Chapter 508 Life or Death Depends on a Single Thought

He didn't immediately ask about the purpose of their visit to the capital, but instead asked with concern, "You haven't had dinner yet, have you? Dad will ask Uncle Feng to arrange it."

Hearing what Minister He said, He Zhiran felt warm in his heart.

Logically, they came to the capital from the northwest because of some urgent matter, and their father should have asked them the reason first.

However, he did not, but asked if they had eaten dinner.

This shows that in He Shangshu's heart, his daughter's health is more important than anything else.

"Dad, we've already eaten on the way. Are you feeling well lately?"

Minister He gave a wry smile. "Your father is still in good shape, but the situation in the capital is very dire right now. Why did you choose to come here at this time?"

Especially since the Mo family was exiled, Mo Jiuye's reappearance here must mean that he has something big to do.

At this point, Mo Jiuye felt that there was no need to hide anything, especially since his wife was planning to persuade his father-in-law to resign. Telling him about the Mo family's experience would give him another opportunity to see the queen's true face.

Just as he was about to speak, he vaguely heard a noise outside.

Uncle Feng walked quickly, and he must have been some distance away from the study, as his voice had already reached him.

"Master, someone is coming from the palace."

When Minister He heard that someone had come from the palace, his face darkened and he began to look around.

Mo Jiuye and He Zhiran knew without hesitation that the palace had sent someone over at the Queen's behest, and that she was simply planning to use some tricks to get Minister He to join her camp.

Without Minister He's reminder, Mo Jiuye pulled He Zhiran and quickly hid behind the screen.

There was no back door in the study, and the only place they could hide was behind the screen, so they could only hide there temporarily.

At the same time, the two of them had an idea in their minds. If the person dared to do anything detrimental to Minister He, they would not let the other party succeed even at the risk of being exposed.

Just as he hid himself, the study door was pushed open from the outside.

Uncle Feng wanted to stop him, but was pushed aside by one of the eunuchs, causing him to almost fall.

Even so, Uncle Feng still wanted to stop these people from entering the study without permission.

"You are so bold that you even dare to break into the Shangshu's study."

Seeing that Uncle Feng was so stubborn, the eunuch stepped forward and prepared to attack him.

Minister He shouted coldly, "Stop! Who gave you the courage to act so presumptuously in front of me?"

The visitors were three eunuchs, and Minister He was no stranger to them.

"What's the matter with Eunuch Liu bringing people to my residence so late at night?"

Seeing that Minister He had a bad tone, Eunuch Liu said sarcastically, "Oh... Minister He is really forgetful. Didn't the Empress remind you a few days ago that she would send someone to the mansion to talk to you?

I am not talented, but I have been ordered by the Queen to come and have a chat with Lord He."

As he spoke, Eunuch Liu looked around the study with his green eyes.

After all, Mo Jiuye and He Zhiran are hiding behind the screen, so it would be a lie for Minister He to say that he doesn't feel guilty at this moment.

Just when he was thinking of stopping Eunuch Liu from looking any further, Eunuch Liu spoke again.

"Since we're here, doesn't Lord He want to let us in for a seat?"

In fact, Minister He had already made plans to die. If it weren't for Mo Jiuye and He Zhiran, he would not have bothered to flatter someone like Eunuch Liu.

Helplessly, for the safety of his daughter and son-in-law, he had to bite the bullet and deal with the other party.

Not only that, Minister He was so worried about the safety of Mo Jiuye and He Zhiran that sweat appeared on his forehead.

When Eunuch Liu saw this scene, he felt even more proud.

He even cursed Minister He in his heart: He is so tough on weekdays, but when the Queen is serious, isn't he also scared and sweating?

With this thought in mind, Eunuch Liu looked at Minister He with even more disdain.

He walked into the study room with two eunuchs in a swagger and sat directly on the main seat in front of the desk. The two eunuchs stood on both sides of him in an orderly manner.

In the past, a small eunuch would never dare to act like this in front of He Shangshu. This shows that He Shangshu's current situation is very bleak.

Minister He tried hard to calm his thoughts and stood straight.

"Eunuch Liu, everyone in the court knows me. I only listen to the emperor and never get involved in the disputes over who will be the crown prince. If you still want to persuade me today, please don't say anything!"

He had already prepared for the worst. Even if the situation forced him to remain neutral, he would not join the camp of a treacherous person like the Queen.

What Fourth Prince? He is nothing more than a bargaining chip used by the Queen to seize power!

Even if the Fourth Prince is truly a member of the royal family with pure blood, so what?

How can a child who is still wet behind the ears take charge of the overall situation?

In the end, the imperial power will fall into the hands of the Xue family. What is the difference between this and usurping the throne?

He Yuanming had lived an upright life, and even if he died, he would never associate with such a person.

Eunuch Liu did not care about Minister He's attitude, because he had always maintained the same attitude, not to mention facing him, even when the Empress and Prime Minister Xue spoke to him personally.

Anyway, he just needs to finish his task for today.

Eunuch Liu took out a small porcelain bottle from his arms and placed it on the table slowly.

"Sir He, the Empress said that today we have two options for you. First, as long as you follow the Empress and Prime Minister Xue's instructions, you will be promoted to a high position and enjoy endless wealth and glory in the future.

Once the Fourth Prince secures that position, you will be a great contributor at the veteran level.

On the contrary, if you continue to act on your own will and go against the Empress..."

As he spoke, he pointed to the small porcelain bottle on the table.

"This is also the Queen's kindness, giving you the last bit of dignity."

Mo Jiuye and He Zhiran hid behind the screen. Although they could not see the small porcelain vase on the table, they could tell from the sound of the small porcelain vase hitting the table and the words of Eunuch Liu that the Queen had given Minister He a final ultimatum.

Today, unless he agrees to join the Queen's party, he will have to take the poison in the small porcelain bottle.

In short, life or death depends entirely on Minister He's decision.

Perhaps Minister He had anticipated this day, for he showed no fear at all when faced with the small porcelain bottle on the table.

"I've already said that those with different ideals cannot work together. Besides, only the current emperor can decide whether I live or die. Since ancient times, the harem has been forbidden from interfering in government affairs. Whose orders did the Queen follow to actually want to take my life?"

Eunuch Liu laughed evilly twice and slammed his hands on the table.

"He Yuanming, don't refuse a toast and then drink a penalty. Since you are unwilling to join the Queen's camp, we advise you to stop struggling and take the poison on the table. This way, you can avoid implicating your family and servants."