The emperor asked this question with a relaxed posture.
Qiao Lian'er knew that the scales had tipped slightly in her favor.
Her irreplaceable nature was the key to her winning the game, and her loyalty put the emperor at ease.
She thought about it carefully: "I seem to have heard something about it. It's about my cousin writing a poem on a painting. I'm busy with affairs in Tianhe Prefecture and can't get away from it all day, so I haven't found out the details yet."
The Emperor said, "Lian'er, don't worry, this matter will affect the Qiao family."
“The Qiao family, from top to bottom, are all people who know how to behave properly. Sister Zhizhi is especially intelligent and would not inscribe inappropriate poems on paintings. I have always trusted my family. Whether it is daily decision-making or military training, they follow my opinions and do not act on their own or deviate too much. So I have not taken those rumors to heart.”
"Your Majesty knows that you are concerned about the situation in Tianhe Prefecture. This has been a worry for Your Majesty for a long time. Therefore, I have devoted all my efforts to it. Once a preliminary overall plan is in place and everything is proceeding smoothly, I will come to report the good news to Your Majesty and put your mind at ease."
These words, like a gentle spring breeze, touched the emperor's sore spot.
The emperor said, "The peonies bloom overnight, splashing crimson across the garden. This is a line of poetry that has been circulating since last year. Tell me your understanding of it."
Qiao Lian'er thought about it carefully for a moment, then smiled.
"The character '朱' represents the imperial family, meaning that the imperial family's grace nourishes the rich and noble peony. '朱' also has the color red, which signifies joy and prosperity. The peony is the national flower, which foreshadows a prosperous nation and a long and happy reign."
The emperor laughed heartily: "When this poem became popular, I thought the same way. Even the peony painting in the inner study was inscribed with this line. The home of Grand Secretary Liu, the Prince Heng's mansion, and many other peony gardens also displayed this poem."
Qiao Lian'er seemed to realize something at that moment: "Could someone be making a fuss about this line of poetry?"
She finally understood another reason for the emperor's silence: the poem had been inscribed in the inner study, yet such a misunderstanding had arisen. Wasn't this a slap in the face to the emperor?
These additional reasons are a good thing.
The Sun family is really going to be in deep trouble this time.
She had originally planned to wait, but since the emperor brought it up himself, all she had to do was give it a push.
A hint of coldness appeared in the emperor's eyes, and he snorted, "There are always people who are restless, and I am quite annoyed by them."
"Inconceivable." Qiao Lian'er frowned: "Lu Langguan's sincerity is evident to all. Anyone with a discernment would not maliciously interpret this poem. It is likely intentional and ill-intentioned."
The emperor's eyes were clouded: "There are always people who want to stir up trouble with words."
He said, "Lian'er, go back first."
Qiao Lian'er took out a small porcelain bottle from her sleeve: "Your Majesty works hard for the country and is troubled by many things. I have obtained a bottle of good medicine. Open it and smell it. It can relieve dryness and calm the mind, and also help you sleep well at night."
The emperor opened the bottle, took a sniff, and felt a gentle breeze caress his mind and heart, washing away his gloom and bringing him considerable peace of mind.
He was delighted: "The sickle is my panacea, Eunuch Qi, please reward it."
Unlike some people, he only makes them unhappy.
Qiao Lian'er left the palace carrying a box of jewelry.
Now that the emperor has been appeased, it's time to watch the Sun family put on a show.
She carefully put away the jewelry, rolled up the carriage curtains, and adopted a melancholy expression, unable to hide her tension and anxiety.
These days, Sun Hetang has been observing the Qiao family's movements.
Lu Guchuan has been dismissed from his post and imprisoned in the Dali Temple. This is probably the Emperor's intention; the Emperor is about to take serious action.
She heard that Qiao Lian'er had gone to the palace, and she guessed that the emperor had summoned Qiao Lian'er for questioning.
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