"Okay, it's mine."
Wen Hemian glanced at him with a half-smile, choosing to indulge these trivial little squabbles: "Have the spies sent back news again? Do they know where Prince Xiaojia's private army is, and how many there are?"
Knowing that Prince Jia was not honest, they never let their guard down. Xie Lang sent out spies to gather information non-stop, but due to the time difference in information transmission, it always took a lot of effort.
"There are two locations openly, with more than 300 people in total. They are hiding and their identities have not been fully investigated yet. Several neighboring vassal kings are also in league with him."
"They are quite patient. By the time the fighting in the capital is over, their forces have also grown stronger."
In ancient times, when communication was inconvenient, managing distant territories was particularly difficult. The reason they dared to act so blatantly was because Xie Lang was busy with matters in the capital and was temporarily unable to pay attention to them.
It's obvious they're going to be the first to be targeted now; I wonder if they'll be able to stay put when they get back.
Raising private armies on their fiefdoms is a blatant provocation against imperial power. If Xie Lang doesn't subdue them now, who knows how arrogant they'll become in the future.
"It's better to act sooner rather than later. I'm waiting to deal with them."
The princes were enfeoffed according to ancestral rules. If Xie Lang were to take action without a legitimate reason, it would be unreasonable and could easily cause unrest.
Just as they dared not easily enter the capital when it was in turmoil, Xie Lang had no way to exterminate them without a reason.
No rush, someone will eventually take action.
Xie Lang then spoke of other matters: "Lord Xu has submitted his resignation to me and will soon return to his hometown to enjoy his retirement. Hearing that the Grand Tutor has returned, he wishes to meet with you."
Xie Lang vaguely remembered that Xu Jijiu had always thought highly of Wen Hemian, which was an expectation of the younger generation. This request was reasonable and he had no reason to refuse.
"Hmm." Wen Hemian responded, putting down the memorial in her hand, and asked, "Has Lord Xu said when?"
"Just go directly to his residence."
Xie Lang squeezed her fingers and found the touch very comfortable, so he couldn't help but squeeze them a few more times. He also massaged her wrists while doing so, making one small gesture after another.
However, it was much better than being constantly watched over her these past few days. Wen Hemian didn't say anything about it. She lowered her eyes and said, "I'll go tomorrow. Your Majesty, please stay in the palace."
It's not good for Xie Lang to keep following her around all the time. Wen Hemian needs to find a way to correct his habit. It's not for any other reason than it's good for his illness.
Xie Lang understood Wen Heming's intention.
After being firmly chosen, his unease subsided slightly. Although he didn't really like the arrangement, he gritted his teeth and accepted it: "...I understand."
"Don't try anything funny." Wen Hemian glanced at him. "Your Majesty can bribe others, but you can't bribe my secret guards."
Several of Wen Hemian's familiar bodyguards were transferred to the palace and continued to follow her as before. In terms of loyalty, no one could compare to them.
Seeing Xie Lang's expression stiffen, Wen Hemian became alert: "Your Majesty, you don't actually intend to come out with me, do you?"
Xie Lang lowered his eyes, smiled but didn't speak, revealing his guilty conscience.
Wen Hemian pulled her hand away and patted him lightly: "Don't think about it. I know you're not that fragile."
The night was long and the separation was unbearable. Xie Lang had indeed suffered. It was one thing for him to play the victim in front of Wen Hemian to gain sympathy, but she had her bottom line and could not tolerate everything.
Xie Lang knew there was no turning back, and said sullenly, "Fine, I'll wait for you in the palace. You'd better come back soon."
Although she and Xie Lang have changed their identities, their relationship is still no different from before. However, she occasionally looks at Xie Lang from a different perspective, and Wen Hemian thinks that having such a boyfriend is a pretty good thing.
She has a rather indifferent personality, while Xie Lang is the exact opposite. As a child, he seemed like a gloomy little mushroom, but as he grew up, he became more passionate. Isn't that a kind of complementarity?
Having successfully appeased Xie Lang, Wen Hemian left the palace the next day to visit Lord Xu's residence.
Medical conditions in ancient times were not as good as they are now. Lord Xu was not yet sixty years old, but after a serious illness, his health was not as good as before. When Wen Hemian arrived, he was leaning against the couch, trying to get up, but fortunately, the servants around him persuaded him to stay down.
Upon seeing Wen Hemian enter, he couldn't help but give a wry smile and shake his head: "I'm getting old, not as good as I used to be."
"What are you saying, Lord Xu? Even if you are old, you are still vigorous and healthy. Many students are looking forward to your recovery so that you can teach them."
Lord Xu simply said, "I'm afraid it will be difficult."
He coughed twice, and the room was filled with a strong smell of medicine. After experiencing the pungent smell of incense in Xie Lang Palace, Wen Hemian didn't feel much of a difference.
She laughed and said, "Don't underestimate yourself because of this."
Officials in the capital are burdened with heavy responsibilities. Lord Xu did not want to hold a title without doing anything, so he took the initiative to step down and give opportunities to the younger generation.
Lord Xu chuckled and said, "It's alright. I'll be going back to my hometown in a few days. It's good to grumble a bit."
Wen Hemian remained silent, waiting for Lord Xu to continue speaking.
As expected, Lord Xu quickly shifted the topic to her: "Lord Wen, have you made things clear with His Majesty?"
Their movements were being closely watched by the entire imperial court.
Wen Hemian said, "Yes, this should have been made clear three years ago, but unfortunately it has been delayed until now."
"...Three years ago?"
Lord Xu realized something: "No..."
Wen Hemian nodded frankly: "As you thought."
"What a cruel twist of fate," Lord Xu sighed, then got down to business. "Fortunately, you weren't persecuted by them. I've always thought that Lord Wen's manner of speaking was different from that of ordinary men; it turns out she's actually a woman."
"But what if you're a woman? You surpass all the men in the world and have accomplished what they wanted to do but couldn't. In terms of achievements, they all pale in comparison to you. I'm glad you weren't confined to the harem. It seems His Majesty respects you."
Throughout history, there have been empresses who were talented and resourceful, but in the end, they were all forced to remain within the deep walls of the palace, wasting their lives.
Now it seems that Wen Hemian is the exception.
Wen Hemian was taken aback: "Doesn't Lord Xu find this strange?"
Lord Xu, who is in charge of the Imperial Academy, is a microcosm of many scholars. Wen Hemian found his words somewhat strange.
"That's really strange."
Lord Xu spoke frankly, not beating around the bush in front of Wen Hemian: "But His Majesty is an unconventional ruler. There are many strange things in history books. His merits and demerits will be judged by future generations. As long as he can withstand the rumors and gossip of today, why care about what happens after his death?"
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