Chapter 97: Unmasking the Betrayal
Lin Yuer arranges a private meeting with the members of her council whom she trusts most, including Wei Li, Master Liu, and a few other loyal advisors. Together, they hatch a plan to expose Zhang Wei's faction without causing an outright scandal that could destabilize the entire empire.
In the dead of night, Lin Yuer's agents, disguised as servants, infiltrate the palace meeting chambers where Zhang Wei and his allies are plotting. The plan is simple: gather irrefutable evidence of their conspiracy.
The next morning, Lin Yuer receives a report that the evidence has been secured. As expected, the conspirators had underestimated the lengths Lin Yuer would go to protect her reign. With the documents in hand, Lin Yuer calls an emergency meeting with the court, where the evidence will be presented publicly.
When the assembly gathers, Lin Yuer stands before them, holding up the incriminating documents. The room falls into stunned silence as the conspirators are unmasked. Zhang Wei tries to maintain his composure, but his face betrays him as Lin Yuer reveals the extent of his betrayal—secret negotiations with foreign powers, attempts to incite rebellion, and plans to assassinate her.
Without hesitation, Lin Yuer orders the immediate arrest of Zhang Wei and his key supporters. The conspirators are taken away, and the court watches in a mixture of fear and awe. Lin Yuer's decisive action sends a clear message: disloyalty will not be tolerated, no matter the rank or status.