As Lu Yu finished speaking, Xiong Qingcang said: "If a member of the Royal Family were to become the Commander of the Deceit Suppression Bureau, it might compromise the bureauâs independence."
The Deceit Suppression Bureau holds excessive power, and losing its independence could easily turn it into a tool for the courtâs political struggles. At that point, the bureau might be unable to fulfill its duties properly.
Lu Yu said: "At this stage, why worry about such things? Ever since Princess Yunâan began interacting with the bureau, the Royal Family has been poised to intervene in its affairs."
When Ji Yunmeng first mentioned wanting to train at the bureau, it raised the alert of some members, as this was the first time a Royal Family member had come to the bureau. However, considering Ji Yunmeng was just a princess, most people didnât pay much attention.
But in hindsight, perhaps Ji Yunmengâs presence at the bureau was a deliberate move by the Royal Family, more accurately Emperor Zhouâs idea. Emperor Zhou, trapped in the Imperial Palace and isolated, naturally seeks stronger allies to overturn the situation.
Lu Yu sighed and continued: "The political battles in the court are becoming increasingly fierce. A place like the Deceit Suppression Bureau, full of powerful figures, will inevitably draw attention. Itâs unlikely the bureau can remain uninvolved."
The Empress Dowager has already started pressuring the bureau. If they continue neglecting their duties, and no one wants to take command, the Empress Dowager might appoint someone from outside or force someone to take the fall.
Wu Feng then said: "Director Lu is right. Ever since Princess Yunâan started engaging with the bureau, maintaining its independence has become challenging."
Everyone knows Ji Yunmeng is Emperor Zhouâs most beloved daughter, and sheâs the only princess currently granted a title by him. If the Empress Dowagerâs faction believes she wasnât sent by Emperor Zhou, itâs unlikely they would believe it.
Now that even Emperor Zhou has reached into the bureau, the Empress Dowager will surely make her moves, seeking to insert her people into the bureau as well.
Or perhaps she aims to prevent Emperor Zhouâs control over the bureau.
Thus, the bureauâs higher-ups suspect the Empress Dowager might intentionally try to make them take the blame, just to shake things up.
At this moment, Zou Yi asked: "If a member of the Royal Family were to become Commander, who would be the best candidate?"
Upon hearing this, everyone fell into deep thought. Apart from Ji Yunmeng, other Royal Family members seemingly have no understanding of the bureauâs operations. Randomly appointing someone unfamiliar with its workings as Commander might lead to chaos.
At this, Lu Yu said: "Perhaps Princess Yunâan should be appointed as Commander, as she has a good understanding of the bureau."
Upon hearing this, all directors furrowed their brows. Xiong Qingcang spoke up: "Director Lu, do you know what this implies?"
"If Princess Yunâan becomes the Commander, it means we are siding with Your Majesty, and we will face more severe pressures."
The Empress Dowager already sent Lu Chen, a hot potato, to the bureau as a way to shake them up. If Princess Yunâan also becomes Commander, the Empress Dowagerâs faction may target the bureau even more aggressively.
Given the current situation, standing either with the Empress Dowager or with Emperor Zhou does not promise a good outcome. Therefore, it seems best to choose a Royal Family member not connected to any factions to assume the Commander role.
Upon hearing Xiong Qingcangâs words, Lu Yu retorted: "Does Director Xiong believe that simply switching to a Royal Family member without ties to either side will prevent the Empress Dowager from suppressing the bureau?"
Lu Yu continued: "Sheâll do it regardless. Since the Empress Dowager already wants the bureau to take the fall, she wonât easily give up, and someone must take the blame, especially regarding Zhen Nan Prince Manor."
The First Generation Prince Zhen Nan was a great hero of Dazhou, so unless the Zhen Nan Prince Manor openly rebelled, the Great Zhou Royal Family wouldnât openly act against them. If acting in secret, a scapegoat is needed nonetheless.
The bureau is an ideal place for this. If Lu Chen is killed by spiritual evil, then the fall of Zhen Nan Prince Manor would have nothing to do with the Great Zhou Royal Family.
Lu Yu then said: "Princess Yunâan sides with Zhen Nan Prince Manor, so if she becomes the unfortunate Commander, at least Zhen Nan Prince Manor will feel the bureau is supporting them. In this way, even if Master Lu really encounters an incident at the bureau, it could mitigate the anger of Zhen Nan Prince Manorâs powerful figures."
Listening to Lu Yuâs reasoning, the group felt that indeed appointing Ji Yunmeng as Commander seemed appropriate.
The most crucial aspect is that Ji Yunmeng is already well-acquainted with the bureau; appointing her would minimize potential mismanagement.
After a momentâs thought, Zou Yi spoke up: "Well, in that case, let us invite Princess Yunâan to the bureau to take on the role of Commander."
Xiong Qingcang then said: "Even if we agree, Iâm afraid the Empress Dowager wonât approve."
Ji Yunmeng, being Emperor Zhouâs daughter, would hardly be allowed by Pei Shuhua to control the bureau. The Empress Dowager will definitely try to stop it.
However, Lu Yu then said: "Not necessarily. The Empress Dowager might actually be pleased to see Princess Yunâan become the Commander of the bureau."
Xiong Qingcang asked: "Why is that?"
Lu Yu directly replied: "If Master Lu encounters any issues at the bureau, it would be Princess Yunâanâs responsibility. And Princess Yunâan is Emperor Zhouâs favorite daughter. You understand why?"
Upon hearing Lu Yuâs words, the group suddenly realized that if Lu Chen were to encounter trouble, it would essentially shift the blame to Emperor Zhou. Thus, the Empress Dowagerâs faction could seize this opportunity to further suppress the Imperial Faction.
After some discussion, the group proceeded together to the Fan Mansion to probe Fan Yaodongâs attitude and see if he was willing to return to the bureau to take charge.
The result was as they expected, Fan Yaodong had no intention of returning to the bureau.
They then proceeded to Yunâan Princess Mansion.
Princess Mansion.
Ji Yunmeng sat in a garden full of green plants and flowers, with a pearl, emitting purple spiritual evil, floating before her. The purple Deceit Pearlâs spiritual evil was continuously entering Ji Yunmengâs body.
Just then, a maid entered the garden, "Princess, several directors from the Deceit Suppression Bureau wish to see you."
Upon hearing this, Ji Yunmeng raised her hand, and the Deceit Pearl instantly flew into her palm. Without saying anything, Ji Yunmeng walked toward the front hall.
Upon reaching the front hall, Lu Yu and the others saw Ji Yunmeng and quickly bowed together, saying: "We pay respects to Her Highness the Princess!"
Ji Yunmeng said: "Thereâs no need for such formalities, gentlemen."
"May I ask why you have come seeking me at this hour?"