Chapter 690 Desperate Measures
Wei Jia quickly put down what she was doing and rushed over.
Qiao Qinghe didn't keep them in suspense. After dismissing the other servants, she solemnly told Wei Jia all her guesses and worries over the past few days.
After hearing this, Wei Jia felt a chill run down her spine.
Fortunately, she was always calm. After pondering for a while, she slowly said, "Mother, it's time to mobilize the people who have been lurking in various mansions."
"Okay, you can arrange it."
This time, Qiao Qinghe didn't hesitate and readily agreed.
"We also need to keep a close eye on what's happening on the streets around Chen San."
Wei Jia continued.
Qiao Qinghe nodded again, "I'll do whatever you say."
After thinking for a moment, Wei Jia finally said, "Does Mother still remember the hot spring resort on the outskirts of Beijing?"
Qiao Qinghe was taken aback. "I handed over that hot spring resort to Huajiaolou a few years ago. Why are you bringing it up now?"
Wei Jia smiled mysteriously, "The hot spring resort has indeed been handed over to Huajiaolou, but a few of our people have been left inside."
"Those kids have now infiltrated the Painted Corner Tower, so they might come in handy."
Qiao Qinghe was surprised, "Is that so?"
Wei Jia nodded: "One of the kids, Ju An, told me through Chen San a few days ago that the Painted Corner Tower's secret guards received information and were doing their best to investigate the abnormalities of court officials over sixty years old and the male elders in their families."
"I suspect that His Majesty may share the same concerns as Mother."
Qiao Qinghe's heart pounded wildly. "Why didn't you tell me about this before?"
Wei Jia said embarrassedly, "I didn't pay attention to this matter at first. It wasn't until my mother mentioned the old Marquis that I connected the two things."
Qiao Qinghe nodded: "So, His Majesty is not entirely unaware of Min Ji's situation."
As soon as she spoke, she was startled. "If His Majesty also suspects that Min Ji was behind the events of the past two years, then has His Majesty also witnessed everything that Princess Huaiyang did?"
"That remains to be seen." Wei Jia's eyes darkened. "However, we must be on guard."
"If possible, it would be best to find an opportunity to probe His Majesty's attitude."
Qiao Qinghe nodded solemnly.
***
On the other hand, the Yongchang Marquis's Mansion, together with many court officials, jointly submitted a petition, hoping that the Dali Temple could expedite the trial of the case of the deposed crown prince killing his wife.
Many people also submitted memorials advising Emperor Xiaozhao to consider the people's hearts and the state of the court, and not to lose the people's support because of a rebellious deposed crown prince.
However, no matter how much his court officials advised him, Emperor Xiaozhao remained deaf to their pleas.
The case of the deposed crown prince killing his wife was always suppressed in the Dali Temple.
Wenxi returned to the Yongchang Marquis's residence in a great hurry, but everyone was at a loss in the face of the current situation.
If the Emperor doesn't budge, no one can do anything to the deposed Crown Prince.
What can they do even if they're anxious?
Unable to get the answer she wanted, Wenxi left the Yongchang Marquis's residence and boarded the carriage back to the Chu Prince's residence.
Inside the carriage, the personal maid cautiously suggested, "Your Highness, should we go and ask Princess Huaiyang?"
Wenxi curled her lip in disdain, "Even my family can't come up with a solution, what solution could she possibly have?"
The maid reminded her, "Your Highness, have you forgotten that Princess Huaiyang is quite popular with His Majesty and has a lot of influence?"
"If Princess Huaiyang were willing to say a few words to the Emperor, perhaps the Emperor could deal with the deposed Crown Prince?"
"Does she really have that ability?" Wenxi didn't believe it. "If she were really that capable, how come it's been so long and she still hasn't managed to win over the Princess of Lijiang?"
The maid smiled awkwardly, "What Your Highness says is true. No matter how capable Princess Huaiyang is, she is still a woman after all, and naturally cannot compare to our Prince."
Wenxi's mood improved slightly, and she waved her hand, saying, "Alright, let's go to Princess Huaiyang's residence instead."
The maid responded and called out loudly to the outside, "The Princess Consort has ordered us to detour to Princess Huaiyang's residence."
Soon, the carriage turned a corner and headed towards Princess Huaiyang's residence.
When the gatekeeper of the Princess's residence saw the carriage of the Prince of Chu's residence, he instructed someone to go in and announce their arrival while he hurriedly came forward to greet them.
"Greetings, Your Highness!"
Wenxi didn't even glance at the gatekeeper, and asked as she walked in, "Is your princess in the manor?"
The manager quickly replied, "Yes, yes, it's just..."
Wenxi glanced sideways at the steward, "But what?"
The steward, embarrassed to discuss his master, could only smile obsequiously and cautiously say, "Your Majesty will know when you see it."
Wenxi was curious, but she didn't ask any more questions.
When they arrived at the courtyard where Li Sanqi lived, they saw many beautiful men and women dressed in flamboyant attire standing in the courtyard.
Upon seeing her arrive, Li Sanqi hurriedly came forward and affectionately took Wenxi's hand, saying, "Why didn't you send someone to let me know you were coming, sister-in-law? I could have met you at the gate."
Wenxi waved her hand, "It's alright. It was just a spur-of-the-moment decision."
She pointed to the courtyard full of handsome men and beautiful women, and asked, "What are you doing?"
Li Sanqi gave an awkward laugh, but his face immediately became full of sorrow again.
"Isn't it my aunt's fortieth birthday in a few days? I plan to select some actors and musicians in advance to put on a play for my aunt."
“My aunt has always liked handsome men and women, so I found these people.”
"We're carefully selecting right now."
"Your Majesty's arrival is just in time. Why don't you help me choose some?"
Wenxi's lips twitched. So he was still busy calming down the Princess's anger!
Wenxi looked down on Li Sanqi even more. What a trivial matter! After all this trouble, it's still not resolved!
Seeing that Wenxi didn't respond, Li Sanqi smiled sheepishly and said apologetically, "Look at how carefree I am! My sister-in-law must have something to say to me."
Let's talk inside.
As he spoke, he pulled Wenxi into the house.
After the maidservant served tea and left, Li Sanqi asked, "Is there something you need today, Imperial Sister-in-law?"
Wenxi hadn't wanted to speak at all, but since she was already there, she decided to explain her current predicament and then asked, "Seventh Sister, could you say a few words to Father Emperor to change his mind?"
Li Sanqi looked at Wenxi in shock, "Sister-in-law, please don't ruin me! The only reason I have any respect in front of Father is because I'm obedient and never interfere in court affairs!"
"What if I go to my father and bring up the matter of deposing the crown prince, angering him and causing him to dislike me?"
"How am I supposed to get close to Father Emperor in the future? How am I supposed to gather information for Fifth Brother?"
Li Sanqi's words were both foolish and naive, showing absolutely no consideration for Wenxi's feelings.
Wenxi was initially a little angry, but after hearing the end, she nodded in agreement.
"You're right! I didn't think things through."
Wenxi sighed, "I was so anxious I lost my mind."
"When I first heard you say that Father Emperor still cared about the deposed Crown Prince, I was somewhat skeptical."
"But now, I completely believe it."
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