Li Mingfu was confined to the Prime Minister's residence, unable to leave. Though he was inside, he was fully aware of what was happening outside. However, at this moment, he felt powerless, unable to intervene in the changing situation at court.
Emperor Wen seized the opportunity to take action to weaken the Prime Minister's power. He cleverly found various excuses and pretexts to replace the Prime Minister's former followers in the court with his own supporters one by one. These tactics were both covert and decisive, catching the court off guard.
As time passed, the Prime Minister's influence gradually weakened, while Emperor Wen's power grew increasingly solid. The entire court structure began to subtly shift, the original balance was broken, and new forces gradually emerged. Li Mingfu could only watch helplessly as all this unfolded, filled with helplessness and anxiety.
He understood the cruelty and complexity of political struggle, but now he was trapped in this small Prime Minister's residence. He couldn't help but ponder his future and fate, wondering if he still had a chance to rise again, or if he would sink into oblivion. However, regardless, he decided to remain calm and wise, waiting for the right moment.
The Prime Minister's faction was filled with fear and anxiety, trembling with trepidation all day, like frightened birds. They all acted cautiously, not daring to make even the slightest mistake, fearing that the slightest mistake would lead to death or severe punishment. As a result, they all kept a low profile, trying to avoid unnecessary attention or trouble.
Meanwhile, the Third Prince astutely seized this opportunity and began gradually eroding the Crown Prince's sphere of influence within the court. Faced with the Third Prince's fierce offensive, the Crown Prince's forces seemed somewhat powerless. His advisors were distraught, but the Crown Prince seemed unconcerned, still immersed in the tender affections of his two concubines and indifferent to state affairs.
Emperor Wen, on the other hand, had been in a very good mood recently. Having successfully eliminated much of Li Mingfu's power, he felt the threat was much lessened, and the pressure within him had also eased. In his joyful mood, he even personally inquired about the progress of Xiao Jinghan's wedding preparations, demonstrating his deep interest in the matter. This action made everyone realize that Emperor Wen attached great importance to the Xiao family.
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it is Xiao Jinghan's wedding day. On this day, the capital is decorated with lights and colorful decorations everywhere, filled with a festive and peaceful atmosphere, as if a prosperous era has arrived.
Xiao Jinghan was dressed in an exquisite and gorgeous wedding gown, his figure as straight as a pine tree, his face handsome and elegant, his temperament elegant and refined, like an immortal descended to earth. Luo Lingyue, on the other hand, was draped in a gorgeous and colorful wedding gown, tightly wrapped around her delicate and exquisite figure, making her even more beautiful and charming, stunningly stunning.
Amidst the sincere and joyful blessings of the crowd, Xiao Jinghan and Luo Lingyue, holding hands with a red silk rope, slowly entered the palace hall. Their steps were light and firm, each step filled with anticipation and longing for a happy life in the future.
Emperor Wen, sitting high on the throne, looked upon the couple, a match made in heaven, with a look of great joy on his face. He generously gifted them with countless precious and rare treasures. These treasures shone with dazzling light, illuminating the entire hall and the hearts of the newlyweds.
The wedding was a scene of vibrant song and dance, a scene of magnificent beauty. The dancers sang and danced with graceful movements, resembling fairies dancing gracefully. The musicians played melodious music, like the sounds of nature, enchanting the audience. And the delicious wines and delicacies, laid out in a dazzling array on the table, exuded an alluring aroma, making everyone salivate.
During this joyous occasion, everyone's face was filled with happy smiles. They offered their most sincere blessings to the newlyweds, wishing them a long and happy marriage. The entire wedding was a lively and joyful occasion, a truly unforgettable occasion.
Just as the wedding was reaching its climax, a eunuch quietly approached Emperor Wen and, in a low voice, reported an important matter to him. Emperor Wen's face instantly became solemn, he frowned, stared thoughtfully ahead, and then hurriedly left the hall.
Emperor Wen returned to his study and sat on the dragon throne, lost in thought for a moment. Lang Ming then entered and detailed what had just happened. Emperor Wen's brow furrowed further and further, and he asked gravely, "Are you saying someone went to the prison to rescue Xiao Xiao? Was it Nan Yi's undercover agent?"
Lang Ming couldn't help but sigh, with a trace of regret on his face: "Your Majesty! They did not come to rescue Xiao Xiao, but went directly into the cell and tried to kill him! I never expected that Nan Yi actually planted a secret agent inside Jingzhao Yin! If we hadn't discovered it in time, I'm afraid Xiao Xiao would have died long ago!" His voice revealed shock and worry about this sudden incident.
Emperor Wen's eyes became sharp. He slammed the table hard, stood up, and paced around the room. He knew the seriousness of this incident. If it was not handled in time, it might lead to a greater crisis.
He stopped, stared at Lang Ming, and gave an order: "Immediately strengthen the security of the capital and thoroughly investigate the situation of the secret agents in Nanyi. At the same time, protect Xiao Xiao's safety and never let her come to any harm again!"
Emperor Wen had a cold smile on his face: "Xiao Jingyi is losing his composure! If Xiao Xiao really died, I wouldn't be able to hold him accountable! You did a great job this time!"
Lang Ming's face was bitter as he softly replied, "How dare I take credit for this? This battle was entirely thanks to Princess Luo! She hired assassins from the Dark Moon Pavilion to ambush the Jingzhao Yin. All the secret agents in Nanyi were slain, not a single one was spared!"
Emperor Wen raised his eyebrows slightly and said with a smile, "The Luo family's Xiaoqi is really becoming more and more impressive to me! Very good! You should also go to the wedding for a few drinks! Remember to prepare generous gifts for them!"
Lang Ming nodded and smiled, "I accept your order and thank you!" After that, he turned and left.
At the wedding banquet, the Queen sat at the head of the table, a barely perceptible sneer on her face. Her gaze swept across the lively banquet, finally stopping on Prince Xiao, who was toasting.
"Prince Xiao's wedding is even more grand than the Crown Prince's wedding! A prince can actually hold a wedding ceremony in the imperial palace. This is probably the only one since the founding of Dazhao! Your Majesty really dotes on him!" The Queen's voice was neither loud nor soft, but it was just loud enough for everyone present to hear clearly.
De Fei beside her smiled slightly and said softly, "Prince Wu'an sacrificed himself for Da Zhao. Prince Xiao's mother died in Kunning Palace under unclear circumstances. Your Majesty should show more compassion to Prince Xiao to ease his grief over the loss of his mother!"
When the other concubines saw that Concubine De and the Queen were arguing with each other, they wisely chose to turn a deaf ear and just lowered their heads to enjoy the banquet!
Now in the court, only the third prince can compete with the crown prince, and Concubine De is not like Concubine An who always gives in to the queen in the harem.
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