As Lu Yu finished speaking, Xiong Qingcang said: "If a mber of the Royal Family were to beco the Commander of the Deceit Suppression Bureau, it might compromise the bureau’s independence."
The Deceit Suppression Bureau holds excessive power, and losing its independence could easily turn it into a tool for the court’s 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 Yun’an began interacting with the bureau, the Royal Family has been poised to intervene in its affairs."
When Ji Yunng first ntioned wanting to train at the bureau, it raised the alert of so mbers, as this was the first ti a Royal Family mber had co to the bureau. However, considering Ji Yunng was just a princess, most people didn’t pay much attention.
But in hindsight, perhaps Ji Yunng’s presence at the bureau was a deliberate move by the Royal Family, more accurately Emperor Zhou’s 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. It’s 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 soone from outside or force soone to take the fall.
Wu Feng then said: "Director Lu is right. Ever since Princess Yun’an started engaging with the bureau, maintaining its independence has beco challenging."
Everyone knows Ji Yunng is Emperor Zhou’s most beloved daughter, and she’s the only princess currently granted a title by him. If the Empress Dowager’s faction believes she wasn’t sent by Emperor Zhou, it’s 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 Zhou’s control over the bureau.
Thus, the bureau’s higher-ups suspect the Empress Dowager might intentionally try to make them take the bla, just to shake things up.
At this mont, Zou Yi asked: "If a mber of the Royal Family were to beco Commander, who would be the best candidate?"
Upon hearing this, everyone fell into deep thought. Apart from Ji Yunng, other Royal Family mbers seemingly have no understanding of the bureau’s operations. Randomly appointing soone unfamiliar with its workings as Commander might lead to chaos.
At this, Lu Yu said: "Perhaps Princess Yun’an 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 Yun’an becos the Commander, it ans 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 Yun’an also becos Commander, the Empress Dowager’s 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 outco. Therefore, it seems best to choose a Royal Family mber not connected to any factions to assu the Commander role.
Upon hearing Xiong Qingcang’s words, Lu Yu retorted: "Does Director Xiong believe that simply switching to a Royal Family mber without ties to either side will prevent the Empress Dowager from suppressing the bureau?"
Lu Yu continued: "She’ll do it regardless. Since the Empress Dowager already wants the bureau to take the fall, she won’t easily give up, and soone must take the bla, 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 wouldn’t 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 Yun’an sides with Zhen Nan Prince Manor, so if she becos 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 Manor’s powerful figures."
Listening to Lu Yu’s reasoning, the group felt that indeed appointing Ji Yunng as Commander seed appropriate.
The most crucial aspect is that Ji Yunng is already well-acquainted with the bureau; appointing her would minimize potential mismanagent.
After a mont’s thought, Zou Yi spoke up: "Well, in that case, let us invite Princess Yun’an to the bureau to take on the role of Commander."
Xiong Qingcang then said: "Even if we agree, I’m afraid the Empress Dowager won’t approve."
Ji Yunng, being Emperor Zhou’s 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 Yun’an beco 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 Yun’an’s responsibility. And Princess Yun’an is Emperor Zhou’s favorite daughter. You understand why?"
Upon hearing Lu Yu’s words, the group suddenly realized that if Lu Chen were to encounter trouble, it would essentially shift the bla to Emperor Zhou. Thus, the Empress Dowager’s faction could seize this opportunity to further suppress the Imperial Faction.
After so discussion, the group proceeded together to the Fan Mansion to probe Fan Yaodong’s 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 Yun’an Princess Mansion.
Princess Mansion.
Ji Yunng sat in a garden full of green plants and flowers, with a pearl, emitting purple spiritual evil, floating before her. The purple Deceit Pearl’s spiritual evil was continuously entering Ji Yunng’s body.
Just then, a maid entered the garden, "Princess, several directors from the Deceit Suppression Bureau wish to see you."
Upon hearing this, Ji Yunng raised her hand, and the Deceit Pearl instantly flew into her palm. Without saying anything, Ji Yunng walked toward the front hall.
Upon reaching the front hall, Lu Yu and the others saw Ji Yunng and quickly bowed together, saying: "We pay respects to Her Highness the Princess!"
Ji Yunng said: "There’s no need for such formalities, gentlen."
"May I ask why you have co seeking at this hour?"
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