalling Wu Zetian’s actions during her time at Ganye Temple and her swift rise after entering the palace, an answer seemed to emerge unconsciously.

He was not bothered to think through the details.

Empress Wang had always been harsh and unkind within the palace, such a person couldn’t truly have confidants, and in the depths of the palace, how could she guard against everything comprehensively?

"Foolish." Gu Jing shook his head slightly, voicing his judgment once again.

This conclusion was identical to that of the past!

"Grand Tutor, His Majesty summons you." The voice of the attendant outside rang at the right moment.

Gu Jing heard it, remained calm, and stood up, his robe sleeves slightly moving as he headed out.

The entire palace exuded a solemn air.

Li Zhi had suppressed all information, but the series of movements caused the atmosphere in the palace to change again and again.

Everyone felt the Emperor’s anger.

Whether it was the palace maidservants or the guards, at this moment, they all felt as if walking on thin ice.

Taiji Hall.

Before entering the hall, Gu Jing already heard the sound of slapping on the dragon table like thunder in his ears, showing how furious Li Zhi truly was.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

Gu Jing entered the hall, his expression calm, saluting according to etiquette.

Almost simultaneously, Li Zhi’s gaze pierced onto him like flames, discarding all pleasantries, stabbing straight to the core: "Grand Tutor, can I depose the Empress?"

The atmosphere within the hall changed instantly—

Li Zhi was truly furious, but he was not a fool, clearly understanding that deposing the Empress was a matter of great significance, impossible to bypass the court ministers.

Why summon Gu Jing alone?

Because Gu Jing was on the same side as the royal family, and behind Empress Wang stood the aristocracy of Guanlong.

Although history had undergone many changes.

Li Zhi could not directly summon Zhangsun Wuji, Chu Suiliang, and others under such circumstances.

Seemingly afraid that Gu Jing would not agree, before he could speak, Li Zhi disclosed everything that happened in the harem today.

His eyes were red, staring intently at Gu Jing: "That was my own flesh and blood!"

"Gone just like that..."

"I never even... heard her cry once!"

"This woman’s heart, how poisonous it is!"

Li Zhi seemed completely overwhelmed by emotion, his eyes red as he stared closely at Gu Jing, asking again: "Grand Tutor, can I depose the Empress?"

The hall fell silent as the words ended.

Gu Jing’s expression remained as calm as water, after a brief contemplation, he responded softly: "This is Your Majesty’s family matter, there’s no need to ask your minister."

Actually——

If Empress Wang had a son and was not so disliked by Li Zhi, he might have lent a hand.

After all, this act would benefit the entire realm!

Given Empress Wang’s status, the Guanlong aristocracy would undoubtedly fully support the Crown Prince in the future.

But unfortunately....Empress Wang had no offspring, and Li Zhi’s distaste for her had reached an uncontrollable degree.

Judging from Li Zhi’s current attitude, it was evident.

He clearly wanted to use this opportunity to decisively settle the matter.

As an Empress, to be so loathed by the Emperor, despite being fairly beautiful, it spoke volumes.

Gu Jing could not assist her under such circumstances.

At this crucial moment for the Great Tang——

His mind needed to focus entirely on the Imperial Censorate.

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi instinctively breathed a sigh of relief.

Gaining Gu Jing’s support.

This gave him immense confidence, even if he fully broke with the entire Guanlong faction, he would not fear anything.

"I understand," he suddenly calmed down, his entire demeanor growing even sharper.

Gu Jing didn’t say much more.

Seeing this, Gu Jing didn’t linger. When Li Zhi remained silent, he bowed once more to the imperial throne, then turned to leave the hall.

"Your minister takes his leave."....

.....

——A shocking turn of events!

As Gu Jing departed, the lockdown within the entire palace was immediately lifted, and the ministers received the news, being summoned to the Imperial Palace by Li Zhi.

Li Zhi indeed displayed some capabilities.

He did not disclose his intentions, only narrated everything that happened in the harem in front of the ministers.

He even cried before the ministers and intended to posthumously honor the late princess.

Until finally——

He mentioned the core concern everyone was focused on.

How to handle Empress Wang!

Li Zhi did not speak of deposing her, but once Empress Wang became the culprit, the outcome seemed inevitable.

However, even then.

The Guanlong faction still stood out at this time, even if Zhangsun Wuji, Chu Suiliang, and others said nothing, there were ministers offering counsel.