I Can Control My Ancestors

Chapter 555 - 60: The Struggle to Depose the Empress (Part 2)

Simply put, they don’t believe this was the Empress’s doing and need to investigate further.

Empress Wang’s maternal family is at the core of the Guanlong group.

The entire Guanlong group is intertwined; any minor disturbance affects the whole. Their interests are of concern to many, thus they will naturally intervene.

As long as someone raises the issue in court, Zhangsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang, as entrusted ministers, have enough influence to oppose it and turn the focus towards a thorough investigation.

The positions of other ministers on this matter are similar.

Among these people, many are newly appointed officials with limited experience, unable to grasp the implications immediately.

With an impartial heart, they believe this matter should be handled with caution.

The confrontation involving the entire court is thus temporarily set aside amidst this struggle.

Even Li Zhi couldn’t fully express his core thoughts.

He only revealed a slight attitude.

This prompted a united backlash from the entire Guanlong group.

History has indeed changed; the appearance of the Gu Clan prevented the Guanlong group from maintaining its historical dominance, but this does not mean the Guanlong group is without influence.

This is the current situation.

In the original history, Li Zhi’s situation would have been even more challenging than it is now.

This matter was thus halted.

However, the influence caused within Princess Zhen’s court was still significant, and there was great panic within the entire Guanlong group as everyone seemed to realize what might happen next.

An invisible storm rapidly gathered in secret.

The night was deep, and the moonlight was like white silk.

The Zhao Duke’s residence was brightly lit.

Zhangsun Wuji sat at the head, quietly waiting for the ministers to arrive.

As time passed, figures arrived one by one, all core figures of the Guanlong aristocracy, intricately linked with many familial ties.

Their expressions were extremely serious, including Empress Wang’s father, Wang Renyou.

Zhangsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang kept their eyes on everyone.

Beside them.

There was also an empty seat, seemingly waiting for an important person.

Finally, a servant approached to report:

"Grand Commandant, the Duke of England... claims to be ill and cannot come."

As those words fell, Zhangsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang seemed to have anticipated this, remaining unmoved, but the others’ gazes turned cold, filled with chill.

Especially Wang Renyou.

Unable to hold back, he harshly scolded on the spot: "Li Ji, that scoundrel! No more than a former subordinate of Wagang, yet dares to fail the trust of the late emperor!"

— Yes, they were waiting for Li Ji, not Gu Jing.

The Gu Clan could not possibly be involved in such matters.

Everyone understood this.

And if they wanted to prevent Li Zhi from deposing Empress Wang, they needed to prepare everything.

Li Ji was crucial to this.

But clearly, Li Ji too had no desire to meddle in this affair.

Once those words fell, scolding voices rose in a continuous stream.

The Guanlong nobles already looked down on the likes of Li Ji from Shandong, and at this moment, they would show no mercy.

Zhangsun Wuji suddenly raised his hand and sternly shouted: "Silence!"

"Do you all think the situation isn’t chaotic enough?"

The hall instantly fell quiet.

He was now the undisputed leader of the Guanlong aristocracy.

Even someone like Wang Renyou, the Empress’s father, dared not disregard Zhangsun Wuji.

"The emperor’s intention to depose the empress is clear. Continuing this debate only invites trouble!"

"If this spreads—"

Zhangsun Wuji’s expression became more severe: "Wouldn’t that be handing others a handle?"

The hall was silent enough to hear a pin drop.

Beside him, Chu Suiliang nodded at the right time, speaking in a low voice: "The Grand Commandant is absolutely correct."

"The urgent matter... our brothers must abandon distractions, unite in cooperation, and discuss strategies together."

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately realized, their expressions turning serious once again, and they began to carefully discuss solutions.

Thinking of some strategies wasn’t too difficult, in fact.

After all, Empress Wang was bestowed in marriage by Li Shimin.

And was Li Shimin’s personally appointed Crown Prince Consort.

But these reasons couldn’t stop an emperor who had made up his mind.

This is what’s most critical now!

"Perhaps... seek out the Grand Tutor?"

Suddenly, someone instinctively suggested.

It seemed to open a path of thought, instantly making Wang Renyou’s eyes light up as he looked at Zhangsun Wuji: "Indeed, if we can get the Grand Tutor’s help."

"With the emperor’s regard for the Grand Tutor... this matter would be worry-free!"

As he spoke, a hint of pleading appeared in his eyes.

He had already sought out Gu Jing.

But Gu Jing completely ignored him.

Wang Renyou felt helpless about this, but he thought Zhangsun Wuji would be different; surely Gu Jing would show him some courtesy.

But regardless if it was Zhangsun Wuji or Chu Suiliang, both ignored what he said.

Solicit the Gu Clan’s assistance?

On what grounds?

Anyone with such a thought clearly doesn’t understand the Gu Clan’s principles.

For the Gu Clan to not interfere in these matters is already a great blessing for them.

If it were during the Former Han period.

Once the emperor had such an idea, the Gu Clan would immediately give resounding support.

That would be despairing!

Seeing Zhangsun Wuji remain silent, Wang Renyou became increasingly anxious.

Suppressing his emotions, he gritted his teeth and brought up several times "if we could get the Gu Clan’s assistance," seeing Zhangsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang remained unresponsive, he finally could not hold back any longer, harshly demanding: "Grand Commandant! What is the meaning of this?!"

Wang Renyou could not suppress the anger surging in his chest.