Talk about kicking someone when they are already down. That's exactly what these generals planned to do to Emperor Zhao. They had been searching for the Marshal throughout all corners of the universe and with no conclusive evidence they decided he was still alive. The man had survived countless near death experiences in the past so how could he die easily. They were preoccupied diligently searching for the Marshal when they found out a certain vulture was already circling over the Marshal's position before the seat had even cooled down.
Even if something might have happened to the Marshal they would never allow Emperor Zhao to take over the fleet which is why they didn't hesitate to hack the imperial palace and make that statement.