Chapter 302: The Imperial Edict

Seamus grasped the implication. “Several officials?”

“Of course, more than ten. Some outrank you!” Ashley said proudly.

Seamus hadn't expected other officials' letters to be intercepted. If so, Ashley aimed to completely expand Kamari's influence within Argentum. What exactly is this woman planning? Just the title of Consort Ashley? he wondered.

“Sir, consider this. If loyal to the King, show him your loyalty!” Ashley bowed. “Goodbye!”

Seamus's face paled as he slumped weakly into his chair.

Ashley left Seamus's residence with a smile. The second person was the Crown Prince's young master, Deangelo Nicholson. The third was the Marshal of the Imperial Guards.

That night, Oliver returned to the Duke's estate. Hearing Oliver's report, Isolde said, “She’s clever. Using evidence to restrain these ministers. Their recommendations secure her position in the imperial harem.”

“I thought she’d go straight to the palace,” Oliver said.

Isolde shook her head. “Entering the palace so easily wouldn't be possible. Even if she delivered the letters, explaining everything would be difficult. Palace entry offers temporary merit; restraining these ministers grants continuous power and support. Her strategy is obvious.”

“You’re right,” Oliver agreed.

Isolde asked, “Are the letters in her hands now?”

“Hattie retrieved them, but Ashley already took several. We’re missing a few,” Oliver replied, producing a stack of letters from his sleeve and placing them before Isolde.

The letters, originally sealed with lacquer stamps, were broken, having been read by King Kamari. Isolde examined them one by one, then handed them back to Oliver. There were thirty-two letters of significant importance, revealing confidential court affairs and strategic operations. These ministers ranged from civil officials to generals and marshals, spanning various government departments. Kamari had infiltrated all levels of the court, knowing every policy decision and the King's every move.

“The Imperial Guards would have informed King Kamari. Fortunately, the North Camp Army was dispatched instead,” Oliver said, still shaken.

“That’s right. I was rash barging into the palace. The Queen Dowager likely suppressed the news. Otherwise, clues would have reached King Kamari.”

“The Ministry of Revenue is compromised as well. Requesting military provisions from them would be extremely dangerous.”

“We should thank Collin!” Isolde said with a mysterious smile.

Oliver looked at her. “Yes, Everfort Granary has made a name for itself. You've earned a lot.”

Isolde chuckled. “Don’t worry, what’s mine is yours, and vice versa. We’ll spend our money together.”

“I’ll give you all my money and salary,” Oliver said.

Isolde’s lips curled. “Good!”

They stared foolishly for a moment before bursting into laughter.

“Alright, back to business!” Oliver said, his gaze lingering on her lips. If he looked any longer, he might do something reckless.

Isolde reluctantly averted her eyes. “Okay!” Just looking at him, she felt as if time stretched into eternity. Amused by her own sentiment, she smiled wider.

“Go to the palace this evening with these letters,” Isolde instructed.

“Mm!” Oliver nodded, looking like a husband following his wife’s orders.

“These ministers hold significant power, many from noble families. Even if they fall, Ashley will only incur the other noble families' hatred. They'll try to bring her down. Her rise to power is already a failure, yet she must receive the title of consort. The higher she climbs, the harder she'll fall. The problem is, these letters are only being handed over now. What will the King think? Ashley will have much to explain…and tomorrow's morning court session will be interesting.”

“Tell the King Ashley provided the letters. She can enter the palace immediately, and her title as Consort Ashley should be decided soon. If someone suddenly proposes promoting her at tomorrow’s court, it will be quite a spectacle,” Oliver said.

“That’s right. We don’t need to gain anything from this. The Queen Dowager told us to be cautious; we shouldn't become targets. If we rise in rank, it should be through real achievements. Taking credit today only earns enemies.”

“Don’t worry, I understand. I don’t care about credit,” Oliver smiled.

Isolde looked at him. “Alright, go and get ready. Head to the palace immediately.”

“Alright!” Oliver stood, gently taking her hand. “Walk me out.”

“Okay, I’ll walk you to the door.” Isolde stood, happy, gazing into his affectionate eyes.

Oliver gathered the letters, changed into a fresh outfit, and ordered a carriage for his trip to the palace.

Inside the Imperial study, the King was about to dine when he heard Oliver had an urgent report. He decided to see him first.

One letter after another was placed before the King. He looked at them, veins bulging on his forehead. “My most trusted officials…” He looked up. “Where did these letters come from?”

“Your Majesty, they were given by Ashley. She gathered this evidence herself.”

“With this evidence, why didn’t she hand it over to Isolde that day?” the King asked, frowning.

“I don’t know, Your Majesty,” Oliver replied, sticking to his prepared explanation. “Today, Ashley suddenly came to me with these letters and asked me to deliver them to you.”

The King let out a cold laugh. “Clever indeed.”

Oliver was startled. “Your Majesty, what do you mean?”

The King spoke coldly, “She planned to hand over this evidence only after entering the palace. And what does she seek? A higher rank! The Queen Mother’s illness delayed her entry, making her uneasy. That’s why she used you. She had no other choice.”

Oliver looked lost. “I don’t know about this, Your Majesty.”

“Ashley has contributed, but she is deeply calculating. Her loyalty is unclear. Instead of accepting a generous reward, she insists on entering the palace. If not for Finnian, I wouldn’t have approved it,” the King said.

Oliver asked, “For now, we can set Ashley aside. How does Your Majesty plan to deal with these people?”

The King slammed the table. “If they are not executed, how will I maintain order? If conspiracy and treason can be forgiven, betrayals will grow like weeds!”

“Understood!” Oliver had no sympathy for these people. Anyone who sought to overthrow the Eryndral Empire deserved no mercy.

The King pondered. “Do not spread word of this yet. I must report to the Queen Mother.”

“Alright!” Oliver bowed.

The King tapped his fingers on the letters, his gaze deep and thoughtful. “Ashley…” Suddenly, he looked up. “Summon Clark!”

Hearing this, Oliver understood the King was about to issue an edict. He bowed. “I’ll take my leave, Your Majesty!”

“No need to rush. Since you are already in the palace, you shall act as my messenger this time,” the King said, looking at him.

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Oliver did not ask what the decree was about. He simply stood to the side, awaiting orders.