The towering city walls of Beijing are now in sight.
However, the heart of this empire is now more like a huge whirlpool, brewing an invisible storm.
The Prince's Eastern Palace.
When Crown Prince Yinzhao heard the secret report from his confidant about the attack and poisoning of Zhao Muyun's convoy and the urgent news from Shuozhou, an unfathomable smile appeared on his face.
"Good! Very good! Zhao Muyun has been poisoned, Shuozhou is in danger... The waters are completely muddied!"
He put down his teacup, his eyes gleaming with calculation. "Go and call Gu Dingming and Wei Qian immediately! Also... tell Liu Ruyan to prepare. I want to give this Lord Zhao a great gift to help him recover soon!"
Liu Ruyan was the stunning chess piece that he had carefully cultivated and prepared to place next to Zhao Muyun.
Jinyang, Prince Jin's Palace.
Prince Jin Yinxi looked at the secret report in his hand about how his daughter Yin Yao was almost killed and how Zhao Muyun saved her and was poisoned. His face turned pale and his fists clenched so hard that they made a creaking sound.
"Wei Qian! Yang Yan! How dare you!"
Murderous intent flashed in his eyes. "Order our men in the capital to keep a close eye on Wei Qian and all officials associated with the Crown Prince!"
"Also... find a way to contact Yao'er! Ensure her safety! Also, send a message to Ji'er. Shuozhou is in danger, and this may be an opportunity for my Jinwang Mansion to take action!"
Imperial Palace, Imperial Study.
Emperor Yongchang looked at the top-secret report on the assassination at the post station, the confessions of Chen San and Wei Qian's confidants, and the military situation in Shuozhou presented by Xiao Wuying, the commander-in-chief of the Longcha Division, without any expression on his face.
He stroked the armrests of the dragon throne with his fingers, his eyes deep.
"Zhao Muyun...as expected, did not disappoint me. Wei Qian and Yang Yan...are clowns."
He muttered to himself, then looked at Lu Chunfang standing beside him, "Chunfang, what do you think...what kind of supplement should I give to this poisoned general?"
"And then there are the 30,000 Tartar cavalrymen from Shuozhou and the 10,000 rebels from Xiazhou... Haha, this fire is burning fiercely!"
Lu Chunfang bowed.
The shrill voice carried a subtle chill, "Master, you are wise. I believe the most urgent task is to allow Captain Zhao to...rest in peace and recuperate."
"As for Shuozhou...when the fire is burning, someone will naturally be there to put it out."
"Someone needs to stir up the waters of the capital so that you, my master, can reap the benefits."
The corners of Emperor Yongchang's mouth curled up in a cold arc. "Then... summon the imperial physician to bring the best antidote and go see Lord Zhao for me."
......
The huge city gate on the north side of the capital slowly opened.
The heavy wheels rolled over the bluestone slabs of the Imperial Street, making a monotonous echo.
Zhao Muyun's convoy drove into this giant cage where power and conspiracy were intertwined.
Inside the carriage, Zhao Muyun closed his eyes and regulated his breathing to suppress the toxins in his body.
Yin Yao sat aside, looking at the outline of the imperial city getting closer and closer outside the window, and then looking at the man beside her who had his eyes closed but seemed ready to attack and hurt someone at any time. Her heart was filled with unprecedented complex emotions.
Under the gazes of countless people, it finally stopped in front of an official residence near the imperial city.
This house is not prominent, but its location is sensitive and well-connected, and it was obviously carefully selected.
It is convenient for protection and monitoring by all parties.
Zhao Muyun got out of the car with the help of Tang Yanhai and Wu Shangzhi, his face still pale.
The wound on his left arm was concealed by the wide sleeves of his robe, but the unsteadiness in his steps and the hidden pain between his brows could not be completely hidden.
Yin Yao followed closely behind and got out of the car with Qingluan's help.
She looked at Zhao Muyun's straight back, then at the officials and palace maids around her who seemed respectful but actually had flickering eyes, and a layer of gloom covered her heart.
"Master Zhao, thank you for your hard work!"
A eunuch in a scarlet robe had already been waiting at the door with his men.
He put on a fake smile and said, "Your Majesty is sympathetic to your Excellency's fatigue from the journey. He also heard that you had contracted a minor illness during the journey, so he specially ordered Lord Sun, the Chief Judge of the Imperial Hospital, to bring the palace's finest antidotes to treat you."
"Please rest and recuperate first, Your Majesty will summon you once you have recovered."
An old doctor with white hair and beard and elegant temperament bowed.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!"
Zhao Muyun's voice was hoarse, and he nodded slightly, but his eyes swept sharply over the eunuch and the imperial physician, sneering in his heart:
The emperor's sympathy came so quickly. Was it out of concern, or was it to confirm whether he was really poisoned?
After the eunuch had delivered his order, he turned his gaze to Yin Yao, his smile unchanged:
"Princess Qinghe, the Empress heard you were frightened and was deeply concerned. She has ordered the Imperial Court to prepare the warm room in the palace. Please come with me into the palace immediately. The Empress will personally comfort you."
Yin Yao's heart tightened and she subconsciously looked at Zhao Muyun.
Enter the palace?
This means that she will completely fall into the Queen's control and become a hostage in the true sense of the word!
Zhao Muyun also frowned slightly. The decree came too quickly, leaving them no chance to breathe or discuss.
"Father-in-law!"
Yin Yao mustered up her courage, her voice trembling slightly, "I've been jolted along the way and frightened, and my appearance is disheveled. I'm afraid I'll disturb the Phoenix Chariot."
"Would you allow me to freshen up here for a while and then go to the palace to pay my respects to the Empress tomorrow?"
The smile on the eunuch's face immediately faded, but his tone was unquestionable:
"My princess, you're joking. The Queen is kind-hearted. Why would she care about these empty formalities?"
"All the necessary toiletries have already been prepared in the warm room. Your Majesty is deeply concerned about you, so please don't keep her waiting for too long."
Several strong palace maids behind him had already taken a step forward, forming a subtle encirclement.
The atmosphere suddenly became stagnant.
This is naked hostage-taking!
Yin Yao's face was pale and her fingers were cold.
Just when she was in despair, Zhao Muyun's low voice sounded, with unquestionable majesty:
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